The media is awash with rumours that Michael Jackson, currently in Europe, has left his temporary Bahrain bolt hole for good.
However, a Bahraini official close to Jackson has denied the reports.
The official said that Jackson had gone on vacation to Europe with his family, and was in touch daily with Sheik Abdullah; allegedly he is coming back to Bahrain in a few days.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Monday, February 27, 2006
Mesereau Denies Split
Tom Mesereau, Michael Jackson's lawyer, has denied reports that he has dropped Jackson because of late payments.
Last week Mesereau withdrew from two impending lawsuits. However, Mesereau insists that he never intended to form a long-term partnership with Jackson. He also states that he remains close friends with Jackson.
Quote:
"I am very disturbed by the false, erroneous, and self-serving reports about the relationship between Michael Jackson, my law partner, Susan Yu, and me.
For approximately seven months, we assisted Michael Jackson in this effort. We never intended to assume these obligations on a permanent basis.
We are still in communications with Michael Jackson, and his assistants, and remain close friends. People should leave Mr Jackson and his family alone."
Last week Mesereau withdrew from two impending lawsuits. However, Mesereau insists that he never intended to form a long-term partnership with Jackson. He also states that he remains close friends with Jackson.
Quote:
"I am very disturbed by the false, erroneous, and self-serving reports about the relationship between Michael Jackson, my law partner, Susan Yu, and me.
For approximately seven months, we assisted Michael Jackson in this effort. We never intended to assume these obligations on a permanent basis.
We are still in communications with Michael Jackson, and his assistants, and remain close friends. People should leave Mr Jackson and his family alone."
Friday, February 24, 2006
Mesereau Quits
Tom Mesereau, Michael Jackson's lead attorney in last year's child molestation case, has quit his position as Jackson's lawyer.
Mesereau and his partner, Susan Yu, resigned yesterday. They were representing Jackson in his $4M lawsuit brought by Jackson's ex-business partner Marc Schaffel.
However, neither Mesereau nor Yu appeared for Schaffel's deposition last week.
It appears, according to reports, that Mesereau has quit because he is not getting paid.
It is very unwise of Jackson to treat the lawyer, who won the molestation case, in this manner.
Mesereau and his partner, Susan Yu, resigned yesterday. They were representing Jackson in his $4M lawsuit brought by Jackson's ex-business partner Marc Schaffel.
However, neither Mesereau nor Yu appeared for Schaffel's deposition last week.
It appears, according to reports, that Mesereau has quit because he is not getting paid.
It is very unwise of Jackson to treat the lawyer, who won the molestation case, in this manner.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
The Debbie and Michael Saga
The ongoing legal spat between Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe, over custody of her children, has spilled out into the media again.
This time court documents have been released that show that Rowe originally received $5M from Jackson, when they divorced and she agreed to give up the children. On top of that, she also received a mansion in Beverly Hills and an allowance of $900K per annum (until she started speaking about Jackson in public).
Other documents released quote Rowe as saying:
"I have just been advised by Michael's 'inner circle' that he is abusing drugs and I was even given the name of the physician that is prescribing all of Michael's medications, which I fear is dangerous not only to Michael but also to the children."
Why do celebrities even bother to get married?
This time court documents have been released that show that Rowe originally received $5M from Jackson, when they divorced and she agreed to give up the children. On top of that, she also received a mansion in Beverly Hills and an allowance of $900K per annum (until she started speaking about Jackson in public).
Other documents released quote Rowe as saying:
"I have just been advised by Michael's 'inner circle' that he is abusing drugs and I was even given the name of the physician that is prescribing all of Michael's medications, which I fear is dangerous not only to Michael but also to the children."
Why do celebrities even bother to get married?
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Fake Jackson Attends Party
Kudos to the fake Michael Jackson, who gate crashed a black tie charity event in Roxbury Comprehensive Community Health Center Boston this weekend.
He managed to "blag" his way in, and gain VIP treatment for himself and about a dozen chums.
Officials at the event were seen to escort "Jackson" and his entourage to a private balcony.
Jenny Hoefel, an executive with the event organiser, said that "Michael Jackson" did make a donation via credit card to the charity!
Given the real Jackson's financial difficulties, it is entirely possible that the contribution from the fake may in fact be more likely to be honoured.
He managed to "blag" his way in, and gain VIP treatment for himself and about a dozen chums.
Officials at the event were seen to escort "Jackson" and his entourage to a private balcony.
Jenny Hoefel, an executive with the event organiser, said that "Michael Jackson" did make a donation via credit card to the charity!
Given the real Jackson's financial difficulties, it is entirely possible that the contribution from the fake may in fact be more likely to be honoured.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Katrina Album May Be out...Soon
Six months after hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Michael Jackson's much vaunted single allegedly designed to help the victims may actually be released; soon.
In a telephone interview from Dubai last week, Sheik Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the son of Bahrain's king, is quoted as saying:
"The record is coming along great. We've been taking our time to perfect it and mix it."
The working title for the single is now "I Have This Dream". Guest artists, according to the Prince, include; Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Ciara, Keyshia Cole, James Ingram, Jackson's brother Jermaine, Shanice, the Rev. Shirley Caesar and the O'Jays.
The Prince said that the release has been delayed because additional artists wanted to contribute.
He won't say who though:
"I'd like to keep that as a surprise."
In a telephone interview from Dubai last week, Sheik Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the son of Bahrain's king, is quoted as saying:
"The record is coming along great. We've been taking our time to perfect it and mix it."
The working title for the single is now "I Have This Dream". Guest artists, according to the Prince, include; Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Ciara, Keyshia Cole, James Ingram, Jackson's brother Jermaine, Shanice, the Rev. Shirley Caesar and the O'Jays.
The Prince said that the release has been delayed because additional artists wanted to contribute.
He won't say who though:
"I'd like to keep that as a surprise."
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Rowe Wins Round
Michael Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, yesterday won a round in her battle over custody of her two children.
The appeals court ruled that her parental rights were not properly relinquished under the law. The appellate court said that the judge in the 2001 case, where Rowe gave up her rights to act as parent, did not handle it properly.
Indeed the original judge, Steven M. Lachs, acknowledged in 2004 that he failed to have state officials do an independent investigation into what was in the best interests of the children.
The ruling quoted from Rowe's original motion in October 2001.
"Michael has been a wonderful father to the children and I do not wish to share parenting responsibilities with Michael because he is doing so well without me. I want to forever give my any and all rights pertaining to the children because I believe that by doing so, it is in the children's best interests."
Rowe changed her mind two years later, claiming that the publicity surrounding Jackson's alleged molestation of children had been the reason for her change of heart.
Rowe is quoted as saying:
"I am thrilled with today's ruling."
The appeals court ruled that her parental rights were not properly relinquished under the law. The appellate court said that the judge in the 2001 case, where Rowe gave up her rights to act as parent, did not handle it properly.
Indeed the original judge, Steven M. Lachs, acknowledged in 2004 that he failed to have state officials do an independent investigation into what was in the best interests of the children.
The ruling quoted from Rowe's original motion in October 2001.
"Michael has been a wonderful father to the children and I do not wish to share parenting responsibilities with Michael because he is doing so well without me. I want to forever give my any and all rights pertaining to the children because I believe that by doing so, it is in the children's best interests."
Rowe changed her mind two years later, claiming that the publicity surrounding Jackson's alleged molestation of children had been the reason for her change of heart.
Rowe is quoted as saying:
"I am thrilled with today's ruling."
Friday, February 10, 2006
Jackson Tours Italy
Michael Jackson has left Bahrain for an Italian vacation with his children.
Jackson was mobbed by fans in Florence and Venice, but has spent the last several days unnoticed in the Neapolitan Riviera resort of Sorrento.
Jackson was with an unidentified male, Paris, Prince Michael I and Prince Michael II.
They are staying in a Sorrento villa, owned by two society ladies.
Jackson was mobbed by fans in Florence and Venice, but has spent the last several days unnoticed in the Neapolitan Riviera resort of Sorrento.
Jackson was with an unidentified male, Paris, Prince Michael I and Prince Michael II.
They are staying in a Sorrento villa, owned by two society ladies.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Rowe Puts The Bite On Jackson
Michael Jackson's ex wife and mother of some of his children, Debbie Rowe, has changed her tune a bit since she appeared at his child molestation trial where she could say nothing but positive things about him.
Now Rowe wants some money out Jackson.
Lawyers for Rowe claim that he is $75K behind in paying her legal fees for their ongoing custody battle.
Jackson and Rowe have been fighting in Los Angeles family court for custody of Prince Michael and Paris; who currently live with Jackson and his third son in Bahrain.
The court had ordered Jackson to pay Rowe's legal team.
The next hearing the custody fight is scheduled for March the 17th.
Now Rowe wants some money out Jackson.
Lawyers for Rowe claim that he is $75K behind in paying her legal fees for their ongoing custody battle.
Jackson and Rowe have been fighting in Los Angeles family court for custody of Prince Michael and Paris; who currently live with Jackson and his third son in Bahrain.
The court had ordered Jackson to pay Rowe's legal team.
The next hearing the custody fight is scheduled for March the 17th.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Jackson and The Pope - Utter Bollocks!
It turns out that, according to both the Vatican and Michael Jackson's spokeswoman, the story about him recording some songs written by Pope John Paul II is utter bollocks.
Raymone Bain, Jackson's spokeswoman, said:
"Contrary to published reports in Italy, and the United States, Michael Jackson has not participated in any discussions with the Vatican or Edizioni Musicali Terzo Millennio, an Italian music label specializing in religious songs, to record music to Pope John Paul II's prayers."
She added:
"None of Mr. Jackson's authorized representatives have contacted either the Vatican or Edizioni Musicali Terzo Millennio, regarding this proposed project."
Bain said that Jackson had been contacted by the Vatican "about a year ago", about working on some music.
Quote:
"Because he was in trial at the time, he was not able to focus on it."
The Vatican has said that it is unaware of any contact with Jackson.
I don't know, but it seems questionable to me that the Vatican would have contacted Jackson before the verdict in the trial had been decided.
Raymone Bain, Jackson's spokeswoman, said:
"Contrary to published reports in Italy, and the United States, Michael Jackson has not participated in any discussions with the Vatican or Edizioni Musicali Terzo Millennio, an Italian music label specializing in religious songs, to record music to Pope John Paul II's prayers."
She added:
"None of Mr. Jackson's authorized representatives have contacted either the Vatican or Edizioni Musicali Terzo Millennio, regarding this proposed project."
Bain said that Jackson had been contacted by the Vatican "about a year ago", about working on some music.
Quote:
"Because he was in trial at the time, he was not able to focus on it."
The Vatican has said that it is unaware of any contact with Jackson.
I don't know, but it seems questionable to me that the Vatican would have contacted Jackson before the verdict in the trial had been decided.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Labour Dispute
Michael Jackson now finds himself at the centre of a wage dispute, with the workers who are still stationed at Neverland.
It seems that Jackson has forgotten to pay them.
The workers allege that they are owed six weeks' salary from Jackson, who has absented himself from reality again and taken up residence in Bahrain.
Neverland Chef Rudy Lozano claims that he has had to take on extra work at a fast-food stall, in order to make ends meet.
Quote:
"A lot of people have been struggling to make ends meet.
There are 180 families with incomes depending on the ranch."
It seems that wherever Jackson tries to run away to, reality just keeps coming back and biting him on the arse.
It seems that Jackson has forgotten to pay them.
The workers allege that they are owed six weeks' salary from Jackson, who has absented himself from reality again and taken up residence in Bahrain.
Neverland Chef Rudy Lozano claims that he has had to take on extra work at a fast-food stall, in order to make ends meet.
Quote:
"A lot of people have been struggling to make ends meet.
There are 180 families with incomes depending on the ranch."
It seems that wherever Jackson tries to run away to, reality just keeps coming back and biting him on the arse.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Jackson and the Pope
In what can only be described as a rather bizarre union, it is reported that there have been secret discussions between the Roman Catholic Church and Michael Jackson to put the prayers of Pope John Paul II to music.
Given the fact that both the church and Jackson have had a number of unsavoury allegations about child molestation lobbed at them, I would have thought that this union was rather unwise.
Pope John Paul, who died in April 2005, wrote 24 religious prayers and chants which the Church want to set to music.
Jackson is thought of as being the man for the job, because of his worldwide celebrity status.
Father Giuseppe Moscati of the Millennium Music Society, which specialises in church music and organises musical events at the Vatican, confirmed the details.
Fr Moscati said:
"We have the rights for the 24 prayers written by Pope John Paul.
We had hoped the fact that we have been in contact with Michael Jackson would remain a secret. But sadly it has leaked out ahead of time. We are in discussions and trying to sort it out."
Fr Moscati, and indeed the Church, are being rather naive in thinking that something like this would remain secret. There is every incentive for many people, including Jackson himself, to leak the news.
Fr Moscati, speaking of Jackson's child molestation trial, said:
"He was cleared and found not guilty by a jury.
Michael Jackson is very interested in this project - we shall see what happens."
Jackson had secretly flown to Venice to sign a contract. Unfortunately, news of his arrival leaked and so he fled the city and was thought to be on his way back to the United States.
A source in Venice said:
"We were all ready to put the deal to Michael Jackson but he was scared off when the news leaked out. As soon as he knew everyone was waiting for him and the project had been found out he disappeared. We don't know where he is now."
Needless to say, this "disappearance" will ensure that the story remains in the media longer than it may have otherwise done.
There is, after all, no such thing as bad publicity!
Given the fact that both the church and Jackson have had a number of unsavoury allegations about child molestation lobbed at them, I would have thought that this union was rather unwise.
Pope John Paul, who died in April 2005, wrote 24 religious prayers and chants which the Church want to set to music.
Jackson is thought of as being the man for the job, because of his worldwide celebrity status.
Father Giuseppe Moscati of the Millennium Music Society, which specialises in church music and organises musical events at the Vatican, confirmed the details.
Fr Moscati said:
"We have the rights for the 24 prayers written by Pope John Paul.
We had hoped the fact that we have been in contact with Michael Jackson would remain a secret. But sadly it has leaked out ahead of time. We are in discussions and trying to sort it out."
Fr Moscati, and indeed the Church, are being rather naive in thinking that something like this would remain secret. There is every incentive for many people, including Jackson himself, to leak the news.
Fr Moscati, speaking of Jackson's child molestation trial, said:
"He was cleared and found not guilty by a jury.
Michael Jackson is very interested in this project - we shall see what happens."
Jackson had secretly flown to Venice to sign a contract. Unfortunately, news of his arrival leaked and so he fled the city and was thought to be on his way back to the United States.
A source in Venice said:
"We were all ready to put the deal to Michael Jackson but he was scared off when the news leaked out. As soon as he knew everyone was waiting for him and the project had been found out he disappeared. We don't know where he is now."
Needless to say, this "disappearance" will ensure that the story remains in the media longer than it may have otherwise done.
There is, after all, no such thing as bad publicity!
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