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.

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.

Confusion Over Tour

Jermaine Jackson claims that his brother Michael is "in" for the Jackson Five reunion tour.

He told BBC 6Music:

"We have to do it one more time. We owe that to the fans and to the public.

He has to be, he is a Jackson. He was at the meetings.

Michael will be involved."

However, Raymone Bain is quoted as saying:

"at this time, I am not fully aware of the plans for said tour."

Sounds to me as though Jermaine is trying to publicly force Michael to come on the tour.

Friedman Attacks Bain

Fox's Roger Friedman has turned his guns on Michael Jackson's spokesperson, Rayomone Bain. In a stinging attack on Bain, entitled "Neverland Nevermore: Jacko's PR Lies", Friedman describes Bain's recent statement that Jackson was never in default on his $23M Neverland loan as a lie.

He then ups the ante, by noting that he has been receiving emails and faxes from Jackson's fans blaming Bain for Jackson's recent difficulties.

Friedman claims that the emails show evidence of Bain sanitising the Jackson's web fan pages of all criticism of her.

Then, for good measure, he notes that the fans despise her.

The clock is ticking on the loan default, Jackson has until 19 January 2008 to resolve this; then it will be clear as to whether Bain is right or wrong.

Neverland Safe?

Despite reports about Michael Jackson being in danger of losing Neverled, as a result of defaulting on his debts, Raymone Bain insists that all is well.

She claims that Jackson's former advisers refinanced the loan in 2006. The loan matured last month, and now he is refinancing the $23M loan again.

Quote:

"Mr. Jackson is in the final stages of refinance and will not lose Neverland Valley Ranch."

So that's alright then.

Jackson doesn't live in Neverland anymore; he now resides in Washington, as does Rayomone Bain.

Spin and Counter Spin

The recent story that Michael Jackson had married his childrens' nanny, Grace Rwaramba, was vehemently disputed at the time by Jackson's spokesperson Raymone Bain.

However, as with many Jackson related stories, this has cropped up again with a new twist.

It is now reported in the New York Daily News that Grace Rwaramba is ill with lupus, and has been left to fight the disease on her own without any effective support (eg offers of help, or enquiries as to her health) from Jackson.

Rayomne Bain has been quick to deny this story as well, calling it an "hilarious rumour".

Quote:

"I can guarantee she is not very ill. I've spoken to her in the last two hours."

The National Enquirer reported that the marriage story was a PR stunt designed to shore up Jackson's image as a stable family man.

In a further twist, The New York Daily News reported that Jackson's lawyers had in fact made inquiries into Rwaramba's ability to get married (she remains legally married to her first husband, Stacey Adair).

As with all matters related to Jackson, nothing is ever quite as straightforward as it first appears.

Marriage Story A Hoax?

Raymone Bain, Michael Jackson's spokesperson, has issued a categorical denial to the story doing the rounds that Jackson has married his nanny.

Quote, as per E! News:

"Wide spreading reports regarding Michael Jackson being married are not true.

Documents stating otherwise are a hoax."

Great publicity for Jackson though.

Song Leaked?

Mamacita a new song allegedly by Michael Jackson has reportedly been leaked on Pittsburgh's 96.1 KISS FM, a US radio station.

However, as with all matters relating to Jackson, nothing is ever quite as simple as it would first appear. Jackson's publicist, Raymone Bain, has denied that the track is Jackson's.

Quote:

"Michael Jackson has not released any new material. This appears to be a smooth criminal pulling a fast one!

However, if someone has leaked material illegally, my client's legal team will pursue the matter."

Good PR though!

Bain Lashes Out

Michael Jackson's spokesperson, Raymone Bain, has lashed out at Roger Friedman the internet columnist.

Bain claims that Friedman's recnet story about Jackson "homeless, wandering, carting around three school-aged kids" and alleging that Jackson had developed a friendship with "former imprisoned crack addict and Washington D.C. Mayor Marion Barry" was lies.

Bain wrote to Friedman, and the contents of the letter has needless to say entered the public domain.

Quote:

"All of this is a complete lie. You continue to write untruths which can be verified as untruths. I do not know why you do not check to determine the accuracy of your sources. And, I do not know why you have such venom for Michael Jackson.

But, let me state for the record: Michael Jackson has neither met, nor does he know former Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion S. Barry, Jr. While former Mayor Barry and I are friends, and, while we have oftentimes indicated our desire to have lunch, because of schedule conflicts, I have not seen him in at least two years.

Michael Jackson is not homeless, carting around with three school-aged kids. ... While where Mr. Jackson is currently residing is his own private business, Mr. Jackson will never be 'homeless' as long as he owns the 3,000 acre estate called Neverland Valley Ranch, which to my knowledge, and at this date, he has not sold.

Mr. Jackson has a tutor for his children who is certified and qualified. As we are in the summer months, and most children in the United States are on vacation until classes begin later in the month, the same applies to Mr. Jackson's children.

I will let Mr. Jackson's attorneys deal with other issues you have raised should they see fit."

It will be interesting to see if Jackson makes good on Bain's threat to sue.

Intervention

It is reported that Michael Jackson's siblings are planning an intervention with their brother, that will include Thomas Mesereau (Jackson's lawyer from the child molestation case).

Allegedly, Jackson's health is failing; according to reports in the media, his liver is damaged and he has been seen vomiting blood.

The Jackson family are reportedly laying the blame for Michael's decline in mental and physical health at the door of publicist/manager Raymone Bain and aide de camp/nanny Grace Rwaramba.

Whatever the truth of otherwise of these allegations, the resulting media bun fight (as accusation and counter accusation is made by the interested parties) will not make pleasant reading for Jackson, who to some extent appears to be caught in the middle of this.

More Law Suits

Michael Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, issued a statement on Thursday in response to various reports about Jackson that she called "untrue, defamatory and malicious in nature."

One report, denied by Bain, was that Jackson was confined to his bed and relying on medication.

Quote:

"In fact, Mr. Jackson is doing very well, and conducted a meeting with his advisers yesterday, which included former Attorney General Benjamin R. Civiletti and Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. among others."

Regarding speculation that Jackson suspects that his older brother Randy has been stealing from him, Bain said:

"Mr. Jackson does not believe that his brother Randy Jackson has stolen monies from him.

Nor does he believe that Randy, or any of his family members, would ever steal from him."

Bain also dismissed suggestions that Jackson was being evicted from the Las Vegas mansion that he has been renting.

Quote:

"He decided not to exercise the option to purchase the house.

Period."

She was also dismissive of reports that he was going to tour Europe:

"There was no press release issued from Mr. Jackson's organisation regarding any European tour plans.

Despite reports to the contrary, Mr. Jackson is currently in the studio putting finishing touches on his music."

Bain flatly rejected reports that Jackson is either losing or selling his share in the Sony/ATV catalogue, quote: "ludicrous" and "without merit."

However, whatever the validity or otherwise of those reports, Jackson has a few other problems to deal with.

An attorney for Jackson this week said that he would agree to a judgement ordering him to pay $216K to Ayscough & Marar, a Torrance California law firm, that sued him last year for overdue fees.

Ayscough & Marar were hired by Jackson during his child molestation trial in 2005, to obtain court orders to delay discovery in civil cases and to keep information from being released publicly during the trial.

Abelson & Herron, a Delaware law firm, filed suit against Jackson this week. They claim that he owes them $110K, for services regarding a concert promoter who accused Jackson of backing out of two performances scheduled for New Year's Eve 2000.

It never rains, but it pours.

Jackson Leaves Mansion

Michael Jackson is leaving his rented 10-bedroom mansion in Las Vegas.

Jackson and his three children, Prince Michael I, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II (Blanket) had moved to Las Vegas in December after previously living in Ireland.

However, Jackson's spokeswoman Raymone Bain said that Jackson will move out of the Vegas home on Saturday, because his $1M lease on the property has expired.

Quote:

"He loved the house but decided to allow the lease to expire because of concerns that security wasn't sufficient."

In response to reports that Jackson was planning to leave the U.S. and return to Europe, Bain said:

"I don't know of any plans to leave."

Jackson Unhappy With Auction

An auction of 2000 pieces of Michael Jackson memorabilia, that will take place on May 30 and 31 at Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel And Casino, is causing Jackson some grief.

The 2,000 pieces are from a larger 10,000 piece collection of Jackson material that was bought from a bankruptcy sale, and subsequently sold to Universal Express a Boca Raton transportation company.

Michael and Janet Jackson had tried to stop the former owner, Henry Vaccaro, from taking ownership of the goods after he purchased them. However, they failed when their suit was rejected last year.

Jackson is now pondering another legal action, to stop the auction.

Raymone K. Bain, Jackson's spokesperson, said:

"Mr Jackson was not aware and he is extremely upset that his memorabilia was included amongst the memorabilia that is being auctioned off."

On the assumption that the items have been obtained legally, I fail to see how Jackson can stop the auction. The US is, after all, a market based economy.

Jackson could bid for the items himself, but he is somewhat short of ready cash at the moment.

Beatles Not For Sale

Despite recent media rumours, Michael Jackson is not interested in selling his stake in the Beatles' catalogue.

That at least is the reality according to Jackson's spokesperson, Raymone K. Bain:

"There is no truth to the rumor that Michael Jackson will be selling his Beatles catalogue...period..not back to Paul McCartney, or any other individual or entity. He has no intention, or interest, in selling his catalogue."

The question therefore arises, how does Michael Jackson intend to resolve his financial "difficulties"?

Jackson To Perform in Las Vegas?

Michael Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, has suggested that Jackson might perform in Las Vegas.

Quote:

"Mr. Jackson has been presented numerous proposals..proposals which he has not solicited, but were presented to him, several of which include performing in Las Vegas.

Mr. Jackson is currently reviewing and evaluating each proposal."

However, she is quick to disabuse those who think that a decision may be coming in the short term; as she notes that Jackson is under no pressure to make a quick decision.

One would have thought that his financial woes would provide him with this pressure...evidently not.

Bain added:

"Mr. Jackson did not move to Las Vegas to shop a Vegas show.

Mr. Jackson is in Las Vegas because he likes the city and found it a convenient location to record with the artists, songwriters and producers who are working with him in the studio...

Mr. Jackson has no current plans to appear or perform on 'American Idol.'"

Jackson is currently residing in Las Vegas.

As to whether Jackson ever appears on stage again, some are a tad cynical about that prospect.

The $100K Pharmacy Bill

Michael Jackson likes to do things big. Therefore it should come as no surprise to hear that he has allegedly racked up a $100K pharmacy bill.

Unfortunately, the payment of this bill has been in dispute.

The owners of Mickey Fine Pharmacy sued Jackson last Wednesday, for reneging on an oral bill-paying agreement. They stated that Jackson owed over $100K from prescriptions dating back to 2005.

Jackson has now amicably settled the dispute, according to Jackson's spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain.

Quote:

"(Mickey) Fine Pharmacy has been paid."

However, it is unclear as to whether Mickey Fine agrees with this statement.

Parental Eviction

Michael Jackson has quashed reports that his parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, might be evicted from their Los Angeles home.

It has been reported that Jackson's parents are facing foreclosure on their home in Encino, California, and that they have asked their son Randy to beg Michael for financial help.

Given his own financial problems, I would have thought that this was a long shot.

Needless to say, this being the Jackson clan, nothing is ever simple. Reports indicate that Randy wants the $3M he lent Michael, during his child molestation trial, back.

The National Enquirer quotes an "insider" as saying:

"Randy claims that he was the only one who kept Michael afloat, by handling his finances as Michael was desperately fighting to keep himself out of jail on child abuse charges."

Michael's publicist Raymone Bain has ridden to the rescue stating that the eviction stories are "absolutely untrue", and that he isn't "aware" of any claim by Randy against Michael.

The trouble is, Michael being unaware of a claim and there being a claim may well be two different issues in Michael's world.

Jackson Splits

Michael Jackson has split with the Bahrain based record label, Two Seas Records, only five months after signing on.

Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, confirmed that Jackson is no longer affiliated with the label; even though he cofounded it only last April, and even though it was to be used as the vehicle for his comeback album.

Jackson formed Two Seas Records with Bahrain royal family member Abdulla Hamad Al-Khalifa. It had been planned that British music executive Guy Holmes would serve as CEO and oversee production on Jackson's new disc, which had been aiming for a 2007 release.

However, it is reported that the deal between Holmes and Jackson had never been formalised. Quite what Abdulla Hamad Al-Khalifa, who has tried to help Jackson, thinks of the split is not reported.

Needless to say, this volte face brings into question the likelihood of Jackson ever releasing his much vaunted Hurricane Katrina benefit single "From the Bottom of My Heart".

It seems that in order to keep himself in the public eye, and to appear to be busy, Jackson has formed the Michael Jackson Company to oversee his finances and to possibly become a record label.

Reality will eventually hit home, when the money runs out.

Infamy, Infamy, They've All Got It In For Me

Those that the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad.

Michael Jackson has hit the news yet again, this time he claims that his former staff are trying to make him bankrupt; much like making a fool of oneself, that is something which is usually self inflicted.

Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, claims that an alleged plot was uncovered through leaked documents. These allege that some of Jackson's former advisors had attempted to persuade other associates into a petition which would leave Jackson broke.

Bain is quoted as saying:

"In what could be one of the biggest conspiracies in entertainment history, documents have been sent to Michael Jackson and his representatives which reveal a deliberate plan by some former advisors and associates to force Mr Jackson into involuntary bankruptcy."

Seemingly Jackson's new legal team, the others resigned because he allegedly had not paid them, are investigating the scheme and plan to file several lawsuits against the alleged conspirators.

Bain also said:

"In addition, there is a strong possibility that these documents will be forwarded to the US Attorney General for review and possible involvement.

Michael Jackson was neither shocked nor surprised. He's always been suspicious that some of those whom he entrusted to act on his behalf may not have acted in his best interests."

Jackson should take the advice of Mr Micawber:

"Annual income 20 shillings, annual expenditure twenty shillings and sixpence; the result, misery".

In other words, learn to live within your means!

Tiger Tiger Burning Bright

It seems that Michael Jackson's tiger bills are not being paid, ie the cost of the upkeep of his tigers ex Neverland is not being covered.

Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, has claimed that he knows nothing about this and that the Jackson camp will look into it.