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.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
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!
Friday, February 03, 2006
Duet
It is rumoured that Michael Jackson may perfomr a duet with the Irish band, Westlife.
Westlife are planning on recording a number of duets with big stars throughout 2006 including; Lionel Richie and Julio Iglesias, they are hoping that Jackson will feature on their new album.
They gave a press conference at Ireland's Meteor Awards, where won the award for Best Irish Pop Act for the sixth time, where they said:
"The idea to do a single with Michael Jackson came from Louis Walsh who met up with an agent about three months ago in Germany.
It would be this cool thing to do; we are all big fans of Michael Jackson."
Westlife have previously duetted with Diana Ross and Mariah Carey.
Westlife are planning on recording a number of duets with big stars throughout 2006 including; Lionel Richie and Julio Iglesias, they are hoping that Jackson will feature on their new album.
They gave a press conference at Ireland's Meteor Awards, where won the award for Best Irish Pop Act for the sixth time, where they said:
"The idea to do a single with Michael Jackson came from Louis Walsh who met up with an agent about three months ago in Germany.
It would be this cool thing to do; we are all big fans of Michael Jackson."
Westlife have previously duetted with Diana Ross and Mariah Carey.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Banquo's Ghost
Much like Banquo's ghost haunted Macbeth, Michael Jackson's alleged anti-Semitic remarks from the past may be coming back to haunt him in his present day child custody battle.
That at any rate is the fear of his lawyer, Michael Abrams, who is handling Jackson's battle with ex wife Debbie Rowe over the rights to custody of Paris, Michael and Prince (allegedly their genetic children).
It is reported that Abrams, wrote in secret court papers that Jackson's past alleged anti-Semitic comments may work against him in his fight.
Abrams, in previous court documents said:
"Judge Lachs is Jewish, as am I. He has made me aware of this in the past and I understand Judge Lachs' concern about anti-Semitism."
Debbie Rowe is also Jewish.
Jackson may have some difficulty denying anti-Semitism, as in his song "They Don't Care About Us" he says:
"Jew me, sue me, everybody do me, kick me, kike me."
Not too bright!
That at any rate is the fear of his lawyer, Michael Abrams, who is handling Jackson's battle with ex wife Debbie Rowe over the rights to custody of Paris, Michael and Prince (allegedly their genetic children).
It is reported that Abrams, wrote in secret court papers that Jackson's past alleged anti-Semitic comments may work against him in his fight.
Abrams, in previous court documents said:
"Judge Lachs is Jewish, as am I. He has made me aware of this in the past and I understand Judge Lachs' concern about anti-Semitism."
Debbie Rowe is also Jewish.
Jackson may have some difficulty denying anti-Semitism, as in his song "They Don't Care About Us" he says:
"Jew me, sue me, everybody do me, kick me, kike me."
Not too bright!
Monday, January 30, 2006
Jackson in Hamburg
Michael Jackson made a weekend visit to the German port of Hamburg, reportedly staying with a friend.
He made bold effort to go out on Saturday night, but this was thwarted by the large numbers of fans and others hanging around the outside of the house.
Jackson was staying at the home of a 23 year old man and his sister and parents. Jackson first met the man in 1995, on a German TV show, when the man was twelve.
Jackson was photographed placing a piece of paper up to window of the house, which read:
"I'm proud to be back in Hamburg. You make me so happy. I love you. Michael."
Prince and Paris accompanied Jackson on the trip.
He made bold effort to go out on Saturday night, but this was thwarted by the large numbers of fans and others hanging around the outside of the house.
Jackson was staying at the home of a 23 year old man and his sister and parents. Jackson first met the man in 1995, on a German TV show, when the man was twelve.
Jackson was photographed placing a piece of paper up to window of the house, which read:
"I'm proud to be back in Hamburg. You make me so happy. I love you. Michael."
Prince and Paris accompanied Jackson on the trip.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Jackson Revival
Michael Jackson's back catalogue is to be re-released by Sony over the next 5 months.
The releases will be on a new new dual format of CD/DVD, one side music the other video.
The first single to be re-released is Thriller, with another 19 singles to released over the subsequent 5 months.
Some music experts have expressed doubts over the dual format, noting that this may in fact confuse people; seemingly it is not clear as to which side is the video, and which the music.
The last album reissue of Jackson's back catalogue, The Essential Michael Jackson, was a damp squib in the US. It sold only 8,000 copies, in its first week, and only reaching number 128 in the chart.
However, it is expected that die hard fans of Jackson may just soak up enough of these re-releases to make it worthwhile.
The real issue that Jackson needs to face is that he has to start producing more new music, that appeals to the public as whole, if he is to relaunch himself. There is still no sign of his charity single, meant to help the victims of hurricane Katrina.
The releases will be on a new new dual format of CD/DVD, one side music the other video.
The first single to be re-released is Thriller, with another 19 singles to released over the subsequent 5 months.
Some music experts have expressed doubts over the dual format, noting that this may in fact confuse people; seemingly it is not clear as to which side is the video, and which the music.
The last album reissue of Jackson's back catalogue, The Essential Michael Jackson, was a damp squib in the US. It sold only 8,000 copies, in its first week, and only reaching number 128 in the chart.
However, it is expected that die hard fans of Jackson may just soak up enough of these re-releases to make it worthwhile.
The real issue that Jackson needs to face is that he has to start producing more new music, that appeals to the public as whole, if he is to relaunch himself. There is still no sign of his charity single, meant to help the victims of hurricane Katrina.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Jackson Experiments With Crossdressing
It seems that Michael Jackson cannot now even go shopping, without causing some form of media stir.
This time he was seen taking a shopping trip to a Bahrain mall, wearing a black abaya robe and veil hiding his face; these are clothes traditionally worn by women.
He was with three children, whose faces were covered by dark scarves.
Jackson was at the Marina Mall in Manama, the Bahraini capital, holding a child by the hand. On the way out via a back door, he shook hands with security guards.
He was wearing an abaya, a robe with long sleeves, under which his trousers, white shirt and shoes could be seen. His head and face were wrapped in a black veil, and he had black gloves on his hands.
Jackson was accompanied by a woman, also in an abaya and with a scarf partially covering her face, who had the two other children.
The woman's identity was not known.
The woman asked photographers to respect their privacy, needless to say that call went unheeded!
This time he was seen taking a shopping trip to a Bahrain mall, wearing a black abaya robe and veil hiding his face; these are clothes traditionally worn by women.
He was with three children, whose faces were covered by dark scarves.
Jackson was at the Marina Mall in Manama, the Bahraini capital, holding a child by the hand. On the way out via a back door, he shook hands with security guards.
He was wearing an abaya, a robe with long sleeves, under which his trousers, white shirt and shoes could be seen. His head and face were wrapped in a black veil, and he had black gloves on his hands.
Jackson was accompanied by a woman, also in an abaya and with a scarf partially covering her face, who had the two other children.
The woman's identity was not known.
The woman asked photographers to respect their privacy, needless to say that call went unheeded!
Monday, January 23, 2006
Repressed Memories
U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon is seeking more information about repressed memories, before deciding whether to dismiss a lawsuit by Joseph Bartucci Jr. who claims that he was molested by Michael Jackson over than 20 years ago.
Jackson's lawyer, Charles F. Gay Jr., has asked Judge Fallon to throw out the suit by Bartucci, because the alleged incident happened more than 20 years ago.
Bartucci claims that he was lured into Jackson's limousine in 1984, and held for nine days during which he was sexually assaulted.
Jackson's attorneys are quoted as saying:
"They have no facts or evidence to support the claim of repressed memory."
Judge Fallon has asked Attorney Louis Koerner, who represents Bartucci, to depose Dr. L. Mulry Tetlow, a psychologist who agreed that Bartucci had repressed the memory.
Lawyers for Jackson claim that Bartucci was a party to 18 civil suits and criminal complaints over the past 17 years.
That being said, Jackson is no stranger to taking legal action either.
Jackson's lawyer, Charles F. Gay Jr., has asked Judge Fallon to throw out the suit by Bartucci, because the alleged incident happened more than 20 years ago.
Bartucci claims that he was lured into Jackson's limousine in 1984, and held for nine days during which he was sexually assaulted.
Jackson's attorneys are quoted as saying:
"They have no facts or evidence to support the claim of repressed memory."
Judge Fallon has asked Attorney Louis Koerner, who represents Bartucci, to depose Dr. L. Mulry Tetlow, a psychologist who agreed that Bartucci had repressed the memory.
Lawyers for Jackson claim that Bartucci was a party to 18 civil suits and criminal complaints over the past 17 years.
That being said, Jackson is no stranger to taking legal action either.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Geller Falls Out With Jackson
Michael Jackson's alleged anti-Semitic comments have lost him a friend.
His friendship with mystic spoon-bender showman Uri Geller is now on the rocks.
Geller, who is of Jewish descent, is reportedly disgusted by reports that Jackson made anti Semitic comments.
Jackson allegedly called Jewish people "leeches" on a voicemail message.
Geller, who was best man for Jackson in 2001, claims that their friendship is at an end.
Quote:
"I don't want to hear from Michael Jackson ever again.
I'm Jewish, I was born in Israel, and I will never forgive him."
It should be remembered that Geller persuaded Jackson to do the now infamous Martin Bashir documentary, which was the catalyst for the child molestation trial.
His friendship with mystic spoon-bender showman Uri Geller is now on the rocks.
Geller, who is of Jewish descent, is reportedly disgusted by reports that Jackson made anti Semitic comments.
Jackson allegedly called Jewish people "leeches" on a voicemail message.
Geller, who was best man for Jackson in 2001, claims that their friendship is at an end.
Quote:
"I don't want to hear from Michael Jackson ever again.
I'm Jewish, I was born in Israel, and I will never forgive him."
It should be remembered that Geller persuaded Jackson to do the now infamous Martin Bashir documentary, which was the catalyst for the child molestation trial.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Animals Not Mistreated
Further to the earlier stories about PETA accusing Michael Jackson of mistreating and neglecting his animals at Neverland.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent an inspector to Neverland, in response to the PETA complaint.
Darby Holladay, a spokesman with the USDA in Washington D.C., is quoted as saying:
"I'm unaware of any violations of the Animal Welfare Act at Neverland."
Lisa Wathne, PETA's captive exotic animals specialist, said that they did not try to confirm the tabloid reports before making its complaint.
"Because Neverland is not open to the public, it's very difficult to get information about the place. But when we hear accusations like that - and many accusations - we have to take note.".
The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent an inspector to Neverland, in response to the PETA complaint.
Darby Holladay, a spokesman with the USDA in Washington D.C., is quoted as saying:
"I'm unaware of any violations of the Animal Welfare Act at Neverland."
Lisa Wathne, PETA's captive exotic animals specialist, said that they did not try to confirm the tabloid reports before making its complaint.
"Because Neverland is not open to the public, it's very difficult to get information about the place. But when we hear accusations like that - and many accusations - we have to take note.".
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Jackson Looking For Work
In what seems to be a creditable display of finally grasping reality, with respect to his financial situation, Michael Jackson is reportedly looking for work in Bahrain.
It seems that he is negotiating a position as a consultant with a Bahrain company, AAJ Holdings Ltd, that plans to set up theme parks and music academies in the Middle East.
AAJ Holdings Ltd is owned by Bahraini businessman Ahmed Abu Bakr Janahi, and has told the press that it wants to hire Jackson to give advice on setting up entertainment businesses.
AAJ, which focuses mainly on urban development projects, played a major role in designing Bahrain's ongoing Financial Harbour development and Oman's Blue City, a multibillion-dollar tourist resort with golf courses, hotels and beaches.
AAJ have stated:
"Stagnant architectural structures need content in the form of entertainment to revive them and that's where Michael Jackson will play an integral role."
Jackson is reportedly building a home in Bahrain.
It seems that he is negotiating a position as a consultant with a Bahrain company, AAJ Holdings Ltd, that plans to set up theme parks and music academies in the Middle East.
AAJ Holdings Ltd is owned by Bahraini businessman Ahmed Abu Bakr Janahi, and has told the press that it wants to hire Jackson to give advice on setting up entertainment businesses.
AAJ, which focuses mainly on urban development projects, played a major role in designing Bahrain's ongoing Financial Harbour development and Oman's Blue City, a multibillion-dollar tourist resort with golf courses, hotels and beaches.
AAJ have stated:
"Stagnant architectural structures need content in the form of entertainment to revive them and that's where Michael Jackson will play an integral role."
Jackson is reportedly building a home in Bahrain.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Animal Cruelty Allegations
Michael Jackson has been accused of animal cruelty at Neverland.
PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals the animal rights activists, have demanded a probe into the conditions at Neverland.
PETA claim that giraffes, elephants and other creatures are imprisoned in squalid and cramped surroundings. They also make claims, allegedly backed by photos, that the poor animals have to live in their own faeces.
Lisa Wathne, of PETA, said:
"These photos make it clear that the animals are being held in what can only be described as cruel conditions.
They are abysmal and little more than holding cells. My message to Michael Jackson would be to close this place down and relocate the animals to an accredited zoo or sanctuary."
PETA has written to the U.S. Department of Agriculture asking it to launch an investigation into conditions.
As if to add to the animals' alleged woes, employees at Neverland claim that the feed supply is fast running out.
One of the remaining Neverland staff is quoted as saying:
"Most of the staff have gone. Hundreds of people used to work here - now there are only ten or so.
The electricity is only on in some parts of the house. Some rooms have been stripped of everything. Neverland is falling apart."
Jackson is also being sued by Martin Dinnes, owner of Dinnes Memorial Veterinary Hospital, for £51K in unpaid bills.
Brian Oxman, Jackson's lawyer, stated:
"Michael Jackson does not wish to comment on this story."
PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals the animal rights activists, have demanded a probe into the conditions at Neverland.
PETA claim that giraffes, elephants and other creatures are imprisoned in squalid and cramped surroundings. They also make claims, allegedly backed by photos, that the poor animals have to live in their own faeces.
Lisa Wathne, of PETA, said:
"These photos make it clear that the animals are being held in what can only be described as cruel conditions.
They are abysmal and little more than holding cells. My message to Michael Jackson would be to close this place down and relocate the animals to an accredited zoo or sanctuary."
PETA has written to the U.S. Department of Agriculture asking it to launch an investigation into conditions.
As if to add to the animals' alleged woes, employees at Neverland claim that the feed supply is fast running out.
One of the remaining Neverland staff is quoted as saying:
"Most of the staff have gone. Hundreds of people used to work here - now there are only ten or so.
The electricity is only on in some parts of the house. Some rooms have been stripped of everything. Neverland is falling apart."
Jackson is also being sued by Martin Dinnes, owner of Dinnes Memorial Veterinary Hospital, for £51K in unpaid bills.
Brian Oxman, Jackson's lawyer, stated:
"Michael Jackson does not wish to comment on this story."
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