Michael Jackson's DNA

In October I wrote, in relation to the auction of Michael Jackson's singed hair, that:

"Reports that the buyer intends to clone them are of course utter nonsense."

It seems that my ironical comment proved to be correct.

According to media reports, DNA samples taken from Jackson's hair have been used to create a new perfume. The company producing this monstrosity, My DNA Fragrance, claims it can engineer scents from genetic codes.

Mask Sale

The media report that Eric Muhammad, a former bodyguard of Michael Jackson, has been trying to sell a surgical face mask once worn by Jackson for around $150K.

Why would anyone be so stupid as to pay $150K for this?

Cloning perhaps?

Recognition In Death

Michael Jackson has become the most honoured artist in history at the American Music Awards, by winning four posthumous prizes.

Much like other artists (eg Mozart and Van Gogh), talent only seems to be truly recognised and rewarded in death.

Fraud Accusations

Joseph Jackson, father of Michael, has made accusations of fraud against those administering his son's will.

Jackson's lawyer, Brian Oxman, filed documents on Monday claiming that Michael Jackson believed that John Branca and John McClain had defrauded him. He also accused both of conflicts of interest, and said that they should be removed from administering the will.

Howard Weitzman, a lawyer representing Branca and McClain, stated:

"These claims filed by Joe Jackson are so outrageous that they don't deserve any response."

Joseph Jackson was omitted from his son's will, all of Michael Jackson's assets went to his mother, his children and children's charities.

The Jackson Tweance

The Tweance, the Twitter seance (Halloween publicity stunt) carried out by "psychic" Jayne Wallace on behalf of a London fancy dress store, reported that Michael Jackson is "at peace".

Sad to say that there are some people in this world who will believe this guff!

The Dead Rich List

According to Forbes, Michael Jackson has made $90M since he died.

This now makes him the third richest dead celebrity in the world, after Yves Saint Laurent and Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Fat lot of good that will do him now!

"Holy" Relics

Someone has reportedly paid £1,140 at auction for a dozen strands of Michael Jackson's hair, which were singed when he filmed a Pepsi ad in Los Angeles 25 years ago.

Reports that the buyer intends to clone them are of course utter nonsense.

Rowe Sues White

Debbie Rowe is suing Rebecca White for comments made during a TV interview that Rowe (Michael Jackson's ex wife) was only interested in getting money from Jackson's family, and wasn't interested in gaining custody of her two children.

Rowe's defamation and invasion-of-privacy lawsuit seeks to recoup any money that White may have been paid for the interview, estimated by Rowe's attorneys at being $100K.

The attorneys also seek $100K for emotional distress, $45K for medical and attorney's fees and $245K in punitive damages.

A hearing on Rowe's petition is scheduled for November.

Autopsy Leaked

Unsurprisingly details of the late Michael Jackson's autopsy have been leaked to the media.

However, rather surprisingly, it seems that he was in reasonable health for a man of his age.

Reburial

Michael Jackson's corpse has suffered quite few indignities in the run up to his recent burial at Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Now it seems his brother, Jermaine, wants to subject it to yet another indignity by exhuming it and reburying it at Neverland.

Jermaine Jackson told German broadcaster ZDF he was "not very happy about his last resting place - I always felt he should be buried in Neverland".

As I have noted before, it would have been far better for the corpse to be cremated thus preventing others from exploiting it for their own ends.

Finally Buried

Jackson Finally To Be Buried

Michael Jackson will finally be buried today Forest Lawn Los Angeles, in a private service to be attended by only close family and friends.

Jackson's corpse will be interred in the cemetery's Great Mausoleum.

Homicide

Michael Jackson's death certificate has been changed to show his cause of death as being homicide.

The document has been changed to specify that his death was caused by "injection by another".

This increases the chances of a criminal prosecution being brought.

Conspiracy Nonsense II

As expected, the video footage of "Michael Jackson" emerging from a coroner's van was of course a hoax.

Sad to say there were quite a few gullible people who fell for it.

Conspiracy Nonsense

The conspiracy loons are currently having a field day at the moment, as a video on You Tube allegedly shows a figure coming out of a coroner's van which the conspiracy theorists claim is the late Michael Jackson.

Doubtless these people, even if confronted with Jackson's corpse, will deny unto their own graves that he has died.

Frightfest

John Landis, director of "An American Werewolf" in London and Michael Jackson's "Thriller", stated on BBC Breakfast this morning that there will be a surprise for Michael Jackson fans at this weekend's Frightfest.

Frightfest is the UK's premiere fantasy and horror film festival and has been running for 10 years. It is taking place this weekend (27th - 31st August) at London's Empire Cinema with five days of premieres, previews, personal appearances, signings and surprises.

Homicide

The media reports that coroner office documents state that "lethal levels" of Propofol were found in Michael Jackson's corpse.

The reports also state that the coroner has concluded Jackson's death was homicide (note this includes manslaughter).

Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, has denied any wrongdoing.

Burial Postponed Again

The burial of Michael Jackson's corpse has been postponed again, this time to 3 September.

A cremation some time ago would have been far more dignified.

Dr Conrad Murray To Be Charged

The Telegraph reports that Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, will be charged with manslaughter within the next two weeks.

Seemingly investigators were keen to initially charge him with second degree murder, but didn't think that the jury would convict him on that.

Frozen

The late Michael Jackson's corpse remains above ground and unburied, as the family are fearful of grave robbers. Seemingly, if the media reports are accurate, the embalmed corpse has been frozen.

Would it not be more dignified for him to be cremated?

Money Rolls In

It seems that in death the late Michael Jackson is now finally making the kind of money that he and his hangers on dreamed of in the latter stages of his life.

The New York Times reports that:

"He has already earned $100 million through a film deal and various merchandising contracts, and the executors expect another $100 million to roll in by the end of the year."

Tribute Concerts Cancelled

The two Michael Jackson tribute concerts, planned to be staged on August 29 and 30 at the London O2 arena, have been cancelled.

Seemingly promoters were unable to finalise deals with potential performers.

Please Sir, Can I Have Some More?

The media report that the once famous former child star, Mark Lester (now and osteopath), is claiming that he is the biological father of the late Michael Jackson's daughter Paris.

Lester, who once played Oliver Twist in "Oliver!", claims that he donated sperm for Jackson as a gift in 1996.

Lester claims that his own daughter, Harriet, looks similar to Paris.

Why does he need to use the media to stake a claim over paternity?

Custody Sorted

Katherine Jackson has been granted legal custody of Michael Jackson's children.

She contends that Jackson did not die of natural causes.

Autopsy Results Delayed

The BBC reports that the release of Michael Jackson's autopsy results have been delayed until next week.

Meanwhile The Telegraph reports that up to 20 doctors may face criminal charges, as a result of investigations into Jackson's death. Seemingly a massive trade in fraudulent prescriptions has been uncovered.

Hardly surprising, given the self indulgent nature of Hollywood

I wonder where all those celebs are going to get their fixes from now, if their compliant doctors are sent to jail?

Diamonds

According to the Guardian there are plans to convert the charred remains of the late Michael Jackson's hair (allegedly salvaged from the Pepsi commercial where it caught fire) into diamonds.

Much like certain religions that use fingernails etc from "saints", it appears that there are those who are keen to use whatever they can from Jackson in order to make money from the foolish and gullible.

Quite how stupid some people are never ceases to amaze me.

FBI Raid Jackson's Doctor

Over 20 officers in 15 cars from the FBI and police have raided the Houston clinic of Doctor Conrad Murray (Michael Jackson's doctor), who was at his side when he died.

Civil and Criminal Probe

Carmen Trutanich, city attorney for Los Angeles, has launched a "civil and criminal" probe into the $1.4M expenditures incurred by LA for the Michael Jackson memorial on 7 July.

Attorney Trutanich told Los Angeles city councillors:

"Our investigation has taken an unanticipated turn."

Correspondence has been exchanged with AEG Live, the Jackson promoters that own the Staples Center in LA, wrt monies spent.

Not Bad?

Jermaine Jackson is objecting to the proposal that the late Michael Jackson's corpse should be buried in a public graveyard in LA.

Jermaine claims that his brother should not have to share the ground with people who "have done bad things in their life".

We come into this world naked and leave it naked of pretensions, egos and money.

Where the corpse lies is irrelevant.

Death and Taxes

There are only two certainties in life, death and taxes.

Even the late Michael Jackson could not escape paying tax, as Showbiz Spy reports.

It seems that the Internal Revenue Service is planning a $100m raid on Jackson's estate.

This amount will will have to be paid before any money from Jackson's royalties are paid to his heirs.

Rowe Sues White

Michael Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, has sued Rebecca White over reports claiming she was willing to give up parental rights to her children for money.

Ms Rowe has accused White of defamation, invasion of privacy and infliction of emotional distress in the legal action filed in Los Angeles.

The Jackson legacy will generate income for the legal profession for many years to come.

Homicide

LA police are treating Michael Jackson's death as homicide.

The website TMZ alleges that the initial investigation has identified the anesthetic Propofol as the primary cause of his death.

Quote:

"Law enforcement sources say there is already 'plenty of powerful evidence' linking Dr Conrad Murray as the person who administered the drug to 50-year-old Jackson.

The evidence includes various items found in Jackson's house, including the Propofol, an IV stand and oxygen tank."

Dr Murray's lawyer would neither confirm nor deny if Dr Murray administered the Propofol.

Memorial Concert

Randy Phillips, CEO of AEG, has suggested that there may be a memorial concert for the late Michael Jackson at the O2 arena on August 29 (Jackson's birthday).

Phillips spoke on BBC6:

"The number one item I'm discussing is presenting This Is It the production, hopefully with the Jacksons and maybe Janet, and other artists."

Corpse Moved

The as yet unburied corpse of the late Michael Jackson Michael has been moved from Forest Lawn Cemetery, as news of its location leaked out. It is feared that some of the more "over excitable" and ghoulish Jackson fans would try to break in.

Murder?

The late Michael Jackson's sister, La Toya, is reported to believe that Jackson was murdered for his money.

She allegedly claims that Jackson was "victim" of a "shadowy entourage" who got him hooked on drugs, and wanted to milk him for his money.

Whilst it is highly likely that there were many people around Jackson who had covetous eyes on his money, "murdering" him would surely be killing the golden goose?

It would be in the interests of this "shadowy entourage" to keep him alive as long as possible so that they could continue to "milk" him.

Resolution Blocked

A resolution sponsored by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, honoring Michael Jackson has been blocked by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"A resolution, I think, would open up to contrary views to — that are not necessary at this time to be expressed in association with a resolution whose purpose is quite different."

Somewhat less diplomatically Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., posted a video on YouTube calling Michael Jackson a "pervert" and a "paedophile".

Michael Jackson's Brain

The Los Angeles assistant chief coroner, Ed Winter, said that Michael Jackson's brain, or part of it, would be returned to the Jackson family for interment after further tests.

The death certificate does not identify the cause of death.

1 Billion

An estimated 1 billion people around the world watched Michael Jackson's memorial service yesterday, ironically achieving viewing numbers in death what he didn't achieve in life.

Michael Jackson's Memorial Service Live Feed

Watch live feed of Michael Jackson's memorial service here.

The Michael Jackson Memorial live stream will start at 12:30PM ET / 9:30AM PST on Tuesday, July 7th:

Crackdown on Touts

Unsurprisingly the tickets for the funeral/memorial of the late Michael Jackson, to be held today in Los Angeles, are being touted on the net for staggering sums of up to $25K.

Craigslist and eBay state that, when a tout is flagged by other users, they are pulling the adverts as soon as they can.

Over 1.6M applied for the 17,500 free tickets.

The service will be streamed live on the net. It is expected that the online demand to view the service live will slow down the net quite noticeably.

Going Like Hot Cakes

The Telegraph reports that over 1.2 million people had entered the global online lottery for the 17,500 available tickets for the late Michael Jackson's memorial service, 24 hours after the website for applications opened.

Applications are being received at a rate of around 50,000 per hour, or more than 800 per minute.

Doubtless many of these free tickets will end up being sold by touts.

Good luck to the police trying to control the crowd at the service!

In other news, it seems that (in order to facilitate further tests) Jackson's body will be buried without its brain.

AEG Live Denies Bankruptcy

AEG Live, the promoter of the late Michael Jackson's O2 residency, has denied that it is standing on the edge of bankruptcy.

They cite the fact that they will be able to make money out of DVD sales of Jackson rehearsing, a possible 9 month tribute and some insurance recovery of monies expended (not lost revenue).

Wrt insurance, it may well be that the policy will be void if the autopsy indicates that Jackson was under the influence of drugs or had a medical condition.

Meanwhile, AEG Live are offering fans that chance to acquire free tickets for the memorial service. As there is expected to be a massive oversubscription, the tickets will be allocated by a draw.

Initially only US fans were allowed to apply for these tickets, until a British tabloid kicked up a fuss and forced AEG into a U turn allowing non US fans to apply as well.

Michael Jackson's Funeral

Reports currently indicate, be advised that this is a very "fluid" story, that Michael Jackson's funeral will be held on Tuesday at the Staples Centre (owned by AEG the promoters of Jackson's O2 residency), the home of LA Lakers in Los Angeles.

The stadium can hold up to 20,000 people, with the option for large television screens to be placed outside for thousands of other fans to watch. Apparently, 11,000 free tickets will be made available.

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which hosted the 1984 Olympic Games and can hold 92,000 people, has also emerged as a possible venue for a memorial.

Seemingly Michael Jackson will be buried in a solid bronze, gold-plated coffin worth $25K.

Jackson Memorial Cancelled

Unsurprisingly ghoulish plans to display Michael Jackson's corpse in a glass coffin, and bury him at Neverland appear to have been nixed.

It seems that the Jackson family have been unable to obtain permission to bury him on private property.

Jackson Returns To Neverland

It is reported Michael Jackson's corpse will return to Neverland, and be placed on display in glass coffin between 3 July and 5 July when he will be buried in the grounds.

A Terrific Wheeze!

AEG Live, the promoter of the late Michael Jackson's O2 residency, has come up with a terrific money saving wheeze to minimise the amount it has to refund to fans who bought tickets.

AEG Live is suggesting that the fans can keep the tickets (non black market tickets costing £50 to £75), if they agree to forgo their rights to claim a refund.

The tickets feature lenticular images, which give them a 3D moving effect. Whilst that may be a small inducement, the real inducement is the possibility that the tickets will become collectors' items.

Foul Play?

Joe Jackson, father of Michael Jackson, is reported to suspect foul play in the death of his son:

"Michael was dead before he left the house. I'm suspecting foul play somewhere. He was waving to everybody and telling them he loves them and all the fans at the gate. A few minutes after Michael was out there, he was dead."

Quite why he suspects that is not clear.

Whilst that conspiracy theory may make for some very lurid reporting, that some people will believe, the reality is likely to be far more banal (drug addiction, stress and undernourishment) if reports of the preliminary autopsy findings are anything to go by.

Jackson reportedly weighed 51kg at time of death, and his stomach was empty except for partially-dissolved prescription pills.

His hips, thighs and shoulders were covered in needle marks, the result of narcotic painkillers that he took three times a day.

The Vultures Now Circle II

As predicted:

"Grace, you remember Michael used to hide cash at the house. I am here. Where can it be?"

Source The Times

The Vultures Now Circle

It should come as no surprise to anyone, given the complexity of Michael Jackson's life, that there are many "loose ends" to tie up now that he has died a.o.:

- What caused his death?

- Why did the police need to track down Jackson's doctor (Dr Conrad Murray), and impound the doctor's car?

- Who will have custody of his children?

- Did he leave a will?

- What happens to his assets, if indeed there are any assets left after his debts have been deducted?

- Will those who were suing him in life, continue their actions and sue his estate?

- Will everyone who has bought a ticket for Jackson's O2 concerts receive a refund, it is not at all certain that they will? etc.

The vultures are now circling what remains of his estate, and will do their best to pick the carcass of that estate clean.

Self Insured

AEG Live, the company that was hosting Michael Jackson's residency this summer at the O2 Arena in London, is facing a probable loss of around £300M.

Under normal circumstances an insurance policy would have been taken out. However, given the scepticism at the time in the insurance community, over whether Jackson could complete the residency, AEG Live opted for self insurance.

The Times Obituary Michael Jackson

The Times obituary of Michael Jackson can be downloaded here The Times.

Michael Jackson Dies

Michael Jackson died today of a cardiac arrest.

Jackson Has Heart Attack

Michael Jackson has been taken today to UCLA Medical Centre in LA, having suffered a heart attack.

Reports indicates he is in a coma.

BBC News reports unconfirmed information that he has died.

Sold Out?

How odd that more tickets are now available for Michael Jackson's O2 shows that were originally billed as "sold out"!

The Hulk Helps Out

It is reported that Michael Jackson has hired Lou Ferrigno, who played the Hulk in the TV series 1978-1982, to help Jackson improve his fitness in time for his live residency at London's O2.

Neverland II

The media reports that Michael Jackson is hoping to replicate his Neverland ranch in Kent, during his upcoming London residency. Allegedly he wants Foxbury Manor in Chislehurst converted to include a bowling alley and funfair.

Will his promoters pay for this?

Too Many Gigs?

The Sun quotes Michael Jackson:

"Thank you for your love and support, I want you guys to know I love you very much.

I don't know how I'm going to do 50 shows. I'm not a big eater - I need to put some weight on.

I'm really angry with them booking me up to do 50 shows. I only wanted to do 10, and take the tour around the world to other cities, not 50 in one place.

I went to bed knowing I sold 10 dates, and woke up to the news I was booked to do 50."

It may be wise for Jackson's PR people to have a word with him about this.

Postponment Petition

The postponement of Michael Jackson's residency at the O2 London, by 5 days, has caused consternation with a number of fans who had bought tickets for those days.

They have had their concerts rescheduled to March 2010.

Some have set up an online petition protesting the delay.

Bain Dishes The Dirt

Papers provided by Raymone Bain, supporting her £33M case against Michael Jackson, claim that he spent nearly £4M on statues of Peter Pan and children playing games together despite being heavily in debt.

Quite how that supports her claim for £33M is unclear at this stage.

Another Day, Another Lawsuit

As predicted yesterday on this site, the prospect of Michael Jackson actually earning some money has brought people out of the woodwork sniffing for a way to make money out of him.

Jackson now faces his third lawsuit this month. AllGood Entertainment Inc, an American promoter, has challenged the legality of Jackson's London O2 dates and is threatening to sue him for breach of contract.

AllGood allege that Jackson is barred from performing concerts before a Jackson family reunion performance in July 2010.

The alleged contract claims that Jackson will appear alongside Janet Jackson and the Jackson Five, at a concert in Texas on 3 July 2010. AllGood claim that Jackson agreed not to play any other concerts before the Jackson Five comeback.

Doubtless this all grist to the mill of Jackson's lawyers. However, it can hardly be helpful to his pre stage nerves.

Et Tu Bain?

One recurrent feature of Michael Jackson's regular interaction with the legal system is the fact that cases are often brought against him by one time "friends" and associates, who feel that the "relationship" that they once "believed" was so "special" has ended.

True to form Jackson's one time publicist, Raymone Bain, has brought a claim against Jackson for $44M for alleged breach of contract.

Bain claims that she brings the suit with "deep regret", and that she "greatly admired and respected" Jackson.

However, $44M is $44M, she is quoted as saying:

"Unfortunately, Mr Jackson has elected not to honour the financial obligations of our contractual relationship, despite my numerous attempts to amicably resolve this matter. I am sincerely disappointed in Mr Jackson's failure to honour his obligations."

Earlier this week Ola Ray, who played Jackson's date in the 1984 video Thriller, announced she was suing Jackson for unpaid royalties.

I suspect Jackson will find that others will come out of the woodwork for a bite of the cherry, as they sniff that there is money to be made from his O2 appearances later this year.

Auction Cancelled

In a remarkable volte face, Julien's Auctions have cancelled the auction (scheduled for 22-25 April) of Michael Jackson memorabilia from his Neverland and agreed to return all the items to Jackson.

A joint statement from Jackson spokesman Tohme R Tohme and auction organiser Darren Julien notes that the exhibition of the items will continue until April 25.

Adding:

"there was so much interest from so many of Jackson's fans that instead of putting the items in the hands of private collectors, Tohme and Julien's Auctions have made arrangements that will allow the collection to be shared with and enjoyed by Jackson's fans for many years to come."

Seemingly an amicable solution has been found. Julien, president and chief executive of Julien's Auctions, said:

"We reached a resolution and we're very happy about it. It allows Michael to retain ownership of his possessions. He contracted us to conduct the auction and had a change of mind for whatever reason. And we honour and respect that. We're very happy with the outcome."

It is estimated that Julien's spent $2M on organising/cancelling the sale.

Echoes of Xanadu - Citizen Jackson's Memorabilia

Julien's Auctions, the organisers of the forthcoming auction of Michael Jackson memorabilia from Neverland (scheduled for 22-25 April), have held a press preview.

Martin Nolan, speaking of the ongoing legal action by Jackson, said that the auction would proceed.

Amongst the "bric a brac" are costumes, antique furniture, lifesize statues of superheroes and Star Wars villains, from Batman to Darth Vader, and a fully equipped computer game arcade.

Auction Goes Ahead

Michael Jackson has failed in his bid to block an auction of his possessions from Neverland from taking place later this month.

Jackson filed a legal challenge in March in Los Angeles, that claimed that Julien's Auction House had "effectively stolen" his property.

Jackson wants the return of hundreds of items, including the wrought iron gates from Neverland and a white glove he wore in his 1983 Billie Jean video.

The auction is scheduled to take place from 22 April in Beverly Hills, and is expected to last 5 days.

However, a further court motion to stop the sale will be heard on 15 April.

Deja Vu?

It seems that history is about to repeat itself, if reports are to be believed that Michael Jackson is to invite his son, Prince Michael I, to share the stage for his London O2 Arena performances.

Given the emotional and psychological damage that being in the spotlight has done to Jackson (he was put on stage by his father), is it wise that he subjects his son to the same?

Animal Rights Protest

Animal rights campaigners have called on Michael Jackson not to use live elephants and tigers during his comeback performances at the O2 Arena in London this summer.

Craig Redmond, director of the Captive Animals Protection Society, is quoted in the Telegraph:

"Exploiting animals in this way really is a thing of the past and not something that someone like Michael Jackson should be doing.

It would be like a circus act – a practice opposed by most people in the UK – and we are appealing to him and his management not to spoil the show by using animals."

I don't think the animal rights lobby should worry too much, I suspect that the cost of obtaining and insuring the animals far outweighs the additional revenue streams that they will generate (given that the tickets are now all sold anyway).

A cynic might argue that the complaints raised by the campaigners are in fact adding to the hype of the tour.

As I have already noted, Jackson's PR people are very professional and know what they are doing.

The Hype Continues

The tabloids report that Michael Jackson wants to ride an elephant onto the stage at each of his 50 concerts at the O2 Arena. He also wants a panther, snakes, tropical birds and three monkeys for the set that will have a jungle, circus and weather theme.

For good measure he wants to employ 100 Masai warriors as well.

Why not?

Given Britain's animal welfare laws, and the cost of obtaining/looking after the animals, I cannot quite see this plan coming to fruition.

Emulating George I

Emulating George I's progress by barge along the Thames, Michael Jackson will be taken to his 50 shows at the O2 Arena by boat; having told organisers that he is scared of helicopters and of being stuck in traffic.

O2 Farewell

Unsurprisingly the 10 nights for Michael Jackson's farewell appearance at the O2 Arena have been increased to 50.

My compliments to his PR people, a very professional job so far.

The Hype Worked

Despite only appearing onstage late, for but a few minutes to announce his 10 concerts in July at the O2 Arena, Michael Jackson has ensured that the events (if they go ahead) will be sold out.

It is reported that over 1 million people have applied for tickets, which go on sale Friday 13th at between £50-£75.

Doubtless his PR people will be telling him to do more than 10 shows, to maximise his revenue stream.

The Final Curtain

Michael Jackson took to the stage yesterday, at London's 02 Arena, to tell the audience that he will perform 10 shows in July at the Arena. The shows will be "the final curtain call".

The 02 Arena performances will begin on July 8 2009, and will run for 10 nights.

Tickets for the performances will go on sale at 7am on Friday 13 March 2009. Presale information is available from michaeljacksonlive.com, or by texting MJ to 81707. Prices start at £50, £60 and £75.

Jackson In The UK

The media are widely speculating that Michael Jackson, who is in London, is to announce plans to play up to 50 nights at the 02 Arena in Greenwich London this year.

It is reported that he will make an announcement at 4PM UK time today at the O2 complex.

Let us see what reality actually emerges from the hype.

Jackson Sued Again!

Michael Jackson's litigation cases seem to be imitating buses, ie they are all turning up at the same time.

Cameroonian singer Manu Dibango filed a lawsuit against Jackson and R'n'B diva Rihanna at a Paris court on Tuesday, claiming that they stole a hook from one of his songs.

He is seeking 500,000 euros in damages.

Judges will decide on February 17 whether to hear the case.

Jackson Sued Again - Thriller

The wheel of life turns full circle, and Michael Jackson finds himself being sued again. This time by John Landis, the director of the Grammy award winning Thriller video, for failing to hand over his share of the profits.

The suit alleges:

"After a spectacular theatrical premiere the Thriller video became a worldwide megahit and an iconic pop culture phenomenon that has continued to generate profits for defendants Optimum Prods and Michael Jackson, who have wrongfully refused to pay or account for such profits to the plaintiff."

The suit alleges that Jackson failed to pay Landis 50% of the proceeds, which possibly amount to $1M.