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!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Neverland Up For Sale
It is reported that Michael Jackson is considering selling Neverland to the Scientology "church".
It is speculated Scientology members were eyeing the property, with plans to turn it into a celebrity retreat compound.
However, there is always fly in Jackson's financial plans, it seems that members of Michael Jackson's family, many of whom are Jehovah's Witnesses, are unhappy with the thought of the Scientologists buying the property.
Notwithstanding the religious objections, Jackson will have to find some money from somewhere.
It is speculated Scientology members were eyeing the property, with plans to turn it into a celebrity retreat compound.
However, there is always fly in Jackson's financial plans, it seems that members of Michael Jackson's family, many of whom are Jehovah's Witnesses, are unhappy with the thought of the Scientologists buying the property.
Notwithstanding the religious objections, Jackson will have to find some money from somewhere.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Jackson's Legal Woes Mount
It seems that Michael Jackson has yet to learn one of life's harsh realities, if you make use of lawyers for heaven's sake make sure that you pay them.
Unfortunately, Jackson seems to be oblivious to life and its realities.
Wachtel & Masyr a law firm representing Jackson has parted company with him. They claim that he hasn't paid them.
The parting of the ways has come at rather an awkward moment as they were representing him in a claim for $48M made against Jackson by a financial company, which also claims that it hasn't been paid.
The astute amongst you may notice a pattern here.
Jackson is claiming that he fired the firm.
Attorney William Wachtel has described his trouble communicating with Jackson through a series of representatives. Seemingly Jackson relies on a series of intermediaries, who come and go as rapidly as politicians' promises.
Jackson dropped out of contact with the firm entirely after his only face-to-face meeting with his lawyers in June, at the Hotel de Crillon in Paris.
Wachtel said:
"Unfortunately, Mr. Jackson has failed to respond to every e-mail and telephone message left for him over the past four weeks."
In a letter from Jackson to the firm, dated July 17, Jackson said that he had fired Wachtel.
Quote:
"It is with deep regret that I must terminate the services of Wachtel & Masyr, LLP, effective immediately."
Attorneys from the firm of Latham & Watkins quit in November, they were also handling the case, after reporting that their bills weren't being paid and that it was impossible to communicate with Jackson.
U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel has said that he would allow Jackson to reorganise his legal team, the deadline being 5th September. No legal team, then Jackson would have to appear in person.
As already noted, if these allegations are true, seemingly when dealing with Jackson make sure you get the money up front.
Unfortunately, Jackson seems to be oblivious to life and its realities.
Wachtel & Masyr a law firm representing Jackson has parted company with him. They claim that he hasn't paid them.
The parting of the ways has come at rather an awkward moment as they were representing him in a claim for $48M made against Jackson by a financial company, which also claims that it hasn't been paid.
The astute amongst you may notice a pattern here.
Jackson is claiming that he fired the firm.
Attorney William Wachtel has described his trouble communicating with Jackson through a series of representatives. Seemingly Jackson relies on a series of intermediaries, who come and go as rapidly as politicians' promises.
Jackson dropped out of contact with the firm entirely after his only face-to-face meeting with his lawyers in June, at the Hotel de Crillon in Paris.
Wachtel said:
"Unfortunately, Mr. Jackson has failed to respond to every e-mail and telephone message left for him over the past four weeks."
In a letter from Jackson to the firm, dated July 17, Jackson said that he had fired Wachtel.
Quote:
"It is with deep regret that I must terminate the services of Wachtel & Masyr, LLP, effective immediately."
Attorneys from the firm of Latham & Watkins quit in November, they were also handling the case, after reporting that their bills weren't being paid and that it was impossible to communicate with Jackson.
U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel has said that he would allow Jackson to reorganise his legal team, the deadline being 5th September. No legal team, then Jackson would have to appear in person.
As already noted, if these allegations are true, seemingly when dealing with Jackson make sure you get the money up front.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Another Day Another Trial
It seems that Michael Jackson has some form of addiction to court cases, as yet another one is appearing in his already busy court schedule.
Jackson is now being sued for legal fees he allegedly owes Ayscough & Marar, an LA law firm, who claim that Jackson owes them $200K for their services in 2005.
Attorney Brent Ayscough claims that his firm was hired by Jackson, to provide legal services during his child molestation trial. One of the cases that the firm were allegedly asked to oversee was the suit brought against Jackson by former business associate Marc Schaffel.
Ayscough and Marar's lawyers claim that they were paid on time until mid 2005, when Jackson's legal fees were paid out by his trial lawyer Thomas Mesereau's company.
They claim that the money paid to Mesereau was to be spread around several law firms, who were all working for Jackson. However, Ayscough & Marar claim that they haven't received that money. Mesereau & Yu are not named as defendants in the case.
The lawsuit filed by Ayscough & Marar also details some of Jackson's debts; including $300M to Fortress Investment Group and $1.6M to his brother Randy.
If the allegations are true, it seems that the lesson to be learnt here is that when working for Jackson demand payment in advance.
Jackson is now being sued for legal fees he allegedly owes Ayscough & Marar, an LA law firm, who claim that Jackson owes them $200K for their services in 2005.
Attorney Brent Ayscough claims that his firm was hired by Jackson, to provide legal services during his child molestation trial. One of the cases that the firm were allegedly asked to oversee was the suit brought against Jackson by former business associate Marc Schaffel.
Ayscough and Marar's lawyers claim that they were paid on time until mid 2005, when Jackson's legal fees were paid out by his trial lawyer Thomas Mesereau's company.
They claim that the money paid to Mesereau was to be spread around several law firms, who were all working for Jackson. However, Ayscough & Marar claim that they haven't received that money. Mesereau & Yu are not named as defendants in the case.
The lawsuit filed by Ayscough & Marar also details some of Jackson's debts; including $300M to Fortress Investment Group and $1.6M to his brother Randy.
If the allegations are true, it seems that the lesson to be learnt here is that when working for Jackson demand payment in advance.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Secret Cameras
Arvel Jett Reeves, owner of an airplane maintenance service Executive Aviation, was sentenced yesterday to eight months in jail for hiding cameras in a jet used by Michael Jackson in 2003.
It was his intention to sell the tapes.
Reeves pleaded guilty in March to bugging Jackson's jet, as he flew toward his arrest on child molestation charges.
Jeffrey Borer, who owns the XtraJet charter company and who was also indicted, will be sentenced on October 4th.
Borer's role was to charter the aircraft for Jackson, and to contact various media companies to try to sell the recordings.
There are some really shitty people in this world.
It was his intention to sell the tapes.
Reeves pleaded guilty in March to bugging Jackson's jet, as he flew toward his arrest on child molestation charges.
Jeffrey Borer, who owns the XtraJet charter company and who was also indicted, will be sentenced on October 4th.
Borer's role was to charter the aircraft for Jackson, and to contact various media companies to try to sell the recordings.
There are some really shitty people in this world.
Friday, July 21, 2006
The Trial Continues
Although there has been a judgement issued by the jury in the Schaffel/Jackson case, the amounts awarded to the two parties ($200K for Jackson and $900K for Schaffel) may be adjusted.
Santa Monica County Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Connor, who oversaw the case, plans to hold a separate accounting phase of the trial to look further at Jackson's claims that Schaffel owes him money.
Santa Monica County Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Connor, who oversaw the case, plans to hold a separate accounting phase of the trial to look further at Jackson's claims that Schaffel owes him money.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Doo Doo Head
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?
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?
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.
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