In Michael Jackson's weird and "whacky" world, I guess it should come as no surprise to learn that he referred to Macaulay Culkin as "Doo Doo Head".
According to papers released by Californian judges, in addition to using that rather odd nickname, Jackson also set up a secret Neverland society.
The papers also contain a photograph of Culkin obtained from Jackson's bedroom, with the following written on it by Culkin:
"To Apple Head Always remember keep Apple Head Club Doo Doo Head Alive."
Seemingly the Apple Head Club was a secret society that Jackson encouraged his young friends to join.
Sounds normal, right?
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Monday, July 17, 2006
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.
Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, has claimed that he knows nothing about this and that the Jackson camp will look into it.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
And The Winner Is?
Michael Jackson's legal tussle with Marc Schaffel ended Friday, with Santa Monica jurors awarding Schaffel $900K and Jackson $200K.
Jurors were not impressed with either party, and said that they overlooked unappealing qualities of both parties to rule on the merits of the various financial claims.
Jury foreman Roy Shimogaki, asked if the decision to award both parties money showed Jackson and Schaffel were credible, said:
"I wouldn't go that far.
The plaintiff was not the most upstanding character, but neither was the defendant."
Showbusiness attracts such unpleasant characters.
Jurors were not impressed with either party, and said that they overlooked unappealing qualities of both parties to rule on the merits of the various financial claims.
Jury foreman Roy Shimogaki, asked if the decision to award both parties money showed Jackson and Schaffel were credible, said:
"I wouldn't go that far.
The plaintiff was not the most upstanding character, but neither was the defendant."
Showbusiness attracts such unpleasant characters.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Jury Deliberates
Michael Jackson's legal tussle with Marc Schaffel, over an alleged debt owed to Schaffel of $1.4M, has now been placed in the hands of the jury.
The closing arguments concluded yesterday. Schaffel had originally claimed $3.8M. However, following the usual wheeling and dealing in such cases this has been reduced to $1.4M.
The closing arguments concluded yesterday. Schaffel had originally claimed $3.8M. However, following the usual wheeling and dealing in such cases this has been reduced to $1.4M.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Another Day Another Trial
In Michael Jackson's weird and whacky world, no day is complete without there being a trial or legal matter to worry about.
Debbie Rowe, Jackson's ex wife, is suing Jackson claiming that he has failed to pay her what he promised when the two divorced in 1999.
The lawsuit was filed July 3 in Los Angeles Superior Court. In it Rowe seeks an immediate payment of $US195K for attorney fees and $US50K for living expenses, so that she can continue pursuing her child-custody case against him.
The next court hearing on the matter is booked for July 26.
It never rains, but it pours!
Debbie Rowe, Jackson's ex wife, is suing Jackson claiming that he has failed to pay her what he promised when the two divorced in 1999.
The lawsuit was filed July 3 in Los Angeles Superior Court. In it Rowe seeks an immediate payment of $US195K for attorney fees and $US50K for living expenses, so that she can continue pursuing her child-custody case against him.
The next court hearing on the matter is booked for July 26.
It never rains, but it pours!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Defence Alleges Deception
The defence in the current Michael Jackson trial, in which he is being sued by former associate Marc Schaffel for alleged non payment of fees, has leveled a counter allegation that Schaffel was trying to enrich himself.
They called accountant Jan Goren to the stand, who said that he was able to trace most of the complicated transactions in a ledger kept by Schaffel. However, he noted that some of the explanations provided by Schaffel were inaccurate.
Jackson's lawyer, Thomas Mundell, noted that there were a lack of receipts. Goren said that a $500K transaction that Schaffel claimed was a loan to Jackson, was not a loan at all.
Schaffel had testified that Jackson was in New York on September 11 2001. He claimed that Jackson called to ask for $500K, in case he needed to go into hiding with his family, and then stopped at Schaffel's home to pick up the money. Jackson has denied the story.
Goren said Schaffel did withdraw that amount from a checking account for Neverland Valley Entertainment Co., the business he was in with Jackson, but then deposited the same amount into his personal money market account.
Mundell asked Goren if he identified "any 'cash to MJ' transactions that were not bona fide."
"Yes," said the accountant, "numerous ones."
Schaffel's attorney, Howard King, has promised to rebut the claims, and said it would become clear that Schaffel is not seeking reimbursement for any of the alleged loans which are being challenged as deceptive.
Mundell said he was introducing the details to show "a pattern of false claims of loss" by Schaffel.
Quote:
"We want the jury to look at the pattern of deceit".
Goren testified that Schaffel is probably owed $471K.
The defence contends that given the number of deceptive transactions by Schaffel, he is owed nothing.
The trial continues.
They called accountant Jan Goren to the stand, who said that he was able to trace most of the complicated transactions in a ledger kept by Schaffel. However, he noted that some of the explanations provided by Schaffel were inaccurate.
Jackson's lawyer, Thomas Mundell, noted that there were a lack of receipts. Goren said that a $500K transaction that Schaffel claimed was a loan to Jackson, was not a loan at all.
Schaffel had testified that Jackson was in New York on September 11 2001. He claimed that Jackson called to ask for $500K, in case he needed to go into hiding with his family, and then stopped at Schaffel's home to pick up the money. Jackson has denied the story.
Goren said Schaffel did withdraw that amount from a checking account for Neverland Valley Entertainment Co., the business he was in with Jackson, but then deposited the same amount into his personal money market account.
Mundell asked Goren if he identified "any 'cash to MJ' transactions that were not bona fide."
"Yes," said the accountant, "numerous ones."
Schaffel's attorney, Howard King, has promised to rebut the claims, and said it would become clear that Schaffel is not seeking reimbursement for any of the alleged loans which are being challenged as deceptive.
Mundell said he was introducing the details to show "a pattern of false claims of loss" by Schaffel.
Quote:
"We want the jury to look at the pattern of deceit".
Goren testified that Schaffel is probably owed $471K.
The defence contends that given the number of deceptive transactions by Schaffel, he is owed nothing.
The trial continues.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Jacksongate
The jury in the current Michael Jackson trial, brought by ex associate Marc Schaffel, got to listen to some of his phone calls on Wednesday.
The calls became increasingly frantic as he demanded action from Marc Schaffel on a number of projects including, a collaboration with Marlon Brando on TV shows and videos and the release of a charity recording.
The tapes were of voice messages left on Schaffel's answering machine. Schaffel claims that Jackson owes him $3.8 million in royalties, expenses and other debts.
In one message dated 2001, Jackson said:
"Marc, it's Michael. ... Marc, please never let me down. I like you. I love you. ... I really want us to be friends and conquer the business world together. Please be my loyal, loyal friend. I love you."
How utterly nauseating!
Schaffel claims that he had been working on a number of projects for Jackson, and had arranged a $10M line of credit for him.
Schaffel went on to talk about the possible deal with Marlon Brando, quote:
"We had several meetings with Marlon. Michael wanted Marlon Brando to do several DVDs on acting lessons. Mr. Brando was getting up there in age and Michael considered him the greatest actor of all time."
Jackson left several messages about Brando. In one he said:
"Marlon Brando has been pushing. He's a wonderful man. He's a god. He wants a lot of money. He wants to get things done right now."
Another project that failed to materialise was Jackson's record, "What More Can I Give," which was a charity project for victims of 9/11. It was never released (much like the Katrina record), because of complications involving Jackson's relationship with the record label.
In 2003, plans changed, and Jackson called Schaffel with urgent messages saying he now had a plan for the recording to be a charity project tied to the Iraq war.
"It should be for America in Iraq... It's a perfect cause. It means more now than any other causes."
Where's that one then?
Schaffel also alleged that he made to Brazil in November 2003 to deliver $300K to someone in South America, to take care of a personal matter.
Schaffel acknowledged that he was paid $1.4M in royalties from two videos sold to Fox television and received other expense payments, but said he was still owed $664K in royalties.
Schaffel's attorney called Alvin Malnik, who said he advised Jackson on financial matters without charge after they met in 2002, he claimed that Jackson was bewildered by money affairs.
He said he once received an urgent call from Jackson saying he needed $1M immediately.
Quote:
"It was very, very important that he buy a piece of jewelry for Elizabeth Taylor and a substantial amount of it went for that.
The reason was that Elizabeth Taylor would not sign a release for her participation in the Fox special. He knew her well enough that he knew if he brought a piece of jewelry he could obtain the release and that's how it was done."
That's how it's done folks, money and gifts will get you what you want. That at least is how it has worked so far for Jackson, this approach may no longer work for him.
The calls became increasingly frantic as he demanded action from Marc Schaffel on a number of projects including, a collaboration with Marlon Brando on TV shows and videos and the release of a charity recording.
The tapes were of voice messages left on Schaffel's answering machine. Schaffel claims that Jackson owes him $3.8 million in royalties, expenses and other debts.
In one message dated 2001, Jackson said:
"Marc, it's Michael. ... Marc, please never let me down. I like you. I love you. ... I really want us to be friends and conquer the business world together. Please be my loyal, loyal friend. I love you."
How utterly nauseating!
Schaffel claims that he had been working on a number of projects for Jackson, and had arranged a $10M line of credit for him.
Schaffel went on to talk about the possible deal with Marlon Brando, quote:
"We had several meetings with Marlon. Michael wanted Marlon Brando to do several DVDs on acting lessons. Mr. Brando was getting up there in age and Michael considered him the greatest actor of all time."
Jackson left several messages about Brando. In one he said:
"Marlon Brando has been pushing. He's a wonderful man. He's a god. He wants a lot of money. He wants to get things done right now."
Another project that failed to materialise was Jackson's record, "What More Can I Give," which was a charity project for victims of 9/11. It was never released (much like the Katrina record), because of complications involving Jackson's relationship with the record label.
In 2003, plans changed, and Jackson called Schaffel with urgent messages saying he now had a plan for the recording to be a charity project tied to the Iraq war.
"It should be for America in Iraq... It's a perfect cause. It means more now than any other causes."
Where's that one then?
Schaffel also alleged that he made to Brazil in November 2003 to deliver $300K to someone in South America, to take care of a personal matter.
Schaffel acknowledged that he was paid $1.4M in royalties from two videos sold to Fox television and received other expense payments, but said he was still owed $664K in royalties.
Schaffel's attorney called Alvin Malnik, who said he advised Jackson on financial matters without charge after they met in 2002, he claimed that Jackson was bewildered by money affairs.
He said he once received an urgent call from Jackson saying he needed $1M immediately.
Quote:
"It was very, very important that he buy a piece of jewelry for Elizabeth Taylor and a substantial amount of it went for that.
The reason was that Elizabeth Taylor would not sign a release for her participation in the Fox special. He knew her well enough that he knew if he brought a piece of jewelry he could obtain the release and that's how it was done."
That's how it's done folks, money and gifts will get you what you want. That at least is how it has worked so far for Jackson, this approach may no longer work for him.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Janet Jackson Turns on Son
Janet Jackson, the mother of the boy who accused Michael Jackson of abusing him last year, blames her son for the failed court case.
It is reported that she has turned her back on him, and refuses to cook for him; treating him like dirt.
Allegedly she screams at him:
"You allowed him to touch you! You allowed him to do it!"
This was of course the same woman who managed to annoy the jury so much during the case, with her attitude and finger clicking.
Seemingly she also blames her son for her current court case for welfare fraud.
It is reported that she has turned her back on him, and refuses to cook for him; treating him like dirt.
Allegedly she screams at him:
"You allowed him to touch you! You allowed him to do it!"
This was of course the same woman who managed to annoy the jury so much during the case, with her attitude and finger clicking.
Seemingly she also blames her son for her current court case for welfare fraud.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Jackson Attends Court On Video
Michael Jackson gave his deposition yesterday, in the court case over the dispute with Marc Schaffel and $3.8M, via videotape.
In the video he said that he thought Marc Schaffel had been compensated, because he seemed happy.
Schaffels' attorney, Howard King, showed a portion of the tape (which was made in London) and noted:
"I've wanted Mr. Jackson to be here to tell his story.
He won't be here except by deposition. I had to go to London to take it. He will make a fine presentation. He's finely made up, costumed. You'd think he'd been in front of cameras his whole life."
In the tape, made in September 2005, Jackson was asked if he thought Schaffel wanted to be paid for his services.
Quote:
"I know he wanted something from me, of course... I do remember these long letters. He wanted me to pay him."
Jackson then continued:
"I'm sure he got money."
How could he be sure?
"Because he always seemed to be happy."
King noted "Money doesn't buy happiness."
King raised Schaffel's connection with the gay porn industry:
"Mr. Schaffel has a successful business background and one of these was in the legal adult entertainment business. In 2000 he was done with that and he began to work with Mr. Jackson."
Jackson's lawyer, Thomas C. Mundell, noted the Jackson is forgetful and accused Schaffel of fraudulently moving funds from Jackson's accounts to his own pocket and billing Jackson for expenses when he no longer worked for him.
He went on to contend that Schaffel in fact owes Jackson money.
Quote:
"The evidence will show Mr. Schaffel should have left well enough alone. He could have gotten away with a chunk of money from Michael Jackson ... but he sued for several million dollars."
King called Allan Whitman, a longtime Jackson business manager who was fired this week, as a witness.
Whitman detailed the advisers who came and went, as Jackson hired and fired them.
Some, according to Whitman, were paid $100K a month for services while others such as billionaire Ron Burkle and business magnate Alvin Malnik gave their services for free.
The trial continues.
In the video he said that he thought Marc Schaffel had been compensated, because he seemed happy.
Schaffels' attorney, Howard King, showed a portion of the tape (which was made in London) and noted:
"I've wanted Mr. Jackson to be here to tell his story.
He won't be here except by deposition. I had to go to London to take it. He will make a fine presentation. He's finely made up, costumed. You'd think he'd been in front of cameras his whole life."
In the tape, made in September 2005, Jackson was asked if he thought Schaffel wanted to be paid for his services.
Quote:
"I know he wanted something from me, of course... I do remember these long letters. He wanted me to pay him."
Jackson then continued:
"I'm sure he got money."
How could he be sure?
"Because he always seemed to be happy."
King noted "Money doesn't buy happiness."
King raised Schaffel's connection with the gay porn industry:
"Mr. Schaffel has a successful business background and one of these was in the legal adult entertainment business. In 2000 he was done with that and he began to work with Mr. Jackson."
Jackson's lawyer, Thomas C. Mundell, noted the Jackson is forgetful and accused Schaffel of fraudulently moving funds from Jackson's accounts to his own pocket and billing Jackson for expenses when he no longer worked for him.
He went on to contend that Schaffel in fact owes Jackson money.
Quote:
"The evidence will show Mr. Schaffel should have left well enough alone. He could have gotten away with a chunk of money from Michael Jackson ... but he sued for several million dollars."
King called Allan Whitman, a longtime Jackson business manager who was fired this week, as a witness.
Whitman detailed the advisers who came and went, as Jackson hired and fired them.
Some, according to Whitman, were paid $100K a month for services while others such as billionaire Ron Burkle and business magnate Alvin Malnik gave their services for free.
The trial continues.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Hey Hoh Back To Court We Go
As is the custom in the summer months, Michael Jackson makes sure that he has a court case to worry about.
This one involves a dispute between Jackson and Marc Schaffel, a former disgruntled business associate; it reached court yesterday.
Schaffel claims that Jackson owes him $3.8M for loans, unpaid wages and expenses.
The case is expected to last over a week, and is being held in Santa Monica.
Jackson has announced that he has split with his accountants, business managers and lawyers.
This one involves a dispute between Jackson and Marc Schaffel, a former disgruntled business associate; it reached court yesterday.
Schaffel claims that Jackson owes him $3.8M for loans, unpaid wages and expenses.
The case is expected to last over a week, and is being held in Santa Monica.
Jackson has announced that he has split with his accountants, business managers and lawyers.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Jackson To Move To Europe
Seemingly Michael Jackson has grown tired of Bahrain, and is planning to move the Europe. That at least is the theory according to his spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, who said Jackson has also severed ties with his longtime business managers as part of a "sweeping restructuring" of his affairs.
Quote:
"He's just decided that with all of the projects he's going to be involved with and all of the people he's beginning to work with in the music industry, it's easier (to live in Europe).
He'll be going back and forth to Bahrain but Europe will be his principal residence."
According to Bain, she has been promoted to general manager.
The smart money is on; Scotland, Ireland, France or Germany for Jackson's next home.
Quote:
"He's just decided that with all of the projects he's going to be involved with and all of the people he's beginning to work with in the music industry, it's easier (to live in Europe).
He'll be going back and forth to Bahrain but Europe will be his principal residence."
According to Bain, she has been promoted to general manager.
The smart money is on; Scotland, Ireland, France or Germany for Jackson's next home.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Janet Jackson On Trial
Janet Jackson, the woman who claimed Michael Jackson molested her son, was ordered on Wednesday to stand trial on a charge of welfare fraud.
Janet Jackson is accused of accepting $8,000 in fraudulently obtained assistance, and four charges of committing perjury on welfare applications.
Prosecutors allege that she hid the fact that she received a substantial settlement in a lawsuit against J.C. Penney before she filed for welfare.
Her lawyer, Patricia Hattersley, said that she hopes that the case can be resolved without a trial.
The prosecutor's office said the case will go to trial unless she makes restitution.
The trial is scheduled for August 7th.
Janet Jackson is accused of accepting $8,000 in fraudulently obtained assistance, and four charges of committing perjury on welfare applications.
Prosecutors allege that she hid the fact that she received a substantial settlement in a lawsuit against J.C. Penney before she filed for welfare.
Her lawyer, Patricia Hattersley, said that she hopes that the case can be resolved without a trial.
The prosecutor's office said the case will go to trial unless she makes restitution.
The trial is scheduled for August 7th.
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