As predicted yesterday on this site, the prospect of Michael Jackson actually earning some money has brought people out of the woodwork sniffing for a way to make money out of him.
Jackson now faces his third lawsuit this month. AllGood Entertainment Inc, an American promoter, has challenged the legality of Jackson's London O2 dates and is threatening to sue him for breach of contract.
AllGood allege that Jackson is barred from performing concerts before a Jackson family reunion performance in July 2010.
The alleged contract claims that Jackson will appear alongside Janet Jackson and the Jackson Five, at a concert in Texas on 3 July 2010. AllGood claim that Jackson agreed not to play any other concerts before the Jackson Five comeback.
Doubtless this all grist to the mill of Jackson's lawyers. However, it can hardly be helpful to his pre stage nerves.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Auction Cancelled
In a remarkable volte face, Julien's Auctions have cancelled the auction (scheduled for 22-25 April) of Michael Jackson memorabilia from his Neverland and agreed to return all the items to Jackson.
A joint statement from Jackson spokesman Tohme R Tohme and auction organiser Darren Julien notes that the exhibition of the items will continue until April 25.
Adding:
"there was so much interest from so many of Jackson's fans that instead of putting the items in the hands of private collectors, Tohme and Julien's Auctions have made arrangements that will allow the collection to be shared with and enjoyed by Jackson's fans for many years to come."
Seemingly an amicable solution has been found. Julien, president and chief executive of Julien's Auctions, said:
"We reached a resolution and we're very happy about it. It allows Michael to retain ownership of his possessions. He contracted us to conduct the auction and had a change of mind for whatever reason. And we honour and respect that. We're very happy with the outcome."
It is estimated that Julien's spent $2M on organising/cancelling the sale.
A joint statement from Jackson spokesman Tohme R Tohme and auction organiser Darren Julien notes that the exhibition of the items will continue until April 25.
Adding:
"there was so much interest from so many of Jackson's fans that instead of putting the items in the hands of private collectors, Tohme and Julien's Auctions have made arrangements that will allow the collection to be shared with and enjoyed by Jackson's fans for many years to come."
Seemingly an amicable solution has been found. Julien, president and chief executive of Julien's Auctions, said:
"We reached a resolution and we're very happy about it. It allows Michael to retain ownership of his possessions. He contracted us to conduct the auction and had a change of mind for whatever reason. And we honour and respect that. We're very happy with the outcome."
It is estimated that Julien's spent $2M on organising/cancelling the sale.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Echoes of Xanadu - Citizen Jackson's Memorabilia
Julien's Auctions, the organisers of the forthcoming auction of Michael Jackson memorabilia from Neverland (scheduled for 22-25 April), have held a press preview.
Martin Nolan, speaking of the ongoing legal action by Jackson, said that the auction would proceed.
Amongst the "bric a brac" are costumes, antique furniture, lifesize statues of superheroes and Star Wars villains, from Batman to Darth Vader, and a fully equipped computer game arcade.
Martin Nolan, speaking of the ongoing legal action by Jackson, said that the auction would proceed.
Amongst the "bric a brac" are costumes, antique furniture, lifesize statues of superheroes and Star Wars villains, from Batman to Darth Vader, and a fully equipped computer game arcade.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Auction Goes Ahead
Michael Jackson has failed in his bid to block an auction of his possessions from Neverland from taking place later this month.
Jackson filed a legal challenge in March in Los Angeles, that claimed that Julien's Auction House had "effectively stolen" his property.
Jackson wants the return of hundreds of items, including the wrought iron gates from Neverland and a white glove he wore in his 1983 Billie Jean video.
The auction is scheduled to take place from 22 April in Beverly Hills, and is expected to last 5 days.
However, a further court motion to stop the sale will be heard on 15 April.
Jackson filed a legal challenge in March in Los Angeles, that claimed that Julien's Auction House had "effectively stolen" his property.
Jackson wants the return of hundreds of items, including the wrought iron gates from Neverland and a white glove he wore in his 1983 Billie Jean video.
The auction is scheduled to take place from 22 April in Beverly Hills, and is expected to last 5 days.
However, a further court motion to stop the sale will be heard on 15 April.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Deja Vu?
It seems that history is about to repeat itself, if reports are to be believed that Michael Jackson is to invite his son, Prince Michael I, to share the stage for his London O2 Arena performances.
Given the emotional and psychological damage that being in the spotlight has done to Jackson (he was put on stage by his father), is it wise that he subjects his son to the same?
Given the emotional and psychological damage that being in the spotlight has done to Jackson (he was put on stage by his father), is it wise that he subjects his son to the same?
Friday, March 27, 2009
Animal Rights Protest
Animal rights campaigners have called on Michael Jackson not to use live elephants and tigers during his comeback performances at the O2 Arena in London this summer.
Craig Redmond, director of the Captive Animals Protection Society, is quoted in the Telegraph:
"Exploiting animals in this way really is a thing of the past and not something that someone like Michael Jackson should be doing.
It would be like a circus act – a practice opposed by most people in the UK – and we are appealing to him and his management not to spoil the show by using animals."
I don't think the animal rights lobby should worry too much, I suspect that the cost of obtaining and insuring the animals far outweighs the additional revenue streams that they will generate (given that the tickets are now all sold anyway).
A cynic might argue that the complaints raised by the campaigners are in fact adding to the hype of the tour.
As I have already noted, Jackson's PR people are very professional and know what they are doing.
Craig Redmond, director of the Captive Animals Protection Society, is quoted in the Telegraph:
"Exploiting animals in this way really is a thing of the past and not something that someone like Michael Jackson should be doing.
It would be like a circus act – a practice opposed by most people in the UK – and we are appealing to him and his management not to spoil the show by using animals."
I don't think the animal rights lobby should worry too much, I suspect that the cost of obtaining and insuring the animals far outweighs the additional revenue streams that they will generate (given that the tickets are now all sold anyway).
A cynic might argue that the complaints raised by the campaigners are in fact adding to the hype of the tour.
As I have already noted, Jackson's PR people are very professional and know what they are doing.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Hype Continues
The tabloids report that Michael Jackson wants to ride an elephant onto the stage at each of his 50 concerts at the O2 Arena. He also wants a panther, snakes, tropical birds and three monkeys for the set that will have a jungle, circus and weather theme.
For good measure he wants to employ 100 Masai warriors as well.
Why not?
Given Britain's animal welfare laws, and the cost of obtaining/looking after the animals, I cannot quite see this plan coming to fruition.
For good measure he wants to employ 100 Masai warriors as well.
Why not?
Given Britain's animal welfare laws, and the cost of obtaining/looking after the animals, I cannot quite see this plan coming to fruition.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Emulating George I
Emulating George I's progress by barge along the Thames, Michael Jackson will be taken to his 50 shows at the O2 Arena by boat; having told organisers that he is scared of helicopters and of being stuck in traffic.
Monday, March 16, 2009
O2 Farewell
Unsurprisingly the 10 nights for Michael Jackson's farewell appearance at the O2 Arena have been increased to 50.
My compliments to his PR people, a very professional job so far.
My compliments to his PR people, a very professional job so far.
Monday, March 09, 2009
The Hype Worked
Despite only appearing onstage late, for but a few minutes to announce his 10 concerts in July at the O2 Arena, Michael Jackson has ensured that the events (if they go ahead) will be sold out.
It is reported that over 1 million people have applied for tickets, which go on sale Friday 13th at between £50-£75.
Doubtless his PR people will be telling him to do more than 10 shows, to maximise his revenue stream.
It is reported that over 1 million people have applied for tickets, which go on sale Friday 13th at between £50-£75.
Doubtless his PR people will be telling him to do more than 10 shows, to maximise his revenue stream.
Friday, March 06, 2009
The Final Curtain
Michael Jackson took to the stage yesterday, at London's 02 Arena, to tell the audience that he will perform 10 shows in July at the Arena. The shows will be "the final curtain call".
The 02 Arena performances will begin on July 8 2009, and will run for 10 nights.
Tickets for the performances will go on sale at 7am on Friday 13 March 2009. Presale information is available from michaeljacksonlive.com, or by texting MJ to 81707. Prices start at £50, £60 and £75.
The 02 Arena performances will begin on July 8 2009, and will run for 10 nights.
Tickets for the performances will go on sale at 7am on Friday 13 March 2009. Presale information is available from michaeljacksonlive.com, or by texting MJ to 81707. Prices start at £50, £60 and £75.
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