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February 13th: Happy Birthday Prince!
April 3rd: Happy Birthday Paris!
Blanket's Birthday (don't know the date): Happy Birthday Prince II/Blanket!
August 29th: Happy Birthday Michael Jackson!!
May all your birthdays be as special as you are! *Hugs*
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Raymone Bain Responds To Rumors Of Michael Being Married
There have been several tabloids and news agencies reporting that Michael has married Grace Rwaramba. Michael's manager/spokeswoman issued the following statement today...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Raymone K. Bain
September 27, 2007
MICHAEL JACKSON NOT MARRIED
Wide spreading reports regarding Michael Jackson being married are not true.
Documents stating otherwise are a hoax.
Thank you.
Raymone K Bain
--> --> --> -->
Fri, 28 Sep 2007 09:20:23 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [michael_jacksoncase2] JACKSON NOT MARRIED
LATEST: New real estate documents suggesting MICHAEL JACKSON has wed his children's nanny are fake, according to the pop star's publicist. Editors at U.S. tabloid the National Enquirer have printed the legal papers in their current issue, alongside an article in which they claim Jackson wed Grace Rwaramba in Las Vegas earlier this year (07). But now Jackson's long-serving aide Raymone Bain insists the documents are part of a hoax to further discredit the King Of Pop. She says, "Wide spreading reports regarding Michael Jackson being married are not true. Documents stating otherwise are a hoax."
For Immediate Release From the Jackson Family (Re: People Magazine)
Sept 7 2007
The Jackson's
People Magazine has followed other publications in reporting untrue and inaccurate information about Michael Jackson and the Jackson Family. Of these widely reported rumors, what has become the most troubling and heronious, is that my son, and our brother Michael Jackson is dependent on painkillers and alcohol.
People, and other news organizations, have quoted "sources" indicating that our family has attempted a drug intervention, and engaged in an effort to take over his business affairs, because of this alleged drug and alcohol usage.
We categorically deny ever planning, participating in, of having knowledge of any kind of intervention whatsoever. We strongly believe that these "sources" and others, no matter who they are, are making these defamatory, inaccurate, and untrue claims for monetary reasons.
Michael Jackson and the Jackson family have endured years of false accusations and misrepresentations.
It is time for these unfair and hurtful rumors for profit to end.
Thank you
Signed by
Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson and Katherine Jackson
MJJF eNews #912 - Tuesday Jul 17, 2007
Las Vegas Judge Rules Michael Jackson May Get Belongings Back
Michael Jackson may get his belongings back after a decision was made in court Monday. A judge ruled that the business, Universal Express, was in contempt of court and must return the items.
Universal Express held an auction in May for a collection of Jackson family materials it had previously purchased, but the company held some items back.
Jackson now faces another court date with Universal Express Friday in New Jersey. If the judge rules in favor of Jackson, he will get his belongings back next week.
Source: klas-tv / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews # 911 - Tuesday Jul 3, 2007
Michael Searches For Vacation Home In Maryland
Raymone Bain has confirmed that Michael is indeed scouting out some summer- house properties. Michael was in the Eastern Shore of Maryland last week for about 24 hours. Michael hasn't purchased any property as of yet as some reports are circulating the internet.
Michael has not limited his search to the Chesapeake region. He has reportly gone up the coast still searching for a vacation home.
Jackson came east with his children about 10 days ago to attend some meetings with his advisers and attorneys who live in the East coast. Michael has always enjoyed the East Coast because there is lots of land.
The Easton Star Democrat, citing "inside sources" said that Jackson spent the previous night at the historic Inn at Perry Cabin. The inn's managers declined to comment on wether Michael was staying at the inn. A wave of news reports followed, but no actual sightings. WBAL-TV captured video of sheets shrouding the path from the inn's exit to a waiting limousine . . . which certainly seemed like vintage MJ.
Ms. Bain was asked what Michael's meetings were about and she answered: "A laundry list" of issues, Bain said. "He's head of a vast corporation."
Source: Washington Post/MJJForum
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STORIES DISSEMINATED IN THE MEDIA REGARDING MICHAEL JACKSON NOT TRUE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Raymone K. Bain
June 27, 2007
Washington, D.C. �. There have been several news reports regarding Mr. Michael Jackson that are untrue, defamatory and malicious in nature.
Mr. Jackson is not bedridden nor on any type of medication�including painkillers. In fact, Mr. Jackson is doing very well, and conducted a meeting with his advisors yesterday, which included Former Attorney General Benjamin R. Civiletti, and Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., among others.
There was no press release issued from Mr. Jackson�s organization regarding any European tour plans. Despite reports to the contrary, Mr. Jackson is currently in the studio putting finishing touches on his music.
Mr. Jackson has not �left� Las Vegas nor is he being �evicted� from his residence in Las Vegas. He decided not to exercise the option to purchase the house. Period.
Mr. Jackson does not believe that his brother, Randy Jackson, has stolen monies from him, nor does he believe that Randy, or any of his family members, would ever steal from him. Reports regarding the same were untrue and malicious.
Contrary to published reports, Mr. Jackson is neither losing, nor is he selling his share of the ATV/Sony partnership. Reports regarding the same are ludicrous, without merit, and are being written without sufficient personal financial information to make such an unwarranted pronouncement.
-2-
Mr. Jackson is concerned that his assistant, Grace Rwaramba, is constantly being attacked by Fox News� Roger Friedman. There have been vicious and untrue reports concerning Ms. Rwaramba, who lives a very private life and has done nothing wrong, but is being attacked for her professional relationship and proximity to Mr. Jackson.
While in his entire career, Mr. Jackson has never uttered a disparaging word to any reporter, nor has he ever used or instructed his security to use any force toward any reporter, there are those whose vehement hatred for Mr. Jackson has reached a level where all journalistic integrity has been lost, in order to write reports for which there is no substantiation, are untrue, written to create a frenzy, or used to try and destroy Mr. Jackson�s image. They know who they are; and, this is a sad commentary�a commentary which Mr. Jackson�s attorneys will address.
MJJF eNews # 910 - Wednesday Jun 27, 2007
MJJF eNews Roundup
Jackson Versus Jay-Z Club Royalties Suit
Michael Jackson, R. Kelly are among a dozen music publishers who have banded together against Jay-Z's 40/40 Club with a federal lawsuit for allegedly skimping on royalties. The popular 40/40 Club, which is co-owned by Jay-Z and tow business partners, has danced around licensing rules to entertain clubgoers with "unauthorized public performance of musical compositions," according to the lawsuit filed yesterday in a Manhattan federal court.
Broadcast Music Inc. led the charge on behalf of Jackson and more than a dozen artists and music publishing companies, seeking unspecified damages for copyright infringement from the club co-owners, Desiree Gonzalez, who has the primary responsibility for operations and management, and Juan Perez.
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, is not named.
Jackson's "Billie Jean" and "Don't Stop," "Thoia Thoing" by R. Kelly and "Gold Digger" by Kanye West, Ray Charles and Renald Richard, were among seven unlicensed songs played at the club during a random visit by a BMI researcher on two nights in March 2006.
Even singer Pharrell Williams, who has collaborated with Jay-Z has his song "Touch" played without a license.
BMI spokesman Jerry Bailey said the company holds the licensing rights to 6.5 million songs, which half of those played in the Untied States, and has tried unsuccessfully to license the 40/40 Club since it opened in 2003. The sports bar and lounge on West 25th boasts a $4 million multi-level space with dozens of televisions to view sporting events, and several private VIP rooms.
Michael Shen, a lawyer for the club, said he had not yet seen the lawsuit and declined further comment.
The legal action comes one month after the nightspot was hit with a class action lawsuit for allegedly keeping a cut of workers' tips in violation of minimum wage laws.
Celeste Williams, a former waitress at 40/40, accused the club of "willfully failing and refusing to pay [its workers] at the legally required minimum wage" since the nightspot opened in 2003.
Her lawyer claimed 100 staffers have been ripped off - although club management said Williams worked at 40/40 for only four days in December 2005 - in the suit seeking unspecified damages.
Source:Nypost/MJJForum
Michael Jackson memorabilia dispute continues
A battle over ownership of Michael Jackson memorabilia is headed back to a Nevada courtroom, where the King of Pop is seeking the return of items withheld from the auction.
Janet Jackson is also seeking the return of items held back during a May 30 -31 memorabilia auction at the Hard Rock hotel- casino in Las Vegas.
District Court Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez ordered 60 itmes impounded at the Clark County courthouse while she sorts out ownership and decides whether to punish the company that brought the items to auction.
Gonzalez scheduled a July 16 contempt -of court- trail after deciding June 12 that Universal Express Inc. of Boca Raton, Fla., violated earlier court oreders to whithold some of the more than 1,100 items offered at auction.
Source: AP/LVJR/MJJFourm
Michael Jackson To Pay Torrance Law Firm For Overdue Fees
An attorney for Michael Jackson said Tuesday that the pop star will agree to a judgment directing him to pay $216, 000, plus interest, to Torrance law firm tha sued him for overdue fees.
The law firm of Ayscough & Marar sued Jackson on Feb 21, 2006, in Torrance Superior Court. Work that the firm did for Jackson included obtaining court orders to delay discovery in civil cases and keeping information from being released to the public while Jackson's child molesation trail was in progress in Santa Maria in 2005.
Ayscough & Marar also helped defend Jackson against former business associate Marc Schaffel alleging the singer owed him $1.4 million for past work.
Ayscough & Marar's case against the singer was moved to Los Angeles courthouse last October at the request of Jackson's lawyers. Trail of the case was scheduled to begin today.But Jackson's lawyer, Marshall L. Brubacher, agreed to a judgement against his client after Judge James C. Chalfant ruled that the entertainer's lawyers could not use many of the defenses they had hoped to raise during trial.
Brubacher told Chalfant that agreeing to the judgment made economic sense for his client.
"We want to stop the hemorraging," Brubacher said.
Brubacher also said he and Jackson's other lawyers will not challenge the judgment later on the basis that their client was not present in court.
Chalfant said he was striking the defenses because of Jackson's failure to turn over information requested by the law firm, and for ignoring the June 12 court order to finish a deposition the singer walked out of on Feb. 27.
Michael McCarthy, an attorney for Ayscough & Marar, said yesterday that Jackson was to resume the despostion last Friday but never showed up.
Brubacher said after today's hearing that he does not know why Jackson didn't appear for the depostion, but the lawyer told Chalfant that Jackson would have not known the answers to the questions McCarthy intended to ask.
McCarthy said interest on the judgment amounts to another $40,000, meaning his clients are actually entitled to $256,000. McCarthy said he also will ask Chalfant to order Jackson to pay him about $280,000 for the lawyer's work in representing the law firm.
Brubacher said he has not yet figured out how much interest there will be on the judgment, and that the additional $280,000 McCarthy wants is too high.
"This was a simple case," Brubacher said. "We tried to settle this several times."
Jackson countersued the law firm last Aug. 29. The singer's allegations included a claim that one of the firm's lawyers threatened to expose confidential information about him to the media.
Chalfant later dismissed the Jackson countersuit, finding it lacked merit, said Brent Ayscough, a partner in Ayscough & Marar. He said Jackson remains mired in debt because of his lifestyle.
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MJJF eNews #909 - Tuesday Jun 19, 2007
Michael Jackson 'grateful' Lawsuit Settled on Verge of NYC Trial
Michael Jackson is grateful that his lawyers settled a lawsuit brought by a finance company that claimed was cheated out of $48 million.
The lawsuit by Prescient Acquisition, of Hackensack, New Jersey, was settled Monday just as jury selection was set to begin in Manhattan. The terms of the settlement were not released. Jackson's lawyer L.Londell McMillan said he delivered news of the settlement to the King of Pop, who said," I am very grateful that this is behind me."
"The most important thing is that Michael Jackson's publishing catalogue remains safe and sound," said McMillan, an entertainment law star whose clients have included Prince and Stevie Wonder.
Darien Dash's lawyer said the businessman was owed the money for helping Jackson refinance a $ 272 million bank loan and secure $573 million in financing to buy Sony's half of the Beatle's catalogue. Jackson said he never heard of Dash.
After the settlement, Dash's lawyer, Steven Altman, said: "We brought the lawsuit to collect money for services Mr. Dash provided to Mr. Jackson. We're very pleased with the settlement, although the terms of it we've agreed to keep confidential at Mr. Jackson's request."
McMillan said Jackson was dismissed earlier in the year as a defendant, but the trust to one of his publishing catalogues remained a defendant. A man who worked for Jackson signed an agreement while Jackson was on trial in California who didn't have authority to do so from Jackson.
The lawyer said the settlement "presents a win-win for everybody."
Now, the lawyer said, with the litigation behind Jackson, "the world is awaiting his next creative move."
The lawsuit was one of many recent lawsuits involving Jackson and former business associates. Last year, a jury in California awared a former Jackson aviser $900,000 for work he did on videos intended to rehabilitate the pop star's image. The jury awarded Jackson $200,000 in a cross complaint.
In a deposition taken for the New York case in Paris last summer, Jackson said that the entertainment industry was "full of sharks, charlatans and impostors."
"Because there's a lot of money involved, there's a bunch of schmucks in there," Jackson said. "It's the entertainment world, full of thieves and crooks. That's not new. Everybody knows that."
Source: AP/MJJF
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MJJF eNews #908 - Wednesday May 30, 2007
Sony/ATV Music Publishing To Acquire Famous Music LLC - PRESS RELEASE
Famous is one of the largest independent music publishers in the U.S.
NEW YORK, May 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA. today announced that they have signed an agreement for Sony/ATV to acquire Famous Music LLC from Viacom. Sony/ATV Music Publishing is co-owned by Sony and trusts formed by Michael Jackson.
"The Famous Music catalogue is a world-class asset filled with evergreen songs that people know and love," said Martin N. Bandier, Chairman and CEO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing. "The depth and breadth of the catalogue is what truly makes it great, and I strongly believe that the addition of the Famous catalogue and its songwriters to Sony/ATV is another step in our long-range growth plans. In addition, we are pleased to be entering the production music business through Famous' Extreme division. Extreme's valuable creative team and unique business model will be a terrific complement to our core music publishing business."
"Famous Music is one of the iconic names in music publishing," said Philippe Dauman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viacom. "We are very pleased that Sony/ATV Music Publishing has recognized its great value and potential. We have benefited greatly from the talent and experience of the very able management team at Famous Music, particularly its long time CEO, Irwin Robinson, as well as Ira Jaffe, President and Chief Operating Officer; and Margaret Johnson, Executive Vice President Finance and Administration. We know that Famous and its fine executives have many great days ahead and want to thank them for their tremendous accomplishments."
"Famous Music is one of the world's largest independent music publishers, and this acquisition, following on the heels of the Leiber Stoller acquisition, further enhances Sony/ATV's position in the global music publishing industry," said Rob Wiesenthal, Chief Financial Officer, Sony Corporation of America.
"This is a milestone event for Sony/ATV Music Publishing," said Michael Jackson. "The diverse collection of songs in this catalogue range from timeless classics to contemporary hits, and I am pleased to add the acquisition of Famous Music to Sony/ATV."
Founded in 1928, the Famous Music catalogue includes 125,000 songs and sound cues, including such hits and classics as "Footloose," "Moon River,"
"Take My Breath Away," "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," "Satin Doll," "Silver Bells," and "That's Amore." The catalogue, founded originally to publish music from "talking pictures," also includes the widely recognizable movie themes from Braveheart, The Godfather, Forrest Gump, Mission Impossible and the "Axel F" theme from Beverly Hills Cop. The catalogue includes contemporary hits such as "Bad Day" (Daniel Powter), "Hips Don't Lie" (Shakira), "The Real Slim Shady" (Eminem), and "Beautiful" (written by Linda Perry - performed by Christina Aguilera). The company also owns the Bjork, Duke Ellington, Dave Grusin, Bush and Boyz II Men catalogues, and songs from smash Broadway shows such as A Chorus Line and The Producers.
Famous Music's roster of songwriters includes Shakira, Akon, Linda Perry (who has written for Pink, Gwen Stefani, and Christina Aguilera), 7Aurelius (who has written for LL Cool J and Mariah Carey), Fred Jerkins III (who has written for Destiny's Child and Whitney Houston), Dave Tozer (who has written for John Legend), Mike Mangini (who has written for Joss Stone and Baha Men), Charlie Midnight (who has written for Hilary Duff and James Brown), Darrell Scott (who has written for Dixie Chicks and Faith Hill), Modest Mouse, Jet and Ozomatli.
Through its Extreme division, Famous Music is also is a major supplier of high quality recordings and musical compositions for use in television and radio advertisements, film and television productions, trailers, and major network and cable broadcast promotional announcements throughout the world.
This transaction is subject to customary approvals. Viacom was advised by UBS Investment Bank and Shearman and Sterling. Sony/ATV was advised by Morgan Stanley and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.
About Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Sony/ATV Music Publishing was established in 1995 as a joint venture between Sony and trusts formed by Michael Jackson. Sony/ATV Music Publishing owns or administers over 500,000 copyrights by such artists as The Beatles, Beck, Brooks & Dunn, Leonard Cohen, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, The Everly Brothers, Fall Out Boy, Jimi Hendrix, Billy Mann, Joni Mitchell, Graham Nash, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Richie Sambora, Stephen Stills, KT Tunstall and Hank Williams, among others. Sony/ATV recently acquired the Leiber Stoller catalogue. It is not part of the Sony BMG Music Entertainment venture. On the web: http://www.sonyatv.com/.
About Viacom
Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands. Engaging its audiences through television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom seeks to reach its audiences however they consume content. Viacom's leading brands include the multiplatform properties of MTV Networks, including MTV: Music Television, VH1, CMT: Country Music Television, Logo, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, and more than 130 networks around the world, as well as digital assets such as MTV.com, comedycentral.com, VSPOT, TurboNick, Neopets, Xfire and iFilm; BET Networks; Paramount Pictures; DreamWorks; and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com.
SOURCE: Sony Corporation of America
Related links:
http://www.sonyatv.com
http://www.viacom.com
Issuers of news releases and not PR Newswire are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Terms and conditions, including restrictions on redistribution, apply.
Copyright � 1996-2007 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved.
A United Business Media company.
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MJJF eNews #907 - Wednesday May 23, 2007
Michael Jackson in London
Pop superstar Michael Jackson made a surprise visit to Britain.
Jackson wore black pants, a smart blue-and-white pinstriped shirt and dark sunglasses, and swept through Heathrow Airport with a police escort.
His 3 children, 10-year-old Prince, 9-year-old Paris and five-year-old "Blanket" did not appear to be with him.
The King of Pop waved to fans before being whisked away by minders.
It is believed that Michael Jackson will be meeting with record company executives in London, as well as hooking up with old friend David Gest.
David Gest is currently appearing as a judge on ITV1 show Grease Is The World.
Jackson is becoming a frequent visitor to the UK.
Last time he was in the UK was in March, when he checked into a �3,000-a-night in London's Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel in Knightsbridge. In November he appeared at the World Music Awards to receive a special award, where he also sung a few lines of "We Are The World".
Earlier this week, Jackson's lawyers settled a lawsuit meant to block an auction of the singer's personal belongings. More than 1,000 Jackson family items are going under the hammer at a Las Vegas sale next week, including Jackson's gold disc for his Thriller album.
Part of the confidential settlement was that some of the auction proceeds will now go to charity.
Source: Dotmusic / MJJForum
Simon Cowell working on "big, big tribute" for Thriller?
In an interview with Extra! Simon Cowell revealed another bit of information about what could be the biggest musical comeback of all time.
The reporter asked the American Pop Idol judge whether or not it was true that Michael Jackson had contacted him regarding the singer�s career.
Cowell answered, "Well, we were planning something with the record label, maybe for Thriller, so we'll see what happens".
He did not share any other details, except that he couldn't "tell you anymore than that! Big, big tribute. But we'll see, you know, just early stages".
Source: Extra! / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #905 - Friday May 18, 2007
Jackson drops bid to block Vegas auction
Lawyers for Michael Jackson on Friday dropped an effort to block an auction of the pop star's personal belongings and other Jackson family items.
Jackson didn't appear in a Las Vegas court where his lawyer told a judge a confidential agreement had been reached with representatives of an auctioneer, the current owner of the materials, and a New Jersey man who claimed a warehouse full of Jackson memorabilia after a failed business venture wound up in bankruptcy court.
"The matter's been resolved," Gregory Cross, a lawyer for Jackson, told Clark County District Court Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez.
Lawyers declined to describe terms of the agreement, which settled an April 27 lawsuit.
Jackson sought to prevent the auction and force the return of items he claimed were personal property, court documents show. The entertainer also had sought unspecified punitive damages.
Universal Express Inc., the Boca Raton, Fla., luggage transportation company that owns the items, claimed the materials were worth about $50 million, according to court records.
Arlan Ettinger, president of Guernsey's auction house of New York, said outside the courtroom that the auction will go on as scheduled May 30-31 at the Hard Rock hotel in Las Vegas.
Source: AP / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #905 - Thursday May 17, 2007
RE: Michael Jackson/Court Appearance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Raymone K. Bain
May 17, 2007
RE: Michael Jackson/Court Appearance
Las Vegas, Nevada �� Contrary to published reports, Mr. Michael Jackson will not be personally appearing in court in Las Vegas, Nevada on Friday, May 18, 2007, regarding the auction items issue.
Thank you.
Source
Raymone Bain
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MJJF eNews #904 - Wednesday May 16, 2007
Michael Jackson Ordered to Court, and Publicity for Auction Resumes
Universal Express Inc. (OTC BB:USXP.OB - News) CEO and Chairman Richard Altomare's witnesses and Michael Jackson himself will square off in Court this Friday in Las Vegas to determine ownership of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Jackson memorabilia items.
"In Las Vegas' response to Miami's 'who's the father' or California's question 'does the glove fit,' Michael Jackson and Universal Express' CEO will give testimony to clarify the trail of ownership of thousands of purchased items of the Jackson family (www.usxp.com/jackson), which are scheduled to be auctioned on May 30th and 31st in Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Casino," said Richard A. Altomare.
Mr. Altomare continued, "I have instructed our counsel to request cameras in this courtroom to clearly show our long held position of legal ownership."
"Emotions are understandable but actual possession, documentation and previous legal rulings present our case most soundly."
"Mr. Jackson will be questioned by Universal Express attorneys and asked to identify items, as our witnesses and documentation stands ready for exposure. I trust Mr. Jackson is equally prepared," concluded Richard A. Altomare.
Source: Universal Express, Inc. / MJJForum
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Date: Wed, 2 May 2007 01:10:29 +0100 (BST)
Subject: [Positive Voices 4 MJJ] Michael Jackson's children polite and well behaved.....
King Of Pop a devoted father
Pop icon Michael Jackson's kids impressed journalist Jamie Foster Brown during a recent trip to Japan.
The 'Sister 2 Sister' publisher was staying with Jackson and his three kids - 10-year old Prince Michael, 9-year old Paris, and 5-year old Prince Michael II - in Tokyo to 'observe' the family.
And, from what he saw, Brown could not stop admiring the King of Pop's devotion as a father, who has brought up his kids to be polite and well behaved.
"Michael is a devoted father... He's raising them to be very polite, humble, and, believe it or not, pretty ordinary. They are calm, relaxed kids who play jokes on their dad," Contactmusic quoted Brown, as saying.
Brown revealed that the 'Black or White' singer takes care that his kids don't grow up as some spoiled arrogant kids of a famous man.
"At one point, Michael thought that his daughter had been rude to me and he got very upset," he said.
"He's raising them to be less pretentious than many children I have met," he added.
Source:ANI
paul(mjcool)
MJJF eNews #903 - Friday Apr 27, 2007
June date court set for Dash Vs Jackson Trial
A judge has set a June 18, 2007 trial date for a case in which a New Jersey financial company is claiming singer Michael Jackson owes the firm $48 million.
A multimillion-dollar refinancing deal is at issue, arranged by Prescient Acquisition Group of Hackensack. Owner Darien Dash, a cousin of hip-hop mogul Damon Dash, says Jackson turned to him in late 2004, when the pop star faced child molestation charges.
The company helped Jackson, who was later acquitted, refinance a $272 million bank loan that was coming due. It also secured $537 million in financing so he could buy out Sony's half interest in the Beatles' catalogue of songs.
Federal marshals have been alerted that the pop star might come to New York, but it's still unclear whether he'll appear in Judge Kevin Castel's courtroom. "That's the $48 million question," Jackson attorney Londell McMillan told The News' Thomas Zambito.
McMillan figures the odds are "60-40" in favor of the case going to trial. "Michael is not going to be hijacked by the threat of fraudulent claims," McMillan said.
Source: NY Daily News/Contact News/MJJF
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MJJF eNews #902 - Tuesday Apr 17, 2007
Harris-Scott Vs. Jackson Case Dismissed
Yesterday, a Los Angeles Judge dismissed the case, (Case ID: SC089547, Case Number: SC089547, Case Type: Infliction of Emotional Distress - General Jurisdiction), brought by Helen M. Harris-Scott against Michael Jackson.
The bizarre case, filed 04/28/2006 by Harris-Scott, alleged that she began sending Jackson cards and letters in 1986, declaring her love and admiration for the pop star. The plaintiff claimed Mr Jackson was shy and communicated with her through others and through his music.
Harris-Scott claimed that it became very bad around 1987 when Jackson, who was "connected with criminals", flattened her tires and tampered with her brake system. She also said a GPS tracking device was secretly installed in her car, tracking her every move. She said her phone was also wiretapped.
Harris-Scott demanded an immediate apology from Jackson and she also wanted $100 million.
A Los Angeles Judge dismissed the case 04/16/2007.
Source: LA Superior Court / michaeljackson.hu / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #899 - Thursday Apr 5, 2007
Michael Jackson might stop auction of family items
Pop star, Michael Jackson, might stop auction of more than 1,100 Jackson family items which are set for auction in Las Vegas next month, but a representative for Michael Jackson says the pop star is considering legal action to stop the sale.
�Mr. Jackson was not aware and he is extremely upset that his memorabilia was included amongst the memorabilia that is being auctioned off,� said Raymone K. Bain, Mr. Jackson's spokeswoman.
The Jacksons Auction is scheduled May, 30-31 at the Hard Rock hotel resort.
Guernsey�s auction house said items include Michael Jackson�s gold record for his �Thriller� album, handwritten lyrics for The Jackson Five hit �ABC� and a �Victory Tour� program signed by Jackson family members.
Arlan Ettinger, founder and president of Guernsey�s, compared the sale to an auction of Elvis Presley/Graceland memorabilia he conducted in Las Vegas in 1999.
�It certainly is in that sphere of landmark, high-profile, extraordinary auctions,� Ettinger told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Michael Jackson is currently living in Las Vegas and working on his new music. His father, former Jackson Five manager Joe Jackson, also lives in Las Vegas. He didn�t respond to a phone message seeking comment.
Ettinger said the collection was owned by luggage transportation company Universal Express Inc., of Boca Raton, Fla., which bought it last year from a New Jersey construction company owner.
The former owner, Henry Vaccaro, claimed a warehouse full of Jackson memorabilia after a failed business venture wound up in bankruptcy court. Michael Jackson and his sister Janet Jackson sued to stop Vaccaro from taking ownership, but a Los Angeles judge threw out Michael Jackson�s claim in 2006.
The status of Janet Jackson�s claim was unclear Wednesday. Messages left for her publicist weren�t immediately returned.
Other items include a test pressing of The Jackson Five�s �I Want You Back,� Marlon Jackson�s glitter jacket, Randy Jackson�s futuristic 1984 stage boots and a white fedora believed to be from Michael Jackson�s �Bad� album music video.
Source: MJJF/AP
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Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2007 19:59:13 -0500 (EST)
Subject: The Real Facts About MJ's Japanese Visit
Elbow Grease Productions is an independent media company that focuses on activism via the media.
MJJF eNews #896 - Saturday Mar 10, 2007
Michael Jackson Greets U.S. Troops in Japan
Michael Jackson greeted thousands of U.S. troops and their family members at a U.S. Army base south of Tokyo on Saturday, taking a break from days of fan appreciation parties.
About 3, 000 troops and family members gathered at Camp Zama in a fitness center. Shaking hands and exchanging words to thank them for their service he said to the crowd: "Those of you in here today are some of the most special people in the world." "It is because of you in here today, and others who so valiantly have given their lives to protect us, that we enjoy our freedom."
He also attended a ceremony at the camp held for a member of the army being promoted and put a pin on his uniform.
Jackson, 48, arrived in Japan last Sunday for his second trip in less than a year to attend parties including an extravagant gala held Thursday in Tokyo.
Source: AP/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #895 - Thursday Mar 8, 2007
Michael Jackson attends Appreciation Party and To Visit Camp Zama
Michael Jackson was the guest honor at a party with about 400 people that paid $3,500 each for a buffet dinner. The show included Japanese Jackson impersonators and a chance to take pictures with Jackson. More than 100 orphans and handicapped children were invited for free. Michael did not perform, but appeared relaxed and comfortable being with his fans.
Wearing sunglasses and dressed in a black-and-gold Roberto Cavalli suit, Jackson appeared on the stage at the end of the six-hour party to read a brief thank you.
"I've been in the entertainment industry since I was 6 years old," he told AP. "As Charles Dickens says, `It's been the best of times, the worst of times.' But I would not change my career."
"While some have made deliberate attempts to hurt me, I take it in stride because I have a loving family, a strong faith and wonderful friends and fans who have, and continue, to support me," he said.
Some of the paying customers Thursday said the tickets were a bit too steep. "It is expensive," said Yoko Iizuka, a copywriter who works in Tokyo. "But I've loved his music since I was a kid."
"You can't put a price tag on this," said Jenny Sasaki, who arrived in a fur coat and sequined gown. "I love Michael Jackson, his music, his sensitivity and his humanity."
On Saturday Michael Jackson will appear at Camp Zama�s Yano Fitness Center. He�s expected to address fans, sign autographs, pose for photos and meet soldiers and their families.
"He just wants to let them know �America Supports You� and so does he," said Maj. Martha Brooks, a U.S. Army Japan spokeswoman.
The Yano Fitness Center will open Saturday at 1:15 p.m., she said. Jackson is scheduled to show up at 3 p.m.
Several activities are planned, including Michael Jackson trivia contests, an imitation dance showdown and karaoke/sing-along battle of the pop icon�s songs. Jackson music videos also will be shown and two youth hip-hop dance performances will take place.
Col. Robert Waltemeyer, the U.S. Army Garrison Japan commander, is to introduce Jackson.
Jackson�s party initiated the visit, according to Maj. Jim Crawford, a U.S. Army Japan spokesman.
The event is open to all U.S. military and Defense Department personnel, Brooks said. Servicemembers in uniform with family members and guests have priority seating. Japanese master labor contract employees at Zama may escort two guests to the event. They�ll be granted walk-in access only from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Gates 1 and 4.
Source: AP/estripes/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #893 - Monday Mar 5, 2007
"Everything I am"...a video about the fans...for the fans...
While waiting for more news regarding Michael Jackson in Japan, here is an oppertunity to see how many there are of us, and the huge impact Michael Jackson has on us. Here is a message from MJJForum Member bigdb2984.
"When I started making Michael Jackson videos a few years ago, my main and only inspiration was Michael. The way he moved, the way he sang, there was no one who could touch him when it came to the impact one can have on an audience! He electrified and owned the stage when he was on it! However, during the trial...the support and love for Michael in those difficult times, was also very moving. People sacrificed their lives and jobs to go and support Michael, something which is so selfless and caring. To me, that is truly inspirational, and that is what gave me the idea for this video... I wanted to show the relationship, the love, the connection, that Michael Jackson has with his fans, and us too, with him. In the good and the bad, we are there for one another, to be each others strength, the truth in so many lies and to be the light that shines in the darkest of times.
As a special thank you and to show my complete and utter respect and love to all of you, the MJ fans...I present to you, my latest video "Everything I am"...a video about the fans...for the fans...this one is dedicated to all of you...
Check it out at MJJforum - Bridging the Gap between Michael and the Fans!
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MJJF eNews #892 - Sunday Mar 4, 2007
Michael Jackson Thrills Japan!
Michael Jackson arrived in Japan on Sunday for his second visit in recent years to host two exclusive events - a business dinner and a fan event.
The King of Pop, wearing his trademark sun glasses and black leather jacket was smiling and waiving to his admirers, and was ushered by guards passed hundreds of screaming Japanese fans at Narita Airport on Sunday afternoon. Fans were carrying signs that read "We love Michael" and "Welcome to Japan."
At the VIP party, guests will get to mingle with Jackson, spending 30 seconds to one minute each of exclusive face time with him, according to organizers.
According to organizer Broderick Morris, Michael will also host a fan art contest for those who cannot afford VIP tickets.
"Over the years, as Michael Jackson has performed in cities around the world, he has been pleased, honored, and impressed by the large amount of fan art of him," said Morris. "He would like to meet fan artists, and more fully appreciate and enjoy their creative expressions."
Three winning artists chosen by Jackson will have brunch with the star and their picture took together.
Source: The Associated Press/MJJForum.com
Photo Credit:
MJJShots.com
Video Credit:
YouTube.com
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Direct From Ms. Bain:
Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 22:50:55 EST
Subject: Michael Jackson's Art Contest and Arrival in Japan
The Michael Jackson Fan Art Contest
Over the years, as Michael Jackson has performed in cities around the world, he has been pleased, honored, and impressed by the large amount of fan art of him that he sees in the crowds that follow him. Seldom does Mr. Jackson�s schedule allow as much time, as he would like to meet fan artists, and more fully appreciate and enjoy their creative expressions. And, so to say thank you to all the fans that pour their love and passion for Mr. Jackson into their creative art, Mr. Jackson is inviting fans attending the March 9th �Fan Appreciation Day� event in Tokyo, Japan, to participate in the first Michael Jackson Fan Art Contest.
Entries of all kinds are accepted, including oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, sculpture, collage, computer graphics, mixed media, printmaking, and high-quality photographs. All entries will be judged by Mr. Jackson based on, creativity, design, artistic and aesthetic merits.
Fans attending �Fan Appreciation Day� should bring their artwork with them to the event that is being held at Shinkiba Studio-Coast, 2-2-10 Shinkiba, Koutou-Ku, Tokyo 136-0082, Japan. Please include your full name, address, telephone number and e-mail address with your submission.
The top three artists chosen by Mr. Jackson will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Jackson and have their picture taken with him, and be invited to a special brunch with him.
By participating in the contest, the winners agree to have their name, voice, or likeness used in any advertising or broadcasting material relating to this contest without additional financial or other compensation.
(more)
-2-
All art submitted becomes the property of The Michael Jackson Company. Through submission of artwork, contestants and their legal guardians grant the Michael Jackson Company non-exclusive reproduction and publication rights as well as other non-exclusive use as it sees fit of submitted art.
By entering, participants agree to release, discharge and hold harmless The Michael Jackson Company, including all officers, directors, employees, volunteers and sponsors from any and all liability, loss, damage or injury resulting from participation in Michael Jackson Fan Art Contest.
The artwork will be displayed on Mr. Jackson�s soon to be created website.
(MORE)
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March 2, 2007
Michael Jackson�s Arrival In Japan
Mr. Jackson would like to say hello to all of his fans.
He will be arriving in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday, March 4, 2007,
between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm, Terminal 2, Narita Airport,
Tokyo, Japan.
Come out and Give Mr. Jackson a Big and Warm Welcome!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Raymone K. Bain
February 27, 2007
MICHAEL JACKSON SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT
REGARDING RECENT RUMORS
Washington, D.C. �.. Several unsubstantiated rumors have been reported in
the media regarding Mr. Michael Jackson, all of which are erroneous and untrue.
**Mr. Jackson is not planning a concert tour with members of his family.
**Mr. Jackson has been presented numerous proposals�proposals which he has
not solicited, but were presented to him, several of which include performing
in Las Vegas. Mr. Jackson is currently reviewing and evaluating each proposal.
He does not believe that he is under any time constraint for making his decisions.
Therefore, reports that he has �been unsuccessful in finding a Las Vegas casino for
his show, resulting in his having to turn to his family� are false.
Mr. Jackson did not move to Las Vegas to shop a Vegas show. Mr. Jackson
is in Las Vegas because he likes the city, and found it a convenient location
to record with the artists, songwriters and producers who are working with
him in the studio.
Mr. Jackson has no current plans to appear or perform on �American Idol.�
Mr. Jackson did not either solicit, ask to be given, or attempt to buy tickets
to the recent NBA All-Star Game, as has been widely reported. Mr. Jackson
was invited by several owners of NBA teams, as well as players, to attend
the game as their guest. However, Mr. Jackson declined these kind invitations.
Widely spread reports that Mr. Jackson sought tickets, and was denied
his request, are completely false.
Mr. Jackson never leased property from Michael Flatly in Ireland. Therefore,
reports stating that he was �evicted� from property owned by Flatly are
erroneous and defamatory.
Mr. Jackson has not recently released or recorded a single with Pras.
MJJF eNews #888 - Tuesday Feb 27, 2007
Martin Bandier Named Chairman and CEO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Sony Corporation of America announced today that Martin Bandier has been named Chairman and CEO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. As part of the agreement, Mr. Bandier will also make an investment in Sony/ATV, which is co-owned by Sony and trusts formed by Michael Jackson.
Mr. Bandier's move to Sony/ATV Music Publishing matches the most renowned music-publishing executive in the industry with the company that not only controls some of its most valuable catalogue assets, but also boasts a stellar roster of the most active and popular current artists and writers. The catalogues include a generation-spanning mix of some of the biggest names in music, from the Beatles, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, The Everly Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, Willie Nelson, Steven Stills and Hank Williams to Babyface and John Mellencamp. Sony's growing current roster of chart-toppers includes Beck, Destiny's Child, Fall Out Boy, John Mayer, Sarah McLachlan, Rascal Flatts, KT Tunstall and Gretchen Wilson. Mr. Bandier will oversee Sony/ATV's global music publishing activities -- including talent and copyright acquisitions -- and will develop and implement broad new strategic initiatives.
Mr. Bandier will report to Rob Wiesenthal, Chief Financial Officer, Sony Corporation of America, and Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Sony Entertainment Inc., and also to Sir Howard Stringer in his role as Chairman and CEO of Sony Corporation of America. Mr. Bandier will join Sony/ATV effective April 1, 2007.
"Sony/ATV Music Publishing has great assets, and also tremendous potential for growth and expansion," said Mr. Bandier. "This move offers me the opportunity to participate in the growth of a major publishing entity and to build something in an entrepreneurial environment with a fantastic company."
"Marty Bandier is a true legend in the music industry. His experience and stature are unparalleled," said Mr. Wiesenthal. "We are delighted that he is joining Sony/ATV at this critical time in the music publishing industry. His proven track record of innovative and highly effective business strategies will help us to continue to build this company and result in meaningful upside for all involved."
"We are very excited to have Marty take the helm at Sony/ATV in what we believe will be a transformative appointment," said Sir Howard Stringer. "This sends a strong signal about how serious we are about music publishing and adds one of the most respected and accomplished executives in the music industry to our team. We expect Marty to do what he does best, grow this business and take it to the upper echelon of the industry."
"I am thrilled that Mr. Bandier has agreed to become Chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing," said Michael Jackson. "Marty has over 30 years experience in the music publishing industry, and not only brings with him a wealth of knowledge about the industry, but the vision and ability to take the company to new heights. I look forward to working with him."
Mr. Bandier was named chairman and CEO of EMI Music Publishing in 1989 after a merger between SBK, a company he founded, and Thorn EMI. Under his leadership, the combined company became the world's largest and most successful music publishing company. When Bandier took the reins at EMI, the company was the fourth largest player in the industry.
Source: earthtimes / prnewswire / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #887 - Friday Feb 23, 2007
Jackson lawsuit due in court June 18
A lawsuit filed against entertainer Michael Jackson and Marian Medical Center is due to appear in Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria on June 18.
The lawsuit was filed Feb. 15 by the family of Manuela Gomez Ruiz, who was moved Feb. 15, 2005, from a two-bed trauma room at Marian so that Jackson could have the room. Jackson reportedly entered the hospital because he was suffering from flu-like symptoms during his child molestation trial.
The lawsuit alleges abuse of celebrity status.
Ruiz, 73, of Santa Maria, was on a life support after she suffered a heart attack, and died the night of Feb. 15, 2005.
The June 18 court appearance is a case management conference that will be heard by Judge Rodney Melville, the same judge who presided over Jackson's 2005 child molestation trial.
Source: Santa Maria Times / MJJForum
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MJJF Enews # 885 - Friday Feb 16, 2007
Ain't No Friend of Mine (Gangsta)- By DJ Tempamnetal featuring/ Pras and Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson has been featured on a song by producer Tempamental with Pras of Fugees.
The song is called 'No Friend Of Mine' and it could be found on Tempamental's Myspace page. It didn�t take long for the audio to end up behind random MIJAC video montages on YouTube. It features rapped verses from Pras, from the band Fugees, and Michael Jackson's vocals in the chorus. There have been claims that the song will feature on Jackson's next album.
There has been a lot of speculation regarding the album due for release this year.
Rumours abound about who Jackson is working with on the album. Black Eyed Peas producer Will.I.Am told Billboard last month that he has been working with Jackson, and Billboard has previously reported that Akon and Chris Brown are slated to appear. E!Online reported that 50 Cent's turntablist DJ Whoo Kid and producer Teddy Riley will also feature.
Jackson doesn't have a deal signed with any record companies and it is said that pop star will release the forthcoming album through his newly formed label The Michael Jackson Company.
In still more MIJAC news, rocker Chris Cornell has left his band Audioslave and will release his second solo album that includes a cover of Jackson�s "Billie Jean," reports Billboard.
Source: Undercover.com/Eurweb.com/MJJForum
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February 13, 2007
Prince Turns 10 Today!
Happy Birthday, Prince! I wish you love, happiness, fun, laughter, and good health. I hope you are surrounded by the love of your family.
Love, Hugs, and Prayers to you and your family.
Selena Millman
Cleveland, Ohio USA
MJJF eNews #884 - Tuesday Feb 13, 2007
Happy birthday, Prince!
On February 13,1997 a new loving life came into the world. His name is Prince Michael Jackson Junior. MJJForum would like to congratulate happy dad and loving son on his birthday! Prince turns 10 years old.
Source: MJJForum
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12 February 2007
Hotshot #2234
BRAND NEW MUSIC FROM MICHAEL JACKSON
King of Pop and Pras on Tempamental track
BREAKING NEWS: MC/DJ, Producer and Engineer Tempamental has recorded a remix of "No Friend of Mine", and this time around, enlisted the help of Pras and Michael Jackson.
The King of Pop's vocals are a major feature on the new track, and you can listen to it now by visiting Tempamental's MySpace page.
Little more is known at this stage what plans have been developed for the song. Rumour has it that it may feature on Pras' next album, but this is still unconfirmed.
The feedback from visitors to Tempamental's MySpace page is tremendous - and 100% positive. That's no surprise - this is an amazing track, and Michael's voice is smooth, powerful and guaranteed to give you goose-bumps!
We'll let you know more as we get it - in the meantime,
get over there now
and turn up your speakers!
Venable LLP, a company representing Michael Jackson, struck back against Fox411�s gossip columnist, Roger Friedman, who recently reported that Mr. Jackson�s nanny, Grace Rwaramba, prohibited his father, Joseph Jackson, from seeing him and the entertainer�s children.
Venable LLP, in a letter sent to the gossip columnist, denies that Rwaramba had forbidden Mr. Jackson�s father from entering his home, that Michael Jackson was �kicked out� of Bahrain and the singer is currently living in a house owned by the Sultan of Brunei. Additionally, the claim by Friedman that the employment of Jackson�s general manager, Raymone Bains, is in any jeopardy is also denied.
Source: Eurweb/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #882 - Wednesday Feb 7, 2007
Details Emerge About Michael's New Album
In the Rolling Stones Issue ( 2/8/07 Issue 1019) there are new details that have emerged about the work that Michael and Will.i.am are doing for Michael's new record.
Will.i.am and Michael have drafted eight new songs together
- One song they are working on is titled "I'm Dreamin'"
- Another song Michael will sing is a ballad written by (or with) John Legend
- The two are expected to convene in Ireland for one month to finish recording the tracks
- Will.i.am speculated that the album is going to be like an "Off the Wall" for the modern era
- Other potential collaborators include Chris Brown and DJ Whoo Kid
- The music will be very melodic with some strong dance tracks
Source: Billboard / MJJForum
Chris Tucker Doing Some Michael Jackson Moves
On the set of Rush Hour 3 in downtown Los Angeles Chris Tucker was caught doing some Michael Jackson moves. Chris Tucker is know to make his Michael Jackson moves in all of his movies regarding Rush Hour. The Rush Hour 3 movie should be out in theaters this summer of 2007.
Source: MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #881 - Tuesday Feb 6, 2007
Michael Jackson Talks About His Life in Vegas and His Comeback - World Exclusive Interview
Michael Jackson's return to 'King of Pop' status is long-awaited and it has begun. It's being masterminded by the mysterious, secretive British entertainment tycoon who is behind the phenomenal success of Simon Cowell's ratings juggernaut 'American Idol' and David Beckham's $250-mega-million deal that is bringing the soccer king to the United States.
It's Michael's fourth visit to the Epicurean Award-winning restaurant since moving to Vegas ending his 18-month self-imposed exile from the US living in Dubai and at Michael Flatley's castle in Ireland.
Michael was looking happy, very well and relaxed, and he said: "I'm doing fine and am well and really enjoying myself in Vegas. It's a great place to call home." His hand shake and voice were strong and firm. On Michael's pending Vegas show and return to pop royalty, Kenny added, "We're talking business and looking at lots of different possibilities. This is a blue-sky time with a lot of different scenarios up in the air. We're working through all of them to find the best � the one that makes the most sense that's good for everybody."
Some think that if anybody could transform Michael into a box-office megastar all over again, it would be entertainment mogul Simon Fuller, "This is the perfect match: the world's biggest pop-star being looked after by the most successful mogul-manager in the world."
There's an incredibly unique tie-in with another Vegas connection for Michael. Fuller (seen here with Kenny and Michael) divides his time between London, Los Angeles, and the French Riviera, and is also said to have numerous growing investments in Lake Las Vegas real-estate ventures with Cowell. But it's the mega-deal he struck with American billionaire, Robert F X Sillerman, that's worth noting in all of this. Sillerman who owns licensing and merchandising rights to numerous celebrities and their estates exploits the Presley estate with authority by both Priscilla Presley and Lisa-Marie Presley who were in Vegas this weekend celebrating the King of Rock's daughter's 39th birthday! Gossip historians know that at one time, Michael and Lisa- Marie were a tabloid headline romance item during their marriage!
First stop though for Michael, who will celebrate his 49th birthday on August 29 this year is Japan. He'll fly from Vegas next month for two fan-appreciation events on March 8 and 9.
Michael said: "Japan is one of my favorite places in the world and I am very grateful to my fans there who have always been my strongest supporters and have helped me achieve several historic milestones in my life." Some 300 VIPs, paying over $3300 each, will hold a meet and greet handshake photo-session with Michael on day one with general fans massing for a get-together on day two.
Michael, who last performed a concert in Madison Square Garden back in 2001, is not expected to perform while in Japan, although he has created charity fund-raising records and TV specials with large groups of other pop stars in the interim. Although he's had more than 12 #1 chart hits, the last was in 1995 and he hasn't toured since the mid - 1990s.
Michael returned to the States six weeks ago on Christmas Eve, as Luxe Life reported here back on December 24. He moved into a home on the west side of Vegas near Sahara and within easy reach of the Strip. In addition to a long dinner with Steve Wynn, which resulted in speculation about a possible Jackson show there, Michael's also met several times with Vegas deal-maker Jack Wishna who said:, "Michael is poised to return to the top of the entertainment world soon. He is one of the greatest all-time entertainers in the world." Wishna is the businessman who engineered Trump's Vegas debut with the $2.8 billion Trump International Hotel Tower, which is nearing completion on the Strip near the New Frontier hotel across from Steve Wynn's resort hotel casino.
MICHAEL'S LIFE IN VEGAS
Michael was happy to discuss how he's been spending some of first month in Vegas. He said that he enjoyed taking his children to see Lance Burton's magic show at the Monte Carlo. "I really love magic," he said. "I really liked his show. It's amazing and very enjoyable. I love getting caught up in the magic."
Protected by his own security and Monte Carlo security, Michael went in through a back security entrance rather than cause a scene with fans and sat in the lower mezzanine un-noticed in front of the sound booth � and just as the show was ending, he took off so the audience wouldn't be distracted from Lance's curtain calls.
The interviewer found Michael relaxed and confident - happy that the troubled past was getting put all behind him and happy that he's begun rebuilding his career again. "It's a whole new Michael here in Vegas." He feels comfortable here. He loves being able to go out and basically not get hassled. He likes the restaurants here for the food but his favorites are the shows. I think he'll get to see everyone of them over the next few months. It's the first time in a long time Michael is feeling less pressured and much at ease. He is ready to go to work again and is in a great space and a wonderful sense of mind."
To celebrate, this weekend Michael was out and about again- enjoying The Beatles LOVE musical at the Mirage. After the late-show, he visited the LOVE boutique to pick out some Beatles show souvenirs � and surprisingly even happily posed with fans for photos with his ever-watchful security agreeing to relax the normal rules for his safety. Then he went backstage to meet the cast and crew of the show congratulating them on their performances and thanking them for the spectacular show.
"They were in awe of him and he the same about all of them. He was very respectful and told them it was an incredible experience that he'd remember forever. I think he's going to bring his children into see it next," one of the company staffers said.
For now though, the only public outing has been of his three children have been spotted on was a visit to the Circus Circus hotel attractions here on the Strip. Prince Michael I, Paris and Prince Michael II also known by nickname Blanket, didn't even bother with disguises when they went on the amusement rides there - naturally under the watchful eye of their nanny and Michael's team of bodyguards along with the Circus Circus security staffers.
MICHAEL'S COMEBACK
Michael's friendship and professional relationship with director and choreographer Kenny Ortega dates back many years. and once again they are teaming up. "Be it a concert tour or a show staged from Vegas they'll tackle it together," said a friend. "They have complete trust in one another so it will be their project going forward."
With the triple-threat team in place for Michael's return, he's already started work on a new album. Some of the tracks have already been recorded at Flatley's Irish castle with the help of Will.I.Am. of the Black Eyed Peas. Will said: "I'm a real fan of his. You get to work with just a couple of great people during your life who shed light on the Earth and Michael is one of them."
Michael, Simon and Kenny happily posed for the Luxe Life photos. The interviewer told them that everybody was eagerly awaiting Michael's return to the limelight and that Vegas was delighted he now called our city his new home. " Its all going to be good, very good" said Michael, and Kenny added: "We're going to get it done and when it is you'll know it'll be the right way working out for the best for everybody involved."
Source: VegasPopular/MJJForum
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7 February 2007
Hotshot #2233
MICHAEL JACKSON SET TO WORK WITH SIMON FULLER
Robin Leach speaks to Michael in Vegas
Michael Jackson is in talks with "megastar producer-manager" Simon Fuller about the re-launch of his career according to Las Vegas writer Robin Leach.
Leach met Michael and Fuller, as well as Kenny Ortega (director and choreographer who has worked with Michael before) in Las Vegas recently and had the chance to speak to him about his life in the gambling capital of the world.
"I'm doing fine and am well and really enjoying myself in Vegas. It's a great place to call home," Michael told Leach. "We're talking business and looking at lots of different possibilities," added Ortega. "This is a blue-sky time with a lot of different scenarios up in the air. We're working through all of them to find the best � the one that makes the most sense that's good for everybody."
The three (pictured above, Ortega left, Fuller right) have held "top-secret strategy planning meetings" according to the Vegas Popular columnist. Fuller is best known for creating the Pop Idol and American Idol series. He also manages football star David Beckham and just brokered the largest ever sports contract in the world for his move to Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy estimated at around $250 million.
"This is the perfect match: the world's biggest pop-star being looked after by the most successful mogul-manager in the world," Leach was told. The writer also noted how healthy and happy Michael was looking.
Meetings have also said to have taken place between Michael and Vegas deal-maker Jack Wishna. "Michael is poised to return to the top of the entertainment world soon. He is one of the greatest all-time entertainers in the world," said Wishna.
Commenting on Michael's upcoming "comeback," Leach told the group everyone was eagerly awaiting it. "Its all going to be good, very good" said Michael, with Ortega adding: "We're going to get it done and when it is you'll know it'll be the right way working out for the best for everybody involved."
To read more about Michael's recent outings in Vegas as well as Fuller and Ortega, click on the link below to read the entire Leach column.
UPDATE: JERMAINE'S ANTI-BULLYING CAMPAIGN
More details...
As previously reported in Hotshot No. 2230, Jermaine Jackson has joined forces with Michael's long-term friend and bodyguard Matt Fiddes to campaign against bullying.
Jermaine joined Matt's campaign, called NOBUL, following the final of reality show Celebrity Big Brother, where he finished runner up to Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, who herself was a subject of bullying and racist comments made by fellow housemates.
"Jermaine has just left the Celebrity Big Brother House, where as we all know, Shilpa Shetty was the subject of a lot of racial discrimination", said Matt. "Jermaine is such a great guy who is very anti bullying, so it seems fitting that he is going to help me to launch a nationwide campaign".
The campaign will begin in Barnstaple, and will also visit Taunton, Bridgewater, Weston, Swindon and Uxbridge in London. More locations may follow.
"I really believe that every child can achieve success if they really want to - I like to think that I am an example of that as I was bullied when I was at school," said Matt. "We shall also be talking to children about the dangers of drugs and how to say no to peer pressure, and we can teach some basic self defence moves as well. We are planning to set up a visit to a primary school in London as the capital�s schools have the worst truancy record in the UK."
The campaign begins Sunday 4th February and will see Jermaine visit Matt's Martial Arts school and Devon. Monday 5th February will see the pair visit Ashleigh Primary School before moving onto other locations.
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30 January 2007
Hotshot #2230
JERMAINE JACKSON TO CONDUCT ANTI-BULLYING CAMPAIGN
Michael's Big Brother will visit English schools
Hot off his appearance on U.K. reality TV show Celebrity Big Brother, Jermaine Jackson will conduct an anti-bullying campaign around schools.
Along with Matt Fiddes (friend and bodyguard to Michael) the campaign will start in Barnstaple this Sunday at Matt's martial arts school before moving on to a local hospice.
Then on Monday morning Jermaine will visit a school in Devon before moving down to London to visit more.
During his time in the Celebrity Big Brother house Jermaine was named as the calming influence and saviour on several occasions during rows between Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and reality TV star Jade Goody. Shetty's treatment was globally discussed as Goody and two other housemates bullied the actress and were even seen to be making racist remarks.
MJNI will give you more information about the campaign when it is released.
A businessman sentenced to home detention for conspiring to videotape Michael Jackson illegally is doing his time at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Marina del Rey.
Jeffrey Borer, sentenced in October for conspiring to sell a videotape of Jackson in 2003 when the pop singer faced child molestation charges, has been paying his debt to society with access to a harbor-side pool and restaurant, two tennis courts and a spa.
Lloyd Kirschbaum, Borer's attorney in an ongoing civil case, said Borer is detained at the hotel for six months at his own expense because his Marina del Rey house is infested with mold, to which his wife is allergic. "It's all squared away with the probation department," Kirschbaum said.
Borer, owner of the Santa Monica charter jet company XtraJet, and Arvell Jett Reeves, owner of a Chino aircraft maintenance firm, installed video cameras in one of Borer's Gulfstream jets. The cameras were used to videotape Jackson and his lawyer, Mark Geragos, on a flight from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara in the midst of Jackson's molestation trial.
The videotapes came to light when Fox News reported in 2003 that a private party had offered to sell them to the network. Borer, 62, pleaded guilty in March to the federal charges.
Federal probation officials declined to comment on Borer's detention. But Daniel N. Shallman, the federal prosecutor in Borer's case, called the hotel stay "outrageous."
"When someone is sentenced to electronic monitoring, normally the presumption is he's not going to be holed up in a four-star hotel," said Shallman, now a lawyer at O'Melveny & Myers.
Source: spokesmanreview / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #880 - Friday Jan 26, 2007
Michael Jackson returns to the U.S.
In a rare conference call, the singer emerged with his spokeswoman Friday to confirm to The Associated Press that he is back in the United States after more than a year in self-imposed exile following his acquittal in a high-profile child molestation trial that ended in June 2005.
They also said he is on the comeback trail planning a pair of "fan appreciation events" in Japan in March, one of which will charge $3,300 for the opportunity to meet the Gloved One.
"I can confirm that he is in the United States," spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain said. "We don't give out information regarding our client's whereabouts because of safety, and this is just an ongoing policy."
During the brief conference call, Jackson read a statement prepared for The Associated Press about his plans to visit Japan and allowed only one question: How are you?
"I'm fine, thank you," was his reply.
Jackson said he has chosen to come back to Japan because of the strong support he enjoys here.
"My friends and fans in Japan have been so supportive of me and my family for many, many years," he said. "My fans in Japan helped me achieve historic milestones in the music industry."
Broderick Morris, the promoter working the Japan side of Jackson's trip, said they have sold 220 of 300 tickets to a "platinum VIP party" on March 8 with Jackson, at $3,300 a pop. Guests will have dinner, get autographed photos and be able to "meet and greet" Jackson for 30 seconds to one minute, he said.
A less-exclusive party is scheduled for the following day. Jackson is not obligated to perform at either event, and promoters refused to comment on how much Jackson, 48, would be paid.
Source: AP / MJJForum
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26 January 2007
Hotshot #2227
MICHAEL JACKSON RETURNS TO U.S. TO LIVE?
Location of where he is staying unknown
Michael Jackson today confirmed that he is currently in the United States, but it is unsure whether or not he will be staying.
Alongside his spokesperson, Raymone Bain, Michael called the Associated Press to confirm his current whereabouts. "I can confirm that he is in the United States," Bain said. "We don't give out information regarding our client's whereabouts because of safety, and this is just an ongoing policy."
It is unusual that AP would make a story out of the fact that Michael is currently in the U.S. After all, he has (quite publicly) been in the States since the end of last year. Maybe the news organisation is under the impression Michael is back to live?
The phone call also discussed the upcoming fan events scheduled for March in Japan. "My friends and fans in Japan have been so supportive of me and my family for many, many years," Michael said. "My fans in Japan helped me achieve historic milestones in the music industry."
Not that he's bragging, but hey, he's Michael Jackson, he's allowed to!
The fan events take place in Tokyo, with an exclusive dinner taking place on March 8th, where fans will be able to get autographed photos and have a meet and greet (for a short period) with their idol. The less-exclusive event takes place the following day.
For details on the events and how to purchase tickets, click on the link below.
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MJJF eNews #877 - Wednesday Jan 24, 2007
Michael Jackson's ex-Lawyer Sues XtraJet
Attorney Mark Geragos, Michael Jackson's former lawyer, testified Tuesday that he reverted to �almost paranoid lengths� in guarding his clients privacy after he and his then client Michael Jackson were secretly video taped while heading to Santa Barbara to surrender in a child-molestation investigation on a private jet supplied by the jet company XtraJet.
Testifying in a non-jury trial, Geragos said he obtained a court order preventing XtraJet's previous owner, Jeffery Borer, from selling the footage after learning of it through the media.
Mr. Garagos called the taping one of the worst experiences of his 24-year legal career. �I can't think of any act more distressing to me at a professional level than what was done here� he said.
He also stated that, after the incident, he stated taking extreme precautions with clients to prevent spying. These included meetings under freeway overpasses and hotel rooms. Also, twice, he sent an associate overseas to meet with a layer in a case rather than have them communicating over the phone or e-mail.
Borer and co-defendant Arvel Jett Reeves were indicted by federal prosecutors in the case. Under a plea deal, both admitted they installed two digital video recorders to record "a professional entertainer" and his lawyer as the pair traveled on a private jet from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara.
Borer was sentenced in October to six months of home detention, three years probation, and was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
Reeves was sentenced in July to eight months in prison, six additional months in a halfway house and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. Reeves testified on a videotape shown in court Monday that no sound was recorded on the tapes.
Jackson, who was initially a plaintiff in the civil lawsuit against XtraJet, later dropped out of the case.
The entertainer, who replaced Geragos with another attorney during the child molestation trial, was acquitted of the charges in 2005.
Source: Associated Press/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #876 - Tuesday Jan 23, 2007
Exclusive Video Message from Will.I.Am
Will.I.Am, producer for multi-platinum acts like The Pussycat Dolls, Fergie, Busta Rhymes and The Blackeyed Peas, sat down for an impromptu chat with MJJF Staff Member Feisal. Will.I.Am is currently co-producing Michael Jackson's up and coming project that's slated for release in 2007.
Please click this link for Will.I.Am's message to Michael and his fans!
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MJJF eNews #875 - Saturday Jan 13, 2007
Jackson sued for Meds/ Response per Raymone
Posted Jan 12th 2007 6:48PM by TMZ Staff
Filed under: Celebrity Justice
TMZ has learned that a Beverly Hills pharmacy claims Michael Jackson ran up a $100,000 tab for prescription meds, but never paid.
TMZ has obtained the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, by drugstore to the stars Mickey Fine Pharmacy. The store, which often delivers its wares via motorcycle, alleges they had an oral agreement with Jackson to pay for any prescriptions they filled. The pharmacy claims Jackson made his last payment to them in mid-2005. According to the documents, the pharmacy made "repeated requests for payment." Perhaps MJ thought that "oral agreement" was related to how to take the pills.
They are asking for the $101,926.66 they are owed, plus court costs and other relief.
Calls to Jackson's reps were not immediately returned
Michael Jackson's Response:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Raymone K. Bain
January 12, 2007
RESPONSE TO LAWSUIT FILED BY G&J GROSS, INC.
DBA MIKEY FINE PHARMACY AGAINST MICHAEL JACKSON
Washington, D.C. �.. Regarding your inquiries about an action filed by G & J
Gross, Inc., DBA Mikey Fine Pharmacy against Michael Jackson: the issue
has been amicably resolved. Mikey Fine Pharmacy has been paid.
This action related to the administration of Mr. Jackson�s finances, which
has been transitioned away from Mr. Jackson�s former business managers.
On December 22, 2006, Mr. Jackson filed a lawsuit against his former
business managers, Bernstein, Fox, Whitman, Goldman and Sloan, LLP.
Source:TMZ/Raymone Bain/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews # 873 - Wednesday Jan 3, 2007
Will.i.am to work on Jackson album
Will.i.am to work on Jackson album
Black Eyed Peas front man William has announced that he is to work with Michael Jackson on the singer's comeback album.
Speaking to Billboard.com, Will.i.am said that he had already been involved in "a lot of talking on the phone, a lot of brainstorming" with Jackson about the album, which is tentatively due for release before the end of 2007.
"Man, he still sings like a bird," Will.i.am said. "He could go anywhere. I think we have a real opportunity to do something here. It's either gonna be really big or nobody's gonna care. Ain't no middle ground on this one."
Will.i.am tells Billboard.com he has been doing "a lot of talking on the phone, a lot of brainstorming" with Jackson so far. Their conversations, he says, involve more than just music but also figuring out how Jackson can use new technology, particularly social networking sites and download outlets, to his advantage.
Will.i.am has previously produced songs for Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Nas and his Black Eyed Peas band mate Fergie.
He also revealed his admiration for Michael Jackson
Chris Brown to work with Michael Jackson?
Chris Brown says he plans to work with Michael Jackson, possibly on his forthcoming album.
The rapper told Billboard that Michael Jackson, whose next album will come out on the Bahrain-based Two Seas Records, is his musical idol, and "one of the reasons I do my music".
Brown explained: "We got a chance to meet at the World Music Awards and we're talking to his management about when we can set up a date to be working on his album. It would be an honor and a blessing for me to work with [him]."
Usher & Akon also potential collaborators with Michael Jackson?
Usher, another long-time admirer, may also be added to Jackson's list of potential collaborators which also include Akon and G-Unit affiliate DJ Whoo Kid.
"We actually spoke about doing something, but nothing more than a conversation. It was for his project," Usher told KIIS FM host Ryan Seacrest.
Source: Billboard/ SOHH Soulful/ MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #872 - Saturday Dec 30, 2006
Michael Jackson says Goodbye to The Godfather of Soul
AUGUSTA, Ga. (MJJForum.com) - Michael Jackson, making a rare public appearance in the United States, said goodbye to the legendary Godfather of Soul, Dr. James Brown on Saturday. Michael Jackson, along with civil rights leaders, entertainers, and fans attended the Home-Going Celebration held at The James Brown Arena in Augusta, Georgia. Dr. James Brown's music and message embodied a generation of revolutionary change for black Americans.
Michael Jackson entered the funeral to a thunderous applause as James Brown's band, The Soul Generals and Bittersweet performed Mr. Brown's hits to a crowd of 9,000.
In his third costume change in three days, The "Godfather of Soul," was dressed in a black suit and gloves with a ruby red shirt. Jewels sparkled on his lapels and at the tips of his shoes. His body laid in an open-topped 24 Karat gold coffin in front of the stage.
In a rousing eulogy/tribute to James Brown, civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton spoke of his last conversation with James, which included a discussion about Michael Jackson.
"James said to me ... 'I love Michael.' He said, 'Tell him do not worry about coming home. They always scandalize those that have the talent. But tell him we need to clean up the music and I want Michael and all of them that imitated me to come back and lift the music back."'
"I do not care what the media says tonight, James Brown wanted Michael Jackson with him here today," Sharpton said in a booming voice. Sharpton then invited Michael Jackson onstage where Michael gave a brief speech.
"James Brown is my greatest inspiration." Jackson said, telling the crowd how his mother would wake him up at night so he could watch Brown on television.
"Ever since I was a small child, no more than 6 years old, my mother would wake me no matter what time, even if I were sleeping, no matter what I was doing, to go watch the master at work." Jackson said. "And when I saw him move I was mesmerized!"
"I've never seen a performer perform like James Brown and I knew right then and there, that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life," he said.
Throughout the ceremony, Michael comforted James Brown's family, friends, and loved ones and they comforted him as well.
He had 119 hits including "Please, Please, Please," "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," "It's a Man's World," "Living in America," and Brown became a living embodiment of black pride with "Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud)."
Dr. James Brown (He received his doctorate during the funeral) performed more than 100 live shows this year and he was due to perform on New Year's Eve in New York's Times Square.
We at MJJForum.com sends our heartfelt condolences, love, and support to The Brown Family. Rest In Peace, Godfather Of Soul!
Source: Reuters/MJJForum.com
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31 December 2006
Hotshot #2223
MICHAEL JACKSON ATTENDS FUNERAL OF JAMES BROWN
Gives short speech describing him as his "greatest inspiration"
Michael Jackson attended the funeral of James Brown yesterday in Augusta, Georgia.
The ceremony was led by Rev. Al Sharpton, who told the 9,000 audience that James Brown wanted Michael to be there according to Reuters. "I don't care what the media says tonight, James Brown wanted Michael Jackson with him here today."
He continued, "(James Brown) said ... 'I love Michael.' He said, 'Tell him don't worry about coming home. They always scandalize those that have the talent. But tell him we need to clean up the music and I want Michael and all of them that imitated me to come back and lift the music back."
Michael told the mourners that Brown was his "greatest inspiration." He told how watching Brown dance left him mesmerized. "James Brown, I shall miss you and I love you so much. Thank you for everything."
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MJJF eNews #871 - Friday Dec 29, 2006
Michael Jackson To Attend Brown's Funeral; Officials Prepare For Celebrities
Preparations are being finalized at The James Brown Arena in Augusta, Georgia for the public viewing of James Brown at services that are being held on Saturday. Mayor Deke Copenhaver has told The Augusta Chronicle that security measures are being altered to accommodate the number of celebrities expected to attend that service. Mr. Copenhaver also confirmed that pop singer Michael Jackson is expected, as are many other entertainment and political figures.
Michael Jackson idolized Mr. James Brown. As a child and adult, The King of Pop emulated the fancy, syncopated footwork and vocal styling of The Godfather of Soul, and at the 3RD ANNUAL BET AWARDS in 2003, BET honored Brown with its Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the network on any individual. During that telecast, one of the most memorable moments in music television history occurred when pop star Michael Jackson surprised millions of viewers by joining Brown on stage in a spontaneous outpouring of dance and song in salute to the icon�s amazing career that spanned more than five decades.
The public viewing Saturday will begin at 9 a.m., with services to be held at 1 p.m and will be officiated by The Rev. Al Sharpton.
Source: The Augusta Chronicle/BET.com/MJJForum.com
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MJJF eNews #870 - Wednesday Dec 27, 2006
Michael Jackson Statement Re: James Brown
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Raymone K. Bain
December 27, 2006
STATEMENT OF MICHAEL JACKSON REGARDING THE DEATH OF MR. JAMES BROWN
"I am extremely shocked and saddened by the death of my mentor and friend, James Brown. Words cannot adequately express the love and respect that I will always have for Mr. Brown. There has not been, and will never be another like him. He is irreplaceable.
I send my love and heartfelt condolences to his family."
Source: Michael Jackson/Raymone Bain/MJJForum.com
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MJJF eNews # 869 - Saturday Dec 23, 2006
Billie Jean - Multimix
Detail : A video mix of one of the greatest songs ever written, featuring synced footage from the short film, Dangerous World Tour in Bucharest, HIStory World Tour in Munich, 30th Anniversary Celebration at Madison Square Garden and the MTV awards performance from 1995.
The audio in this mix is a specially edited version of the original fully live audio from the Dangerous in Bucharest concert, the original ending which falls back to the simple drum beat has been edited to feel and sound more like that from the 1995 MTV performance in which it falls back into the driving bassline. You will see what I mean when you watch or download it.
Streaming
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS7iTPVrfZ4
Download
Mirror 1: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8SRYEZDS (70MB)
Mirror 2: http://depositfiles.com/files/471862 (thanks to Animator)
Requirements:
DivX, get it for free at www.divx.com
Thats all, Merry Christmas and PLEASE DO REPLY! as Michael once said "Make that change" and click the reply button.
Source:Em-jay/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #868 - Saturday Dec 23, 2006
Jackson Wants His Money Back - Files Suit
Michael Jackson blames his financial mess on his former accountants, and he's suing to make things right.
TMZ has obtained a lawsuit filed by Jackson against Bernstein, Fox, Whitman, Goldman & Sloan, the singer's former CPAs. In the suit, filed late Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Jackson claims the firm withdrew $2.5 million a year from his accounts but did not pay the bills as ordered.
Jackson alleges the firm hired and paid people on Jackson's dime, without his authorization. Jackson has been dogged by claims he has stiffed his staff. The lawsuit also alleges that the firm entered into various agreements on Jackson's behalf, without his approval.
Jackson does not specifically allege where the money went, but claims the firm was negligent and violated its duty of trust. He also claims the firm has not come clean with his financial records, and says he's requested his accounting file but it has not been presented.
Jackson is seeking unspecified compensatory damages, punitive damages and a full accounting. Reps from Bernstein, Fox, Whitman, Goldman & Sloan had no comment.
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MJJF eNews #867 - Thursday Dec 21, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michael Jackson is not selling Neverland Valley Ranch
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2007
POP SUPERSTAR MICHAEL JACKSON NOT SELLING NEVERLAND VALLEY RANCH
HAS NO ASSOCIATION WITH BRAVO NETWORK
Washington, D.C. --- Raymone K. Bain, General Manager, releases the following statement:
�Reports that Mr. Michael Jackson is seeking to sell his Neverland Valley Ranch in California on the Bravo television network�s reality show, �Million Dollar Listing,' are totally untrue and ludicrous and yet another malicious attempt to damage Mr. Jackson�s character and misrepresent his financial affairs.
�Mr. Jackson is NOT selling Neverland Valley Ranch. We have said this time and time again, but rather than believe the source, there are those who consistently rely on unsubstantiated reports from unnamed sources.
�We have not been in discussions with the Bravo Network regarding the series �Million Dollar Listing,� nor do we plan to do so.�
Source: Raymone Bain
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MJJF eNews #866 - Friday Dec 15, 2006
For Immediate Release Re: Japan Event, Date Change and "Fan Appreciation Day"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 14, 2006
Michael Jackson and Broderick Morris, CEO, Positive Productions Announce Date Change and an Additional �Fan Appreciation Day.�
Tokyo, Japan -- Pop star Michael Jackson and Broderick Morris, CEO, Positive Productions, have mutually agreed today to postpone the Tokyo Christmas Celebration, planned for December 19, 2006, at the Tokyo Studio Coast, to March 2007.
Both men agreed to the change in order to add a second separate event, a �Fan Appreciation Day,� on March 9, 2007, for Japanese fans, and fans in other parts of the world who wish to attend, noted Morris, who added that they selected the March 9th date because it is referred to in Japan as San Ku, which means, �Thank You.�
The Corporate VIP Event, which Mr. Jackson will meet, greet and take photos with attendees, be held the day before on March 8, 2007.
�I will be attending these special events on March 8th and 9th in Tokyo, Japan,� said Michael Jackson. �Tokyo is such a wonderful place, and I look forward to speaking to my friends and fans at both events. My fans have been so loving and supportive of me, and I am honored to attend an event to thank them for the love and support they have shown to me, and my family, throughout the years,� Jackson added.
�We want to be as inclusive as possible to all of Michael�s fans,� explained Morris. �They have supported him throughout his career, and this is a unique opportunity for him to thank them. We both wanted to make sure that the events were planned in a way as to include as many of Michael�s friends and fans as possible.� Morris said persons holding tickets for the Christmas event will receive priority consideration for the new dates. Purchasers of tickets can also return those tickets for a full refund.
For additional information, contact Positive Productions Yokohama at: 81-45-505-0010.###
Source: Raymone K. Bain
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MJJF eNews #865 - Saturday Dec 9, 2006
Statement from Michael Jackson: To My Japanese Fans
December 8, 2006
To My Japanese Fans:
I understand that there has been some confusion concerning my upcoming visit to Japan.
Positive Productions and Mr. Broderick Morris have been kind enough to invite me to Japan to participate in a Christmas event at the Tokyo Shinkiba Studio Coast, and I have accepted. I will be attending the Christmas Celebration on December 19, 2006.
As you all know, I visited Japan in May of this year. Mr. Morris and Positive Productions sponsored that trip as well. My children and I had a wonderful time visiting Tokyo and seeing fans and friends. I am sure that this visit will be just as enjoyable for us.
Please rest assured that reports of my upcoming visit to Tokyo are true.
Thank you for your love, your kindness, and the support that you, and my fans from around the world have shown to me, and my family, over the years.
I love you all from the bottom of my heart, and wish you, and your families, a wonderful holiday season.
With love,
Michael Jackson
Source: Raymone K. Bain
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Date: Thu, 07 Dec 2006 03:33:20 -0000
Subject: [Positive Voices 4 MJJ] ANOTHER FAKE MJJ ANF FAKE OFFICIAL ON MYSPACE
JUST RECEIVED AN ASWER FROM MISS BAIN ON THE QYESTION IF THE OFFICIAL
MJ PAGE ON MYSPACE IS OFFIIAL AND OF COURSE IT ISNT BT I HAD TO BE
SURE BEFORE POSTING IT...ALSO THE PERSON WHO IS SELLING CHOTHES MADE
COPIES OF MJJ CLOTHES IS NOT DOING THIS WITH PERMISSION, SO OUT OF
RESPECT FOR OUR FAV SINGER LETS NOT GET INVOLVED WITH PEOPLE WHODO
THESE THINGS AND TRY TO FOOL FANS AND MAKE CONTACTS BY CALLING
THEMSELFS OFFICIAL,
Eve - The Music Lady (Owner-Moderator)
http://themusiclady.myrockinprofile.com
From: "paul"
Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2006 16:09:18 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: [Positive Voices 4 MJJ] BON JOVI DENIES JACKSON SNUB!!
Rocker JON BON JOVI has slammed suggestions he snubbed MICHAEL JACKSON's comeback performance at the World Music Awards in London last week (15NOV06), insisting he wasn't even invited to the event. The KEEP THE FAITH star was in the British capital for his induction into the UK Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier that week (begs13NOV06) and many expected him to present Jackson with his Diamond Award at Earls Court. Bon Jovi received the same accolade at last year's (05) World Music Awards. However, the singer denies avoiding the presentation because of stigma following Jackson's molestation trial. His spokesperson tells the New York Daily News, "An invitation to attend and/or present at the World Music Awards was not received." In the end, BEYONCE KNOWLES handed Jackson his trophy.
Eve - The Music Lady (Owner-Moderator)
http://themusiclady.myrockinprofile.com
21 November 2006
Hotshot #2217
RAYMONE BAIN RELEASES STATEMENT
Michael Jackson to attend Christmas celebration in Japan
The following statement comes from Michael Jackson's spokesperson Raymone Bain, (pictured left) and reveals Michael's plans next month;
MICHAEL JACKSON TO ATTEND CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION IN TOKYO, JAPAN BEING GIVEN IN HIS HONOR TO COMMEMORATE THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RELEASE OF "THRILLER"
December 19, 2006
On Tuesday, December 19, 2006, Michael Jackson will be attending a Christmas celebration being held in his honor, hosted by Mr. Broderick Morris, CEO, Positive Productions Yokohama, and Mr. Daisuke Kodo, CEO, God Gate Investment. The celebration is being given to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the release of "Thriller."
Messrs. Morris and Kodo hosted Mr. Jackson during his May, 2006, visit to Tokyo. The Christmas celebration will be held at Tokyo Studio Coast.
Says Mr. Morris, "Mr. Kodo and I are delighted to be hosting Mr. Jackson in Tokyo again, for what will be a wonderful, inspirational, fun-filled celebration. He has many fans and friends here in Tokyo, and his record sales in Tokyo exceed that of any other artist. We also congratulate him on the 25th Anniversary of 'Thriller,' and worldwide record sales of 104,000,000 units. When Guinness recently presented him with the award certifying this record-breaking achievement, we were all so very happy for him. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Jackson in December."
Says Michael Jackson, "I look forward to visiting Japan again, and greeting my fans and friends. I would like to thank Messrs. Morris and Kodo for inviting me back, and for hosting the event."
You are free to use the content in this email, though you must include a reciprocal link in the reproduced material.
World Music Awards founder Melissa Corken has spoken out in defence of MJ's 'performance' at the bash last Wednesday night.
Talking to MTV UK News, she said, "Let's get this straight, Michael was coming to collect an award, not perform. He doesn't have a record ready.
"The press picked up on a rumour that he was going to sing 'Thriller'. He was NEVER going to perform 'Thriller'. It was always going to be Chris Brown performing as a tribute"
She continued, "Michael was a little overwhelmed by (the press stories). He said I can't do 'Thriller' because I haven't done it for ten years.
"He wasn't quite ready to perform but he wanted to do something more than just accept his award so he decided to sing some of 'We Are The World'. He was courageous enough to do that."
And while most of the British tabs bigged up how many boos he got, Melissa told us the overall vibe of the show was overwhelmingly positive.
"He's played two times at the WMAs already but this time was even more explosive - I've never felt energy like that before. It was just wonderful. Over 10,000 people from all across the world came to see him.
"I love Michael, everyone assumes he's a diva but he's not - he demands nothing. He's just a really nice simple man. I went to see him and his beautiful children chilling in their hotel room."
And despite all the stick he also got for his appearance, Melissa told us that up close MJ looks fine. "He has beautiful skin and nice hair. He was looking good."
MTV
Thanks to: ahmed/MJNO.. .
paul(mjcool)
Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2006 02:50:04 -0000
Subject: [Positive Voices 4 MJJ] Here is a You Tube of Michael at the WMA's
You can see for yourself, what he had to contend with, and that he was
still singing when the sound was cut.....
Michael Jackson Dissapointed By The Shambolic World Music Awards
Comeback didn't go to plan...
By: Lowri Williams on 11/17/2006
It has been revealed that the reason Michael Jackson only sang a
few lines of a song at the recent World Music Awards was because his
mic was cut off as the event had run over its 11pm curfew.
Jackson was forced to wait before going on stage as the event was
running behind schedule and so could only sing a few lines from his
song `We Are The World'.
A friend of his told the Mirror: "He is terribly disappointed. He'd
rehearsed four songs. He'd decide to sing `She's Out Of My Life' but
each time his car drove up to the stage he was told it wasn't ready.
Then his mic was cut off. It was just one disaster too far.
Another source added: "It was an extraordinary night for all the
wrong reasons. Everything that could go wrong did. Everything was
late, running orders were being made up during the show.
celebs were being asked to do things with literally 10 minutes
notice.
Sent: Thursday, November 16, 2006 6:38 PM
Subject: Re: [Positive Voices 4 MJJ] WMA Urgent and angry!
Hello Family. Just returned from London!
You guys have been busy!... a lot...of emails to read! lol.
Before I do that I have something very important to address... I may be too late on this as I do not know what has already been said but SUSIE MICHAEL IS ANGRY AND DANGEROUS!!
Embarking my train back to Eastbourne I stopped by WHS to check the headlines...
The tabloid junkies are at it again!!
The first thing I saw was this gruesome picture on the front cover of my most hated 'SUN'. They had managed to make Michael look like the 'penguin' from the Batman movie!!! I was horrified!. The headlines. 'Jacko back but still Wacko!'...
Then on the 'Star' cover ( I think), Taking up the whole page with a pic of all the stars... JACKO BOOED OF STAGE! (OR MICHAEL JACKSON... I WAS TOO ANGRY TO LOOK TO CLOSELY AND DID NOT WANT TO GET MY HANDS SOILED!.
As I looked at it someone picked it up as I also said to Martin "Look at that! They're saying he was booed off the stage ! HE WAS NOT! YOU SEE THEY ARE FULL OF S***T!
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT...
THERE WAS NOTHING BUT LOVE AND SUPPORT FOR MICHAEL FROM EVERYONE THERE! INCLUDING ALL THE OTHER ARTISTS AND THEIR FANS. EACH LONG SILENCE WAS FILLED WITH 'MICHAEL! MICHAEL! MICHAEL! CHANTS.
THE AUDIENCE BOOED WHEN POOR RHIANNA CAME ON BECAUSE MICHAEL HAD JUST LEFT AND THEY MADE IT CLEAR THEY WANTED MORE! JUST TO CLARIFY THEY BOOED RHIANNA BUT IT WAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HER OR WANTING MICHAEL OFF THE STAGE. THEY JUST WANTED HIM TO STAY. I FELT REALLY SORRY FOR HER AND KEPT SHOUTING, STOP IT! IT'S NOT HER FAULT! IT SOUNDS HORRIBLE! SHOW SOME RESPECT!!!. ...I HATE BOOING!
I WANT THIS STOPPED I WANT EVERY ONE WHO WENT TO WRITE IN AND CLARIFY THIS... A SORT OF CAMPAIGN! I WANT THOSE b******* TO RETRACT ALL THE LIES. WE CAN WRITE THE TRUTH AS AN ALTERNATIVE! HOW DO WE MAKE THIS HAPPEN LADY EVE? I KNOW YOU CAN USE THE WEBSITE AND GET ALL OTHER MJ SITES TO JOIN IN. IT SEEMS THEY DO NOT WANT TO TELL THE TRUTH WHEN IT IS ALL GOOD/POSITIVE THEY HAVE TO TURN IT INTO A NEGATIVE BY CREATING LIES.
SO FOR THE LOVE OF OUR BELOVED MICHAEL JACKSON LET'S DO THIS!
LOVE SUSIE MICHAEL
BELIEVING IN MICHAEL JACKSON PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
AND IN TRUTH AND JUSTICE NOT TABLOID JUNK!
THE WORST PART IS SOME READERS WILL BELIEVE IT...ONE IS TOO MANY!!!
Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2006 21:32:31 -0500
Will Media Get Over Being Wrong about Jackson? � MB#320
World Music Awards appearance was never meant to be a 'comeback bid'
Nov 15 2006 � With Michael Jackson tearing through the streets of London and causing total pandemonium, a few �news� agencies have taken it upon themselves to whine about whether the public will accept Jackson�s �comeback�.
Let�s get real here: Jackson is currently being honored for his massive achievements by the World Music Awards, and is being recognized for the records he�s set by the Guinness Book of World records.
He hasn�t released a new album today, or started a new tour. But already, at least two articles from Reuters, both by the same person, appear to be seeking to preemptively strike with negative comments about what Jackson is capable of achieving in his musical future.
In one of the articles, curiously titled �Doubts surround Michael Jackson comeback bid�, dated today (Nov 15), author Mike Collett-White writes, �The media greeted the announcement with some unease, saying the gig could become a freak show� (see article ).
First, who the hell cares about the media being at ease? Second, the �gig� is Jackson�s appearance at the World Music Awards. It�s not a concert.
For those like Collett-White, who are apparently too slow-witted to get it, let me break it down.
Jackson�s appearance at the World Music Awards was not a �comeback performance�. It was never meant to be one either, nor had Jackson ever promised it would be.
Twice before the performances began at the World Music Awards, Jackson told reporters asking questions as he was entering the event that he was not performing tonight. Thus, anyone jumping on Jackson because of their own misunderstanding is being childish as hell.
His appearance was part of his celebration of the achievements he�s made in his long running, and enormously successful career. But you would think it were a supposed to be the kick-off a 50 city tour with his entire career riding on it judging by the way some in the media have chosen to dramatically report it.
It�s ridiculous to expect something to occur � which was never meant to happen nor promised to happen in the first place � then get disappointed when it doesn�t take place.
Its asinine for the media (and a few selfish Jackson bandwagon-fans) to criticize him for not doing something which he never promised to do in the first place.
To be blunt, neither I nor the majority of regular people give two craps about the media�s specific opinion on Jackson anymore; especially after the generally atrocious coverage of that travesty of a trial last year.
Certainly after Jackson�s total acquittal which followed the total decimation of the prosecution�s allegations in court, many observers felt misled by the media�s coverage.
That first Collett-White piece included comments from a local tabloid, The Sun, under the guise citing it as a �top selling daily newspaper�, instead of calling it what it is.
Then, there were the sketchy comments from at least one alleged �music expect� cited in Collett-White�s first article. He wrote: �Music expects agree that the man who brought us the moonwalk�will struggle to get anywhere near the heights he delivered in the 1980s�.
The problem with the statement is that this isn�t the 1980s. There are light years of difference between the 1980s and the 21st century. Nobody can be as famous as they were in the 1980s�or so I thought before seeing images and video clips of the enormous attention Jackson generated from his latest appearances.
Despite the attention, this is a totally different world with different technological advances. Collett-White�s statement was obviously a lame way to try to underestimate or downplay Jackson�s capabilities. It�s a cheap way to try to shore up the opinion journalist�s commentary.
In Collett-White�s first article, he quotes the deputy editor of �Q music magazine�. No, I�ve never heard of the magazine either. But anyway, Mr. deputy editor, Gareth Grundy, looked into his crystal ball long enough to suggest that the allegations against Jackson have �stuck�.
He says the screaming pandemonium generated by Jackson shouldn�t be confused with a �successful return to the top.�
The problem with Grundy�s shallow interpretation is that if it were correct, nobody would bother coming to seem Jackson at all. There wouldn�t be hundreds of people camped outside his hotel hoping to get a glimpse of him. Nobody, including the picture hungry photogs, would give a flying flip about whatever Jackson was doing.
More asinine comments from the know-nothing Grundy are as follows:
"I think people will always be fascinated by the freak show, and that�s what�s going on,� he said. �I would categorize him as a celebrity as opposed to an artist."
Jackson has been called many things by many people. But to claim with a straight face that Jackson isn�t an artist is utterly absurd.
The media are the ones who love to throw out the term �freak show� for their own financial benefit when it comes to Jackson. In this respect, they are light years behind the general public.
The goal is to create controversy to get people to buy a paper�or to be quoted in a Jackson article to get free publicity for your magazine *cough* Grundy *cough*.
__An embarrassed media__
If Collett-White�s previous comments weren�t embarrassing enough, later tonight (Nov 15) he released another article titled, �Michael Jackson�s partial comeback is not thriller� (see article). It makes one believe that he already came up with that title before Jackson stepped foot out on the stage.
The second article is full of insults towards Jackson, which shows more about the disposition of the person writing it than it does to actually provide supportable facts that connect with the reader.
At one point, Collett-White states dramatically, �The failure by the deposed King of Pop to demonstrate his voice and confidence�� Oh, cue the violins! Please! What is this? Part of a hackneyed drama? It�s not that serious!
Again, it simply isn�t as dramatic as all that. Jackson�s intent seemed to have been to have fun and probably to show the world�s media what he�s been accomplishing while they were too obsessed with treating him like $hit, and continuously underestimating his popularity and musical prowess.
Do I have any doubts about Jackson�s so-called �comeback bid?� Nope. But the World Music Awards was never meant to be that �comeback bid�.
What I do have doubts about is whether the media will ever get over themselves long enough to see the reality staring them in the face. The sheer excitement created by Jackson BECAUSE OF HIS ABILITIES is why people of all ages were squealing with delight in the streets of London without him having to so much as sing a song.
I would advise the ones who are forecasting his failure to remember that Jackson has always been underestimated...at least, by the media.
Asinine proclamations like the ones from know-nothing �Mr. deputy-editor-Grundy� were said about Jackson before the release of damn near every solo album he�s ever made. I remember a time when nobody thought he was capable of topping the success of Off The Wall. Then came Thriller.
Those types of doom forecasts were also said after 1993. Then came HIStory where Jackson became the first artist to debut a single at number one. The album has sold 30 million copies worldwide. I even remember when the media�s general consensus was that Jackson didn�t have any fans under the age of 30! HA!
The media should be tired and embarrassed about being wrong concerning Jackson. Wasn�t the outcome of the 2005 false molestation allegation trial enough? The media no longer has control to make or break his career.
In all honesty, I feel sort of embarrassed for those like Collett-White. Witnessing the events in London and the fuss being made over Jackson has got to be puzzling for those who can�t wrap their minds around why Jackson is still so popular.
No matter how much those like Collett-White peevishly stomp and complain -- or insult Jackson under the guise of being a reporter � the superstar�s musical acumen, factual innocence, and ability to draw people to him will always rise above the petty putdowns and shallow forecasts of doom.
Jackson is the type of artist who continues to evolve and develop. He wouldn�t be nor should he become a hackneyed version of his 25-year-old self no matter how much the media cries out for it.
The media had better get over themselves quickly. And that includes Collett-White or any other cry-baby complainer who finds fault with whatever Jackson does anyway.
-MJEOL
Copyright � 2004 by MJEOL.COM
DISCLAIMER: Neither MJEOL.COM nor the opinions expressed in any and all writings/posts/messages located anywhere on this site, are in any way affiliated either expressly or implicitly with Michael Jackson, his management, his attorneys, etc. We are not an official Jackson website, we do not speak for (or to) Michael Jackson, nor do we fall under any gag orders associated with the current case. Long story short, if you're looking to silence our support for Jackson, you'll have to throw out the U.S. Constitution, dude.
MJJF eNews #862 - Friday Nov 17, 2006
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Michael Jackson at the 2006 World Music Awards
November 15th 2006
An Exclusive Report for MJJ Forum by Robin Meltzer, London, UK
With the exception of the BRIT Awards, which have tried in recent years to shed their image of chaos and disorder, the UK does not play host to many music industry awards ceremonies. So when it was announced that the World Music Awards (WMAs) � unique among award ceremonies for its focus on sales alone � were coming to London, interest was aroused.
Interest went through the roof when it was revealed that the star guest would be Michael Jackson, who would be presented with the Diamond Award - a World Music Award presented infrequently to artists who have sold over 100 million albums in their career.
Michael Jackson could actually have been presented with seven diamond awards because it was revealed in the run-up to the ceremony by Raymone Bain, Michael�s manager/press office, that the WMAs would recognise an astonishing 750 million records sold since he was eleven.
The day before the ceremony, it was announced by the Guinness Book of World Records that the album �Thriller� alone had sold 104 million copies since its release at the end of 1982.
Those statistics would have been enough to almost guarantee some positive news for Michael following his rare public appearance to the UK to attend the awards. That should have been the story: factual, precise, undeniable.
However, in the two weeks prior to the event, staff at the World Music Awards used Michael�s attendance shamelessly to create a sense of expectation that spiralled completely out of control. Earls Court is a large venue � one of Britain�s very biggest � and it was not quite full. It would have been even less full had the WMA website not placed Michael�s name and image at the top of their list of performers. Of course fans would have attended and been extremely grateful to have seen the man in person, but it would not have been the kind of event that it eventually became.
In addition, a confusingly worded press release issued by the WMA promised that Michael Jackson would �appear on stage as part of a spectacular tribute to �Thriller� produced by Quincy Jones�.
What exactly did that mean? He would take to the stage and perform the song �Thriller�? Alone? With others? One song out of many from the �Thriller� album? Or just that song? Who was in the tribute? What was Quincy Jones� involvement? Would he produce the spectacular, or was that just a reference to the fact that he produced the album?
Staff at the ceremony, and informal contacts of Michael�s, also confirmed to fans and fan clubs that Michael would be performing but there were mixed rumours as to what he would perform.
Fans went crazy, waiting in line outside Earls Court box office when they were mistakenly told by organisers that no standing tickets would be available on line or on the phone. In the event, the tickets were issued through the normal channels so the waiting was unnecessary. But fans shrugged it off � �so what if some of us had to queue in the cold for tickets,� they probably said. �This is a Michael Jackson performance!�
None of this is particularly surprising on its own. Events of this size are frequently beset by ticketing chaos � with misinformation occurring as a result of the number of people involved in making money from the public. Promoters, tickets agencies and of course the WMAs themselves � all these were getting a slice of the action and this was not the first time that such establishments had demonstrated their communication problems.
No, the astonishing thing � especially now in hindsight of course but actually some of us were already saying this in the lead up to the show � was how no-one in Michael�s camp, nor from the WMAs, sought to dampen some of the press expectation that was only ever going to lead to disappointment.
By Monday, two days before the ceremony, anyone conducting a Google news search for Michael�s name would have been presented with a choice of some 300 news stories about his upcoming performance of �Thriller�. Of course most of those stories were just replicas of each other, but nevertheless, the news was out there � and it was becoming an international event. Notably, many of the stories were largely positive � or at least neutral.
Michael had arrived in London on the Sunday before the Wednesday night ceremony, and the British press were definitely interested. His smiling face and the mobbing fans featured extensively in the press, on the internet and even on the television news. There were the usual stories about eccentricity and �wacko� behaviour but essentially the press were playing along. Here was a true world star, back in our country, and about to perform here for the first time in nine years.
At some point during this period of fun, unnamed WMA officials told journalists that the performance Michael was due to give was �something of a comeback�. Not attributed, but never denied.
This bandwagon kept on rolling. It picked up more and more people as the Wednesday night of the show approached. Before long, the incredible career accomplishments that Michael was actually in London to celebrate were taking a back seat. Few seemed to care that he had sold 750 million records. Incidentally, even fewer seemed to care that it was ludicrous to bill Michael�s performance as part of a 25th anniversary of �Thriller� when it was actually 23 years and 11 months since the album�s release. No, the important thing here was the �COMEBACK�.
As far as I have been able to discern, at no point did anyone from Michael Jackson�s team try to protect their employer by maintaining a normal relationship with the press in order to play the oldest game in the PR rulebook � managing expectations. Rarely has this complete lack of any public relations strategy had more damaging effect for Michael�s status as an artist. Put quite simply, there is more to public relations than issuing rebuttals to crazy tabloid stories. That�s part of it. But you also have to manage the journalists, court them, give them information and treat them with respect � even if you have to hold your nose when you do it. It is completely inexcusable that no-one sought to calm the hysteria that the media and the staff at the World Music Awards conspired to build.
The final proof of the ineptitude with which this entire project was managed occurred of all places on the red carpet in the entrance to the ugly Earls Court building in London SW5. Incidentally, organisers had told media the day before that Michael would be arriving on the red carpet � so the media were camped outside the venue as well as inside it. The mania surrounding him was, by all accounts, so intense that it would have been impossible for him to stop and chat to fans in the same manner that Tom Cruise always does when he attends films premieres in Leicester Square. The media and the public are particularly excitable in the presence of Michael Jackson, so if the reports of Michael Jackson fans booing him as he entered are true, it is difficult to excuse such rude behaviour because his movement would have been severely limited. It is more likely that those who booed were simply �red carpet whores� who wait to get a glimpse of anyone with more charisma than them, and not predominantly fans, who would have been inside the venue waiting for the great �comeback�.
So, as he arrived, journalists managed to ask Michael if he was performing. Some asked if he was singing. Others asked if he was singing Thriller. And here we have the most ridiculous and humiliating part of this entire saga:
It was left to Michael Jackson himself to tell journalists, 90 minutes before he was due on stage, that there had been �a misunderstanding� about his appearance on stage.
A catalogue of failures on the part of the people he employs combined with an excitable media being fed blatant untruths by the World Music Awards had led to the indignity of surely the most famous person on the planet having to correct days of inaccurate reporting himself. I do not know Michael Jackson so I have no idea if he appreciates the ridiculousness of that, nor whether it dawned on him that he should not have been the person that had to issue that press announcement. But I�m pretty confident that, at the very least, he must have been aware that something was not right.
Is it any wonder that the overwhelming mood in the media lounge after that was bewilderment? That the negative headlines were penned even before Michael took to the stage? That the audience in the venue who checked the internet on their mobile devices and saw those headlines spread the word around the arena that Michael was about to disappoint?
How can it be that an audience in London, watching an American super-icon accept an award officially confirming his status as the most successful entertainer of all time, was about to descend into boos some moments later?
Can it all be explained by the combination of factors I have outlined above?
Well, no. There is also the fact that after accepting his award, Michael took to the stage again to close the show by joining a choir who had already sung two choruses of We Are The World. He shook hands with members of the choir, sang a couple of choruses with them and then appeared to have his microphone switched off due to what was later claimed to be a �curfew� issue at Earls Court?
There are so many things wrong with this scenario that it�s hard to know where to begin.
Firstly, the choir and Michael were singing over the commercially available version of We Are The World. You can buy an instrumental version of that song on eBay for five bucks. Bob Dylan�s dulcet tones were heard echoing around the arena before Michael even entered the stage. This was the type of thing that people expect at school concerts. �Oh, let�s just sing over the original track, it�ll be fine.� How has the man who has worked with the world�s greatest producers and sound engineers been put in this position, and who is responsible? Where are the people, either in his own organisation � whatever is left of it � or in the WMAs who tried to prevent it?
It is baffling that Michael�s microphone appeared to be cut off. It allowed the press the next day to speculate (wrongly, of course) that it had been cut to save the embarrassment of his bum notes! If there was a curfew to consider, had no-one thought about this beforehand?
The great thing about We Are The World was that Michael took the time to fully interact with the fans that had spent the entire day in line at the venue waiting to get near the stage. He walked right down the catwalk, with the choir behind him, threw his jacket out to the adoring crowd, took some banners and let himself be touched by his fans. These are the things he does naturally. He would have done that whether he was performing or not.
There was simply no need for the people around this superb artist and this lamentable ceremony to build up the idea of a performance if Michael was unable or unwilling to deliver more than a chorus of We Are The World. It turned what should have been a celebratory evening for Michael as a world-record breaker into a disappointment for thousands of people.
Michael Jackson�s position as a living legend was consolidated when Beyonc� presented him with the Diamond Award. She said that without Michael Jackson, she would never have become a performer and she said that an enormous amount of other performers all over the world feel the same. Michael responded with a short but sweet speech, thanking his family and those who had stood by him. At the end of it, looking at him holding his award, it was apparent what a legacy this was for Michael and how unobtainable his achievements are to any other artist.
He should have been floating on air that night.
Unfortunately, in the eyes of many, he also consolidated his image as someone whose time has passed. Many of the people who had come to see the show to get a rare glimpse of Michael performing would not describe themselves as �fans� � they are just music lovers who are interested in seeing a legend in the flesh. When Chris Brown attempted to recreate the �Thriller� video before Michael received his award, no-one could deny his talent but neither could anyone deny the disappointment of seeing him dressed in the red �Thriller� suit and performing a song made famous by the man who was waiting in the wings dressed in very different clothes for a night of award-receiving rather than performing. There was also the uncomfortable feeling or fear that they would never again be able to see Michael performing like Chris Brown.
And yet surely those people were wrong. In months or years to come, of course Michael Jackson can release more music and entertain people in sold out arenas � if he wants it. The over-riding impression left by the World Music Awards 2006 is that right then, he didn�t want it.
So why on earth did everyone else connected to this poorly-produced production allow the myth to perpetuate that he did want it? Why was it left to Michael himself to correct that myth? Why don�t the people who care about Michael as a person take the actions that are necessary to protect him as an artist?
Until those questions can be answered, we should be gravely concerned about the ability of Michael to overcome the hurdles necessary to take to the stage properly � when he really does want it.
� MJJForum.com - This news can be reposted with a credit to MJJForum.com
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17 November 2006
Hotshot #2216
WORLD MUSIC AWARDS TO AIR NEXT THURSDAY
U.K. Viewers Will Be Able To See Awards On Channel 4
The World Music Awards will air on terrestrial TV next Thursday for U.K. viewers.
Channel 4 will broadcast the ceremony, which will be edited into a two-hour time slot that includes advertisements.
The show begins at 23:35 on Thursday 23rd November and ends at 1:40am. So make sure to set your recording equipment to catch Michael's Diamond Award acceptance and brief stage appearance when he sang a few words from We Are The World.
The event itself lasted three hours, however fans that weren't able to attend shouldn't miss much as that time included several delays and re-recordings from presenters.
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WORLD MUSIC AWARDS APPEARANCE HAD SOUND CUT
Head Of Public Relations Baffled
Negative media is of course nothing new to Michael Jackson or his fans, however, when certain media outlets claimed that it "appeared a struggle" for him to sing on stage at the World Music Awards, certain fans who attended were left confused.
The sing along with We Are The World suddenly cut short just as Michael started to sing a few lines of the charity hit he penned with Lionel Richie in the 80's.
I was standing watching Jackson perform... and suddenly he stopped," said Julius Just, head of Public Relations for the awards. "They cut the sound on one of the greatest living artists in the world." Almost embarrassed, Just went on to tell the BBC, "It's the first time anything like this has happened in 18 years of the World Music Awards."
Earl's Court organisers deny they cut the song short, "We accommodated the show and the show's organisers," said spokesman Jeremy Probert.
The assembled teen choir who were on stage with Michael also found it strange that the song had been cut. "We were rehearsing to sing the whole song - so we were a bit confused because we never got to the actual song. The music was just cut off," said Paulo Mariani, a 17-year-old who was handpicked last week for the choir. "I can see that fans might have felt let down, but for us it was amazing."
Mariani said his appearance alongside Michael was the "best experience of (his) life" and that the choir hadn't even rehearsed with the greatest entertainer of all time, just with a choreographer that day. We got there at one o'clock on the day of the show and basically rehearsed in a room with a choreographer for a couple of hours."
Since the Awards ended, media have been heavily (and harshly) critical of Michael's apparent performance at the event. Although, he did deny that he was ever meant to perform while on the red carpet entering the event, saying that it was a "misunderstanding" and "a rumour." Michael Jackson, nor any member of his management team, never actually confirmed that a performance was to take place in the run up to the show.
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Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2006 21:39:27 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: [Positive Voices 4 MJJ] Earl's Court Officials Cut Jackson Short!!
The organisers of the World Music Awards said that they had "not been contacted by any of the fans or had one complaint" regarding the event.
They added that Jackson's performance had been cut short because the ceremony over-ran, breaking a noise curfew at the venue.
"I was standing watching Jackson perform... and suddenly he stopped," said Julius Just, head of Public Relations for the awards.
"They cut the sound on one of the greatest living artists in the world.
"It's the first time anything like this has happened in 18 years of the World Music Awards."
But officials at Earl's Court denied that the sound had been cut.
"We accommodated the show and the show's organisers by obtaining an extension to our licence in order to allow the show to run to eleven o'clock," said spokesman Jeremy Probert.
"And as far as we're concerned, that's what the show did. As a matter of fact, I think it finished about a minute-and-a- half early," he added.
MICHAEL: 'PERFORMING "RUMOUR" WAS "MISUNDERSTANDING"
Pre-Awards Red Carpet Interview Reveals More
After media outlets labelled last night's performance at the World Music Awards as (amongst other things) "embarrassing" and "disappointing," it turns out that Michael Jackson's appearance on stage was not a performance at all!
Michael received the Diamond Award as planned from Beyonc� Knowles (as well another Guinness World Record certificate) and closed the show by appearing on stage with an assembled choir of teenagers as they sang the 80's charity hit We Are The World.
Although he sang a few words of the song himself, that didn't stop some fans from booing as the show closed, obviously expecting much more from the most successful entertainer of all time. Michael had been rumoured to perform by various media outlets. Awards host Lindsay Lohan didn't do herself, Michael or the fans any favours by introducing the stage appearance as one of his first "performances" for years.
However, according to the BBC, he was never actually meant to perform. During a red carpet interview as Michael arrived at the awards, (pictured above, click to enlarge) he was asked by a BBC reporter if he would be performing, "Oh, I'm receiving an award, It's not a performance," he replied defiantly while also shaking his head vigorously. "It is a misunderstanding."
When asked again (by another reporter) if he was performing, Michael once again shook his head, "No!" he said with conviction. "It's just a rumour."
Michael appeared in front of the anticipating crowd on two separate occasions, but fans had to wait (as usual) until the end of proceedings to get a glimpse of their hero, and not until after a spectacular tribute to the Thriller album with a performance by U.S. R&B star Chris Brown who performed his version of the single of the same name.
His first appearance was to receive his Diamond Award. (Pictured right, click to enlarge) When introducing him, Beyonc� lavished praise upon one of her biggest icons, "If it wasn't for Michael Jackson, I would have never, ever performed. He has made such an impact on my life and every performer's life. Michael Jackson, I love you!" She wasn't the only celebrity to get behind Michael. Katie Price and her husband Peter Andre, Peaches Geldof and Rachel Hunter all joined in with the crowd as they presented various awards. Host Lohan even chanted Michael's name when introducing him to the stage, calling him a "God" in the process.
The crowd went wild as he strolled down the steps looking healthy and gave Beyonc� a friendly hug and kiss. "There have been so many who have loved me and stood by me throughout my 42 years I have been part of this business," he said during his acceptance speech. "I would like to thank my wonderful children, Paris, Prince, and Blanket, for their unconditional love and support."
Michael then left to go backstage with his awards, leaving the announcer to present a performance from Barbados born singer Rhianna. Fans who felt aggrieved that the performance they wanted from their favourite star looked unlikely then decided (wrongly, harshly and disgustingly) to boo the R&B singer as she started her performance. Rising above the pettiness, the singer delivered a great rendition of her hit Unfaithful.
Lohan then introduced Michael to the ecstatic crowd. We Are The World belted out of the speakers as the choir sang along before he came back out (Diamond Award still clutched in hand) and greeted them. Michael had a distinct swagger as he sauntered about the stage with the same confidence and attitude he showed when delivering his speech. He then sang along with a few words (pictured above, click to enlarge) before letting the choir and the crowd sing the rest.
A few lucky fans were sent into a frenzy by Michael throwing his new jacket (designed by Roberto Cavalli, who was in attendance!) into the crowd. The adoring choir then engulfed Michael as they walked off stage. The announcement then came that the show was over and the booing by fans commenced, obviously unaware of the misunderstanding that had taken place.
For fans, or indeed certain outlets of the media, who wish to see the red carpet interview by the BBC click on the link below and select the "watch" option to the right of the article.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----
I've just spoken with Paul and I have some news which isn't so good. Fans showed up to The Conrad Hilton Hotel quite early and some started a disturbance in the lobby. It was so much of a disturbance that for safety reasons, the staff of the hotel decided that tickets couldn't be sold from the suite any longer.
Paul had to secure another place to sell the tickets within minutes and here is the address:
1 Leicester Square
near the west end.
Paul said this is in Leicester Square.
Please pass the word to those that you know by texting and ringing them. I'm very sorry that this happened.
MJJF eNews Special: Ticket Information for After-Party - Tuesday Nov 14, 2006
Ticket Purchasing Information
Thank you all for your patience in awaiting the ticket purchasing information for the MJWMA Fan Party, to which Michael Jackson will be our guest of honour.
We have acquired a location within walking distance of Earl's Court, the Conrad Hilton Hotel (Chelsea Harbour, London, SW10 0XG).
Please purchase from Suite 403, Wednesday 15 November, between 10am - 2pm.
To re-iterate, the party begins at 9pm, ending at 3am and is being held at The Cafe De Paris. We understand the World Music Awards will be taking place during the beginning of the party - we have scheduled it this way for those that cannot attend the WMA's.
Due to the constraint of time in organizing this party, we were unable to acquire a venue that could facilitate under 18s on this night, between these times, and that could meet the security requirements of the King of Pop.
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MJJF eNews #860 - Tuesday Nov 14, 2006
Michael Jackson picks up 8 World Records
Today Michael Jackson were asked to visit north west London to receive his collection of World Record certificates by the Guinness World Records. Michael Jackson is one of Guinness World Records longest standing record holders.
Jackson was presented with certificates for eight accolades, including the most recent for the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time.
"We always expect the unexpected here at Guinness World Records. From the world�s tallest man, woman with the longest fingernails and most pierced woman, we�re used to all walks of life stopping by the office, but we haven�t been this excited since we met the Queen last year. Michael is one of the greatest superstars of all time and his unwavering success has kept him at the very top of the record breaking charts throughout his career. We�re absolutely delighted that Michael holds Guinness World Records in such high regard and honoured that he�s taken time out of his busy schedule to stop by and collect them in person", Guinness Editor, Glenday, said.
Jackson were followed by fans from his hotel to the Guinness World Records Headquarters. Being a fan of Guinness World of Records since childhood, he was given a private tour by the Guinness Editor, Craig Glenday.
"I've always been a big fan of the book. Thank you so much. It�s a great honour to visit the Guinness World Records offices", he said.
Records include:
The biggest selling album of all time, with sales over 104 million, is Michael Jackson's Thriller (1982)
Youngest Vocalist to Top the US Singles Chart (aged 11, fronting The Jackson Five)
First Vocalist to Enter the US Single Chart at Number One (You Are Not Alone)
First Entertainer to Earn More Than 100 million Dollars in a Year and Highest Paid Entertainer of all Time (125 million dollars in the 1989 Forbes list).
First Entertainer to Sell More Than 100 Million Albums outside the US.
Most Weeks at the Top of the US Album Charts (non-soundtrack for Thriller)
Most Successful Music Video (Thriller).
MJJF/Guinness World Records
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13 November 2006
Hotshot #2212
MICHAEL IS IN LONDON!
Staying at the Hempel Hotel
Michael Jackson is in London now, and fans have already gathered outside the hotel where he is staying.
Joined by two of his three children, Michael arrived last night according to the Metro. He has been staying at the Hempel Hotel in Bayswater.
Fans have been getting glimpses as Michael has appeared at his balcony window ahead of the World Music Awards on Wednesday. As previously reported, it's rumoured he is to perform as part of a spectacular tribute to Thriller, with the biggest selling album of all time due to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Seated tickets are still available for the event, click on the link below to order. Any tickets ordered at this time MUST be collected from the Earl's Court box office.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Michael Jackson to attend MJWMA Fan Party
MJ News Online and MJJ Forum are delighted to announce that the organization of the "MJWMA Fan Party", for the day of the World Music Awards is now complete.
It will be held at the extravagant "Cafe de Paris" in the West End of London, and will span from 9pm till 3am. Tickets can be bought from the venue, on the day, for �15 (�5 for under 11s). The event will be held the evening of the World Music Awards on 15, November 2006.
About a week ago, we extended an invitation to Michael and his camp to attend. Michael Jackson has graciously accepted, and is looking forward to seeing all of you.
This will be the first and ONLY fan event that Michael Jackson would have attended since his "Birthday Bash" in 2003. We're honored that Michael has chosen us to make contact with his fan-base. We will be presenting Michael with a congratulatory gift, on-stage, and if you're lucky, he may just say something!
Founder & President, MJJForum.com
a part of the "Unbreakable" Fanclub Alliance
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MJJF eNews #859 - Sunday Nov 12, 2006
Statement From Michael Jackson Regarding Ed Bradley
"I am saddened to learn of the passing of 60 Minutes correspondent Ed Bradley.
As the first African-American to anchor a network morning news program, Mr. Bradley was a trailblazer who set impeccable standards for reporting and journalistic benchmarks in television news. Mr. Bradley single-handily broke down barriers for minorities in journalism.
My family and I offer our sympathy and prayers to Mr. Bradley's family and his friends. He will be missed." - Michael Jackson, Dublin, Ireland.
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8 November 2006
Hotshot #2210
RUMOUR: MICHAEL JACKSON TO PERFORM AT WMA'S
Reports say he will perform live when accepting his award
It is only a week until the World Music Awards take place at Earl's Court in London, and some exiting rumours have been cropping up.
One of which is that Michael will actually perform at the event! He has even had his costumes designed by Roberto Cavalli according to USA Today, who claim the designer visited Michael in Ireland this week.
The World Music Awards website also lists Michael as one of the performers, and states that he "will be appearing on stage as part of a spectacular tribute to Thriller." Whether or not Michael is just appearing on stage to collect his Diamond Award or actually perform is still yet to be confirmed.
Reminder: The fantastic competition giving fans a chance to win FREE tickets to the awards will take place tonight (UK time) from 8pm. Click on the 'How The Competition Works' link below for more details.
Michael Jackson to perform at the World Music Awards.
According to USA Today, Michael Jackson will perform live when accepting the Diamond Award at the 2006 World Music Awards. They write that Jackson's costume will be designed by Roberto Cavalli, who supposedly visited Jackson monday.
The official World Music Awards website, also lists Jackson under performers.
Source: USA Today / worldmusicawards.com / MJJForum
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7 November 2006
Hotshot #2209
UPDATE: FREE WORLD MUSIC AWARDS TICKET ADVICE
Competition will begin Wednesday evening
Following on from MJNI.COM Hotshot No. 2208 yesterday, it has now been confirmed when the competition for FREE standing tickets to the World Music Awards will take place.
MJNI President Gloria Haydock has spoken with the Public Relations department for the ceremony that have assured the fans the competition will commence from 8pm, Wednesday 8th November. (Tomorrow - UK time)
Fans are reminded that the competition will take place on the World Music Awards website (www.worldmusicawards.com - link below) and the code word they will need when applying is: THRILLER.
For FULL information on how to take part in this competition, or even get Special Michael Jackson Fan Discount Tickets, visit the MJNI.COM News pages by clicking the link below.
The following information has been released from Michael Jackson's spokesperson Raymone Bain and concerns special offers on tickets for Michael's fans wishing to attend the upcoming World Music Awards.
A competition will run providing fans with the chance to win FREE tickets for the ceremony, in which Michael will be attending to receive the Diamond Award.
This is what fans have to look out for: A banner will at some point appear on the World Music Awards website (www.worldmusicawards.com) saying;
MICHAEL JACKSON FANS
Click here
Once clicked it will say ENTER CODE. The code for fans to enter is THRILLER.
After the correct password has been given, it will then say, Please enter your email address. Type in your email address and click send if prompted. A message will then be displayed saying;
Thank you for entering the Michael Jackson World Music Awards Ticket Prize Draw you will be immediately sent an email notifying if you are one of the lucky winners.
Entrants will receive one of two emails, either informing them if they are lucky or unlucky. The lucky ones will be provided with an email with instructions how to pick up there tickets.
Note: Winners will have to be available to pick their tickets up from Earl's Court between 12pm-2pm on the day of the awards (15th November) and will need identification, a copy of their email and a letter from a parent or guardian if they under 15.
Those unlucky will be informed how to get discounted tickets. These are for standing room, and are reduced from �40 to �30.
A limited amount of Special Michael Jackson Fan Discount Tickets will be available each day and fans are advised to ask for this discount and when prompted to give the password, again: THRILLER.
Fans wishing to try and get these tickets should phone 0870 903 9033 (+44 870 903 9033 for international calls) and ask for the discount.
Click below to visit the WMA website. Remember, keep checking back on the website to look out for THAT banner!
You are free to use the content in this email, though you must include a reciprocal link in the reproduced material.
4 November 2006
Hotshot #2207
ACCESS HOLLYWOOD INTERVIEW (PART 2) AIRS
Michael discusses his future comeback
As reported in MJNI.COM Hotshot No. 2206, Access Hollywood has held an exclusive interview with Michael Jackson while he was in Ireland.
Part 1 of the interview aired in the U.S. on Thursday (November 2nd) and showed Michael in great spirits as he discussed his new music alongside producer Will.I.Am in the recording studio. Part 2 aired yesterday, and Michael discussed his future comeback.
"Do you see something big with the music that you make again, or getting that ground swell going? Doing clubs and intimate things and getting it bigger and bigger and bigger?" asked Access Hollywood's Billy Bush. "You know I'm not sure, on that level," was the answer from a cautious Michael.
Black Eyed Peas producer Will.I.Am was a little more forthright, answering Bush's question as a fan, claiming any future project would be "Big!"
To read the full transcript of Parts 1 AND 2 of the interview, click on the relevant links below.
Access Hollwood Interview - Part 2: Transcript
Saturday, November 04, 2006
The below is a transcript of an interview between Michael Jackson and Access Hollwood's Billy Bush that aired on Friday, November 3rd.
Billy Bush: Yesterday, in Part 1 of my exclusive in-studio visit, you saw a mixed Michael. He chose his words carefully. But when super producer Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas turned on the beats, Michael came alive!
There is no doubt in my mind that Jackson is coming back, but how? Amazingly, he hasn't really thought about it.
(Cuts to footage of inside the studio)
BB: There was nothing ever bigger than (Thriller) that. That is the biggest album ever.
(Cuts to footage of Thriller video before returning to studio)
BB: If you went back and took it to a second chapter...
Michael Jackson: That's a great idea.
(Cuts to footage of Billie Jean video)
BB: (Voiceover) Imagine Michael Jackson re-visiting Thriller. Remix, DVD's, Web Saturation. The sky's gotta be the limit with the biggest selling album with nearly 100 million copies worldwide.
(Returns to studio)
BB: Is that the first time you've heard of it? I mean like, or or, have you thought that...
Michael: No I haven't really thought about it in that way but I would give it more thought. We haven't really discussed it yet, on that level, but I'm sure at some point we will. But it's a great thought.
BB: Feel like I'm a collaborator here.
Michael: Yeah, yeah, you are...
(Laughter all round)
BB: I get a credit...
Michael: You are.
BB: I might get a credit.
(Cuts to footage of Michael, Will.I.Am and Billy Bush walking around Irish estate with new track produced by Will.I.Am playing in the background)
BB: (Voiceover) For right now Michael is focused on creating and not re-creating. And it is right here at this recording studio on the sprawling classic old Irish estate outside of Dublin where Michael has teamed up with Black Eyed Peas leader Will.I.Am to take his music to the next level.
(Cuts back to studio)
BB: Do you see something big with the music that you make again, or getting that ground swell going? Doing clubs and intimate things and getting it bigger and bigger and bigger?
Michael: Jee, you know I'm not sure, on that level.
Will.I.Am: I can answer that direct (as) a fan...
(Michael points at Will.I.Am)
BB: Go ahead.
Will.I.Am: Big!
(Cuts to footage of Michael dancing away to the music before returning)
Will.I.Am: Something needs to put a jolt back in the music industry. And the only thing that can do that is the jolt itself. The energy that sparked the imagination of the kids that are... me, you know, the Justin Timberlake's, we're all products of this. (Motions to Michael) So the only person that can put that jolt back in to that monstrosity of entertainment and music is the one who created that. (Motions to Michael again)
(Cuts to footage of Don't Stop 'till You Get Enough video)
BB: (Voiceover) But what about those people Michael inspired...
(Cuts to footage of Justin Timberlake's Rock Your Body video)
BB: (Voiceover) ...to aspire?
(Cuts back to the studio)
BB: Michael, I would love to hear what you thought of Justin Timberlake or something like that, because he's the closest thing to Michael Jackson I think today. You know what I mean?
Michael: I think Justin's doing a wonderful job, as well as Usher (Michael smiles) it's great to see. I'm inspired by what they do, and I'm sure I've inspired them. It's very nice.
Michael invites Billy Bush and his crew into recording studio
As previously reported, Access Hollywood's Billy Bush travelled to Ireland for an exclusive interview with Michael Jackson.
Part 1 of the interview aired in th U.S. yesterday (November 2nd) and showed Michael in great spirits as he discussed his new music alongside producer Will.I.Am in the recording studio.
When asked by Bush why Michael chose the Black Eyed Peas member to produce tracks for his new album, he said, "Because I think he's doing wonderful, innovative, positive great music. Thought it'd be interesting to collaborate or just, you know, see how the chemistry works."
For a full transcript of the first part of the interview, click on the link below. Part 2 is set to air today.
Access Hollwood Interview - Part 1: Transcript
Friday, November 03, 2006
The below is a transcript of an interview between Michael Jackson and Access Hollwood's Billy Bush that aired on Thursday, November 2nd.
Billy Bush: Michael invited me to Ireland, to observe him, as he got back into the studio. Can lightning strike twice for the King of Pop?
Michael insisted this was NOT a formal interview. He wanted us to be more like flies on the wall. Let's face it, the way Michael sees it, when a camera and microphone has charmed its way into his personal space, it has turned out badly for him.
So with that in mind, we agreed to just turn the cameras on.
(Cuts to footage of Michael in the studio, and walking around around Irish estate with Billy Bush and Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas, with a new track playing in the background)
BB: So this is really a kind of an exploratory mission. You (pointing at Michael) deciding to get back into making music...
Michael: (Smiling) I never stopped... I'm always writing a potpourri of music, you know, it's how it is.
BB: (Voiceover) Relaxed, and ready to return.
(Cuts to footage of Michael laughing)
BB: (To Will.I.Am) Let's hear it.
(Will.I.Am starts playing a track he has prepared for Michael)
BB: (Voiceover) That, is the Michael Jackson we found when Access journeyed over 5000 miles to this classic old Irish estate (footage on screen) outside of Dublin. The stone manor is built to rock with a state of the art recording studio. But it's because of the beauty of the emerald landscape that Michael chose to be here.
(Cuts to footage of BB in grounds of the estate)
BB: What goes on on these grounds is a lot of exercise and walking and horse back riding. Michael wakes up in the morning, he makes porridge for his kids, which is oatmeal, and fruit. All the food is organically grown here. The amazing thing is, is that the man that is known as the P.T. Barnum of the recording industry (everything done big and extravagant) is really sort of dialling it back... to the roots.
(Cuts to more footage of Michael in the studio)
BB: (Voiceover) Michael is on the search for fresh sounds and Black Eyed Peas leader Will.I.Am is the man with the beats.
(Footage of Will.I.Am and Michael nodding away to a track that is being played)
BB: Will, we were talking a little earlier, you got a phone call on the tour bus, right? Someone said, "Mike's on the phone..."
Will: I was like, "no, come one, stop playing around." I didn't know it. I thought somebody was joking.
BB: So this is like eh, this is baby steps? Of just checking out what may be a collaboration or some work together?
Michael: Yeah, yes.
BB: Why Will?
Michael: Because I think he's doing wonderful, innovative, positive great music. Thought it'd be interesting to collaborate or just, you know, see how the chemistry works... be wonderful.
Will: This is like, a dream come true for me, you know.
BB: (To Michael) Does he take your advice well?
Michael: (Nodding and smiling) Yeah, we uh, yeah we...
(Will.I.Am interrupts, Michael laughs)
Will: I have... you have to take advice from the King of Pop.
(Billy Bush laughs)
Michael: I like to take sounds and put them on a microscope and just talk about how we wanna manipulate the character of it.
BB: (Voiceover) Will brought something new to the table, while keeping that classic Michael sound intact.
Will: (To Michael about the music playing) Living 'Off the Wall' with them kind of strings... (smiles)
Michael: Oh yeah, yeah, 'Off the Wall' yes.
(Laughter all around)
BB: (Voiceover) If Michael likes what he hears, he'll add his own musical touches. But for now, the two (Michael and Will) work the board, weaving out a sound and tapestry - layer by layer.
Michael: Pretend we're technically inclined. (Laughter all round)
BB: (Voiceover) Do NOT doubt his (Michael's) tech savvy, Michael knows his way around a recording studio AND our new digital camera.
(Footage of Michael holding a camera from the Access Hollywood crew)
Michael: That's a beauty. You can edit within the camera...
BB: Film me.
Michael: So s...
BB: Can you operate it?
Michael: Uh, I don't know, ok yeah... (points camera at Billy Bush)
BB: Are you a technology...
Michael: Yeah, I love cameras...
BB: Love the action?
Michael: Yeah. Love it. It's a beauty. (Starts to put camera down, turns to crew member) What's the price of this one on retail?
Crew member: $6,000.
Michael: Wow!
BB: (Voiceover) But what really impressed Michael? Will's music.
(Footage of Michael bopping his head to the music before it stops)
BB: What you think there?
Michael: They're very nice grooves...
Will: Alright...
Michael: I like the chords, I like what you did.
Will: That's a... that's a club banger.
BB: Yeah...
Will: That's what they call that one.
(Music starts playing again, Will and Michael move to the music)
BB: (Voiceover) Will's beats are infectious, and an enthusiastic Michael could NOT contain himself.
(Cuts to footage of Michael moving to other side of studio to dance a few steps)
Michael: (To Billy Bush) Do you feel you have enough (footage)?
BB: I could go forever Michael. (Laughter all round) You don't wanna ask me that Michael.
The author behind the book The Trials of Michael Jackson will log on the forum on Thursday Nov 2nd at 18.00 (GMT, UK time) for one hour to answer fans about his new book.
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MJJF eNews # 855 - Tuesday Oct 31, 2006
Exclusive interview with Lynton Guest, the author of The Trials of Michael Jackson
Lynton Guest, the author of The Trials of Michael Jackson have made an exclusive interview for the members at MJJF. In this interview, Lynton Guest will be sharing exclusive information about the Sony Music/Michael Jackson controversy, the accusations and trails, Bashir, the reasons for writing this book and much more.
"The formal court proceedings, of last year, were merely the culmination of a series of what you might call attacks on everything from his artist integrity to his life style. There hasn't been just one trial. There have been many", he says.
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Date: Mon, 30 Oct 2006 18:21:32 EST
Subject: Michael Jackson
MICHAEL JACKSON
October 30, 2006
TO: All Fan Club Presidents and Contacts
I am pleased to announce that Mr. Jackson will be receiving the
Diamond Award from the World Music Awards on Friday,
November 15, 2006, 7:30PM, Earl's Court 1, Kensington, London,
England.
As this is the 25th Anniversary of "Thriller" and, Mr. Jackson's
worldwide sales have to date exceeded over 750,000,000 million
units, Mr. Jackson is being recognized for his phenomenal, record-
breaking achievements. He is certainly the undisputed "King of Pop."
Mr. Jackson would like to see as many of his fans as can attend
the event. Because of this, we have made special arrangements
with the organizers to make special provisions from Mr. Jackson's
fans.
The first 200 fans will be admitted free on a first come, first serve
basis. After 200 tickets have been disbursed, all other tickets will
be sold at a special discounted rate and fans will be given a special
code to use when purchasing tickets.
I will be forwarding to you the information as to how to obtain
tickets within the next several days.
While I do not have the email addresses for all fan clubs, I am
relying on each of you to pass this information on.
Thank you for your continued love, support and prayers for
Michael Jackson. He loves and appreciates all of you.
Best regards.
Raymone K. Bain
General Manager
MJJF eNews #853 - Sunday Oct 29, 2006
Michael Jackson to visit UK for awards show
Pop star Michael Jackson is to make his first public appearance in the UK in nine years, it has been announced today.
The King of Pop is to receive an award at the World Music Awards in London next month.
Singer will receive the Diamond Award - recognising artists who sell over 100 million albums - for his contribution to the music industry at the star-studded annual show at the Earl's Court Arena on November 15.
Jackson's last UK public appearance was as part of the HIStory tour in 1997. This year marks the 25th anniversary of his seminal album Thriller, which has sold over 40 million copies across the world.
Past recipients of the Diamond Award include Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey, Bon Jovi and Celine Dion.
"We are thrilled to be bringing the World Music Awards to London, the music capital of the world," said founder Melissa Corken. "The UK is the home of many of the world's greatest selling artists of all time. The presence of Michael Jackson is very exciting for us."
It is the most televised music awards show in the world with an estimated global audience of one billion viewers in 160 countries.
Actress Lindsay Lohan will be hosting the show and there will be performances from Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Katie Melua, and classical heartthrob Andrea Bocelli.
The show was hosted in Monaco for 15 years and has been held in the US for the past two. Channel 4 will broadcast the awards ceremony on November 22.
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29 October 2006
Hotshot #2204
MICHAEL JACKSON TO ATTEND LONDON AWARD SHOW
Will receive World Music Diamond Award in November
Exciting news for U.K. based fans, Michael Jackson will be in London next month to attend the World Music Awards.
On November 15th, Michael will receive the Diamond Award, only given to artists who have sold over 100 million albums. The ceremony is taking place at Earl's Court Arena.
"The presence of Michael Jackson is very exciting for us," Melissa Corken, founder of the awards, told the Associated Press. The annual event is most famous for taking place in Monaco before it moved to America in 2004 and 2005. "We are thrilled to be bringing the World Music Awards to London, the music capital of the world."
As well as the presentation of Michael's award there will be performances from Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Katie Melua and Andrea Bocelli. Actress Lindsay Lohan is said to be hosting.
Fans looking to purchase tickets for the event can do so from Ticketmaster.co.uk from Tuesday. Click on the link below and keep checking the site for updates.
Halloween is coming up, and we at MJJF have a special treat for you. Thanks to EmJay with his awesome talent and techniques you now have the chance to see the best Halloween teaser ever made!
This 12 minute long Halloween Megamix are made exclusively for the fans. It contains remixes of Ghosts and Thriller combined, MP3 of the megamix for your Ipods/MP3 players.
Tracks in the mix are:
Intro
Is It Scary?
Ghosts
2 Bad
Threatened
Morphine
Thriller
This is the Ultimate Halloween gift for the fans. Watch it. Share it. You won't regret it.
You will need to download both parts of the video before you can uncompress the RAR archive, if you have no sound/video when playing then you may also need the DivX player from www.divx.com .
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MJJF eNews #851 - Friday Oct 20, 2006
"Access Hollywood" interview airs on November 2
In a recent interview with a U.S. TV show, musical icon Michael Jackson discussed his future career plans and his current life in Ireland.
Speaking with NBC's "Access Hollywood" host Billy Bush, Jackson limited his answers as to a future return to the U.S. music industry, yet his manner suggested a man in conflict, a release from the show said.
Bush said that singer seemed receptive to the concept of revisiting his hit album "Thriller" with the help of rapper Will.I.Am. from the Black Eyed Peas, yet avoided confirming any possible musical future.
In the interview Bush said Jackson seemed to be happy with his new locale and was attempting to live as normal of a life as possible.
Also in the "Access Hollywood" piece, Jackson's landlord in Dublin confirmed the singer's children were as equally pleased with the lush Irish countryside.
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News Hotshot #2203
18 October 2006
WILL.I.AM CONFIRMED TO BE WORKING WITH MICHAEL
Black Eyed Peas member produces tracks
Recent rumours suggesting Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas has been working with Michael Jackson have been confirmed.
Billy Bush of Access Hollywood, and his executive producer Rob Siverstein met Michael and Will.I.Am (pictured left, click to enlarge) in Dublin, Ireland recently while they were working on some tracks.
Bush was there to do an interview, but not much came of it as Michael was reluctant to answer questions. Instead, recording studio work was filmed with only a few questions here or there. "When the music was rolling and he didn't have me asking him questions, one could see sparks of life and energy," Bush commented. "He hummed a little and at one point got up and walked to the back of the room where he could move a little to the music... he was almost dancing."
Michael was staying at a cottage in the countryside with his children. A little fact that seemed interesting to the Access Hollywood reporter who spoke to the owner of the cottage was shared, "Michael gets up in the morning and makes breakfast for (the children) usually porridge and fruit."
There is more to come from Bush's meeting with Michael next month according to his Access Hollywood web page: Billy's Blog.
Although it has been confirmed Michael is working with Will.I.Am, it remains to be seen whether any collaboration will make it onto Michael's much talked about next album, due out late next year.
MJ News International UK Ltd | PO Box 7998 | Bournemouth | BH1 4XL | United Kingdom
MJJF eNews #850 - Sunday Oct 15, 2006
Billy's Blog: Michael Jackson Exclusive
Billy's Blog: Michael Jackson Exclusive (October 15, 2006)
It's half past four in the morning and I'm making my way to Dublin with Ray. I have spent a fair amount of time in the back of Ray's car in the last 34 hours. He is the driver, henchman for Paddy who owns the recording studio in the middle of no man's land, Ireland. Not only is it a quaint studio built inside the grounds of an old stone classic Irish estate...it's the new creative home of Michael Jackson.
And yes, I just conducted the first interview with Michael Jackson since he left the United States in June 2005. First off, let me tell you what this interview is not:
It is not a bare all, rehashing of that period of his life. I was prepared to ask him all the questions in the world regarding mistakes made and lessons learned, but trust me, he was not. He asked if 5 minutes of rolling tape was ok in the studio while he "collaborated" with Will I AM from the Black Eyed Peas. Ultimately, We rolled for about 40 minutes and I did ask him questions about music and his thoughts for making a comeback.
Michael Jackson was nervous and antsy. He was truly torn. He wanted to stay and keep jamming and have some fun, but he also wanted to leave before, from his perspective, he got crucified by another TV interview.
Michael's publicist and advisor, Raymone Bain, informed us (me and my Executive Producer, Rob Silverstein) that Michael would like to meet us alone, no cameras, in his cottage first. We agreed of course and before long we were seated at a breakfast table in a very cozy, humble stone cottage. Down the spiral staircase he came. First his boots, then his pants...black with a gold stripe down the side, then a velvet jacket with a white t-shirt underneath, then he turned to face us. I admit, my pulse was running high. He is a mythical character as atypical and untouchable as can be.
First impression I had was that he looked healthy. Fit. As Paddy told us earlier, artists come to his estate for the whole experience - nature walks and horseback rides, organic, homegrown food, the indoor mineral spring pool....peace and tranquility. It has suited Michael well, although he does not live there.
We stood up, shook hands and began small talk about life...soon, Michael began to make clear what he did not want: an interview. He was just willing to let our cameras roll while he and Will listened to beats and opened the lid to a comeback. I said that we should just go in there and go until he didn't want to anymore. Pensively, he agreed and we started for the door and the 50 yard walk to the studio.
This interview is a baby step for Michael.
About ten minutes into the session, after I had rolled out several questions, Michael paused and tried to get out. He did not like receiving pointed questions and he encouraged Will to play more beats so we could just roll casually.
At the end of the day, we did a little more of both. At one point, I suggested Michael remake "Thriller" for a new generation...with CD/DVD and web components, essentially go with what's proven but update with the help of technically savvy producer, Will I Am.
Michael lit up. Amazingly that was something he hadn't considered.
When the music was rolling and he didn't have me asking him questions, one could see sparks of life and energy. He hummed a little and at one point got up and walked to the back of the room where he could move a little to the music....he was almost dancing.
Michael was there with his children. I never saw them but Paddy, the studio's owner, said they were having a ball, playing with his children and enjoying the exquisite countryside. According to Paddy, Michael gets up in the morning and makes breakfast for them...usually Porridge and fruit. I find myself hoping that Michael's life is as normal as possible. Of course, it isn't. Nobody knows anything
about him...does he drive? Apparently, he does occasionally and he even had a cell phone before losing it a day later.
There....something normal to which people can RELATE.
Again, this was a first step for Michael. He was excited and terrified. It's all about feeling whether he can trust somebody or not. His track record is horrible on that front. Maybe it will improve in regards to us. I am quite sure there is more to come.
Source: Access Hollywood/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews Special - RockMeTV.com - Friday Oct 13, 2006
Special Announcement! RockMeTV.com and Hip Hop Bootcamp!
HipHopBootCamp on Rock Me TV!
Rock Me TV will be airing live today and will be giving away a very cool prize! You can interact via chat with the live CyberJockey via the Rock Me chat and they will interact with you LIVE on the RMTV player. Simply register for free, create a profile, click onto your homepage and enter the live interactive chat!. Rock Me TV is the coolest broadband tv/social networking site on the PLANET! Go to http://www.rockmetv.com right now to register!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!! HIP HOP BOOT CAMP SNIPPETS WILL BE SHOWN ON ROCKMETV BETWEEN 3PM EST - 5 PM EST, TODAY! HIPHOPBOOTCAMP.COM MEMBERS, JOIN IN ALL THE FUN BY REGISTERING WITH RMTV AND WATCHING HIP HOP BOOT CAMP TODAY!
Now on to the announcements from Phil, founder and CEO of RockMeTV.com:
If you would like to be a HOST on the Rock Me TV show, then tune in today (FRIDAY) October 13th, 2006 at 3:00pm east coast time, and be apart of our LIVE contest.
NOTES: YOU MUST BE LOGGED IN: It's FREE
So log in and create a profile and you may be our next HOST.
REMEMBER the contest starts at 3:00pm EST and the winner will be announced at 5:00pm EST.
CONTEST RULES WILL BE ANNOUNCED TODAY'S ON THE SHOW....
Thank You,
Phil Londrico
Founder & CEO
Rock Me TV
http://www.rockmetv.com
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MJJF eNews #849 - Thursday Oct 12, 2006
Alert: Raymone K. Bain Statement Re: Fraudulent Pictures
Michael Jackson's spokeswoman and general manager, Raymone K. Bain has issued the following statement, with regard to fraudulent pictures appearing in the NY Daily News:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2006
PHOTOGRAPH IN TODAY�S NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
A FRAUD�IT IS NOT MICHAEL JACKSON
Washington, D.C. -- A photograph in today�s, (October 11, 2006), New York
Daily News, allegedly depicting Michael Jackson in women�s shoes and clothing IS
NOT Michael Jackson.
Mr. Jackson has not visited Saint-Tropez in recent years, nor has he donned a
women�s hat and pumps for disguise.
Mr. Jackson is demanding that the New York Daily News offer an apology
and retraction, or he will refer the matter to his attorneys for further action.
###
Source: Raymone Bain
Within 24 hours of the above statement, The New York Daily News offered a retraction of their story.
Source: MJJForum.com
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MJJF eNews #847 - Sunday Oct 8, 2006
Raymone K. Bain - Top of Her Game!
A Veteran Player in Politics, Sports and Entertainment, Publicist Raymone Bain Is at the Top of Her Game. Is She Up to Managing Michael Jackson?
Michael Jackson is going to call -- from wherever he happens to be at the moment, which is a bit of a mystery. He's going to talk about Raymone Bain, the Washington publicist who has just become his general manager.
But no . . . he's not going to call. A personal assistant delivers this news on a patched-in transcontinental phone line. Jackson would rather converse through a different type of technological apparatus -- one that doesn't require actually speaking.
Jackson wants to talk by fax.
But no . . . the fax machine is broken. So two days later, Jackson's assistant e-mails his answers to questions posed to him by The Washington Post. Questions about why he's decided to put Bain -- a woman who'd been mysteriously fired and then rehired in the midst of Jackson's 2005 child abuse trial-- in charge of his new company.
"I was impressed by her professionalism, her strategic thinking, and honesty," the e-mail reads. "I watched from afar the work she had done for other clients, for example how she ushered her clients to new levels, she helped diversify their interests from politics, to charitable events, to the world of fashion. One could not pick up a newspaper or magazine that did not feature Babyface, Boyz II Men or Serena Williams . . ."
To read more of this special report about Raymone K. Bain, Michael Jackson's spokeswoman and General Manager, please visit The Washington Post:
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MJJF eNews #846 - Thursday Oct 5, 2006
Jet Co. Owner Sentenced/2 Seas Records Statement
2 Seas Records Speaks On Katrina Single
BAHRAIN-BASED record label 2 Seas Records has denied reports that it refused to hand over a Michael Jackson charity song. Fox News reported that the company was holding onto the master tapes of the charity single I Have a Dream, which was due to be released to raise money for US victims of Hurricane Katrina.
However, a 2 Seas Records spokesman said it had received no request to deliver the tapes.
"2 Seas co-operated to the utmost in every way we could," said the spokesman.
"We paid for the whole production and gave Michael everything he needed.
"As for the delivery, there was never any request to hand over the tapes."
The spokesman said that he wasn't aware of Jackson's intentions or whether the superstar intended to break his ties with Bahrain.
Meanwhile, Bahrain-based AAJ Holdings - which hired Jackson to provide advice on creating theme parks and music academies - has refused to comment on reports of a split.
Fox News again reported the separation, but a spokesman for the company said it could not comment because the matter was "still confidential".
Internet sites have reported that the superstar plans to join forces with producer Teddy Riley, who worked with him on his Dangerous album.
They said they plan to work together on his comeback album, which is reportedly scheduled for release next year.
Recording artists said to be involved in I Have a Dream include Keisha Cole, Ciara, Snoop Dogg, Babyface and R Kelly.
It was written by Jackson in response to the disaster, which occurred in August last year and was the most destructive and costliest natural disaster in the history of the US.
Source: gulf daily news / MJJForum
Jet Company Owner Sentenced For Jackson Taping
A man who owned a charter jet company was sentenced Wednesday to home detention and fined $10,000 for conspiring to videotape Michael Jackson while the star was en route to surrender on child molestation charges.
Jeffrey Borer, 60, pleaded guilty earlier this year to planning to install two mini-camcorders on the Gulfstream jet that carried Jackson and his then-attorney, Mark Geragos, from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara in November 2003.
In sentencing Borer to six months of home detention, U.S. District Judge A. Howard Matz cited his wife's medical condition, which the judge said was a "compelling" circumstance.
However, the judge also stressed the seriousness of the privacy violation in Borer's case.
The judge raised the fine above the $5,000 requested by the government, telling Borer "there has to be some bite to what you did." He also ordered Borer to perform 150 hours of community service.
In pleading guilty, Borer and a second man, Arvel Jett Reeves, admitted they had hoped to create recordings to sell to the media "for a large sum of money."
Because the video system was not fully hooked up, Jackson can only be seen and not heard on two videotapes made during the flight.
Their plan was apparently foiled because Reeves -- who owned a Chino-based company, Executive Aviation, that serviced the Gulfstream -- lacked a necessary cable to capture audio on the two recordings.
Reeves was sentenced in July to eight months behind bars and six months in a halfway house.
Borer, who owned Santa Monica-based XtraJet, was to be responsible for "contacting media companies, negotiating with them, and selling the recordings to the highest bidder," according to court papers.
Borer's attorney, Stanley Stone, said outside court that the sentence was "very fair" and showed the judge took his client's family situation into consideration.
Source: SBC / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #845 - Wednesday Oct 4, 2006
Michael Jackson Singles Get Boxed Up
Michael Jackson hasn't released a new album since 2001, but that hasn't stopped the flow of new King of Pop product. Next up is "Visionary -- The Video Singles," a mammoth boxed set due Nov. 14 via Epic/MJJ/Legacy. The collection rounds up 20 of Jackson's singles on their own DualDiscs, with the video for each track on the DVD side.
The box runs the gamut from early smashes like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You" through latter-era material such as "Stranger in Moscow" and "Blood on the Dance Floor." The CD side includes the original A-side plus either the contemporary B-side or a later alternate mix.
The singles were released individually over the past several months in international markets; in the United Kingdom, most of them managed debuts in the top 20.
Jackson's catalog has been repackaged in numerous forms of late, beginning with a single-disc edition of "HIStory" in late 2001. The 2003 collection "No. 1s" followed in 2003, as did the boxed set "The Ultimate Collection" in 2004 and "The Essential Michael Jackson" in 2005. Combined, those albums have sold more than 2.2 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Here is the track list for "Visionary -- The Video Singles":
"Thriller"
"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough"
"Rock With You"
"Billie Jean"
"Beat It"
"Bad"
"The Way You Make Me Feel"
"Dirty Diana"
"Smooth Criminal"
"Leave Me Alone"
"Black or White"
"Remember the Time"
"In the Closet"
"Jam"
"Heal the World"
"You Are Not Alone"
"Earth Song"
"They Don't Care About Us"
"Stranger in Moscow"
"Blood on the Dance Floor"
Source: Billboard / MJJForum
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Nashville, TN Oct 01, 2006 On Tuesday, September 26, Janet Jackson released her ninth solo album, �20 Y.O.� The album celebrates the 20-year anniversary of her 1986 break-through album, �Control��which has been certified 5x�s platinum (five million copies) in the United States and has sold over fourteen million copies worldwide.
This is personally my favorite Janet Jackson album. As we all know, in early 2004, Janet Jackson had a wardrobe malfunction at the XXXVIII Super Bowl half-time show when Caucasian pop singer Justin Timberlake pulled off the incorrect section of her top, exposing her right breast. The incident blew up into the biggest scandal of the year. NBC received over 550,000 complaints and was fined over $500,000 by the FCC. The incident also caused months of negative press reports about Jackson. Also, not surprisingly, all of the blame was put on the brown-skinned girl from Gary, Indiana.
In 2006, MTV (the producers of the half-time show) insisted that Jackson have a sit down interview with them talking about the incident or they would refuse to play her music videos and promote her new album, �20 Y.O.� Ms. Jackson, not giving into the racially motivated black mail, refused to take part in the interview. MTV did what they promised and banned her videos. In a shocking twist, MTV decided to play Justin Timberlake�s videos in very heavy rotation�Timberlake did not do an interview with MTV about the incident until receiving hundreds of complaints by fans. Timberlake has gone on numerous shows defending Jackson saying that America is �unfair against women and ethnic people.� Janet decided to talk with African-American billionaire and icon, Oprah Winfrey about what happened for the �first and last time.�
With MTV shutting her out and the possibility of losing record sales because of it, Janet had to rely heavily on other TV stations such as BET, VH1 and E! TV. Janet Jackson and her boyfriend of five years, hip-hop producer, Jermaine Dupri have told the New York Times that this is Jackson�s last album on Virgin Records according to there 1992 recording contract� worth $40 million. Therefore, it is very important that this album is a large success. Since many members of the Jackson family have been shut out�including brother Michael who is the most successful recording artist in the history of popular music�if this album doesn't sell well, this could very well be the end of the dynasty of the Jackson family. The future success of the entire family is on the shoulders of the baby girl, Janet. The Jacksons are the most successful musical family of ALL TIME! Janet Jackson is an icon and role model to millions of people worldwide. She has had, six #1 albums, 10 #1 singles and has sold over 130,000,000 records worldwide.
�20 Y.O.� has gotten many positive reviews. In the last few months, Janet has graced the covers of: Us Weekly, Vibe, Giant, W, FHM, Jezebel, OK, Ebony, King, Sophisticates Black Hair, Movieline/Hollywood Life, Hype Hair, Men's Fitness, Italian Vanity Fair, Unleashed, Upscale, 944, Out, and In Touch. The first single, �Call On Me� (a duet with rapper Nelly) has hit #1 on the R&B, Single Sales and R&B Sales charts. Her follow-up single, �So Excited� (feat. Khia) is doing well also. The album has sold out in many record stores nation-wide. Based on first day sales, �20 Y.O.� is expected to debut at #1 on next weeks Billboard Album Charts. Her biggest competition is dirty south rapper, Ludacris. It is extremely important that this new album sells very well. We urge you to purchase it and tell a friend to tell a friend and so forth. If this album bombs, then it will prove that African-Americans cannot be independent in music and that they have to have support by the white-owned media outlets. Now is the time to rally in support for an African-American icon and to prove the scumbag media wrong! We can do this! Go out and purchase �20 Y.O.� from any retailer or go on Amazon.com and purchase the album�YOU WON�T REGRET IT! Come on, lets make her #1!
Michael Jackson Insider
Aaron Barrow reporting for MichaelJacksonInsider.com
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NEW ALBUM NEWS
Reports say Michael is "ready to take over the world"
It has been just over five months since Michael Jackson announced that he was working on a new album with Bahrain-based 2 Seas Records, which he hoped would be released by late next year. In those five months a lot has happened!
Firstly, the deal with 2 Seas Records is no more. Michael's spokesperson, Raymone Bain, has confirmed that the deal with Abdulla Hamad Al-Khalifa (Prince of Bahrain) had come to an end and he was no longer affiliated with the label.
Gut Records chairman Guy Holmes was said to have been the man in charge of overseeing the project when it was announced, but he told the BBC that no deal was was ever completely formalised and that he was not overseeing any new project.
If that wasn't confusing enough for you, then how about this...
The album has NOT been put on hold despite the 2 Seas deal falling through. In fact, Michael's new company - the Michael Jackson Company - is set to act as a record label, as well as looking after all of his business interests. As previously reported on June 27th, The MJ Company is set to phase out MJJ Productions.
So, with that little complicated change of business regime dealt with, what next for this new album? This is where it gets exciting...
Several reports have been flying around claiming this and that about any kind of new set up, but one name keeps cropping up and has been for months - Teddy Riley.
Back in May we reported that Riley (pictured above) himself confirmed that he had been working with Michael, and many outlets are again reporting of continued production between them, however Bain has denied any work has taken place in the studio.
A few new names have now entered the equation according to the Los Angeles Times. Talent manager Charles "Big Chuck" Stanton and his hip-hop producer nephew Ron "Neff U" Feemster are said to have met Michael earlier this month while he was staying in Ireland.
Stanton told the Times that they met a focused and fired-up artist. "He's ready to take over the world." Stanton also said that Michael has been given tracks by several producers, "He's got some hot records. Will.i.am did one, Teddy Reilly. We're giving Michael a lot of edgy street records. He's putting melodies to some hard party records."
Bain again stated that no studio time has taken place but MP3's may have been submitted for approval. "Michael is moving very much forward with his new music," she did say positively. "He is readying to release an album."
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Lawyer says Michael Jackson, ex-wife Settle Child Custody Battle.
According to The Associated Press, Michael Jackson and his ex-wife Deborah Rowe has settled their long going custody battle.
"We're still dealing with the details but it addresses all of the disputes between the parties," said attorney Marta Almli. "I can't say anything about the terms of the settlement but I don't think it would have happened if both parties didn't agree it was appealing to both of them." Ms. Almili goes on to say, "It is the settlement of all the issues."
Michael Jackson's attorney, Michael L. Abrams told The Daily Journal, a legal newspaper, "My client is very satisfied with the results. Hopefully (Jackson and Rowe) can both get on with their lives now and be through with this litigation."
There are no details regarding monetary payments and visitation rights to Rowe with the children.
Source: The Associated Press/MJJForum.com
Music News: Michael Jackson's Planning His Return
The King Of Pop has been keeping a low profile as of late, but according to talent manager Charles" Big Chuck" Stanton, Michael is "Ready to take over the world. He's got some hot records. Will.i.am did one, Teddy Reilly. We're giving Michael a lot of edgy street records. He's putting melodies to some hard party records."
Stanton traveled to Ireland earlier this month with his nephew, hip-hop producer Ron "Neff U" Feemster � who has worked with Eminem and 50 Cent and is one of the track masters behind R&B phenom Ne-Yo's hit album, "In My Own Words" � after Jackson sought out Feemster's services.
Stanton and Feemster says they say they encountered a musically focused and creatively fired-up Jackson and early word is that he's shifting away from the R&B that characterized his last few albums toward a more urban sound.
Raymone K. Bain, Jackson's spokesperson said Will.i.am and Reilly had not joined Jackson in the studio, although she said it was possible they submitted musical MP3 files for his approval.
"Michael is moving very much forward with his new music," she says. "He is readying to release an album."
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MJJF eNews #842 - Sunday Sep 24, 2006
Visionary To Be Released In USA
For over three decades Michael Jackson's music has redefined contemporary culture. Now, using Dual Disc technology, Michael Jackson's 20 greatest singles AND videos have been brought together to form the incredible boxset VISIONARY - The Video Singles.
The must-have boxset includes:
� Michael Jackson's 20 Greatest Singles AND Videos + 20 bonus tracks!
� Each Dual Disc features the original audio version of the single along with a bonus audio track PLUS the single's corresponding video!
� All 20 discs are beautifully packaged in picture sleeve wallets featuring the original 7" or 12" cover art.
� Collectively, the reverse side of each inner wallet creates an exclusive collage image of Michael Jackson.
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MJJF eNews #841 - Thursday Sep 21, 2006
REPORTS REGARDING MICHAEL JACKSON OPENING A THEME PARK IN IRELAND ARE ERRONEOUS
Washington, D.C. ��Reports originating from Irish tabloids, being widely reported today, that Michael Jackson plans to open a Leprechaun theme park are erroneous and ridiculous.
Please check with this office before disseminating any information reported out of Ireland, because most of the information reported thus far has been inaccurate.
Source: Raymone K. Bain
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MJJF eNews #840 - Sunday Sep 10, 2006
WTC Memorial, It Is Time To Get Involved
It's Time ...
Time to REMEMBER
Time to HOPE
Time to HELP
Time to BUILD
Hello Dear Members !!
We would like to open up the Topic of donating to the WTC Memorial. There are many ways to contribute, not all require monetary donations. Take a moment and read about the Memorial. After the brief summary of the planned memorial, is a list of ways to contribute and be a part of the building of the this beautiful memorial park. Please consider one of the options and act in whatever capacity you are able.
The Memorial: Reflecting Absence
To open on September 11, 2009, the Memorial consists of two voids that reside in the original footprints of the Twin Towers surrounded by a forest of oak trees. Each void holds a pool of water filled by waterfalls on all sides. Designed by Michael Arad and Peter Walker, Reflecting Absence, was selected from more than 5000 entrants from 63 nations which itself was a testament to the universality of the loss.
The Memorial Museum
Adjacent to the two voids, the Memorial Museum will retell the events of the day, display powerful artifacts, and celebrate the lives of those who died. Visitors will be able to touch bedrock and see the slurry wall that so vividly conveys the enormity of the buildings and the enormity of the loss.
Sign up and stay informed. We want to keep you up-to-date on the progress of the Memorial and Memorial Museum scheduled to open in 2009. Together, we are going to build a Memorial that honors those who died and celebrates the global outpouring of goodwill in the wake of the attacks. We all need to help build the Memorial to ensure its success.
Tell your friends about this site by clicking here to send an email. In the email, ask them to join us and honor those who died. We need your help to spread the word and build the Memorial.
What does the Memorial mean to you? Tell us your story.
Everyone has a personal story that describes what the Memorial symbolizes and represents. We want to hear from you, because only you know your story. Share it with us and help grow the community that will build the Memorial.
What do you think about September 11th and the Memorial? Take our short online survey and view what our web site community thinks. You can also view the answers from our recent scientific poll of 1,200 Americans.
To Make A Monetary Donation directly to the fund Please follow the URL below DONATE
We realize not everyone can make the sizable donation required to place a cobble stone at the site. Team MJJF would like to offer the idea of a donation from the Michael Jackson Fan Community as a whole. With minimal donations from numerous members, a donation could be made in an amount that would allow us to place a cobble stone in the name of us all. A dollar here, five dollars there, will eventually add up to the minimun $500 donation needed to secure a cobble stone.
If you would like to be a part of this please contact [email protected]
Thank you for your time and for being a part of helping to build The World Trade Center Memorial !!
Team MJJF
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Yesterday we sent out an enews bulletin with several errors. We apologize for any inconvinience.
Saturday, September 2, 2006, Michael Jackson and his 3 children, Prince Michael, Paris Katherine and Blanket visited The Hughes And Hughes Bookstore in Ireland.
Bert Wright told radio host Ryan Turbridy from �The Turbridy Show� on Ireland�s Radio 1, �We got a phonecall on Thursday afternoon from a personal assistant who said they had a client who wanted to treat his kids to a closed bookshop visit and wondered if we could allow him to have a private session. They were perfectly adamant that they wouldn't reveal the client's identity, so we took it on trust and just said "sure, just let us know when you want to show up, we'll see you there".
Jackson, however, changed his mind, and visited the store Saturday instead.
The bookstore contains a beautiful children�s section, which contains a goldfish tank and is overall welcoming to children.
Before the visit, Wright admitted he did speculate on who this client would be, and he did speculate it might be Michael Jackson, due to the recent reports of the entertainer visiting the country of Ireland.
At 8:30 the people carrier pulled up to the store, and after the 3 children bolted excitedly out of the car, Jackson appeared, dressed in black, including the fedora, dark glasses and a black scarf, which he removed once inside the store.
Inside the store was only Wright himself and his assistant manager, Janice.
Wright said, �It was kind of surreal, I'll tell you that much! We got him in through the back door. Then he went to the expansive second floor and we just left him to cruise the bookshop.�
Jackson browsed the entertainment section, and picked up books, including a book on The Beatles Lyrics.
The children had a blast. Store Manager Wright, called the children �lovely� and described how they would race back and forth, showing their findings to their father, saying, �Dad, look at this book, look what we�ve got� and �Dad, check out this, look at this fairy book! Dad, Dad look at this!!�
Dressed in classy looking sportswear, they seemed to know what they wanted.
Paris scooped up fairy books, where one of the boys asked for �Beano� comics. They left the books they wanted in piles, where the assistant picked the up, before Wright wrapped and charged the books.
About Jackson, said the store manager, �It was rather refreshing to discover that, despite all the bull printed about him, he's quite a big book man. He bought loads of film and music reference books, history, big coffee table books, that sort of stuff. The only title I'll mention despite client privilege, is a copy of The Beatles lyrics�.
Wright did not speak much to Jackson, in fact, the only exchange of words occurred, when Wright gave Jackson a big picture book of Ireland. Wright explained how Jackson was effusively gracious and very very nice.
"Oh my God, that's so lovely, thanks! You're so good, you're so sweet, thank you!" the entertainer said to Wright.
Wright said, that Jackson looked healthy, as you �you would expect Michael Jackson would. I didn't ask him to moonwalk or anything like that!�
The entire trip �was like a Dad taking his kids out on a special trip� according to Wright, who noted that it must be a real treat, to a family who ordinarily gets mobbed whenever going out.
�They were perfect!� Wright said.
Source: The Turbridy Show / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #839 - Friday Sep 8, 2006
Jackson Visits Irish Bookstore
Saturday, September 2, 2006, Michael Jackson and his 3 children, Prince Michael, Paris Katherine and Blanket visited The Hughes And Hughes Bookstore in Ireland.
Bert Wright told radio host Ryan Turbridy from �The Turbridy Show� on Ireland�s Radio 1, �We got a phonecall on Thursday afternoon from a personal assistant who said they had a client who wanted to treat his kids to a closed bookshop visit and wondered if we could allow him to have a private session. They were perfectly adamant that they wouldn't reveal the client's identity, so we took it on trust and just said "sure, just let us know when you want to show up, we'll see you there".
Jackson, however, changed his mind, and visited the store Saturday instead.
The bookstore contains a beautiful children�s section, which contains a goldfisk tank and is overall welcoming to children.
Before the visit, Wright admitted he did speculate on who this client would be, and he did speculate it might be Michael Jackson, due to the recent reports of the entertainer visiting the country of Ireland.
At 8:30 the black people carrier pulled up the store, and after the 3 children bolted excitedly out of the car, Jackson appeared, dressed in black, including the fedora, dark glasses and a black scarf, which he removed once inside the store.
Inside the store was only Wright himself and his assistant manager, Janice.
Wright said, �It was kind of surreal, I'll tell you that much! We got him in through the back door. Then he went to the expansive second floor and we just left him to cruise the bookshop.�
Jackson browsed the entertainment section, and picked up books, including a book on The Beatles Lyrics.
The children had a blast. Store Manager Wright, called the children �lovely� and described how the would race back and forth, showing their findings to their father, saying, �Dad, look at this book, look what we�ve got� and �Dad, check out this, look at this fairy book! Dad, Dad look at this!!�
Dressed in classy looking sportswear, they seemed to know what they wanted.
Paris scooped up fairy books, where one of the boys asked for �Beano� comics. They left the books they wanted in piles, where the assistant picked the up, before Wright wrapped and charged the books.
About Jackson, said the store manager, �It was rather refreshing to discover that, despite all the bull printed about him, he's quite a big book man. He bought loads of film and music reference books, history, big coffee table books, that sort of stuff. The only title I'll mention despite client privilege, is a copy of The Beatles lyrics�.
Wright did not speak much to Jackson, in fact, the only exchange of words occurred, when Wright gave Jackson a big picture book of Ireland. Wright explained how Jackson was effusively gracious and very very nice.
"Oh my God, that's so lovely, thanks! You're so good, you're so sweet, thank you!" the entertainer said to Wright.
Wright said, that Jackson looked healthy, as you �you would expect Michael Jackson would. I didn't ask him to moonwalk or anything like that!�
The entire trip �was like a Dad taking his kids out on a special trip� according to Wright, who noted that it must be a real treat, to a family who ordinarily gets mobbed whenever going out.
�They were perfect!� Wright said.
Source: The Turbridy Show / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #838 - Thursday Sep 7, 2006
Jackson Ordered to Pay $60,000
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Robert Schnider ordered the pop star to pay Deborah Rowe's lawyer $60,000 in fees but denied Rowe's request to file some documents under seal.
The rulings came at the first hearing in the custody battle between Jackson and Rowe since the case was moved from the jurisdiction of a privately paid judge into a public court.
Judge Robert A. Schnider gave the entertainer until Sept. 28 to meet the order. He did not rule on whether to grant Deborah Rowe visitation rights to the couple's children, Prince Michael and Paris.
Jackson and Rowe did not attend the hearing.
Rowe had sought $195,000 toward her attorney fees but Schnider declined to award it, noting that she had received an $8 million divorce settlement.
"She has millions of dollars, so she should be able to contribute to her own fees," Schnider said.
Marta Almli, an attorney for Rowe, said after court that Jackson stopped making the annual payments in the divorce settlement in 2003. He also sued Rowe in 2004 for allegedly breaching a confidentiality agreement.
That lawsuit is pending, but the legal costs, coupled with the halting of her divorce settlement money, have "been very draining on her funds," Almli said.
The judge also left open the possibility that she can seek additional fees later, Rowe attorney Eric M. George said.
In February, a state appeals court ruled that her parental rights had not been properly relinquished under the law.
Attorneys for Jackson and Rowe were scheduled to meet next Tuesday to discuss settling the custody case.
"Hopefully all issues will be settled," Jackson attorney Michael Abrams said. "In one week, this case may be over."
Abrams said the $60,000 award was a "reasonable resolution for the time being." He also said Jackson has made payments called for in the divorce settlement.
Source: AP / LA Times / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #837 - Saturday Sep 2, 2006
Neverland Ranch Fire Investigation Completed
Investigators from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department have concluded their investigation regarding the August, 24th fire on Michael Jackson's Neverland Valley Ranch.
The fire was determined to be caused by electrical facilities on the property. However no specific source of origin has been identified and cause of fire will remain as undetermined.
The blaze burned nearly 60 acres of Michael Jackson's property. The flames only burned brush and fortunatelly, they did not reach any of the buildings or animals on the property. Jackson was not at Neverland at the time the fire accident happened.
Source: MJJF/Keyt.com - Santa Barbara News
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MJJF eNews #836 - Friday Sep 1, 2006
The Michael Jackson Musical
A Broadway - style musical based on Michael Jackson's biggest hits, "Thriller Live", made its debut in London's West End - Dominion Theatre, August 27th. 3000 fans had made their way to witness more than 80 performers singing and dancing along to the King of Pop's most memorable tunes - from the early Motown years to his success with Thriller and other solo albums including a gospel choir and a children's ballet troupe.
The first part of the musical was dedicated to the early years, starting with familiar Jackson Five hits like "I'll Be There", "Who's Loving You", "Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)" and "Can You Feel It". The kids who performed the Jackson Five songs got big ovations from the crowd for their performances, with voices very close to the originals.
The second part of the show was dedicated to Michael's solo career. The well known Michael Jackson impersonator Navi took the stage and performed "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" in front of an standing audience. When the ending of the "Black or White" music video were shown on the big screen the audience went totally wild, watching his every move from his dancing on top of the car to turning himself into a black panther. With more dancers on stage in part two, they got to see many great performances such as the well choreographed "Dangerous".
Still the King of Pop
Producer Adrian Grant has hailed the show a "musical celebration" and says it will help to revive Jackson's status as the King of Pop.
"It's to remind the public that Michael Jackson is still a great artist, and to put his music back out in the public domain." - says Mr Grant, who founded the original Michael Jackson British fan club in 1988.
"A lot of his music has been covered at the moment and if you go to the nightclubs and hear a Michael Jackson track, people get up and dance, so he's still very popular."
So far the one - day spectacular musical has generated a buzz around the country and beyond, but it is organizer's hope that it could eventually go on tour.
"The interest has been really good. We've got people from all over Europe coming, from Germany, Spain, Italy, and all over the UK", he says. "But we'll see how it goes on the day, get the public's feedback and decide from there what we'd like to do. We've had interest from people who want to take it on the road."
A female fan from Latvia describes the show as amazing. "It was just like you were on a Michael Jackson concert", she says. "Fans sang along and it was so great!".
Once again Michael Jackson has brought people from all over the world to have fun and enjoy his wonderful art.
*Pictures taken from Thriller musical program
Source: BBC News / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #835 - Thursday Aug 31, 2006
The People's Choice BT Digital Music Awards
For the past 3 years, MJJForum.com ranked in the top 100 of The People's Choice BT Digital Music Awards. As you all know, MJJForum is one of the largest, most proactive Michael Jackson dedicated sites on the web and we we would appreciate your support. Please vote for MJJForum.com by clicking this link:
If you have a fansite and would like to have an html button to support our vote, please email MsTenda by email: [email protected].
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MJJF eNews #834 - Wednesday Aug 30, 2006
Jackson Case Papers Available To Public
17 previously sealed documents from Michael Jackson case have been made public, after more than a year after pop singer was acquitted of all charges in the child-molestation case against him.
The documents were posted late Monday on a Web page run by the Santa Barbara Superior Courts which can be accessed at www.sbscpublicaccess.org
The documents revolve around motions filed by attorneys in the case in December 2004 and January 2005 . There are responses to motions filed by attorneys in the case, and even replies to responses to motions.
Darrel Parker, assistant trial courts executive officer said: "We had boxes of stuff that was previously sealed." "I believe there are still more documents that will come out." - he said.
Parker said that some previously sealed documents in the case have already been made public, and that the documents are being released as they are sorted through.
"They've been trickling out." - he said.
Mr Parker also said that special precautions were taken in the high profile case, such as sealing documents that could have prejudiced the trial and not allowing cameras in the courtroom.
"A good deal of the pleadings were sealed and/or redacted." - he said.
Source: MJJF/Santa Maria Times
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MJJF eNews #832 - Sunday Aug 27, 2006
Blaze Menaces Neverland
On Friday afternoon, black smoke billowed from Michael Jackson's Neverland Valley Ranch as a blaze charred more than 40 acres of the sprawling Los Olivos estate.
The fire was fueled by light brush and grass and it came within 200 yards of buildings, but more than 100 firefighters from Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Vandenberg Air Force Base and the U.S. Forest Service managed to keep it at bay.
It's not known how many animals were in the ranch zoo, which has been home to a menagerie including elephants, giraffes, llamas and a camel. Authorities confirmed that none was evacuated.
"The animals are being taken care of and there are no problems with them," said county Fire Department Capt. Keith Cullom.
The fire was fully contained by 7:30 p.m. Investigators remained on scene until nightfall, attempting to determine what sparked the blaze that had firefighters hiking in over steep hills to stop it from spreading farther across the 2,600-acre ranch.
Mr. Jackson has not lived at Neverland since shortly after his acquittal on child molestation charges in June 2005 and has instead been residing in Bahrain. Raymone Bain, Mr. Jackson's publicist, could not be reached for comment Friday evening.
The fire, which was reported at about 2:25 p.m., broke out just west of the entertainer's amusement park. A road that runs through the middle of the property split the fire into two flanks that burned on both sides of the 16 carnival rides, including a merry-go-round, Ferris wheel and octopus. From there, the blaze climbed up the steep terrain of the Neverland valley, where cattle had been grazing, but the herd safely escaped the flames.
The authorities said that the employees working on the ranch Friday were not evacuated.
Helicopters dipped their buckets into Mr. Jackson's pond, home to swans and pink flamingos, to scoop up water used to douse the flames from above, while hand crews and bulldozers battled the blaze from the ground.
A private fire crew stationed at Neverland Valley Ranch attempted to keep the fire under control until the closest county fire crews could arrive. It took the crews about 15 minutes to reach the ranch on Figueroa Mountain Road about five miles north of Highway 154.
Mr. Jackson hired the Neverland crew after a fire there in 1989, which destroyed a $300,000 barn where two giraffes lived. The giraffes and chimpanzees in an adjacent barn were safely evacuated. That fire started in a large, propane-fueled fan installed two weeks earlier as part of the heating system, county investigators determined.
Mr. Jackson bought the ranch in 1988 for $14.6 million and created a fairy tale-like setting, complete with a train, movie theater and arcade, to offer fun times to disadvantaged and sick children year-round. It costs about $3 million per year to maintain.
A former ranch employee said there is an extensive fire hydrant system in all areas of the property and that each building is equipped with sprinklers.
Violet Silva worked as head of security and fire for the last seven years of her 15-year employment there. She said that ranch staff regularly took county firefighters around the property to familiarize them with the layout in case of such an event.
"Our purpose was to be preventative," Ms. Silva said. "Neverland is in itself very well thought out, with the hydrants and sprinklers."
Ranch employees received regular fire training when she worked there. Also, a preplan book had been given to county Fire Station 32, mapping out the ranch.
"I'm confident the situation will be handled efficiently and correctly because of all of this preparation," Ms. Silva said.
Source: Santa Barbara News Press / MJJF
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MJJF eNews #831 - Friday Aug 25, 2006
Wildfire burns at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch
A wildfire burned 40 acres of Neverland Ranch on Friday that came within a quater-mile of the main residence, officials stated.
No structures had caught fire, Santa Barbara County Fire spokesman Jeff Ross said.
About 100 firefighters were battling the blaze along with water-dropping helicopters, Ross said.
More information will come avaliable as soon as we get it.
Source: AP/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews # 829 - Saturday Aug 19, 2006
Bruce Swedien-An excerpt from "The Mixing Engineer's Handbook"
By Bobby Owsinski
Perhaps no one else in the studio world can so aptly claim the moniker of "Godfather of Recording" as Bruce Swedien. Universally revered by his peers, Bruce has earned that respect thanks to years of stellar recordings for the cream of the musical crop. His credits could fill a book alone, but legends like Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Oscar Peterson, Nat "King" Cole, George Benson, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Edgar Winter and Jackie Wilson are good places to start. Then comes Bruce's Grammy winning projects which include Michael Jackson's Thriller (the biggest selling record of all time), Bad and Dangerous, and Quincy Jones' Back on the Block and Juke Joint. As one who has participated in the evolution of modern recording from virtually the beginning as well as being one of its true innovators, Bruce is able to give insights on mixing from a perspective that few of us will ever have.
Do you start to do your mix from the very first day of tracking?
Yes, but again I don't think that you can say any of these thoughts are across the board. There are certain types of music that grow in the studio. You go in and start a rhythm track and think you're gonna have one thing and all of a sudden it does a sharp left and it ends up being something else. While there are other types of music where I start the mix even before the musicians come to the studio. I'll give you a good example of something. On Michael's History album, for the song "Smile, Charlie Chaplin," I knew what that mix would be like two weeks before the musicians hit the studio.
From listening to the demo?
No. It had nothing to do with anything except what was going on in my mind because Jeremy Lubbock, the orchestra arranger and conductor, and I had talked about that piece of music and the orchestra that we were going to use. I came up with a studio setup that I had used with the strings of the Chicago Symphony many years before at Universal where the first violins are set up to the left of the conductor and the second violins to the right, the violas behind the first fiddles and the cello behind the second fiddles, which is a little unusual. So I had that whole mix firmly in mind long before we did it.
How many versions of a mix do you do?
Usually one. Although when I did "Billie Jean," I did 91 mixes of that thing and the mix that we finally ended up using was mix 2. I had a pile of 1/2" tapes to the ceiling. And we thought, "Oh man, it's getting better and better." [laughs]
What do you do to make a mix special?
I wish I knew. I have no idea. But the best illustration of something special is when we were doing "Billie Jean" and Quincy said, "Okay, this song has to have the most incredible drum sound that anybody has ever done but it also has to have one element that's different, and that's sonic personality." So I lost a lot of sleep over that. What I ended up doing was building a drum platform and designing some special little things like a bass drum cover and a flat piece of wood that goes between the snare and the hi-hat. And the bottom line is that there aren't many pieces of music where you can hear the first three or four notes of the drums and immediately tell what piece of music it is. But I think that is the case with "Billie Jean," and that I attribute to sonic personality. But I lost a lot of sleep over that one before it was accomplished.
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MJEOL Bullet Breaking News: Conspiracy to Bankrupt MJ Revealed
Mon, 7 Aug 2006 19:09:10 -0400
BREAKING NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Raymone Bain
August 7, 2006
CONSPIRACY TO FORCE MICHAEL JACKSON INTO BANKRUPTCY REVEALED
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 attorneys as well as associates and advisors, to force Mr. Jackson into involuntary bankruptcy.
The documents reveal that former attorneys actively solicited other attorneys, vendors and creditors to �join in a petition to place the client in involuntary bankruptcy.�
Mr. Jackson who, on June 27, 2006, announced sweeping organizational changes, has instructed his legal team to investigate and file claims against those responsible for conspiracy, bad faith, and self dealing.
These efforts may also result in civil and/or criminal charges, where appropriate.
In addition, there is a strong possibility that these documents will be forwarded to the U.S. Attorney General for review and possible involvement.
�Mr. Jackson is neither shocked or surprised by these revelations,� says Raymone K. Bain, Michael Jackson�s General Manager.
�Based on the timing of events that have impacted his personal and professional life in recent years, he has long been suspicious that some of those whom he entrusted to act on his behalf, and to advise him with respect to his personal and business affairs, may not have always acted in his best interests.�
Man gets 8 months in prison for taping Michael Jackson on plane
An air service businessman on Monday was sentenced to eight months in federal prison for secretly videotaping Michael Jackson as he flew to Santa Barbara with his attorney to surrender in a child-molestation investigation.
Arvel Jett Reeves also was ordered to spend six additional months in a halfway house that offers drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Shallman. He also must pay a $1,000 fine.
Reeves and co-defendant Jeffrey Borer admitted they installed two digital video recorders to record "a professional entertainer" and his lawyer as the pair traveled on a private jet from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara in November 2003, according to their plea agreements filed last September.
The entertainer they recorded was Michael Jackson and his attorney at the time was Mark Geragos, although they are not cited by name in the plea agreements.
Borer and Reeves each pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy. As part of the deal, federal prosecutors agreed to dismiss two other charges - endeavoring to intercept oral communication and witness tampering - in a three-count indictment filed against them.
Borer's sentencing was postponed to September. U.S. District Judge A. Howard Matz agreed Monday to give Borer more time to submit information about his ailing wife.
Borer was the owner of XtraJet, which operated a Gulfstream jet that carried Jackson. Reeves was the owner of Chino-based Executive Aviation, which provided maintenance service for XtraJet's aircraft fleet.
Reeves purchased video and audio equipment and, with the help of a third party, secretly installed the recorders in the airplane's cabin, according to the plea agreement. They were unable to install the remote microphones because Reeves didn't get the proper connectors, so the two recordings were made without sound.
Borer, who instructed Reeves to obtain and install the equipment, intended "to sell these recordings to the media for a large sum of money," the agreement said.
Source: AP / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #824 - Saturday Jul 15, 2006
Jackson Jury Reaches Split Decision
On Friday, a split decision was made by a civil court jury, former Michael Jackson adviser was awarded $900,000 and Michael was awarded $200,000 on his cross complaint.
F.Marc Schaffel had sued for $3.8 million, but later reduced to $1.6 million, and his attorney asked the jury for $1.4 million in commissions, unpaid loans and expenses before deliberations began Thursday.
"Obviously, I'm very happy," Schaffel said outside court. "We got less than I asked for but considering all the factors on what we were able to present, I'm pleased."
Jackson's attorney had said Schaffel owed the pop star $660,000 before he had fired the associate in November 2001 after learning his past as a producer of gay pornography.
"What bothered Michael Jackson the most about this trial," the singer's spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain said, "was that from the onset F. Marc Schaffel tried turning a bookkeeping matter into something more and he willfully tried impugning Michael Jackson's character with false and unsubstantiated claims."
The trial delved into claims of Schaffel producing two videos that aired on Fox that were to rehabilitate Jackson's image regarding the aftermath of a damaging documentary, and claims involving "What More Can I Give," a song intended to raise money for victims of Sept.11, 2001.
Jurors said they came to the figure of $900,000 by accepting the Schaffel claims that he was owed commissions from the two videos and other expenses.
Jackson attorney Thomas Mundell said he had always conceded that Jackson owed Schaffel a percentage of the money earned from the Fox videos, and court documents showed that Schaffel turned down $500,000 a month before trial.
Jurors said that after much arguing they accepted Schaffel's claim that he spent $300,000 of his own money to give to "Mr. X" on a secret mission to South America.
"We fought a lot over that,"said Irma Beard, a retired law office worker. She said jury foreman Roy Shimogaki were troubled by the claim. Both said to not bave been influenced by explosive claims about the mens' lifestyles.
Jackson's lawyer focused on Schaffel's past in gay adult movies, and Schaffel had said on the witness stand that Jackson once told him to find boys for him to adopt from Brazil. He later modified that statement to "children" to expand Jackson's family.
Beard said during deliberations none of that came up, and jury tried to focus on financial figures. "Schaffel's life is his life and Michael's life is his life," she said. Both laughed when asked if Schaffel was a credible witness. "We wouldn't go that far," Shimogaki said. "The plaintiff was not the most upstanding character and neither was the defendant," Beard said.
The jury answered multiple questions. All the verdicts were unanimous for Schaffel and three were not for Jackson. But only nine out or 12 jurors needed to agree.
Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Connor plans to hold a separate specific accounting phase of the trial to look at the claims and that could lead to adjustment of the awards.
Cathleen Yancey, a student at Brigham Young University, said she wanted to award Jackson more of the $200, 000 awarded, but one of the jurors was most opinionated.
The jurors agreed on one thing: They were glad Jackson didn't appear as a witness, saying his videotape deposition was sufficient.
"If he was here, it would have been a frenzy," Yancey said.
Source:AP/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #823 - Saturday Jul 15, 2006
For Immediate Release, Michael Jackson Scores Big In Round 1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Raymone K. Bain
July 14, 2006
Michael Jackson Scores Big In Round 1 of the Schaffel Lawsuit and Awaits Round 2 for Accounting
Santa Monica, CA�. A jury of 6 women and 6 men turned back F. Marc Schaffel�s claims against Michael Jackson today, that Mr. Jackson owed him countless millions of dollars.
In the action, Mr. Schaffel first sought $6 million...$4 million... $3.2million, $2 million, and finally $1.5million.
In round 1, the jury awarded Mr. Schaffel $900,000. However, the jury also awarded Mr. Jackson $200,000, plus interest, for Mr. Schaffel�s fraud, conversion and breach of fiduciary duty.
Says Tom Mundell, Lead Defense Counsel, �This was a great result for Michael. The judge divided the trial into two phases. In this first phase, the jury heard all of Schaffel's claims and one of Michael's claims. In about two weeks, the judge will hear testimony on the rest of Michael's claims against Schaffel.
The value of Michael's remaining claims exceeds the small net amount in Schaffel's favor from Phase 1 of the trial, and we are confident that when Phase 2 is concluded, the overall judgment will be in Michael's favor.�
Says L. Londell McMillan, General Counsel to Mr. Jackson, �It�s a new day for Michael Jackson. We were unwilling to pay one penny more than the amount Schaffel was owed, and the verdict proved successful. This lawsuit represents the beginning of a new approach and direction in the business of Michael Jackson.�
Source: Raymone Bain
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MJJF eNews #822 - Friday Jul 14, 2006
Jury Reaches Split Decision
Today, friday July 14th, a civil court jury awarded a former adviser of Michael Jackson $900,000, and Jackson $200,000 in his cross complaint against C. Marc Schaffel, in a split desicion.
Schaffel originally sued for $3.8 million. The claim was later reduced to $1.6 million, and his attorney ultimately asked the jury for $1.4 million in unpaid loans and expenses before the jury was sent out to deliberate began on Thursday.
Jackson's attorney said Schaffel owed the pop star $660,000.
During the deliberations earlier today the jury asked several questions and for read back of some of the testimony, including Schaffel's testimony of how much he claimed to be owed.
In the civil suit, in which only nine of the 12 jurors have to agree on a verdict, one question from the panel was, "Do all 12 have to be accounted for, or can some abstain?"
Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Connor sent the jurors a message that some could abstain from voting.
The jurors also asked if they could award damages significantly different than claimed by the parties in the legal action. They were told they could do so but had to follow jury instructions on the law.
Source: AP / MJJF
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MJJF eNews #821 - Friday Jul 14, 2006
Jury in lawsuit against Michael Jackson queries judge
The jury in a financial dispute between Michael Jackson and his former associate F. Marc Schaffel resumed deliberations for a second day on Friday. They immediately asked several questions and sought read back of testimony.
In the civil suit, in which only nine of the 12 jurors have to agree on a verdict, one question from the panel was: "Do all 12 have to be accounted for, or can some abstain?"
Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Connor conferred with attorneys by phone. Connor sent the jurors a message that some could abstain from voting.
The jurors also asked if they could award damages significantly different than claimed by the parties in the legal action. They were told they could do so but had to follow jury instructions on the law.
The panel of six men and six women also asked to hear the court reporter read back testimony from Schaffel on how much he claims is due to him from his business relationship with Jackson.
Schaffel's lawyers have given varying amounts sought for his work on two Fox TV specials about Jackson and reimbursements for loans he said he made to the pop star.
At the beginning of the case, attorney Howard King had asked for more than $3 million for his client.
Court rulings reduced that amount to $1.6 million. Then in his final argument, King added together a number of figures and came up with $1.4 million.
Thomas Mundell, Michael Jackson's attorney, told the jury that Schaffel actually owes the pop star $660,000.
Mundell said the following in his closing statement:
�This is a case about misplaced trust. Here, we have a gentle artist, who despite all his fame and all his money, is lonely. He�s insulated. He brought his passion and his musical genius to the world, making him vulnerable to people who want to take advantage of him.�
The judge has agreed to take up a specific accounting phase of the case that is not being submitted to the jury.
MJJF/AP
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MJJF eNews #820 - Thursday Jul 13, 2006
Jackson Money Dispute Goes to Jury
Money dispute between pop star Michael Jackson and his former associate F. Marc Schaffel was placed in the hands of jurors Thursday after the singer's lawyer told them the plaintiff betrayed the star and urged them to "send him from this courtroom with nothing."
Attorney Thomas Mundell said Marc Schaffel can't back up claims that he is owed $1.4 million in loans and expenses. But, Schaffel's lawyer argued that jurors must consider that his client's relationship with the singer existed in "Michael world, not our world." Attorney Howard King said the following in final remarks:
"It's a world where a superstar professes love for Marc Schaffel and entrusts him ... Michael world - a world without receipts."
Jackson has countersued, claiming that Schaffel actually owes him $660,000.
Mundell said in his closing argument that Schaffel took advantage of a pop star who is "useless in his own business matters."
King urged jurors to accept circumstantial evidence and testimony from various witnesses about expenditures Schaffel made in the interest of promoting Jackson's charity record, "What More Can I Give," and $300,000 for a mysterious trip to South America.
Mundell argued that Schaffel used the money to make a down payment on a house and that he
actually pocketed $400,000 from a Japanese company for rights to the charity record.
King pointed out that Jackson's lawyers never asked what was the purpose of the South America trip.
He said: "They either know precisely why this money was delivered or they don't want to know and they don't want you to know."
Schaffel blurted out on the stand that he once was dispatched to help Jackson adopt boys in Brazil, a story Jackson's defense has denounced as a smear. In Jackson's child molestation trial (2005), prosecutors claimed there was a plan to relocate a family that was making accusations against the pop star and take them to Brazil. The pop star was acquitted of the molestation charges.
Mundell read to jurors a voice mail message to Schaffel in which Jackson said, "Marc, please, please, never let me down. I have been betrayed so much by people. I want us to be friends and I want us to conquer the business world. Be my loyal, loyal, loyal friend."
"Members of the jury, Marc Schaffel was not Mr. Jackson's loyal friend. I ask you to send him from this courtroom with nothing." Mundell concluded.
The judge told the 12 jurors that only nine of them need to agree on any one cause of action for a verdict, but the same nine do not need to agree on each action. The five-page verdict form includes numerous questions the jury must answer relating to Schaffel's suit and Jackson's countersuit.
Schaffel initially sued for $3.8 million but the claims were cut to $1.6 million, and on Thursday his attorney asked for $1.4 million.
Source: AP / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #819 - Wednesday Jul 12, 2006
Forensic accountant disputes claims against Jackson
Michael Jackson's lawyer hired a forensic accountant who testified Wednesday and said that a former associate who is now suing the singer used money from a Japanese record production company for the down payment on his own $1.9 million home rather than for the business expenses he claimed.
Jan Goren showed jurors how he traced millions of dollars through the various bank accounts of F. Marc Schaffel. He also said he found no substantiation for a $300,000 payment Schaffel claimed he provided to a mysterious "Mr. X" in South America on Jackson's behalf.
The testimony was presented as the trial neared the closing arguments phase.
Schaffel's lawsuit claims Jackson owes him $1.6 million for various endeavors he worked on for the pop star.
Jackson's side has sought to show Schaffel enriched himself at the singer's expense, outweighing any sums that might actually be owed.
Goren challenged Schaffel's claim that he received $400,000 from a Japanese company called Music Fighters which was seeking to buy rights to Jackson's "What More Can I Give", an ill-fated charity recording intended to raise money for victims of the terrorist attacks - September, 11th 2001.
Schaffel had testified that he split the amount with Jackson, each taking $200,000, but maintained that he used his half to pay business expenses.
Goren said that was not true according to his financial detective work.
He said the $400,000 was wired by Music Fighters on Feb. 27, 2002, to Neverland Valley Entertainment, a company Schaffel started with Jackson, and the next day it was transferred into Schaffel's personal account.
The accountant noted that in a deposition Schaffel said Jackson was given $200,000 in cash and the rest was kept in the Neverland Valley account to pay bills.
"That did not happen," said the witness.
"Is there any support that 200,000 (dollars) went out to Mr. Jackson?" asked Thomas Mundell, Jackson's attorney.
"Nothing," said the witness.
Goren then used an easel and marker to trace Schaffel's home purchase, showing the down payment, escrow fees, mortgages and the full price of the home at $1.9 million. He said the source of the down payment was the personal money market account, "and 400,000 that went into that account was Music Fighters money."
On the purported delivering of $300,000 to "Mr. X" in South America, Goren testified that Schaffel never claimed the amount until this year and "there is no check, no moneys leaving a bank ... no bank statements, no ledgers."
"I have nothing that corroborates it from a documentary point of view," he said.
He noted that the entry was coded "EFT," which refers to an electronic fund transfer to another account. But he said the amount was never transferred to or from any account.
"My conclusion on this is it is not a valid claim," Goren said.
Cross Examination
Schaffel's attorney, Howard King, on cross-examination, challenged some of the accountant's opinions and asked if he considered testimony by other witnesses who said they knew about some of the disputed transactions.
Goren said he read depositions by Jackson's business manager, Allan Whitman, but had not questioned him about any of the records.
"You didn't ask Mr. Whitman to see any of Michael Jackson's records or Michael Jackson's tax returns?" asked King.
"I did not," said Goren.
"Would you have liked to have seen them?" King asked.
"I would like to see Mr. Schaffel's tax returns," Goren said.
Despite of King's claim that he was wrong on some figures, Goren consistently asserted that there were no documents to support some of Schaffel's claimed expenses.
"Even when there are documents that slightly support it," he said of one charge, "it fails and it fails miserably."
Asked why Whitman and others in Jackson's financial inner circle would have approved some large payments to Schaffel, Goren said, "I think they trusted Mr. Schaffel."
King asked if Goren had seen a receipt from a Hungarian bank, on the issue of the $300,000,
"No, you can show me," said Goren.
But it wasn't until redirect examination by Mundell that the receipt was displayed in court. It showed a withdrawal of $258,000 from a Hungarian bank three years before Schaffel claims he was dispatched to South America on a mission for Jackson.
"Of course this does not influence my opinion," Goren said. "This transaction took place three years before. So what? How does it end up in South America? I don't see the connection at all."
King asked Goren if he ever asked Mundell why no one had asked for the name of the recipient of the purported $300,000 payment. Goren said he had not.
Source: MJJF/AP
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MJJF eNews #818 - Tuesday Jul 11, 2006
Former Jackson Lawyer Testifies
Zia Modabber, former lawyer of Michael Jackson testified today, Tuesday, July 11th 2005, in the suit against Mr. Jackson, brought on by F. Marc Schaffel.
Schaffel claims Michael Jackson owes him $1.6 million for loans not repaid, and unpaid royalties for a song which was never fully released.
Modabber, however, testified that Schaffel went behind Jackson�s back to sell the rights to a charity record to a Japanese Company. The record was supposed to be in Jackson�s name only, but unbeknownst to Jackson, Schaffel obtained a $900,000 check from a Japanese record company in 2002, by touting his relationship with the singer.
�He was trying to have [a deal] without our knowledge,� Modabber testified.
The lawsuit is expected to go to the jury this week.
Schaffel claims Jackson owes him millions in unpaid fees, and loans allegedly to fund purchases for Elisabeth Taylor as well as shopping sprees. Jackson countered that Schaffel has taken about $1 million from him.
Jackson tried to fire Schaffel in 2001 after discovering he had been an adult film producer.
�I think he didn�t want to believe it was real or true,� Modabber said. �He appeared angry, upset.�
Schaffel, who also took the stand Monday, acknowledged Jackson called him that same night, and told him he was off the charity project.
The next day, Schaffel testified how he wrote and backdated a string of checks drawn from Jackson�s bank accounts and made out to Schaffel�s companies.
�I wanted to make sure I didn�t get stuck holding the bag on a whole bunch of bills,� Schaffel said.
Jackson tried to fire Schaffel in 2001 after discovering he had been an adult film producer, Modabber said. Jackson became aware of his associate's past only when the attorney showed him a video of Schaffel directing a gay porn scene, Modabber testified.
"I think he didn't want to believe it was real or true," Modabber said. "He appeared angry, upset."
That same night, Jackson called Schaffel and told him he was off the charity project, acknowledged Schaffel, who also took the stand Monday.
The next day, Schaffel wrote and backdated a string of checks drawn on Jackson's bank accounts and made out to Schaffel's companies, he testified.
"I wanted to make sure I didn't get stuck holding the bag on a whole bunch of bills," Schaffel said.
The checks, totalling $784,000, were for six months' advance rent, utility and cable payments for Schaffel, the filmmaker testified.
Modabber testified that he couldn't understand why Schaffel was still involved in Jackson's affairs in 2002 since he had been fired the year before. Modabber said the singer's other attorneys told him they "were handling it," he testified.
Schaffel said he remained involved in a children's book project with Jackson.
Testimony is set to resume today.
Source: AP / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #817 - Monday Jul 10, 2006
Jackson Tells His Side/Defense Targets Plaintiff's Backdated Checks
Jackson Tells His Side Via Taped Depositions
Jury in Santa Monica was shown a videotaped testimony where Michael Jackson professed little memory of major financial transactions involving a former associate who claims the pop star owes him about $1.8 million Cdn.
Jackson�s videotaped deposition was shown to the jury because the singer will not appear at the trial.
Jackson was interviewed twice in London by F. Marc Schaffel�s lawyer. He said he did remember at least one occasion when Schaffel delivered money to him on the set of a music video.
He said he would get the money in a fast food bag - they called it "french fries," which became their slang for money.
But Jackson said he thought any money Schaffel gave him came from Jackson�s own funds.
"I would never ask him for his money," Jackson responded. "That�s ridiculous. I would never."
Schaffel�s lawsuit originally claimed Jackson owed him $4.2 million Cdn for unpaid loans, royalties and other debts, but he has reduced the claim to $1.8 million Cdn.
Jackson said he remembers Schaffel working on the production of his ill-fated charity record -What More Can I Give-, but didn�t expect to pay him, because he thought that his efforts were a charitable donation.
In late 2001, Michael found out that Schaffel had a background in producing gay adult movies. When Jackson became aware of that he decided to fire Schaffel but didn�t do it personally because he didn�t want to embarrass him.
Asked how Schaffel wound up back in his employment in 2003 when he produced two TV specials that aired on Fox, Jackson said, "I didn�t directly rehire Marc Schaffel. It was somebody in the organization who obviously did."
Jackson also said he couldn�t remember giving Schaffel instructions for such chores as paying Marlon Brando $1.1 million to appear at Madison Square Garden for a show Jackson was doing in September 2001.
"Did you want to pay Marlon Brando ($1.1 million) for appearing at your Madison Square Garden concert?" lawyer Howard King asked.
"It wasn�t so much for the appearance as it was for the fact that he said he really needed it and I wanted to help a friend," Jackson said.
When King pressed Jackson about whether Schaffel once loaned him $1.1 million, Jackson again cited a lack of memory but suggested he would not have taken such an amount if it wasn�t his.
"Nobody just gives me money," he said. "That�s not right and I work for what I get. Don�t make like I�m begging from anybody. I have pride."
Jackson also laughed at one point when King suggested that Schaffel had given him $420,000 to go shopping.
"It sounds spoiled, but it doesn�t sound like me," Jackson said. "Give me ($420,000) to go shopping? That�s not me. I am sorry."
King followed up with a question: "You�re not a big shopper?"
"Not like that, no," Jackson said.
Source: MJJF/AP
Plaintiff's Backdated Checks Targeted By Jackson Defense Attorney
Michael Jackson�s former associate F. Marc Schaffel rushed to issue 18 backdated checks totaling $784,000, in the days after being fired, Jackson�s attorney showed Monday.
Schaffel, who is suing Jackson for $1.6 million, testified in Superior Court that he wrote the checks for items including prepayment of $54,000 in rent on his home, prepayment of utilities and phone bills, along with reimbursement for expenses such as camera rentals after he received the termination letter on Nov. 15, 2001.
Jackson attorney Thomas Mundell showed Schaffel one of the checks asking, "And you dated it Nov. 14 because you knew if you dated it after that you would run into problems because of the termination?"
"Yes," replied Schaffel.
"Isn't it true you falsified books and records to try to get as much money as possible from Mr. Jackson before your termination?" Mundell asked.
Schaffel replied, "I just didn't want to get caught holding the bag for expenses Mr. Jackson had agreed to."
According to Schaffel, He and Jackson had an agreement for Jackson to pay his expenses for six months subsequent to the date of termination.
"I wasn't sure with the jockeying that was going on with the advisers that part was going to happen," Schaffel said.
Schaffel also testified that, even after being informed he was being let go, he and Jackson remained friends and talked frequently about projects.
However, Mundell produced an e-mail from Schaffel to the man who introduced him to Jackson, Dr. Arnie Klein, which seemed to contradict that assertion.
"I am deeply saddened this has cost my friendship with Michael Jackson. ... I was the only one willing to fight for him all the time. I miss being able to help him. I miss my friend. All our projects have come to a stop." said the e-mail written on Jan. 30, 2002.
Monday's testimony mainly consisted of Mundell showing ledgers and checks to Schaffel.
Schaffel continued to interject comments about a claim he made last week that Jackson wanted him to help find children in Brazil to adopt.
Mundell let the comments pass but pressed Schaffel to explain a charge of $300,000 to Jackson for money that Schaffel claimed to have delivered to a "Mr. X" in South America on Jackson's behalf.
"Payment was made from a bank account you had in Brazil?" asked Mundell.
"No," stated Schaffel. "I had money in Brazil from an earlier transaction. It wasn't in the bank. It was in a safe."
"It was in a safe in Brazil?" Mundell asked.
"Yes," Schaffel said.
"I see," replied the attorney.
Mundell has previously pointed out that there is no receipt for the $300,000.
Source: AP/MJJF
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MJJF eNews #816 - Friday Jul 7, 2006
Guess Who's Coming to Boot Camp's "Ask A Star"
Guess whose coming to pop a holla at Boot Camp!
YES! American Idol's Ace Young!!
I'm sure you remember his wonderful performance of Michael Jackson's Butterflies. Ace has told Angel Howansky that he is an admirer of Michael's and was very gracious in accepting her invitation to answer fans questions on (Ask a star a question.)
His link is up and ready to go! Just register if you haven't yet and log on. Go to Ask A Star section, and start ASKING!!! http://hiphopbootcamp.com/ask_start_question.php
Ace Young is on the American Idol Tour, but said he will always have time to chat and answer some questions for his fans.
Ace wanted to honor Michael with his song.
Source: Angel Howansky/Gail Felix/MJJF
http://www.hiphopbootcamp.com
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MJJF eNews #815 - Friday Jul 7, 2006
Jackson adviser: trial signals star's new approach to business
Michael Jackson's decision to fight his former associate F. Marc Schaffel in a civil suit manner is symbolic of a "new day" in Jackson's financial life.
L. Londell McMillian, a New York lawyer who has attended every day of the current trial responded to a comment made by Scfaffel's attorney Howard King, told reporters it would have been less expensive if Jackson would have settled the case before it went to trial.
"It would have been to all parties' benefit to settle," McMillan said Thursday. "But Mr. Schaffel's request was outrageous. And Mr. Jackson is taking a new approach to people trying to hijack him with dishonorable claims."
"This is a very important case." he added. "It's the beginning of a new day defending against bogus claims and accepting responsibility for his business."
Schaffel has sued Jackson for failing to repay loans, expenses and salary. At first he wanted $3.8 million, but after a ruling by the judge involving the statute of limitations and other problems, cut it down to $1.6 million.
King was asked if he would have pursued the suit if he knew the claim was to be reduced by more than half. "We have had litigated it differently," the attorney said.
Attorney Thomas Mundell said Jackson has decided "he's no longer going to be a target." King said of Jackson, " In the right case he should fight like hell. But this is not a frivolous case."
McMillan, who took over Jackson's finances last month, said that Jackson has been victimized by a series of advisers "who seem to be part of a group with similar motives." With other lawsuits to come he said," this is the beginning of Mr. Jackson's attempt to defeat all of them." He said the outcome of the current trial is up to the jury, but "the victory is in taking the case to court. It set the stage for Michael Jackson performing defferently in his business life."
Source:AP/MJJF
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MJJF eNews #814 - Wednesday Jul 5, 2006
Jury in Michael Jackson lawsuit hears pop star's telephone calls
Jurors in the Marc Schaffel case against Michael Jackson heard phone messages from the star. The messages that were left on Schaffel's answering machine were played to show the close relationship between Schaffel and Michael.
In one of the first phone messages from 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.
Schaffel said on the witness stand that he had been working on some projects for Jackson and had arranged a $10 million line of credit for him.
Schaffel stated that Jackson had many demands including to look for a house in Beverly Hills, which would be a hideaway from his Neverland ranch.
There were several messages left in June 2001 dealing with "the Marlon Brando deal." Scaffel said Jackson had an idea for Brando to do an interview with him and Michael would interview Brando at Brando's island in Tahiti. The project never came about because of the enormous cost involved. Schaffel later said,"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 had left several messages to Schaffel stating that Brando had called and wanted to know what was going on with the projects. In one call he said,"Marlon Brando has been pushing. He's a wonderful man. He's a god. He wants lots of money. He wants to get things done right now." The plan for the project changed because Jackson wanted to produce a TV show about Brando's life and experience as well as acting DVDs, according to Schaffel.
"What More Can I Give," was Jackson's other concern. The charity project was for victims of Sept. 11, 2001. It was never released because of complications involving Jackson's relationship with Sony. Schaffel stated that the record had costed millions because of 30 major artists having to travel. In 2003, Jackson left more messages to Schaffel saying that he now had a plan for the recording to be a charity project tied to the Iraq war. "It should be "It should be for America in Iraq," Jackson said in one message. "... It's a perfect cause. It means more now than any other causes." Some of the messages relating to the record were timed off between 2:05 am and 6:39 am. and Schaffel said that they were adjuncts to personal meetings with Jackson. " We have to do something regarding sympathy and unity for Iraq, " said Jackson on one message. "It's a beautiful thing. We have to do this, Marc."
Schaffel also testified about a trip to Brazil to deliver $300,000 to someone in South America. Schaffel never described the personal matter. In the 2005 Jackson trial prosecutors claimed there was a plan to relocate a family making accusations against Jackson and take them to Brazil. He said he withdrew the $300,000 from his own accounts that he kept in Europe for business. He said he was never fully repaid.
Schaffel had outlined hundreds of thousands of dollars he claims is still owed from Jackson. He claims that he acknowledged he was paid $1.4 million for his share of royalties from two videos sold to Fox television., but was still owed $664, 000 in royalties from those videos. Schaffel also stated that $100,000 were for legal fees after being named and unindicted co-conspirator in the molesation case against Jackson.
Source: AP/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #812 - Wednesday Jun 28, 2006
A FEW ADDITIONAL DETAILS - Michael Jackson fires business managers
In a statement issued today by Michael Jackson's spokesperson, Raymone Bain, we learned that the singer has fired his business managers, has hired a New York firm to oversee his financial affairs and is moving to Europe.
Raymone K. Bain has been named general manager of the new Michael Jackson Co., which will replace Jackson's MJJ Productions.
Jackson has severed ties with his Bahrain lawyers and his longtime accountants and business managers, Bernstein, Fox, Whitman, Goldman & Sloan. Bain said he has hired L. Londell McMillan and The McMillan firm, "known for business restructurings and turnarounds."
The change in management, which Bain called "the first of a sweeping restructuring of his personal and business affairs," is an apparent attempt by Jackson to salvage his finances.
The singer will maintain a house in Bahrain, Bain told The Associated Press in a phone interview. He decided to move to Europe for access to music industry figures, she said.
"He is very serious about his music," she said. "When you are a creative person and the creative juices are flowing again and you're about to embark on new projects, you want to make sure your organization is running smoothly."
Jackson was in Ireland on Tuesday "on personal business," Bain said in her statement.
Jackson's chaotic financial dealings will be put in the spotlight in a Santa Monica courtroom this week in a lawsuit over whether he owes $3.8 million to a former business associate.
Jackson claims Schaffel defrauded him and hid facts of his shady past.
Jackson is planning public appearances and performances again, Bain said. "He is reviewing numerous offers to tour musically, which he plans to embark upon within the next several months," the statement said.
She also said he expects to release a new album next year.
Source: MJJF/AP
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Tue, 27 Jun 2006 18:19:59 -0400 (EDT)
Hotshot #2193
MICHAEL JACKSON MOVING TO EUROPE
Also sets up new company
In the same week as the Visionary Video Singles are coming to an end, more news from the world of Michael Jackson is announced for the fans to get excited over.
Michael�s spokesperson, Raymone Bain (pictured), has said earlier on today that Michael is planning on taking up residence within Europe according to Reuters, although no specific location has been decided. Bain said that �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."
Raymone Bain also said that Michael �still owns Neverland and he's still providing the funding for its upkeep. I'm sure at some point in time he will move back to Neverland, that's not out of the question,� she said. �It's not in the immediate future but it's not far-fetched.�
Also announced at the same time, is that Michael has cut his ties with his longstanding accountants & business managers Bernstein, Fox, Whitman, Goldman & Sloan as well as his Bahraini lawyers and has instead hired the services of L. Londell McMillan and The McMillan firm, which Bain says is the �first of a sweeping restructuring of his personal and business affairs�.
Guy Holmes who was temporarily managing Michael�s business affairs until a permanent appointment could be made, will continue to run Two Seas Records, and work alongside Michael�s new business team according to his spokesperson, Susan Harris.
Michael has also set up The Michael Jackson Company, Inc. which he plans to eventually phase out MJJ Productions with. Raymone Bain has been announced as the General Manager of this new company and �other appointments will be forthcoming�.
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MJJF eNews #811 - Tuesday Jun 27, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - MICHAEL JACKSON ANNOUNCES ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES
Washington, D.C. ��. In what is the first of a sweeping restructuring of his personal and business affairs, Michael Jackson has severed ties with his long-time accounts and business managers, Bernstein, Fox, Whitman, Goldman & Sloan, with Bahrani attorneys Qays Zu�bi and Grahame Nelson, and Gut Records executive, Guy Holmes.
He has also established The Michael Jackson Company, Inc., with plans to phase out MJJ Productions.
In other related matters, he has named Spokesperson Raymone K. Bain as General Manager, and has retained N.Y.-based L. Londell McMillan and The McMillan Firm, known for business restructurings and turnarounds, to oversee legal matters pertaining to his business affairs.
Mr. Jackson has previously announced plans to record an album which he predicts will be released in 2007. His recent Japan tour was the first in what will be a line of public appearances, and he is reviewing numerous offers to tour musically, which he plans to embark upon within the next several months.
Mr. Jackson, who is currently in Ireland on personal business, plans on relocating to Europe in the near future.
Source: Raymone Bain
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MJJF eNews #810 - Saturday Jun 24, 2006
Jackson not to perform at Cork Live
There were rumors flying in Ireland that Michael would make a surprise appearance in a Bob Dylan concert taking place live in Kilkenny City. Those rumors were put to rest by festival organiser Peter Aiken of Aiken Promotions. It is unknown why Michael Jackson is in Ireland or his whereabouts.
Source:96fm/MJJForum
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eNews #809 - Friday Jun 23, 2006
Jackson in flying visit for Dylan concert
Michael flew into Cork, Ireland today at 4pm with his family and entourage. It is said that he is going to appear in as a cameo performance with Bob Dylan in Kilkenny before an expected audience of 20,000, according to sources close to the concert. Please visit MJJF.com for more up to the minute news on this developing news.
Source:Irish Examiner/MJJF
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MJJF eNews #807 - Tuesday Jun 20, 2006
Michael Jackson's finances center of trial
Michael Jackson is being sued by a former associate named F. Marc Schaffel for $3.8 million. Schaffel states that the lawsuit is for unrepaid loans and expenses, unpaid salary for work on a charity record and proceeds from two TV specials.
Michael Jackson is not expected to be in court but will be seen through videotaped depositions. "To my knowledge, he's not scheduled for any court appearances," said Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone K. Bain.
There will be some facts likely to be revisited from Jackson's criminal trial last year when Schaffel testifies about his role in attending to the family. Most of the witnesses called by Schaffel will be money managers and business advisers. Jury selection is set for July 26.
Source:AP/MJJForum
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MJEOL Bullet #310: Lawyer: Schaffel a Professional Swindler, Pornographer
Sun, 18 Jun 2006 22:43:29 -0400
Lawyer: Schaffel a Professional Swindler, Pornographer � MB#310
Past reports and court docs shed light on Schaffel�s history
JUNE 18 2006 - For a while now, the public has been treated to a one sided view of a case involving Michael Jackson and �professional swindler� Marc Schaffel.
It was big news when Schaffel filed a lawsuit against Jackson. However, Jackson�s countersuit got very little if any coverage by broadcast and cable networks.
Jackson�s countersuit accuses Schaffel of concealing and commingling funds, misappropriating funds, providing false books of account, and wrongfully profiting from falsely associating himself with Jackson after he was dismissed as a business associate.
Since the lawsuit and countersuit, the public has been getting nothing but leaks from those associated with Schaffel.
Interestingly enough, Jackson is far from the only person to make claims of being swindled by Schaffel.
Even pro-prosecution tabloid reporter Diane Dimond found, and actually reported on, damaging information from Schaffel�s past. She was all too eager to out Schaffel�s past when she thought he was an �unindicted co-conspirator� who might turn on Jackson.
The tone of her Schaffel reporting at the time seemed to be an attempt to damage Jackson. It backfired, painting Schaffel as a crook, manipulator and porn producer who had a history of taking advantage of those who did business with him.
The glorified tab reporter did a 3-part series on Schaffel for her former employer, Court TV. But more on that later.
The recently released court docs filed by Jackson�s attorneys in the case, Mundell, Odlum & Haws are rather telling.
Needless to say, none of the points and facts written about in Jackson�s attorney�s Trial Brief made it on the air through some of the talking heads who originally talked about the news when Schaffel first filed his lawsuit.
From the document (doc), it�s quite easy to see that Jackson means business. He has brought in a forensic accountant who has gone through the books and records provided by Schaffel during discovery and revealed that Schaffel is the one who owes Jackson millions of dollars. Not the other way around.
In Jackson�s attorney�s Trial Brief, the lawyer calls Schaffel a �professional swindler�, a �pornographer� and says that Schaffel has a long history of �dishonest, immoral, and manipulative behavior,� ( pg 2 of Trial Brief).
Schaffel, who has reportedly worked with other famous, legit entertainments on various projects, came into the picture when Jackson wanted to produce a charity song �What More Can I Give�, which he had originally written in 1998.
The accused swindler started a company called �F. Marc Schaffel Productions LLC� (FMSP), which then began doing business as �Neverland Valley Entertainment� (NVE) in connection with the charity song.
Jackson�s attorney says that Schaffel was the sole member and manager of NVE and FMSP, and had initially arranged for financing of NVE by arranging for Jackson to borrow $2M from a factoring company.
Schaffel got a commission from that lender and put the $2M into a bank account for NVE. Though he put Jackson�s name on the account, along with his own, Jackson never wrote a single check, says his attorney. Schaffel also opened up other accounts that Jackson didn�t know anything about.
Over the course of the next 3 years, Jackson�s MJJ Productions and Fire Mountain companies would deposit an additional $4.4M into the Schaffel account and trusted that Schaffel would use the monies as needed for Jackson related projects.
As a rebuttal to the ill-named Bashir trash-documentary, �Living with Michael Jackson�, Schaffel was hired to produce two Jackson specials: one in rebuttal to Bashir�s trash and the second to show old home movies with Jackson narrating.
Both specials grossed over $10M in foreign and domestic proceeds, according to the court papers. Schaffel was offered 20% of that $10,035,252 and was paid over $1.5M, leaving some $482,000 left to be paid.
The court docs state that Schaffel falsely claimed Jackson was to pay expenses which Schaffel himself were supposed to pay, and claimed that he made �loans� to Jackson which he didn�t make. From the Trial Brief:
Those books and records show (and Mr. Jackson�s expert witness will testify) that Schaffel allocated to Mr. Jackson expenses which should have been allocated to Schaffel himself; that many of the advances and �loans� to Mr. Jackson never occurred; and that Schaffel frequently withdrew money from the NVE accounts for his own benefit.
(p5 Trial Brief)
The forensic accountant is not yet finished evaluating Schaffel�s books �because Schaffel has thus far improperly refused to produce certain bank records which will be subpoenaed for trial,� (pg 6).
Is Schaffel stonewalling or trying to hide a paper trail which could reveal where that money really went? This question may get answered at trial.
There are also other witnesses, apparently prepared to testify at trial, that have been close enough to Schaffel to know his book-keeping habits. According to the Trial Brief:
The expert testimony will be corroborated by the testimony of persons close to Schaffel who have personal knowledge of Schaffel�s book-keeping practices and many of the transactions in question.
(pg 5 Trial Brief)
Could some of Schaffel�s current or former associates have turned on him?
Also revealed in the Trial Brief is that Jackson terminated all of his business relationships with the accused swindler in mid Nov 2001 when he found out that Schaffel�s other activities included producing gay porn.
According to Schaffel�s deposition, he admitted to producing �hundreds� of gay porn videos. More from the Trial Brief:
Obviously, Mr. Jackson could not afford to be publicly associated with a gay pornographer in connection with the release of a record and had every right to terminate his relationship with Schaffel for Schaffel�s failure to disclose this material fact.
(pg 9 Trial Brief)
Jackson�s lawyers say that at trial they will prove Schaffel�abused the trust that had been placed in him by Mr. Jackson�. He also reveals that Schaffel misappropriated expensive artwork and used funds entrusted to him by Jackson for his own benefit. If that weren�t enough, the defense says Schaffel engaged in �self-dealing with respect to Mr. Jackson�s charity single, What More Can I Give�.
Speaking of the charity song, Jackson�s lawyer reveals that Schaffel was supposed to pay all production costs to create it, some $2.8M. Instead, he used Jackson�s money in the NVE account to pay for it.
Thus, Jackson�s lawyer states, ��he is going to have to reimburse Mr. Jackson $2.8M�� which will wipe out that $482,000 left to pay Schaffel based on that generous 20% offered to him by Jackson at the time for producing those two Fox specials. The net judgment to Jackson just on this issue alone should be t least $2.3M.
To make matters worse for Schaffel, while he was side-dealing he entering into a secret deal with a Japanese group called �Music Fighters� for a �large sum of money� which Jackson knew nothing about.
That �large sum of money� was several hundred thousand dollars. And they are prepared to prove it in court, the attorney states. Did this company file suit against Schaffel? Or did they just write off their loss? That�s a question which may get answered at trial.
Apparently the defense found out that �Some, if not all, of these funds were used by Schaffel as part payment on an expensive home in Calabasas� California (pg 12 of Trial Brief). More from the Trial Brief:
Mr. Jackson is entitled to those monies, or, in the alternative, to impress a constructive trust on the real property purchased by Schaffel with those monies. The amount in question exceeds Schaffel�s claim for unpaid fees on the Fox documentaries, and standing alone guarantees an overall verdict in favor of defendants/cross-complainants.
(pg 12 Trial Brief)
Further, Schaffel is attempting to �pile on� unmeritorious claims for money, the court doc states. They brought up this point in the Trial Brief because they say Schaffel may try to use one page of an allegedly two page, photocopied �contract� to make additional claims for money he isn�t owed.
The second page � apparently the page with the signatures � was conveniently missing. Schaffel claims he can�t find it. Surprise, surprise. That �contract� is marked as Exhibit B in the court doc.
Not only is the one page document shady as hell, but it violates the �best evidence rule� according to Jackson�s lawyers:
It is an incomplete, unsigned photocopy. Schaffel was in possession of the original and has failed to produce it, claiming he cannot find it.
�
Of course, there is no way to know, given that Schaffel is proffering a photocopy, whether the scribbled initial appears on the original or was �cut and pasted� from another document onto Exhibit B using a photocopier. Under the circumstances, a genuine dispute exists as to the authenticity of Exhibit B.
(pg 8 Trial Brief)
Observers who have viewed the court docs say there is a real issue with the authenticity of such a partially produced �contract� anyway. With all of the other accusations surrounding Schaffel � and given previous reports of his past � it may not be a stretch to think he�s not above falsifying evidence.
__Dimond outs Schaffel, so to speak__
Schaffel�s character, and his past before he met Jackson, has been an issue for quite some time. Back in August 2004, pro-prosecution tabloid reporter, Diane Dimond (of all people) used her platform at Court TV to do a 3-part report on Schaffel, as mentioned earlier.
Dimond seemingly tried to use Schaffel�s past to put Jackson in a bad light before the trial. The attempt was to link Jackson to an unsavory character, thereby causing some people to see Jackson as an unsavory character. And, as stated previously, it backfired.
If she knew then what she knows now, it�s questionable whether or not the 3-part report delving into the shady past of Marc Schaffel would have been done. Put into the context of what�s currently going on with Jackson�s countersuit against Schaffel, the report is quite ironic; even serendipitous to some.
The zeal to smear Jackson through Schaffel � at least in the court of public opinion � turned up a plethora of information about Schaffel�s past�if it�s accurate.
She claimed that Schaffel had multiple aliases, �he repeatedly swindled people�, �took money for films he never made�, bounced checks and �skipped out on bills� (see CrierLive: Dimond trying to Destroy Marc Schaffel Aug 25 2004).
Also during her reports, she made statements and insinuations about Jackson, particularly, which should have gotten her sued for defamation in my opinion. So I�m certainly willing to question just about everything out of Dimond�s mouth. However, even a broken watch is right 2 times a day. On the other hand, you don�t get any more �broken� than Diane Dimond.
She was the head �monkey� to the prosecution�s �organ grinder� throughout the trial, and her lips seemed to be permanently glued to the prosecution�s a$s. Figuratively, of course. So I�m almost laughing out loud as I�m relaying her report about Schaffel.
According to her �sources� (I think I just threw up in my mouth a little just by typing the words �her sources�), Schaffel has been sued several times by former business associates and was thrown out of (evicted from) two houses he failed to pay rent on.
She claimed Schaffel has used at least 11 different names and 5 different social security numbers previously.
In Cubic Zirconia�s�uh� I mean, in Dimond�s report, she used one unsavory character to talk about another. Porn star turned P.I., Paul Barresi, called Schaffel �dishonest�.
However, this is the same man who reportedly sold a false molestation story about Mac Culkin to the tabloids right from under the noses of an ex-Neverland employee who wanted to cash in on the 1993 �molestation� craze himself. But that�s a whole other story (see DA Got Conned with LeMarque 'Witness' Story? - MiniBullet #17 (plus video).
The accused �prosecution ass-jockey� (Jackson�s fans are so creative) also reported that one major porn distributor claimed that �Schaffel cheated him out of $80,000� and he is still waiting to be paid.
Dimond interviewed Joe Becker. Becker is the CEO of ThinkFilms, Inc, according to her report. Becker was supposedly involved in creating the video for the charity single �What More Can I Give�.
He told Court TV: �Marc Schaffel � the crook Schaffel as I call him � ran out without paying use $120,000� (see CrierLive: Dimond trying to Destroy Marc Schaffel Aug 25 2004).
If that weren�t bad enough, Schaffel may have falsely used his association to Jackson �to get an up front personal loan of $34,000� from another company.
Also during her reports, she interview Ian Drew. Drew�s employers haven�t been known for their accurate Jackson reporting either. But really, what mainstream media outlet is? Even he claimed to be a victim of Schaffel�s.
Drew said that he was manipulated by Marc Schaffel into interviewing Debbie Rowe. He claimed he did the Rowe interview for print, and Schaffel taped it and made it part of the �Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant to See� Fox special which aired on Fox television.
At the time, Dimond called Schaffel�s past a �fantastic story� and a �tangled web�. Yeah, no kidding. But a �tangled web� for whom? Certainly not for Jackson.
Given the current situation with Jackson�s countersuit against the accused swindler, it just seems funny that her previous attempt to smear Jackson can now be used to show that Schaffel has a long history of swindling lord knows how many people out of millions of dollars. Jackson was apparently one of many.
__Debbie Rowe blasts Schaffel__
During the 2005 trial, Debbie Rowe was called by prosecutors. Much to their chagrin, however, she testified that she was not scripted or bribed by Jackson, and she also got in a few shots at Marc Schaffel.
The mommy-come-lately ex-wife has a history of saying things that come back to bite her in the ass, as well they should. So, again, I find it rather ironic that I�m relaying her testimony about Schaffel at a time when she�s trying to forcibly gain access to Jackson�s children through the courts.
Anyway, on the stand, Rowe testified that she was working with the police to surreptitiously record her phone conversations with Schaffel.
As first discussed in MJEOL Bullet #261 and according to an Associated Press (AP) report titled �Rowe says Jackson a victim of �vultures� �, she says Marc Schaffel actually bragged to her about how much money he was making off of Jackson.
She also said Schaffel was �full of shit�, then quickly apologized for using the expletive in the courtroom. From the report:
She said they recruited her to make a video praising Jackson, then sold it for millions and kept the money. She said the organizer of the video, Marc Schaffel, bragged to her about how much money he was making off Jackson.
"He was out to hurt Michael and in addition would hurt my children," Rowe said.
(see Rowe Says Jackson a Victim of 'Vultures' )
Her seething anger at Schaffel continued through her testimony. More from that article:
She reserved her most vitriolic statements for Schaffel, who she said bragged to her that he was being paid for the video and that he had many plans to make money off Jackson.
"He just bragged about how he had taken advantage of an opportunity," she said. "He said he was going to make sure Michael's career was saved."
At one point she used an expletive to describe Schaffel, then turned to the judge and apologized.
Rowe said she considered Schaffel, Konitzer and Wiesner to be liars.
(see Rowe Says Jackson a Victim of 'Vultures')
Continuing to rake Schaffel over the coals on the stand, Rowe also testified it was Schaffel who set up a meeting between her, him, and Weisner at the famed Ivy restaurant where she was photographed. Those now infamous photographs and video of her lunching with the two were broadcast all over the world.
She said it was Schaffel�s way of getting even because he and Dieter Weisner were ousted from Jackson�s inner circle.
So add another person to the list of people who felt screwed by Schaffel�s opportunistic behavior.
__LeGrand�s suspicious of Schaffel grew as well__
Also during the 2005 trial, attorney David LeGrand testified as to his suspicions about people around Jackson. LeGrand started a secret investigation into many of Jackson�s business associates who were in control of his finances.
According to LeGrand�s testimony, he began suspicious that Schaffel was using an association to Jackson for his own benefit. From his testimony:
MESEREAU: You grew suspicious of what Marc Schaffel was doing to Mr. Jackson at some point, correct?
LEGRAND: I grew suspicious that Mr. Schaffel was seeking to benefit from Mr. Jackson or being � in relationship to Mr. Jackson. My suspicion of Mr. Schaffel was different than my suspicion of Mr. Konitzer or Mr. Weizner.
MESEREAU: Did you have much involvement with Mr. Schaffel in your work?
LEGRAND: I had a fair amount of involvement with Mr. Schaffel at the very beginning of the development of the �Take 2� production. And I was constantly trying to get Marc Schaffel out of the loop.
I was trying to avoid his involvement or minimize his involvement in Mr. Jackson�s affairs, and it was a struggle.
(pg 10046, lines 9-25)
Also during his testimony, LeGrand flat-out admitted that �it seems everybody wanted to try to benefit from Mr. Jackson on way or another� (pg 10046 lines 1-3)
Schaffel was one of many people who had fallen under the radar of suspicion. Dieter Wiesner and RonKonitzer were also part of that investigation. More from his testimony:
MESEREAU:.At some point, did you have Schaffel, Konitzer and Weizner investigated?
LEGRAND: I -- again, on behalf of Mr. Jackson, I engaged an independent private investigative company, and asked them to investigate the backgrounds of Mr. Konitzer and Mr. Weizner and Mr. Schaffel.
MESEREAU: Why?
�
LEGRAND: Because I was suspicious of their motives, and some of their statements didn�t quite seem to add up.
MESEREAU: Did you think they were stealing from Mr. Jackson?
MR. AUCHINCLOSS: Objection. Improper opinion; no foundation.
THE COURT: Sustained.
MESEREAU: What did you do to have Schaffel, Konitzer and Weizner investigated?
LEGRAND: Working with one of my partners at Hale Lane who had the -- he�s a former U.S. Assistant Prosecutor and had good relationships with a couple of private investigating firms, we selected a firm, got them a retainer and asked them to do background checks and let us know what they found.
�
MESEREAU: You hired an investigative firm, correct?
LEGRAND: Yes.
MESEREAU: To start investigating these people, right?
LEGRAND: Yes.
MESEREAU: And others involving Mr. Jackson, right?
LEGRAND: Yes.
MESEREAU: You were doing it on behalf of Mr. Jackson, correct?
LEGRAND: Yes.
(lines 3-10, 14-28, 1, 6-15 pgs 10011-10013)
Obviously there were many people around Jackson who thought Schaffel was engaged in some form of self-dealing and taking advantage of Jackson for his own purposes without Jackson�s knowledge.
This is not a putdown in any way, but if Jackson�s current attorney is only half as skilled as Thomas Mesereau, it appears the jury may find that Schaffel should pay a judgment to Jackson for millions of dollars. The trial is set to begin Monday, June 19.
All of the reported scamming, conniving and deceitful behavior Schaffel has engaged in could become a huge issue at trial. Possibly, there are people who were scammed by him in the past who also would be quite interested in this trial. Not because of Michael Jackson necessarily, but to watch someone -- who has finally swindled the wrong person � get his just desserts.
If that were to happen, maybe Schaffel could file for bankruptcy and flee to Brazil��in a hot air balloon.
-MJEOL
Your Comments?
Copyright � 2004 by MJEOL.COM
MJEOL Bullet #309: Media Still Refusing to Accept the Truth a Year after Acquittal
Wed, 14 Jun 2006 20:10:42 -0400
Media Still Refusing to Accept the Truth a Year after Acquittal? � MB#309
I have never been one to depend on the media to accurately report or review anything concerning Michael Jackson. With yesterday (June 13 2006) being the one year anniversary of Jackson�s vindication by a non-black, conservative Santa Maria jury, I didn�t really expect the media to spend any time acknowledging the day.
Imagine my surprise as I flipped to MSNBC and caught a segment of the Allison Stewart-hosted show �The Most� where they mentioned the one year mark. Since justice was served without a media-hoped-for �guilty� verdict, I expected to see a shallow, half-assed and rather short �review� of events about the trial.
I was not disappointed. It�s quite clear that some are still in total denial about the truth of the trial, and the truth of what was revealed about the allegations in court.
In the very few minutes discussed about the topic, Stewart and her guest � a male Access Hollywood bobblehead reporter � did everything but talk about the TRIAL.
They mentioned events which had absolutely nothing to do with the devastation that played out inside the courtroom, but instead, focused on Jackson standing atop an SUV, showing up in is pajamas, and a wannabe poignant moment by the bobblehead where he talked of playing with his new camera, some 5 hours after the verdict was announced.
Not to be outdone, pro-prosecution commentator Susan Filan � possibly jockeying for a permanent TV host gig � guest hosted The Abrams Report. She and her guest, Jim Moret, took the opportunity to repeat unsubstantiated rumors about Jackson�s children, to claim Jackson has a drug problem, and to allege Jackson went to an orphanage specifically because he was allegedly thinking of adopting a Japanese kid.
The coverage of Jackson would be laughable if it weren�t so tragically pathetic, or if a subset of �Wacko Journos� weren�t seemingly rewarded for their shoddy, questionable reporting.
For example, you would think the public is supposed to care about the paternity of Jackson�s children, which he�s raised since birth. There is no public evidence that these children aren�t biologically his. But this has become a subject into which hateful, bastard tabloid reporters are trying to delve into for their own reasons.
Honestly, I don�t care if he grew them in a freakin� cabbage patch with The Great Pumpkin protecting them. He�s the father. And unlike a certain mommy-come-lately ex-wife, he�s never abandoned them or given up any of his rights to raise them.
Jackson isn�t a soap opera character created by a hack writer for the purposes of entertaining media members. It�s absurd to use the one year anniversary of his vindication to further push garbage down the throats of those who may be looking for an answer to the question, �Hey what was that Michael Jackson trial all about anyway?�
The spiteful way in which these people appear to be �remembering� the trial, is more evidence of malicious intent to those of us who initially disregarded their half-assed reporting beginning as far back as Nov 2003.
Filan and Moret were two of those commentators who had their heads stuck up the prosecutor�s ass for most of the trial regardless of how stupid they sometimes looked.
Filan certainly was not the only �monkey� doing work for the �organ grinder�, as one Jackson fan so succinctly put it. And I�m surprised Moret�s head hasn�t collapsed from being filled with (and later spewing) the amount of crap he�s been spreading lately. And boy, do they love Jackson in pajamas!
Thus, it came as no surprise to me to see the two of them chatting it up about EVERYTHING BUT what came out about the prosecution�s �case�.
While Jackson standing on top of an SUV may be memorable to some, it doesn�t have a thing to do with what happened INSIDE the courtroom. Nothing at all. Neither did him showing up fresh from the hospital in his pajamas one day.
Speaking of that pajama incident, there was no mention of the fact that Jackson had gone to the hospital earlier that morning, which caused him to be late, and to be threatened with bail revocation had he not high-tailed it to the courthouse -- regardless of what he was wearing.
Something tells me had Jackson shown up wearing a hospital gown, the collective media�s 30 second soundbite headline would have been �Wacko Jacko Wears Dress to Court�.
I�m sure the judge in the �case� would have flipped his lid had Jackson took an extra two hours to go home and put on his Sunday best just to look good for the media.
Honestly, maybe it�s too difficult for some of them to remember the actual trial because so many of their preconceived notions were shattered into a million pieces as they were forced to deal with facts contrary to what they had previously been told about Jackson.
Unforgettable examples of such facts are how it just did not make sense that a guy who was accused of molesting a boy would have a stack of heterosexual adult material -- no gay or child porn -- found in his house. Or how it turned out that Jackson wasn�t the one who beckoned the accusing family to come to Florida after the UK airing of the Bashir documentary set the media afire with speculation. Or how wacky the testimony of the accuser�s mother turned out to be. Arvizo is currently scheduled to go on trial for welfare fraud and perjury.
Maybe it physically hurts for some of them to admit the accuser�s testimony was all over the place, illogical in certain instances, and conflicted with that of his siblings� testimony and the testimonies of numerous witnesses?
I suppose it�s easier to appear to be exasperated over what they claim is the latest Jackson news (Moret), or to look like they just stepped in dog poop while trying to insult Jackson (Filan).
There are also a couple of male �reporters� --and I use that term loosely�who seriously should check their love/hate man-crush on Michael Jackson at the door before they write another sentence about him (You know who you are). Their recent reports on him are almost written as if they were spurned or rejected suitors, who now want some payback by engaging in rumor-mongering.
All in all, the crappy way in which the remembrance of Jackson�s acquittal was handled has rekindled my interest in bringing an ever-expanding group of guests/surfers more details about what happened INSIDE the damn courtroom in 2005.
Unfortunately for some of these media members, not all of the public is stuck-on-stupid. Whether Mr. Bobblehead or any of his colleagues realize it or not, the pubic is well aware that the 2005 �case� made no sense even if they may not have all the specific details.
It�s common knowledge that the prosecution�s changing timeline made allegations alleged by the family seem totally implausible.
Who in their right minds believe the Arvizos were �held hostage� at Neverland during the same time they were living with Maj. Jay Jackson, spending Jackson�s money on everything from dinners to body waxes, keeping dental appointments, being flown to Florida with Chris Tucker on a private jet, and cashing a welfare check at a bank?
Not to mention the mother complaining to Azja Pryor that the family was being kept away from Jackson by his associates right during a time the accuser would later claim he was laying in bed getting molested. Woops!
Ah, but you see none of this was mentioned on any report which noted the one year mark of Jackson�s acquittal; probably because it didn�t show Jackson as bizarre or guilty.
__2+2=14�counts
Another thing which didn�t point to Jackson�s guilt was the accuser�s own testimony. The allegations were made, sure. But they made no logical sense.
Many reporters begrudgingly admitted that the accuser appeared arrogant, smart-alecky, unclear about what was supposed to have happened, and unemotional about it on the stand.
At one point he claimed �molestation� began BEFORE the video rebuttal interview they tape on Feb 19-20 2003, before their interview with the Los Angeles Dept of Children & Family Services (DCFS) and before their sit down interview with defense private investigator Bradley Miller.
Then the story changed to all of it beginning AFTER the rebuttal video, DCFS, and Brad Miller interviews, and right in the middle of the most severe public scrutiny that Jackson has ever received about his relationship with children.
It�s quite clear there was one set of allegations when the DA filed charges against Jackson in Dec 2003. And another set of allegations which concluded with the grand jury indictment.
Not many of these talking heads have even acknowledged the importance of a changing timeline, changing charges and changing number of counts in the �case�. I guess details like that take a backseat to Jackson standing on top of an SUV.
Through third party witnesses like the social worker who interviewed the family on Feb 20 2003 and the Dean of the school where the accuser attended, the public learned the accuser repeatedly admitted that Jackson did not molest him.
Dean Alpert came forward himself to reveal the fact that the accuser told him of Jackson�s innocence. On the stand, Arvizo had to admit that he�d twice denied the allegations to Alpert. From the transcript:
MESEREAU: Okay. But sometime in that conversation, Dean Alpert looked you in the eye and said, "Are these allegations that Mr. Jackson sexually abused you true," right?
GAVIN A: Uh-huh.
MESEREAU: And you said they were not true, right?
GAVIN A: Yeah. I told him that Michael didn't do anything to me.
MESEREAU: Okay. Mr. Alpert asked you twice whether or not Michael Jackson had ever done anything of a sexual nature to you, correct?
GAVIN A: I don't know if he asked me twice.
MESEREAU: Well, the first time he asked you, you shook your head "No," right?
GAVIN: I don't know.
MESEREAU: And the second time he asked you, you said to him, "No, he did not touch me in any sexually inappropriate way," correct?
GAVIN: I don't know.
MESEREAU: You don't know?
GAVIN A: I'm pretty sure I told him that.
(p 1820 lines 11-28, p 1821 lines 1-3)
There are a string of people the accuser denied the allegations to. It was only after the family started shopping for attorneys � settling on civil attorney Larry Feldman and his favorite shrink Stan Katz -- that *poof* allegations of abuse magically appeared, and were pushed out through the same process the 1993 allegation was pushed: Civil attorney -> psychologist -> child services -> prosecutor.
And let�s not even get into the accuser once accusing his own mother of abusing him; that he admitted to lying under oath during the JC Penney case; or that he told police he had never slept in the same bed with Jackson which was confirmed on the ill-named �Living with Michael Jackson� Bashir documentary. Go back and watch the FULL segment involving the accuser.
__Built-in �corroboration� fails__
His story was further complicated by the testimonies of his brother (Star) and sister (Davellin), who took the stand before he did.
Star Arvizo�s testimony was beyond ridiculous. Any accurate trial review would have noted that fact.
As pointed out at the time by prosecutor and commentator Jim Hammer (of all people!), in some instances what he told shrink Stan Katz and what he told the trial jury were like �night and day� (see Greta Sustre-Mar8 2005, Cross examination.
It was through his testimony the public found out Jackson has at least two security cameras in and around his �bedroom�. From his testimony:
MESEREAU: Okay. Do you recall in a police interview, when you were discussing Mr. Jackson's bedroom, saying, "There's a camera looking at you"?
STAR A: Yes, when you walk through the hallway.
MESEREAU: And was there a camera that would look at you when you walked through the hallway into the area of Michael Jackson's bedroom?
STAR A: When you walked into his bedroom, yes.
(p 1351 lines 17-24)
Woops! And it continued:
MESEREAU: Do you have any idea if Mr. Jackson could see if anybody was walking into his bedroom through a camera?
STAR A: Yes.
MESEREAU: Okay. Did you talk to Mr. Jackson about it?
STAR A: Yes.
MESEREAU: Now, at this point, you had told the police there are sensors that you trip when you go into Mr. Jackson's bedroom, right?
STAR A: Hallway.
MESEREAU: Hallway. That's the hallway going into the bedroom, correct?
STAR A: Yes.
MESEREAU: And what did you mean by "There are sensors that you trip"?
STAR A: A bell goes off.
MESEREAU: And to your knowledge, where is the camera?
STAR A: Above the doorways.
MESEREAU: And which doorway are you talking about?
STAR A: The one where you enter Michael's bedroom.
�
MESEREAU: Okay. And the camera produces a videotape, right?
STAR A: I think so.
(p 1352 lines 4-23, p 1353 lines 4-5)
Try getting that into a 30 second sound bite.
Speaking of Jackson�s �bedroom�, the public also learned that his �bedroom� isn�t a room at all, but rather a two-level large personal living quarters with 3 bathrooms, 2 beds, big screen tv, mirrors, and other furniture in it.
As noted above in the excerpt from the brother�s testimony, there is a ringing bell that goes off every time someone enters the hallway in relation to Jackson�s �bedroom�.
He testified that this bell/alarm was going off during both times he claimed he witnessed �abuse� for a couple of seconds after he had snuck into Jackson�s �bedroom� allegedly undetected. He would have had to be The Invisible Man and have the best timing on the face of the planet for this to be true.
The brother is the one who claimed the purpose of the bell/alarm was to alert Jackson. From the testimony:
MESEREAU: And your understanding is that the purpose of that bell is to let Michael Jackson know if somebody goes through his hallway, right?
STAR A: Yes.
MESEREAU: That's the purpose of the alarm, right?
STAR A: Yes.
(p 1201 lines 2-7)
Of course the obvious question became how in the hell could he have snuck into Jackson�s �bedroom� undetected and be standing in a hallway with a bell/alarm going off watching his brother getting allegedly �molested��twice�without anyone knowing about it?
What are the odds of one of these talking heads or obsessed online nutjobs doing an adequate break down of these facts in lieu of bitching about the paternity of Jackson�s kids or whining about how much money he�s got in his bank account?
__Details, Shme-tails__
Was any of the previous info a part of any trial review or mention? Hell no. These things don�t make sense to a mind or entity looking for evidence to prove how they already feel about Jackson. And thus, it is ignored for more pressing matters, like Jackson in pajamas or rumors of him wanting to adopt a Japanese kid.
I don�t think that most of this subset of the media have mentioned that Jackson was in Japan recently to receive the Legend award from MTV Japan.
No mention of the news and video (some of which is on this website) of Jackson in Japan popping up all over the place, from the hugely popular TV show �SMAPxSMAP�, to shopping with his children at �bLister�, to trying his luck at a Pachinko Parlor. Somehow details like that slipped through the cracks�like so many others.
There is an obvious tag-team effect going on where a glorified tab reporter will lift rumors from the tabloids and spread them. Perfect example was Jim Moret who, yesterday, lifted recent rumors from the Daily Mirror and reported them as fact.
So, the next time you see pathetic hacks chasing Jackson�s tail for a story, or using a tabloid report as a cover to spread more unsubstantiated rumors because it�ll get them on TV, or a nutjob pushing his �source�s� agenda, just chalk it up to sour grapes.
Their golden goose has walked off the job. He didn�t do it kicking and screaming, or begging to be understood either. They didn�t get the verdict they wanted; truth be damned.
The position of many media members was made crystal clear to Jackson a long time ago, and cemented with the way they seemed to be fully set in the position of �guilt�. And a subset of those lunkheads appeared to be enjoying their daily dish of prosecutorial excrement.
Those who still cling to the hope that Jackson is guilty of something�anything�need to get a f_cking life.
No amount of whining, name-calling, country-fried cackling, or history revisionism will change the fact that an innocent man went through the hell of an approx. 5 month trial based on untrue allegations which made no sense, contradicted one another, or couldn�t have possibly happened the way they were alleged to have happened.
And some who had the platform to take the reporting of this �case� into another stratosphere altogether, chose to do nothing. Some of whom knew the truth and purposely sat on it. Others STILL know the truth and haven�t dared tell the public about what they�ve learned. They know who they are and I supposed they will have to live with that decision.
Until someone close enough to either the 2005 trial or the 1993 investigation grows the balls enough to admit the truth, a subset of the media will feel comfortable to serve up a fresh batches of bull$hit��hot off the presses!
-MJEOL
>> Your comments?
Copyright � 2004 by MJEOL.COM
DISCLAIMER: Neither MJEOL.COM nor the opinions expressed in any and all writings/posts/messages located anywhere on this site, are in any way affiliated either expressly or implicitly with Michael Jackson, his management, his attorneys, etc. We are not an official Jackson website, we do not speak for (or to) Michael Jackson, nor do we fall under any gag orders associated with the current case. Long story short, if you're looking to silence our support for Jackson, you'll have to throw out the U.S. Constitution, dude.
Enews # 804 - Thursday Jun 1, 2006
Michael Jackson visits
Michael Visits "bLISTER" In Shibuya
After having meetings, Michael and his children left the hotel around 8 pm and visited the shop "bLiSTER" in Shibuya which he visited on Sunday. He spent some time there and bought some toys. Fans could see Michael shopping inside the shop, playing with Prince with Star Wars' light sabres.
According to fans, who saw Michael going into the van to leave the shop, had a light sabre in his hand and was switching it on and off. Michael was also shooting the fans with a video-camera. The people in Shibuya were very excited. Wherever Michael goes, huge crowd gathers.
Michael's van left the shop after about 30 minutes.
Source: Hippoko / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #803 - Thursday Jun 1, 2006
Michael Jackson Appears On SMAP Show In Japan
As reported as exclusive breaking news on MJJForum, we can confirm that Michael Jackson has appeared on the widly popular SMAP variety show in Japan that airs every Monday from 22:00-23:00.
As Michael Jackson walked in with his entourage he was greeted by thunderous applause.
We were informed that the members of the SMAP group were in the middle of singing when suddenly The King of Pop, Michael Jackson appeared in the studio. This was a huge surprise to the members of SMAP as they were in total shock and awe when Michael Jackson showed up!
One of the members even thought that it was an Michael Jackson impersonator and not Michael Jackson himself! He kept repeating Michael's name over and over again wondering if it was really the King Of Pop himself standing right there in front of him!
After saying hello to all the members of the show, Michael sat down with them for a little talk.
Michael Jackson's appearance on the SMAP show in Japan will be aired next Monday, June 5.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpaCnJbWlP4
Interesting info:
"Shingo Katori, who is sitting far left with bleached blond hair, went to the BAD TOUR concert in Tokyo as a very small boy taken by his mother. He was, quite naturally, awe-struck and started to dream about becoming a star. All the SMAP members are Michael Jackson fans."
Special thanx to our member Hippoko for all the news and updates!
Source: MJJForum
Until then: short video clip available here:
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MJJF eNews #802 - Wednesday May 31, 2006
Brief Update from Tokyo
MJJForum recieved the following update from member Hippoko:
Hi Friends,
Michael is still in Tokyo, and today (it is 21:50 on Wednesday now), right now, I heard that he is appearing in a TV program called "SMAP SMAP" hosted by a group called SMAP, which will be aired later.
The program is extremely popular and earns more than 20% of viewing rate every week. I must tell you everybody watches that program, so Michael's appearance in this program will be a sansational one, to say the least (Madonna, Will Smith, Janet Jackson, Jean Leno, Destiny's Child Lenny Kravitz all appeared in this program before).
SMAP themselves are phenomenally popular in Japan.
Yesterday, when Michael went to the Tokyo Disneyland, among other attractions, Michael enjoyed "Pooh's Honey Hunt," "Peter Pan's Flight," and "Pirates of Carribian."
Once again, thank you so much Hipokko for keeping us updated!
Source: Hipokko / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #801 - Wednesday May 31, 2006
Liz Taylor denies Alzheimer's reports
Elizabeth Taylor on Tuesday dismissed tabloid reports that she was being treated for Alzheimer's disease or was gravely ill.
She was asked about the reports during an appearance on CNN's "Larry King Live."
"Oh, come on, do I look like I'm dying?" the 74-year-old actress asked King in a rare television interview. "Do I look like or sound like I have Alzheimer's?"
Tabloids report such things "because they have nothing else dirty to write about anybody else," Taylor said.
***
She also talked about her close friend Michael Jackson.
Here is what she said about their friendship, allegations etc.:
KING: Michael Jackson. The story of your friendship with him, how did that begin?
TAYLOR: I went to a concert, and I couldn't see a thing. I was way up in the -- well, it was a stadium. And I couldn't see a thing. And I brought 30 people, and we couldn't even hear. So we went home to watch it on television by disc. And Michael heard that I had left halfway through, and called me the next day, and was like in tears because he had heard that I'd walked out. I hadn't walked out. I just couldn't see anything.
And then we talked on the phone for about three hours, and from there on in, we talked more and more on the phone. Then we met, and spent more and more time with each other, and just became really good friends. Told each other everything.
KING: Why did you like him so much?
TAYLOR: We're very much alike.
KING: Are you?
TAYLOR: Yes. We both had horrible childhoods. Well, working at the age of 9 is not a childhood. He started at 3, and that certainly isn't a childhood.
KING: Have you spoken to him recently?
TAYLOR: Yes, I have.
KING: How's he doing? He's in where?
TAYLOR: He sounds very happy.
KING: Where is he?
TAYLOR: At the moment, I think he was in London.
KING: But he was in Tokyo recently, and then London.
TAYLOR: Yes.
KING: But he lives in Bahrain?
TAYLOR: Right.
KING: What did you think of the charges against him?
TAYLOR: I've never been so angry in my life.
KING: But didn't you think, Elizabeth, Dame Elizabeth, I'm sorry, that it would look strange to people to have someone who is in his 40s spending a night with children? I mean, just on the face of it.
TAYLOR: All right. I'll answer that, because I've been there, when his nephews were there, and we all were in the bed, watching television. There was nothing abnormal about it. There was no touchy-feely going on. We laughed like children, and we watched a lot of Walt Disney. There was nothing odd about it.
KING: So you think they were out after him?
TAYLOR: I do.
KING: The authorities and the like?
TAYLOR: I think the paparazzi started -- not the paparazzi, the press. Excuse me. May I blow my nose?
KING: You may.
TAYLOR: Thank you.
KING: It's called human.
(CROSSTALK).
KING: Even Elizabeth Taylor blows her nose.
Is he going to come back to working?
TAYLOR: I don't think so. Except maybe in Europe.
KING: You don't think he'll ever live in the United States again?
TAYLOR: Well, really, why should he? He's been treated like dirt here.
Source: AP/CNN/MJJForum
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eNews #800 - Sunday May 28, 2006
Michael Jackson visits Tokyo orphanage
Michael Jackson visited a Tokyo orphanage Sunday during his first round of public appearances since being acquitted of child molestation charges last year.
Michael wanted to enter from the main gate to wave to the fans, but, unfortunately, some of the fans and media members recklessly rushed to the van in the middle of the road, risking their lives. Michael's van had to move on to the other entrance, which was some hundred meters away.
All the fans and cameramen with heavy equipment started running after the van. It was surreal and almost like seeing a scene from a movie!
Most of the fans could not see Michael who was behind the mirror glass window, yet, everyone was running, while cheering and showing pictures and boards of support.
All the locals in the area (which is a very quiet residential area) started to gather around the gate of the Seibi Home where Michael went in. Every one, young and old, was so excited and eager to see Michael, and started chatting with Michael fans. There were some local young boys, who, at first sneered at fans and said, "Michael Jackson? What's so great about him?" When Michael's van approached the fans, they were the ones shouting loudest, "Michael, You are Cool, You are Great!!!" Nobody could resist the wonder of Michael. It was amusing and touching at the same time.
After weaving through dozens of screaming adult fans outside the downtown orphanage, Jackson was ushered into a gymnasium, where more than 160 children between the ages of 3 and 18 and nuns in gray uniforms waited.
Inside the Seibi Gakuen children's home, Jackson watched a 15-minute performance of traditional music and dance by children in kimonos before speaking briefly on stage.
"I'm very happy to be here," said Jackson, wearing sunglasses and a white T-shirt under a black double-breasted suit with gold buttons and a single red armband.
"I'm happy to be with you lovely people".
"I love you," Jackson told the cheering crowd. Then he whispered to his translator, apparently asking how to say the phrase in Japanese. Then he said: "Aishiteru!"
Smiling, he later shook hands and signed autographs for the children, who called out "Michael, Michael" and tugged at his sleeve.
There were just too many fans gathering, and Michael could not open the window to say hello to fans, but all of them were happy to be able to show their support to Michael. Michael left Seibi Home after about one hour.
"He is very tall and very cool-looking. I don't know his songs but I've seen him dance on television," Eiho Omori, 13, said.
Teachers at the children's home said they were surprised when they had heard Jackson would be visiting.
"Everyone couldn't believe such a big international star was visiting us," said Kiyoko Mito, headmistress of the Christian-run school.
"The children only believed me after seeing the news yesterday that Michael Jackson was actually in Japan," she said.
The pop icon also was scheduled to tour Tokyo and meet with members of the Asian business community during his six-day visit, his publicists said.
After briefly dropping in at the hotel, Michael headed to the Tokyo Disney!
Many thanx to:
MJJForum's member Hippoko for the reports.
Pictures courtesy MJJPictures.com
Source: Reuters / AP / MJJForum
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eNews #799 - Saturday May 27, 2006
"I Love You Very Much" Michael Jackson Tells Packed Audience In Japan
Here is Michael Jackson's speech at the 2006 VMAJ Awards in Japan:
"I'd like to say to the Japanese people from the bottom of my heart, 'I love you very, very much'," the King of Pop, Rock and Soul said to an adoring crowd.
Receiving a "Legend Award" at MTV's Japan Video Music Awards ceremony, Jackson said, "I thank the fans around the world and I thank the fans in Japan.
"I promised myself I wouldn't be emotional when I got up here," he continued, as his voice cracked and trailed off. Then he added, "I think you are very sweet, generous and kind people.
"I thank all the people who believed in me. I believe in you.
"I thank my children, Prince, Paris and Blanket, who have been there for me," he added. "I love them very much."
Backstage, Michael was asked if he had a message for his fans in Japan:
"I love you and thank you for your loyalty,"
Michael was wearing sunglasses, a jewellery-embroidered black blazer and tight black trousers with a simple white T-shirt.
Source: Reuters/MJJForum.com
Pictures from MJJ Pictures.com
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MJJF eNews #798 - Friday May 26, 2006
More Details of Michael Jackson�s visit to Tokyo, Japan.
Pop star Michael Jackson will make his first public appearance since his trial appearance last June, on Saturday. He will fly to Tokyo to accept MTV Japan�s �Legend Award�, his spokeswoman, Raymone K. Bain, revealed Thursday.
Jackson�s participation in the award ceremony at Yoyugi Olympic Stadium will launch an Asian tour by Jackson. The visit will include visits to Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong, Raymone K. Bai said in a telephone interview from her Washington, D.C. office.
While in Tokyo, Michael Jackson plans to also vsit orphanages, tour the city of Tokyo and meet with members of the Asiam business community during his trip, Raymone K. Bain said. She was en route to the airport to join Jackson in Tokyo.
Jackson has been living in Bahrain ince his acquittal last June on child molestation charges in Santa Maria, California.
Chief Executive of Positive Productions Yokohoma, Broderick D. Morris has organized. Positive Productions Yokohoma is an entertainment promotions company.
A statement was released yesterday, quoting Morris praising Jackson�s many accomplishments as an artist.
�Michael Jackson is a legend � He loves Japan and we love him,� Morris said. �We look forward to welcoming him.�
Jackson was quoted as saying, �I look forward to my visit to Japan because I have so many fond memories of my visits there. I thank MTV Japan for this honor and Mr. Morris for spearheading this visit.
"I look forward to seeing old friends and saying hello to my huge fan base in Japan who, like my other fans around the world, have for so many years consistently shown their love and support to me and my family."
RBain revealed that Jackson plans to return to recording, and hopes to release a new album in 2007. Meanwhile, she said work continues on the song he has planned as a charity fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
�We are hoping to have it finalized and out very soon,� she said.
Source: AP / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #797 - Thursday May 25, 2006
For Immediate Release: Michael Jackson to visit Tokyo, Japan to receive MTV Japan's "Legend Award"
Washington, D.C. ........ Music Superstar Michael Jackson will visit Tokyo, Japan, in what will mark his first official public appearance since June 2005.
On Saturday May 27, 2006, Mr. Jackson will receive MTV Japan's "Legend Award," at the MTV Japan Video Music Award's ceremony, for his extraordinary and record-breaking career in the music industry. Mr. Jackson is a trailblazer, who set an unprecedented standard with music videos like "Thriller, "Bad," and "Smooth Criminal."
While in Japan, Mr. Jackson, whose recordings consistently topped charts, with over 100,000,000 albums sold in Japan alone, will visit orphanages, tour the city of Tokyo, and meet with members of the Asian business community, spearheaded by Broderick D. Morris, CEO, Positive Productions Yokohama, one of Asia's most reputable and successful entertainment promotions companies.
Mr. Jackson's trip to Japan kicks off the first in a series of Asian visits.
Says Mr. Morris: "We are delighted that Mr. Jackson has accepted our invitation to visit Tokyo. Michael Jackson is a legend. What he has accomplished as a world renowned artist is unequaled. He loves Japan, and we love him. We look forward to welcoming him."
Says Michael Jackson: "I look forward to my visit to Japan because I have so many fond memories of my visits there. I thank MTV Japan for this honor, and Mr. Morris for spearheading this visit. I look forward to seeing old friends, and saying hello to my huge fan base in Japan, who, like my other fans around the world, have for so many years consistently shown their love and support to me and my family."
Source: Raymone K. Bain
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MJJF eNews #796 - Thursday May 25, 2006
Michael Jackson talks to The Mirror
US pop icon Michael Jackson has told an UK newspaper that he wants to live in Britain because he loves the country.
Speaking to the tabloid Daily Mirror in an interview published Thursday, Jackson also said he was working on a new album, his first since "Invincible" in 2001.
He seemed relaxed as he talked about rebuilding his career and his plans to create a new Neverland - in Britain. He said: "I'm here in London on business for a couple of days. I love it here."
He grinned as he added: "I'm also visiting my good friend Mohamed - 'cos he's the man."
MJ has lined up a series of business meetings in the UK and will be looking at a luxury properties in and around the capital.
"I'm looking for a place to live. I've always liked the UK and I just love the fans here."
He also plans to view places in Scotland and Ireland in a bid to re-create the funfair-style California ranch that was once his sanctuary.
Asked about his health, the singer told the tabloid: "I'm fine -- very well thanks. I'm feeling good."
Source: The Mirror / AFP / MJJForum
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Enews #792 - Friday May 19, 2006
Mother of Accuser In Jackson Case To Face Welfare Fraud Trial
Mother of accuser in Jackson case to face welfare fraud trial
Fans of Michael Jackson have always wanted her put in jail because of the welfare fraud. "I've had a lot of pressure from Michael Jackson fans to sent her to jail." James Baker said. Adding that he has received at least 15 phone calls and faxes. He also stated that prison is usually not the sentence for first time welfare-fraud cases involving small amounts of money and denied that the woman was getting preferential treatment.
Prosecutors have said that the woman fraudulently collected $18,,782 in welfare payments between November 2001 and March 2003 and failing to disclose the $150,000 she recived from a settlement of a lawsuit. The amount was dropped because the government received money back in the form of child welfare payments made by the father of her son. Each charge is punishable by three to four years in prison. Since it's her first offense she will probably be sentenced to three years of probation and repayment of money . Plea agreement negotiations with her attorney are being considered.
AP/MJFF
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MJJF eNews #793 - Sunday May 14, 2006
Teddy Riley working on Michael Jackon's next album
Producer Teddy Riley recently had an interview with Underground-Soul.com and here's what he had to say about Michael Jackson and his up and coming album:
"If we could do a 4th quarter, which I doubt, it'll happen. If not we'll definitely do a 2nd quarter next year."
"There will be other people working on there but he's looking at me doing some quarterbacking on the project. I'm probably the one who is gonna foresee this project going forward on the music technology production side getting everybody to finish their projects, and hopefully he designates me to be that quarterback"
He also mentioned that there is one Michael's song called "Heaven Can Wait" that he wants to re-use for Blackstreet.
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Enews #792 - Friday May 5, 2006
Photographs Of Michael Jackson Are A Hoax
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2006
PHOTOGRAPHS OF MICHAEL JACKSON ARE A HOAX
Washington, D.C. ��In response to numerous inquiries, photographs
which appear to be images of Michael Jackson in the May 2006 issue of
GQ Magazine are not authentic.
Mr. Jackson has neither posed for, or provided photographs of himself to
GQ Magazine. The person in these photographs is an imposter.
Mr. Jackson is furious that his image has been used in such a misleading way,
and is demanding an apology from the editors of GQ, and it�s publisher,
Conde Nast. Mr. Jackson is also demanding that the magazines be pulled
from newsstands.
Source: Raymone Bain/MJJF
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MJJF eNews #790 - Wednesday Apr 26, 2006
New Mix Tape From Michael Jackson A Hoax?
New Mix Tape From Michael Jackson A Hoax?
According to MTV, the new mix tape that was widely reported by Billboard.com and Rollingstone Magazine, is false. MJJForum will be attempting to contact Billboard to confirm this report. Until then, here is the entire report by Jennifer Vineyard of MTV.com:
DJ Whoo Kid wants to bring Michael Jackson and 50 Cent together, there's no doubt about that ? it's just not happening as soon as reports might lead you to believe. Thanks to an announcement seemingly released by MJ's new record label, which stated the singer's dream team was a done deal, several media outlets ran with the news, not realizing the press release was a prank.
There had been enough news in recent weeks to suggest that the press release was the real thing. Whoo Kid revealed earlier this month that Jackson had chatted him up about a possible collaboration with 50. Whoo Kid had just come back from Bahrain, where he said he had arranged a phone conversation between the two artists.
The phony press release, sent Sunday as an e-mail claiming to be from Two Seas Records, claimed this was now happening. "I do not know who put this story out, certainly not us," Two Seas spokesperson Sue Harris said. "But it doesn't surprise me!"
To read the rest of this report, please visit MTV.com:
A New Orleans judge is explaining why he dismissed a 22-year-old molestation claim against Michael Jackson. The judge says he believes the pop star was nowhere near the kidnapping scene.
U-S District Judge Eldon Fallon kicked the case last week, but no reasons were given when the decision was posted on the court's Web site.
Joseph Bartucci Junior claimed he was forced into a limousine in May 1994 and driven to California. He says he was molested and held against his will -- but only recalled the alleged assault in 2003, when new molestation claims against Jackson came out.
The judge says two sworn witnesses helped establish that Jackson was likely in California at the time.
Source: Associated Press
paul(mjcool)
MJJF eNews #789 - Monday Apr 24, 2006
eNews #789: Jackson Molestation Lawsuit Transferred To L.A.
Jackson Molestation Lawsuit Transferred To L.A.
A lawsuit filed in Orange County by a man who claims to have been molested by Michael Jackson was transferred to Los Angeles Superior Court. Judge Gregory Munoz granted motion that was uncontested by Daniel Kapon's attorneys on March 1st, and the case was filed last Thursday in L.A. A hearing date has not been scheduled for the first apperance before a L.A. Superior Court judge.
Source: CBS/MJJF
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MJJF eNews Bulletin - Monday Apr 24, 2006
BREAKING NEWS: NEW SONG FROM MICHAEL JACKSON - "TRIAL OF THE CENTURY"
According to Billboard.com, pop icon Michael Jackson will hit the streets in the coming weeks with the new song "Trial of the Century," which features 50 Cent, Lucy Diamonds and DJ Whoo Kid, which will be released via G-Unit/Interscope and Jackson's new Two Seas label.
Billboard.com is reporting that the track will be found on Whoo Kid's mixtape "MJ Unit -- The Takeover," which will also feature five unreleased Jackson songs and mashups of his prior hits with songs from the G-Unit camp.
"MJ Unit -- The Takeover" will also boast exclusive tracks from 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Mase, Young Buck, Mobb Deep, M.O.P. and Lucy Diamonds. Jay-Z has also been contacted to contribute to the project.
This project will be the first taste of new music from Jackson since 2001's "Invincible."
Sources say the first single from the as-yet-untitled project, "Now That I Found Love," will be released Nov. 21 and will also feature Lucy Diamonds. The track is being produced by Jackson and longtime collaborator Bruce Swedien, who engineered the classic "Thriller" and co-produced the album "Dangerous."
Source: Billboard.com/MJJForum.com
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MJJF eNews # 787 - Tuesday Apr 18, 2006
Michael Jackson Signs With Two Seas Records
Michael Jackson has taken a step towards returning to his musical career, by signing an exlcusive recording contract with Two Seas Records, a record company based in Bahrain, which is a joint venture between Jackson and Abdullah Hamed Al-Khalifa.
Jackson has been living in Bahrain since shortly after being aquitted on all charges in June 2005, and is now said to be working on new material for an album, tentatively scheduled for release in �late 2007� according to a statement.
�I�m incredibly excited about my new joint venture and I am enjoying being back in the studio making music,� Jackson says.
Guy Holmes, a British record executive from Gut Records, has been signed to be the new CEO of Two Seas Records, and Holmes will also manage other business affairs for Jackson.
Holmes will remain chairman of Gut Records.
Holmes is known world wide for the massive European hit with Crazy Frog, essentially a popular ringtone attached to a manic animated character.
Currently Holmes� label, Gut Records, promote an association with Jackson, through a digital stream on its website, playing a Hi Tack remix of the 1983 hit, �Say Say Say�, subtitled �Waiting for U�.
Source: Billboard / Yahoo / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews # 786 - Monday Apr 17, 2006
Breaking News: Judge dismisses suit against Michael Jackson
Judge dismisses suit against Michael Jackson
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by a Louisiana man claiming he was molested by pop star Michael Jackson.
Joseph Bartucci claimed he was lured into Jackson's limousine in 1984 and held for nine days. Bartucci claimed he was both sexually and physically assaulted during a drive to California and back.
According to court records, he repressed his memory of the case until he saw a television show about child molestation charges brought against Jackson in California.
Source: AP / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #785 - Monday Apr 17, 2006
Michael Jackson's new menager - Crazy Frog guru
The Englishman who took the Crazy Frog to number one in the charts is to become pop superstar Michael Jackson's new manager.
Guy Holmes, Gut Records boss, has flown to Bahrain to sign with the star who has been living there with his children for some time now.
Jackson has reportedly been working out and preparing a spectacular pop comeback - and he has enlisted Holmes to help him.
Besides helping animated ringtone Crazy Frog top the charts and make a fortune for its German makers in the process, Holmes is a genius at helping older acts stay in the stay in the limelight.
Tom Jones had a great 1999 album Reload, the LP that featured raunchy track Sex Bomb and it is well known that Crazy Frog gure masterminded Tom Jones' pop makeover with the mentioned album.
He's also the man behind electropop icons Sparks' latest release.
Gut Records refused to confirm the deal - but spokesperson Sue Harris revealed, "An announcement will be made next week."
Source: UK News / MJJForum
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News Hotshot #2156
14 April 2006
MICHAEL JACKSON RESTRUCTURES FINANCES
Sony Corporation have assisted in the deal
Michael Jackson is said to have restructured his finances according to a short statement released from Bahrain yesterday.
Michael has "restructured his finances with the assistance of Sony Corporation of America," according to Grahame Nelson, an attorney of Qays H. Zu'bi Attorneys & Legal Consultants. The firm is based in Bahrain, where Michael now stays, and Nelson (pictured left) said he was speaking on Michael's behalf.
"Following negotiations with several leading financial institutions, Mr. Jackson has concluded refinancing with affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, the lender that currently holds secured debts that were previously held by Bank of America," the statement continued, according to the Associated Press.
It is said that the deal will mean Michael may have to eventually sell 50% of his share in the Sony/ATV catalogue, effectively leaving him with a 25% share of the whole catalogue.
Last year, during Michael's well-publicised trial, John Duross O'Bryan - a forensic accountant who testified as a Prosecution witness - claimed Michael was in financial trouble. O'Bryan analysed Michael's financial records from 1999-2003. "Mr. Jackson's financial condition had been deteriorating up to and leading into February 2003," the accountant said. "The evidence shows that he's spending about $20 million to $30 million (per year) more than he's making." O'Bryan acknowledged most of Michael's wealth derived from three assets, Mijac publishing, (his own music catalogue) ATV/Sony publishing (also known as the Beatles catalogue) and Neverland Valley ranch.
However, Michael's Defence attorneys claimed he had never filed for bankruptcy and is not broke. O'Bryan also admitted under questioning he had not appraised the music catalogues, leading the Defence to question his estimation of them. The attorney implied that the accountants' estimation of Michael's stake in the ATV/Sony catalogue fell short when he claimed it was around $200 million when he asked whether or not it was worth more than $500 million. On that occasion, Defence attorneys claimed Michael's financial well being wasn't as serious as O'Bryan had claimed.
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MJJF eNews #783 - Friday Apr 14, 2006
Michael Jackson reaches refinancing deal
Pop star Michael Jackson, in a bid to stave off insolvency, said on Thursday he has reached a deal with creditors to refinance more than $200 million in loans secured by his prized stake in the Beatles' song catalog.
The loans, which formally came due in December 2005, are held by the Fortress Investment Group, a New York private equity fund that stood to gain Jackson's 50 percent interest in Beatles publishing rights, valued at some $500 million, in the event of a default.
A statement issued from Jackson's representatives in the Persian Gulf state of Bahrain, where he currently resides, said the singer has "restructured his finances" with help from Sony Corp., which jointly owns the collection of more than 200 Beatles tunes through Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
Jackson "has restructured his finances with the assistance of Sony Corporation of America," said the statement issued by Grahame Nelson of Qays H. Zubi Attorneys & Legal Consultants, who said he was speaking for Jackson.
"Following negotiations with several leading financial institutions, Mr. Jackson has concluded refinancing with affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, the lender that currently holds secured debts that were previously held by Bank of America," the statement said.
Qays H. Zubi Attorneys & Legal Consultants was part of an advisory team that included Bahrain-based financial adviser Ahmed Al Khan, it said.
Jackson's U.S. spokeswoman, Raymone K. Bain, said Qays Zubi is an adviser to Jackson but she could not confirm the contents of the news release issued from Bahrain.
Sony ATV, Fortress and Nelson did not return calls from The Associated Press seeking comment after business hours.
It also said Citigroup bank "structured the transaction for the parties."
But terms of the new financing deal were not disclosed, and it was not immediately clear whether Jackson was forced to give up any of his stake in the song catalog.
The New York Times, citing sources briefed on the refinancing negotiations, reported earlier that Jackson would agree to provide Sony with an option to buy about 25 percent of the catalog, or half of his stake, at a set price.
Sony's interest in keeping Jackson solvent stems from its desire to avoid a default that would allow his stake in the publishing venture to go up for auction, and the possibility of another company bidding on it. Sony representatives were not immediately available for comment.
According to prosecution testimony during his trial on sex abuse charges last year, Jackson had borrowed heavily against his assets, including more than $200 million secured by his share in Sony/ATV. Those loans, first provided by Bank of America Corp., were later sold to Fortress.
Rights to the Beatles music passed to the conglomerate ATV through its purchase of the band's publishing company, Northern Songs, in 1969.
Jackson in turn acquired the 4,000-song catalog, including the Beatles titles, when he bought ATV from the late Australian tycoon Robert Holmes a Court in August 1985. Ten years later, Jackson cut his stake in the catalog to 50 percent after merging ATV with Sony's publishing. Jackson also kept a 50 percent stage in new songs added to the collection.
The Sony/ATV catalog also includes songs like Bob Dylan's classic "Blowin' in the Wind" and the works of such artists as Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks. But the Beatles' rights account for an estimated two-thirds of the collection's value.
Industry experts say the catalog is one of the most treasured in the world, especially since the recent explosion in music licensing ranging from movies and television ads to cell phone ringtones and video games.
Source: Reuters / AP / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #781 - Monday Apr 3, 2006
Re:Raymone Statement Regarding "I Have This Dream" Release
Raymone Bain has sent MJJForum the following correspondence about the rumored release date of "I Have This Dream," a charity single that is currently being recorded by Michael Jackson and other various artists:
I get my information DIRECTLY from Mr. Jackson and Prince Abdulla. There is no April 25, 2006 release date. When the record is released, it will be done consistent w/ all of Mr. Jackson's releases and not only to a station in Indianapolis."
Source: Raymone Bain/MJJF
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3T WEEKEND IS HERE! INTERVIEW WITH TAJ JACKSON NOW!
3T Weekend Starts Now!
DJ Thijzzz from The 12 Inch Show sits down with 3T member Taj Jackson for an in depth interview about his career with 3T, their new reality TV show, music, his family, and of course information about Michael Jackson and Neverland. Also, Taj answers YOUR questions! We'll also be debuting a new, never before heard 3T song!
Thanks to Taj Jackson, we will be giving away special prizes to our listeners. Tune in to 3T Weekend, starting April 1st, 2006 and concluding on April 3rd. It's airing now!
MJJForum Radio is free for all listeners and is best using Internet Explorer. Simply click the link the above link to launch the player. Then click the yellow radio button.
Here's what our members are saying about MJJForum Radio:
"Awwwww did you hear what Taj said, how fans kept Mike going through the trial, it put a lump in my throat. Thank you Taj, Thijzzz and Trish MJJForum Radio for a Crackin interview oh wow i want to cry now its over. That felt so personal, Taj has a lovely voice" - rita.gibson
"Oh, my God! I have to say again that the radio is just GREAT!!! WOW! Aaaaaahhhhhhh!!! I MISS MICHAEL SO MUCH! His music is AMAZING! I loooooooove it! Sorry, lol! I just had to say it. I miss him so much! Listening to these songs and remixes got me thinking about a lot of things, so many sweet memories from the 90's when I became a fan...awww...words can't express the emotion, the feeling I have when I listen to his music...his voice...oh, my God! WOW! Loooooove you baby & thank you so much! xxx" - mj_sanya_7
"The 3T show has started....didn't know they had "Anything" in Spanish. And here I was about to sing along.... At least I can sing the chorus!" - Obiechena
v
"I am a true fan of Taj, Taryll and TJ. I can't wait for everyone to hear Taj. He is a kind person in the heart. Thank you MsTenda for the notice and as well to the entire radio show!!! Thank you to Thijzzz too!!!! : ) Thank you Thijzzz, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING THIS A WONDERFUL 3T WEEKEND." - ScoopNewsWorthy
"I wanted to say this is the first time i have logged into mjjf raido and i love it. so many of michaels biggest hits and some nice remixes." - HIStoryNtheMix
So what are you waiting for? Listen to MJJForum Radio now!
MJJForum Radio - 8750 listeners and counting!
Source: MJJForum.com
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MJJF eNews #782 - Wednesday Mar 29, 2006
A judge has ordered copies of missing papers from Jackson divorce file
Superior Court Judge Robert Schnider ordered Rowe�s lawyer, Marta Almli, on Monday to submit duplicate copies of Rowe�s 2001 motion to terminate her parental rights to her two children with Michael Jackson.
Mr. Jackson�s lawyers, Michael Abrams and Thomas Hall, were ordered to submit a copy of the pop star�s opposition to the motion.
Singer Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe married in November 1996. After the births of son Prince Michael and a daughter, Paris they filed for divorce in October 1999.
A private judge oversaw the divorce case.
"The way this file looks, it�s clear to me that documents have come in an untimely fashion," Schnider said.
A judge said that the missing documents must be submitted within 30 days and may be filed under seal.
A hearing has been set for May 24.
Source: Associated Press/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #781 - Sunday Mar 26, 2006
One Voice, One Love
br>
The reason why MJJF radio was started in the beginning is to "bridge the gap between the fans and the King Of Pop." Since the relaunch of MJJF radio in February 2006 it has soared to successful heights. MJJF radio now has over 6000 listeners from all over the world. Imagine all the diversity of these people whom are at their home, office, or library listening to MJJF radio. All these people are from all walks of life, either rich or poor, old and young, hardcore fans or not. These people who are listening to MJJF radio are in it for one thing and that is to listen to universal voice of Michael and his family. Imagine the faces of all these people when their favorite song or a new remix of an old song is being played.
With the love between the fans and Michael, MJJF radio is rather unique because it focuses just on that.
Everyone who work behind the scenes at MJJF radio make sure that this tradition continues on. They work day in and day out to make sure everything is in tip top shape in order for MJJF radio to run. With the fan in mind MJJF radio is always coming up with new and exciting content.
With the thought of the thousands of listeners and the diversity, MJJF radio shall continue to grow and thrive in new territories on earth and bring the voice of Michael to every corner of the earth.
Source: MJJF
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News Hotshot #2146
26 March 2006
MICHAEL TO WORK WITH 50 CENT, KANYE WEST & JOHN LEGEND?
Hip-Hop DJ discusses his conversation with Michael
Michael Jackson has plans to collaborate with artists 50 Cent, Kanye West and John Legend according to DJ Whoo Kid.
The hip-hop DJ (pictured left) met Michael in Bahrain recently as a guest of Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al- Khalifa and his son. He was recommended to DJ their parties through mutual contacts, including the Prince of Monaco according to MTV.
"I [saw] Michael... sitting by the pool sippin' lemonade," Whoo Kid recalled. "They didn't tell me he was going to be there. I didn't even expect Michael to be in the country. So I'm like '******* Michael Jackson is here, sippin' lemonade!'"
The DJ, who has collaborated with many successful hip-hop artists, said that the language used by Michael surprised him. "I said 'What's up?' to him and acted like I wasn't groupie-sized. I gave him respect for all the **** he did, but in my head I was going crazy. He said, 'I'm just chillin' '... he actually said 'chillin'!' ****** my head up, so I walked away from him. Everybody gave him his respectful space."
Whoo Kid eventually found himself invited to a dinner by the Sheikh, along with Michael and R&B star John Legend. According to the DJ, Michael has already put down vocals on a track with Legend, but he also seemed interested in working with other artists as the conversation progressed.
"We was talking about Eminem. He was like, 'Is Eminem really retired?'" not mentioning Eminem's recent crude parody of him. "Then he started talking about 50." A phone conversation was later set up by the DJ between Michael and 50 Cent, however not before a collaboration with Kanye West had also apparently been added to Michael's wish list.
The DJ added that people shouldn't talk "fluffy" to Michael like everyone else does. "I got him to curse... he said 's***.' I told him he needs to cut his a hair, get some million-dollar earrings, get a million-dollar watch and take all them spaceship clothes off. He said, 'I have to change my whole outlook.' He said he was trying to work out."
DJ Whoo Kid Spends An Evening In Bahrain � 'Chillin' ' With Michael Jackson
According to the DJ, who just spent several hours with the King of Pop in Bahrain, "[Michael Jackson] said, 'I'm just chillin' ' � he actually said 'chillin!' " � DJ Whoo Kidit's a very real possibility.
Whoo Kid just came back from spending some time in the Persian Gulf nation with its ruler, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the Sheikh's son, John Legend, model Tyson Beckford and Jackson. Whoo Kid said he and Mike became so tight on the trip that he's trying to orchestrate a collaboration between 50 and M.J.
"I [saw] Michael Jackson sitting by the pool sippin' lemonade," Whoo Kid recalled of the beginning of his day with the royal family and others in Bahrain. "They didn't tell me he was going to be there � I didn't even expect Michael to be in the country. So I'm like 'F---ing Michael Jackson is here, sippin' lemonade!'
"I said 'What's up?' to him and acted like I wasn't groupie-sized. I gave him respect for all the sh-- he did, but in my head I was going crazy. He said, 'I'm just chillin' ' � he actually said 'chillin!' F---ed my head up, so I walked away from him. Everybody gave him his respectful space."
Whoo Kid said he originally connected with Bahrain's royal family after he was recommended to DJ their parties by mutual contacts, including the Prince of Monaco and Seif Khadafy, son of Libyan dictator Moammar ("They're huge G-Unit fans," the DJ said).
During his trip, Whoo Kid also found himself invited to dinner with the Sheik, Legend and Jackson. Apparently people were giving Jackson too much space at dinner � there was an empty seat next to him, which other guests were evidently too intimidated to fill. Finally Jackson, who'd laughed at some of Whoo Kid's jokes earlier in the day, called the DJ over to sit with him.
"Mike was like, 'Whoo Kid, come sit over here,' the DJ said in a high-pitched voice, mimicking the King of Pop. "I was like poinng! He was supposed to be there for like 45 minutes; he stayed for five hours. We was talking about Eminem. He was like, 'Is Eminem really retired?' I forgot that Eminem totally cremated him one video ['Lose It'], but [Michael] didn't even bring it up. Then he started talking about 50."
Whoo Kid said that Jackson expressed some interest not only in working with 50 but also Kanye West on a new album. Whoo Kid arranged a phone conversation between Fif and M.J. a while later.
As for the dinner itself, Whoo Kid said he was acting as a dietary and fashion consultant to Jackson.
"They had a whole lamb they brought to the table and Mike was eating some weird vegetables," Whoo Kid said. "I told Mike, 'You better get up on some of this lamb.' I said, 'Let me get some of this lamb ass.' The Sheikh was dying [laughing] because I kept saying 'lamb ass.'
"You can't talk to Mike all fluffy like everyone does," he continued. "I got him to curse � he said sh--. I told him he needs to cut his a hair, get some million-dollar earrings, get a million-dollar watch and take all them spaceship clothes off. He said, 'I have to change my whole outlook.' He said he was trying to work out."
When his schedule permits, Whoo Kid says he plans to go back to Bahrain and hopefully record with Jackson for one of his mixtapes � a 50/ Michael Jackson collaboration is tops on his wish list.
Source: MTV / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews Special Report - Friday Mar 24, 2006
MJJF Radio Presents: 3T Weekend! Exclusive Interview with Taj Jackson!
DJ Thijzzz from The 12 Inch Show sits down with 3T member Taj Jackson for an in depth interview about his career with 3T, their new reality TV show, music, his family, and of course information about Michael Jackson and Neverland. Also, Taj answers YOUR questions! We'll also be debuting a new, never before heard 3T song!
Thanks to Taj Jackson, we will be giving away special prizes to our listeners. Tune in to 3T Weekend, starting April 1st, 2006 and concluding on April 3rd.
http://www.live365.com/stations/mjjforumradio
While you're waiting for the exclusive Taj Jackson interview, tune in through March 24th - March 27th for The Remix Factory. You'll hear the best remixes, mash-ups, megamixes and live tracks!
MJJForum Radio is FREE! All you have to do is click the link above to launch the MJJForum Radio Player.
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MJJF eNews #779 - Friday Mar 17, 2006
Breaking News: Jackson Closes Neverland - Raymone Bain Makes Statement
Jackson Closes Neverland House
Michael Jackson has not left his Neverland Ranch for good, his spokesman said after authorities last week raided the ranch and forced the superstar to pay his employees months of back wages.
"It is public knowledge that Mr Jackson currently resides in the Middle Eastern country of Bahrain. He therefore decided to close his house and reduce his workforce," Raymone Bain said Thursday in a brief statement.
The action came a day after state labor officials announced that Jackson had agreed to pay his Neverland Ranch employees hundreds of thousands of dollars in back wages, avoiding a lawsuit by the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Employees who received their back pay Thursday were told they were being laid off because Jackson had shut down the ranch, the syndicated television news magazine "Entertainment Tonight" reported on its Web site Thursday night.
Closing down the ranch, she added, "is a common practice when a residence is vacant for an extended period of time."
Bain indicated the ranch was still operating, at least on a limited basis.
"Reports indicating that Neverland has been closed or 'shut down' for good are inaccurate," she said in her statement. A call to the ranch's manager, Joe Marcus, was not immediately returned.
Bain's statement, which did not indicate what plans Jackson has for the estate's future, concluded: "There will be no further comments regarding this matter."
Source: AFP / AP / MJJForum
-----------------------------
Complete statment from Raymone K. Bain:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Raymone K. Bain
March 17, 2006
STATEMENT REGARDING NEVERLAND RANCH
It is public knowledge that Mr. Jackson currently resides in the Middle Eastern country of Bahrain. He therefore decided to close his house and reduce his workforce. This is a common practice when a residence is vacant for an extended period of time.
Reports indicating that Neverland has been closed or "shut down" for good are inaccurate.
There will be no further comments regarding this matter.
Source: Raymone Bain
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MJJF eNews #778 - Thursday Mar 16, 2006
Jermaine Jackson Lawyer Makes Statement, Filmaker meets Michael
Michael Jackson Meets Indian Filmaker Sanjay Khan
Filmmaker Sanjay Khan and wife Zarine bumped into Michael Jackson recently.
Filmmaker Sanjay Khan is a Formula 1 enthusiast. And his passion for life in the fast lane was more than evident when he flew down to Bahrain with wife Zarine to attend the Grand Prix held in the Middle East over the week end.
However, his trip was not all about cars. He and Zarine also met the world's royalty, like England's Prince Andrew, King Abdullah II and his wife Queen Raina of Jordan at the event.
The Khans were the guests of Bahrain business tycoon Mohammad Dadabhai. And while there, the couple happened to meet none other than the King of Pop himself � Michael Jackson!
Jackson was attending the event as the guest of the King of Bahrain's son.
Recounts Zarine, "We had a fantabulous time in Bahrain. Sanjay is not the type who would go over and talk to people unless they were formally introduced to us.
The elite of the world were present there. And then suddenly, I saw Michael Jackson walking past us and and I told Sanjay 'It's Michael!' and he said, 'Don't get so excited. You just can't go over there and talk to him'. It was then that our host Mohammad Dadabhai introduced us and told him that we were from the Indian film world. Michael got very excited and talked to us for a good 10 minutes. He was very happy to meet us."
So what is Michael like in person? "Well, he is very sweet and looks very gentle and docile. I even told him that I was a huge fan and that I had attended his show in Mumbai too. I think he's a brilliant performer and artist. I asked him to come to Mumbai and he said that he would love to and we gave him our card. Michael even asked for a picture with us!" continues Zarine.
And what's her favourite MJ song? "Oh, I like so many but most of all, the Thriller ones," she says. And did they meet with the other Michael (Schumacher) there? "Oh, after I met MJ, that was it!"
Source: The Times of India / MJJForum
--------------------------------------
Vicki Roberts, Attorney for Jermaine Jackson Makes Statement
Statement from attorney Vicki Roberts regarding alleged false allegations purportedly made by former collaborator Stacy Brown in the New York Daily News concerning Jermaine Jackson's upcoming book about the Jackson Family:
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 16, 2006 -- "Mr. Jackson contends that the proposal for the book does not state what Mr. Brown now allegedly claims it states. While his motives are unknown, Mr. Brown's alleged false and malicious fabrications about the proposal or the alleged use of a doctored, false, and unauthorized proposal serve only to expose him to potential liability for making untrue statements. Regardless of Mr. Brown's alleged attempts to sabotage the sale of the manuscript, Jermaine Jackson looks forward to the future publication of his book, which is an exciting and fascinating chronicle of the Jackson family saga." -- Vicki Roberts, Attorney for Jermaine Jackson
PRWEB
Source: Gail Felix - Assistant to The Jackson Family Publicist/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #777 - Thursday Mar 16, 2006
Michael Jackson Will Pay Neverland Workers Back Wages
Averting a potential state lawsuit, Michael Jackson has agreed to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in back wages owed to dozens of employees at his Neverland ranch, officials said Wednesday.
"Jackson's representatives will distribute payroll directly to the employees" on Thursday, said a statement from the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Jackson had been given a 5 p.m. Tuesday deadline - later extended to Wednesday - to pay up or face a lawsuit.
While still facing a minimum $100,000 fine for failing to pay employees, Mr. Jackson appears to have averted a lawsuit for now, thanks to the agreement with the state.
"There is no need to take legal action in this matter at this time as our main concern that all employees receive wages owed to them is being addressed," said Robert Jones, acting state labor commissioner, in a statement Wednesday afternoon. "As directed in a letter on March 7 demanding payment of wages, arrangements have been made to ensure that all employees are paid wages owed them."
However, Jones said Wednesday that Jackson's payroll records still were being verified. The final calculated figure for back wages and penalties would be available next week, he said.
A call to Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone K. Bain, was not immediately returned. She earlier declined comment on the issue, saying Jackson does not discuss financial matters because he considers them private.
A call left with Jackson's accountants, Bernstein, Fox, Whitman, Goldman & Sloan LLP, also was not immediately returned.
The labor department also said Jackson's representatives had indicated that they were in the process of obtaining workers compensation insurance for 69 employees of the ranch.
The state ordered all work at the 2,600-acre Santa Barbara County ranch to stop last week because the mandatory coverage for work-related injuries had lapsed.
The order concerned some animal rights activists because it included keepers of Jackson's menagerie, which at times has included elephants and a giraffe.
However, employees were permitted to keep working if they were being paid by another party who had workers compensation coverage.
Investigators went to the ranch on Tuesday and determined that the stop order was being met.
"Security is being handled by members of the Jackson family and a local veterinarian has put the animal caregivers on his payroll," the department statement said.
Mr. Jackson faces another $69,000 in penalties for failing to have on-the-job or workers' compensation insurance in place for Neverland employees.
"We will be calculating and collecting the exact amount," Jones said.
Source: News Press / AP / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #776 - Wednesday Mar 15, 2006
Michael Jackson Allowed Payment Extension
Pop star Michael Jackson has been granted an additional 24 hours to pay wages owed to workers on his Neverland ranch.
Staff say they have not been paid since December and it said that Jackson owes them $306.00. If he fails to pay up he faces being sued by Calfornian authorities.
The singer's financial representatives have contacted the state Department of Industrial Relations to say "they are trying to come up with the money".
Michael Jackson has until 1700 California time on Wednesday (0100 GMT on Thursday) to find the money.
Department of Industrial Relations spokeswoman Renee Bacchini said: "They're trying to work with us. That's a normal course of business. If somebody comes forward with good faith, we would be reasonable."
Insurance fine
Michael Jackson's staff are currently not being allowed to work on the 1,100 hectare (2,800 acre) Neverland estate in California.
Gardeners and maintenance staff for Jackson's amusement park are employed as well as domestic staff in the house.
Jackson was fined $69,000 in January for failing to renew employer's insurance. He has 30 days to appeal against hat fine, which was issued last week.
The animals in the ranch's zoo (elephants, giraffes, snakes, tigers and a crocodile) are to be cared for by the local authority.
Raymone Bain, Michael Jackson's spokesperson, said the singer does not comment on matters involving his finances because he considers them to be private.
Jackson is currently living in Bahrain and the rumours published in a British newspaper last weekend that he plans to relocate to London are denied. "He's not purchased a house in London, he's not been scouting schools for his kids, he has no intention to moving to London." said Ms Bain. "This is totally erroneous and they need to stop it."
Source: BBC/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #775 - Monday Mar 13, 2006
Release of Katrina Benefit Single On the Horizon
Michael's publicist Raymone Bain has been quoted as saying what millions of fans have been hoping for. "It is in the very last stages, The record will be done."
There have been many factores contributing to the reason why the recording is not finished, including the fact that many of the artists have contributed their part via satellite. Ms. Bain has also said that "two or three" of the original artists who were supposed to take part but didn't for scheduling and other reasons, are back. Adding, "Michael is a perfectionist."
Ms. Bain has not provided a complete list of names, but, in addition to the O'Jays, some of the artists said to have contributed tracks are Snoop Dogg, Ciara, Jermaine Jackson and the Rev. Shirley Caesar.
The Single entitled: "I Have This Dream", is Michael's contribution to aid those who suffered devastation due to the rage of Hurricane Katrina. Shortly after Katrina hit, Michael commented, "It pains me to watch the human suffering taking place in the Gulf region of my country".
Although months have passed, Michael's new business partner Sheik Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa
has assured his fans that, "the record is coming along great,. "We've been taking our time to perfect it and mix it."
Source: SBNews-Press/MJJF
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MJJF eNews #774 - Monday Mar 13, 2006
ANNOUNCING NEW "FEATURED" LINK SECTION AND VIP PASS ON JOE JACKSON'S HIP HOP BOOT CAMP SITE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 9, 2006
ANNOUNCING NEW "FEATURED" LINK SECTION AND VIP PASS
ON JOE JACKSON'S HIP HOP BOOT CAMP SITE
Los Angeles___ Joe Jackson's Hip Hop Boot Camp is excited to announce some new additions to our website. We also want to take this opportunity to thank the many fan club/communities from around the world for allowing us to exchange website links. Go to
http://www.hiphopbootcamp.com/featured_links.html
to view how Joe Jackson's Hip Hop Boot Camp has proudly displayed your logos. We love having the fan community as a part of our Hip Hop Family. We welcome anyone who is interested that hasn't sent in their URL/Logo yet, to send an email to [email protected] or just go to our contact page.
VIP PASS:
http://www.hiphopbootcamp.com/sign_in.php
All you have to do is register! It�s Fast, Free, and Easy!
We want to welcome you to THE HIP HOP BOOT CAMP CLUB. Once you join, your VIP pass is activated.
Your VIP pass is your chance to get:
Free tickets to concerts
Hip Hop Boot Camp Gear
Chances to meet your favorite Celebrities
Win prizes
Exclusive backstage passes
The Joe Jackson Hip Hop Boot Camp invites you to stay tuned for upcoming events, chats, contests and more.
Source: Angel Howansky and Gail Felix
You�re Joe Jackson Hip Hop Press Team
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MJJF eNews #773 - Saturday Mar 11, 2006
Sales For The Week Ending March 5th, 2006. Billboard Issue Date:March 18th, 2006
Here in the USA charts Michael Jackson recent sales estimate is at 13,131 units. "Number Ones" DVD has marked it's 100th week in the Billboard Comprehensive Music Video Chart.The 4x platinum DVD is showing signs of spending another week in the TOP 20. The album and DVD are still holding on in the charts shifting to about 3,OOO units a week.
1. Number Ones: 2,995 (+2%)
2. Number Ones (DVD/Video): 2,918 (-3%) (Holds at #15 on the Billboard Comprehensive Music Video Chart, Week 100)
3. The Essential (2 CD): 2,000 (Sales Estimate)
4. Live In Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour (DVD): 1,500 (Sales Estimate) (Moves up 38-32 on the Billboard Comprehensive Music Video Chart, Week 22)
3. Thriller: 1,234 (-14.6%)
4. Greatest Hits: HIStory Vol. 1: 726 (-5%)
5. Off the Wall: 537 (-3.7%)
6. Greatest Hits: HIStory (Video): 295 (-12%)
7. Bad: 239 (-)
8. HIStory on Film- Vol. 2: 218 (-13%)
9. Dangerous: 197 (+13.2%)
10. Invincible: 167 (+15%)
11. HIStory (2-CD): 73 (-9%)
12. Blood on the Dance Floor: 32 (+3%)
Here is how the Number Ones DVD has performed throught the weeks of 95-100.
"Live In Bucharest-The Dangerouse Tour" is still doing very well in the USA.
Live In Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour (DVD) - Billboard Comprehensive Music Videos Chart
Week #21 (11/03/06): #38
Week #22 (18/03/06): #32
In the UK the "Number Ones" CD is about to reach it's 100th week milestone. The "Number Ones" CD has now gone 5x platinum here in the UK as well. It has jumped from 141-31 during the first week of January '06 and has remained in the Top 75 every week thus far.
"Number Ones" is also doing very well in Australia. The album has re-entered the Top 50 and remains there for the third week.
Number Ones - ARIA Top 50 Albums
Week (19/02/06): #43
Week (26/02/06): #41
Week (05/02/06): #46
Sources: JRKing/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #772 - Friday Mar 10, 2006
Financial woes at Neverland Valley Ranch could be over by Monday
The California Labor Commission this week sent Jackson a letter threatening legal action if he does not pay $306,000 in back wages to employees.
The commission has received complaints from 46 Neverland employees, said Department of Industrial Relations spokesman Fryer said. Jackson has until Tuesday to make the payments or face unspecified "legal action" and a $100,000 fine, according to the letter, sent Tuesday.
Jackson was not on the ranch when an enforcement officer delivered the order, said spokeswoman Raymone Bain.
"It's fairly well known he's been overseas," Bain said. "... I'm certain that all of this is going to be resolved."
Michael Jackson's business office is scrambling to reinstate workers compensation insurance for the 69 employees at his Los Olivos ranch, and that policy should be in effect today or Monday, the News-Press has learned.
"I have no doubt that it will be worked out very soon," Jackson spokeswoman Raymone Bain told the News-Press.
A state investigation allegedly shows Mr. Jackson has not paid some employees since late December, and the required workers comp policy lapsed in January, authorities said.
He is being asked to pay about $470,000 in back wages and fines.
Dean Fryer tells the News-Press today: "We're still in contact with his representatives at the ranch, and they're still attempting to secure workers compensation insurance."
Source: santamariatimes / newspress / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #771 - Wednesday Mar 8, 2006
Mr. Joseph Jackson Releases Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 7, 2006
MR. JOSEPH JACKON RELEASES STATEMENT
THROUGH FAMILY SPOKESPERSON ANGEL HOWANSKY
Los Angeles____ Family Patriarch of the Jackson Family releases the following statement:
"Our family has been manipulated and taken advantage of for a very long time and its time that this destructive maligning of our character stop."
The Jackson Family will no longer stand still and be a punching bag for the press to hit below the belt!
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the many fans around the world for their love and support of my family. Your loyalty does not go unnoticed and is appreciated.
Source: Angel Howansky / Gail Felix
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MJJF eNews #770 - Tuesday Mar 7, 2006
Charter Jet Owner Pleads Guilty in Jackson Spy Case
The owner of a charter jet company and his associate pleaded guilty Monday to federal charges of conspiring to secretly videotape pop singer Michael Jackson when he flew from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara in 2003 to surrender on child molestation charges.
The videotapes came to light in November 2003 when Fox News said it had been approached by a private party about selling tapes of Jackson aboard the jet with his then-attorney, Mark Geragos. At the time, the two were en route to Santa Barbara, where Jackson was facing child molestation charges. He was acquitted in that case early last year.
The guilty pleas by Jeffrey Borer and Arvell Jett Reeves brought a sudden end to the government's prosecution of the two men, who previously had denied any knowledge of the illicit taping.
The pair each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy in a federal district court, said Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the US attorney's office in Los Angeles.
Borer was the owner of XtraJet, which flew the plane Jackson and Mr Geragos chartered. Reeves owned a company called Executive Aviation, which provided a maintenance service to XtraJet.
Originally, Borer said he did not know how the secret recordings were made.
But in the plea agreement accepted Monday by U.S. District Judge A. Howard Matz, Borer acknowledged telling Reeves to install audio-video recording equipment on the jet after learning that the entertainer would be chartering it from Las Vegas.
Borer, the plea agreement said, was to be responsible for contacting media companies, negotiating with them and selling the recordings to the highest bidder. Reeves' role was to purchase and install the recording equipment, the plea agreement added.
The court documents said that Reeves and an unindicted and unnamed co-conspirator worked into the early morning hours before the flight's scheduled departure to install the camcorders on the Gulfstream. They were unable to install the microphones because Reeves did not buy the right electronic connectors, but they did make two video recordings of the entertainer, his attorney and others on the jet, according to the plea agreement.
Five months after the incident, court papers said, Reeves' co-conspirator told him he had been contacted by the FBI about the illicit tapes. Reeves concocted a cover story that he had placed the camcorders inside the aircraft to help disprove Borer's allegation that he had stolen alcohol from the jet, the papers said.
Borer had unsuccessfully asked to have his brief court appearance before Matz closed. During the hearing, the two defendants said they understood the consequences of their guilty pleas.
Borer, whom sources have identified as a onetime FBI informant, and Reeves each face up to a maximum of five years in federal prison when they are sentenced in July.
Federal guidelines suggest a sentence of six to 12 months, though the judge will have the final say on whether to impose jail time. Additionally, each faces up to three years of supervised release, fines of $250,000 and potential loss of their FAA licenses.
"The bottom line is that even famous celebrities deserve some level of privacy in their private communications, especially when they are meeting with their attorneys," Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Shallman said after the guilty pleas were entered in court.
"These guys went out and tried to make a bundle of money by attempting to sell these tapes to the tabloids.... It was pure greed."
Prosecutors dismissed two other charges - endeavouring to intercept oral communication and witness tampering.
Source: philly / BBC / latimes / MJJForum
One Charged in Ex-Jackson 5 Drummer's Death
A woman told police she stabbed a former drummer for the Jackson 5 with a steak knife when he lunged at her during a fight, prosecutors said.
Yolanda Davis, 44, was being held without bond on a charge of murder Monday in the Lake County Jail and could face 45 years to 65 years in prison if she's convicted.
Davis is charged with killing Johnny Jackson, 54, of Gary, who was found dead late Wednesday in a Gary home.
Gary police Detective Tom Decanter Jr. said in an affidavit that Davis said she grabbed the knife after Jackson choked and struck her. Police found him later with a stab wound to his chest, the affidavit said. Davis was not at the scene when police arrived.
Source: AP / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #769 - Tuesday Mar 7, 2006
JERMAINE JACKSON RELEASES THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT THROUGH FAMILY SPOKESPERSON
In response to various media reports claiming that Mr. Jermaine Jackson had written a defamatory, tell-all book about Michael Jackson and the Jackson family, Mr. Jermaine Jackson releases the following statement:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 6, 2006
JERMAINE JACKSON RELEASES THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT THROUGH FAMILY SPOKESPERSON
Family Spokesperson Angel Howansky spoke to Jermaine Jackson this morning.
Jermaine is "very angry and upset" at the obvious attempt of Stacy Brown to capitalize on the Jackson Family name once again.
Jermaine along with his Family takes these false reports very seriously and will take legal action.
Source:
Angel Howansky Family Spokesperson
Gail Felix Assistant
Raymone Bain Speaks
As reported by MJJForum.com, Raymone K. Bain, spokesperson for pop legend Michael Jackson, went on the record less than one week ago denying any statments made to contactmusic.com. Ms. Bain at that time demanded a retraction. Ms. Bain has followed up with Michael's fans about various reports attributing false comments. Ms. Bain also sends her sincere thanks to all the fans for their support:
Hello All:
Please advise the fans that I have issued no statements regarding the
alleged Jermaine Jackson book proposal. And again, another British
reporter, Emily Smith of the London Sun, has made up a quote and
attributed it to me.
I have demanded that Ms. Smith, and her editor, pull this quote immediately.
The liberties that some journalists are taking by recklessly using my name is getting out of control. This is the second time in one week, that I have been falsely quoted by a British publication.
Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Raymone
More from Raymone Bain:
Hello:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you so very much for your
quick response in advising the fans that I have not made any statements
whatsoever regarding the alleged book proposal.
As I indicated to you, I demanded that the reporter, Emily Smith, and
the editor of the Sun, pull the false quote attributed to me from their article.
And, they have.
This is the second time in one week that my name has been used
recklessly by members of the London media, and a false quote has been
made up under my name.
I truly hope that this is the last time I will have to deal this kind of
issue.
Again, thank you for your cooperation and kindness!
Best.
Raymone K. Bain
Source: Raymone K. Bain/Gail Felix/MJJForum.com
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Hotshot #2137
7 March 2006
JERMAINE JACKSON DENIES BOOK ALLEGATIONS
Says ghost writer turned book negative, not him
Michael Jackson's older brother Jermaine (pictured left) has denied recent reports from the New York Daily News claiming he was shopping a negative book about his brother to potential publishers.
Jermaine appeared on CNN's Larry King Live in the U.S. to provide his side of the story. The article claimed that the book portrayed the older brother to be concerned about Michael's behaviour, an allegation vehemently denied by the alleged author.
When asked by King, Jermaine said he did have a book proposal tentatively called Legacy that was not taken up by a publisher due to the lack of sensationalism, "I'm very, very upset because they were very interested in it and then they turned it down because there was no negativity. There was nothing of any sort of what's being said now."
During the conversation, legal action became an issue with the Let's Get Serious singer stating he will decide on the best course of action against the Daily News writer Michelle Caruso and Stacy Brown (pictured right) the ghost writer who, Jermaine claims, is responsible for this negative proposal. "Michael's people called me and they asked me was this true and I told them no and I sent them my manuscript, which is totally different from what was said," Jermaine proclaimed. "They traced an e-mail of a very ugly manuscript back to (Brown)."
The 51-year-old former Jackson 5 bass player was bemused at the fact that no one from the Daily News tried to confirm the claims by Brown with him. He then got angry, "I'll tell you what there are some sick people out there and they saw my love and my support for my family and Michael and they want to use me and I'm the wrong one to use because I talk and I'm speaking now."
Jermaine passionately continued, "I mean (Michael is) still trying to rebuild his life back, not just Michael, the family, our children, everybody. People don't realise what we went through and (they) just... create more lies. Leave us alone. Let us do what we know how to do but leave us alone."
Show host King (pictured left) then enquired about Michael's well being, the proud elder brother was glad to inform him that his younger sibling was getting into shape while staying in Bahrain.
"(Michael is) doing wonderful. He's gained some weight. He's happy and he's running on the beach. I spoke to him. He's doing 300 pushups a day and doing sit-ups. He's getting those muscles back and he's getting ready."
The CNN broadcaster then asked if Michael was going to sing again, "Of course," Jermaine quickly replied, "He's going to make music. We did a song for the hurricane victims, which is doing very, very... it's coming along well. It's been taking a bit of time to get out there but it's going to be released." He also confirmed that Michael's children were also doing well in their peaceful surroundings in the Middle East.
Johnny Jackson, a former drummer for the Jackson 5 and a relative of pop star Michael Jackson, was found stabbed to death at a house in Gary, Ind., police said this afternoon.
Around 11:23 p.m. Wednesday, officers responded to an emergency call from the home, on the 2600 block of Connecticut Street, and found Johnny Jackson unconscious with a stab wound to his chest, Gary police Cmdr. Jack Arnold said.
The victim, 54, of the 300 block of Grant Street in Gary, was pronounced dead at 12:20 a.m. Thursday at the scene by the Lake County, Ind., coroner's office.
A witness who lives upstairs in the home heard a disturbance coming from downstairs between Jackson and a female acquaintance of Jackson's, Arnold said. The witness went downstairs to see what was going on and found Jackson lying in the first-floor living room area before calling 911.
No one was in custody at last report and detectives were conducting a homicide investigation, according to Arnold. A description of the female acquaintance was unavailable, and Arnold did not know how the two knew each other.
Arnold said Johnny Jackson, a drummer for the Jackson 5, was the first cousin of Michael Jackson, on his father Joe's side.
A former neighbor of Johnny Jackson's, who asked not to be named, said he lived across the street from him for seven or eight years. Although the neighbor, who relocated about a year ago, admits he did not know Johnny Jackson very well, he insists the victim was a blood cousin of his famed band mates.
The neighbor said he remembers when the victim used to perform with the band at talent shows 30 years ago.
"He [Johnny Jackson] used to have guys come over to his home to play music at least once a week," the neighbor, 52, said.
Johnny Jackson lived alone with a big German shepherd, according to the neighbor. He did not know if he was ever married or had children.
Gary police said nobody was in custody Thursday evening and the case remained under investigation.
Source: abclocal / Chicago Tribune / MJJF-Europe
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MJJF eNews #766 - Wednesday Mar 1, 2006
Contactmusic.com fasely quotes Raymone K. Bain
in article regarding Michael Jackson
Washington, D.C. �.. In an article dated today's date, March 1, 2006, released by ContactMusic.com titled, "Jackson Shows Islam Support with Mosque," I am being quoted.
I have neither spoken to anyone at ContactMusic.com, issued a statement to anyone at ContactMusic.com, nor have I been contacted by anyone at ContactMusic.com to verify the information written regarding Mr. Michael Jackson.
The liberty that the reporter has taken, not only in falsely and recklessly using my name, but making up a fictitious quote which is being attributed to me, is a despicable display of journalism. This action is as wrong as the information being disseminated in the article.
I am demanding a retraction.
Source: Raymone K. Bain
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eNews #765 - Saturday Feb 25, 2006
JOE JACKSON'S HIP HOP BOOT CAMP LAUNCHES WEBSITE
For Immediate Release:
February 24, 2006
JOE JACKSON'S HIP HOP BOOT CAMP LAUNCHES WEBSITE
Los Angeles,Ca -- Mr. Joseph Jackson, patriarch of the Jackson Family, announces the launch of his Website
http://www.hiphopbootcamp.com/ .
Joe Jackson's Hip Hop website is just a small preview of bigger and better things to come in the world of Hip Hop Entertainment.
The Joe Jackson Hip Hop Boot Camp establishes international Hip Hop Music competitions where the most promising young talents can be identified, showcased and promoted before worldwide audiences, the media and the music industry.
In addition to money prizes, concert engagements and recording opportunities, The Joe Jackson Hip Hop Boot Camp also nurtures the artistic and musical development of the competitors and provides the participants with valuable experience on how they can improve their performance and what their next step should be.
The Joe Jackson Hip Hop Boot Camp competitions are open to unsigned artists ages 18 and over. Solo or Group acts from all countries are eligible to participate.
Although the website is not completely finished, we offer a preview of some of the surprises we have in store for everyone. We have uploaded some of the New York auditions, and have included some shout outs from Twista and Juelz Santana! Watch Joe Jackson as you have never seen him before. He recently attended the Rap Bowl in Detroit, Michigan, and turned the cameras and the mic on the talent, and conducts interviews that can only be described as "Classic Jackson"
Angel Howansky and Gail Felix: Your Joe Jackson Hip Hop Boot Camp Team
Source: Angel Howansky/Gail Felix/MJJForum.com
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MJJF eNews #764 - Thursday Feb 23, 2006
Statement of Thomas A. Mesereau RE:, Mr. Michael Jackson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2006
STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY THOMAS A. MESEREAU, JR. REGARDING MR. MICHAEL JACKSON
Attorney Thomas A. Mesereau, Jr., issues the following statement regarding Mr. Michael Jackson:
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.
At the conclusion of the criminal trial in Santa Maria, CA., Michael Jackson was acquitted 14 times. The jury acquitted him of 10 felonies and 4 lesser-included misdemeanors. Michael Jackson was completely vindicated and exonerated by these verdicts.
Shortly thereafter, Michael Jackson, and his beautiful children, moved to the Middle East. Attorney Susan Yu and I were asked to help him during this difficult period of transition. Michael and his children were exhausted by the terrible, unjust prosecution, and needed to start a new chapter in their lives.
Because Michael Jackson was our client, and is our friend, Attorney Susan Yu and I agreed to help him, and his family, during this time of transition.
For approximately seven months, we assisted Michael Jackson in this effort.
We never intended to assume these obligations on a permanent basis. For example, my love is Criminal defense. I will be in trial in the State of Alabama during April and June, in two Capital murder cases, in which I am representing the client free of charge. I am also assisting in the development of a free legal clinic for the poor at a prominent African American church in Los Angeles. Attorney Susan Yu has other clients that she needs to attend to as well.
We are still in communications with Michael Jackson, and his assistants, and remain close friends. Mr. Jackson completely understands the situation and is grateful to us for helping him with the transition. The speculation that surrounds this situation is nothing but shallow tabloid reporting.
People should leave Mr. Jackson and his family alone.
Source: Raymone K Bain
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MJJF eNews #763 - Tuesday Feb 21, 2006
MJJForum Radio Breaking News
We have some great news!
First and foremost, MJJForum Radio is doing EXTREMELY WELL. We've been broadcasting for about 2 weeks now, and we have surpassed the 2500 listener mark! We are VERY happy and we thank all of you that are tuning in!
Special Announcements:
In conjunction with Sony/BMG, MJJForum Radio will be celebrating the landmark release of the Visionary project by having a MAJOR listening party this up and coming Thursday! Tune in because Sony and MJJForum Radio will be giving away some very special VISIONARY prizes! Tune in to hear what you can win!
Many members are asking us how to call in and request music! Download SKYPE (http://www.skype.com) and add contact mjjforum radio. Remember, MJJForum Radio is made by the fans, for the fans, so If you see us on, simply give us a call and make your request! We wouldn't be anything without your support! We'll record you and put your request on! You can also email in your request (with your name/username/country) to the [email protected] and we'll get your requests in as soon as possible. We are still taking questions for Taj Jackson. Please email us above with your questions!
Last but not least, a couple of new shows have been added to the rotation. A new 12 Inch Show featuring DJ Thijzzz and a new Janet Jackson show. So tune in! Also, we will be announcing the winners of some of our Michael Jackson autographed merchandise! We have so much to give away but the only way you can win is by listening to the station!
Stay tuned as there are more surprises in store! Thanks for making MJJForum Radio such a massive success! MJJForum Radio is a free service brought to you by MJJForum.com.
MJJForum Radio - Bringing The UNITY back into COMMUNITY.
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Point your browsers to http://www.live365.com/stations/mjjforumradio and click the yellow button with the speaker graphic. The player will then launch. Enjoy!
Sony/BMG Press Release -- The Visionary Project
MICHAEL JACKSON
VISIONARY - THE VIDEO SINGLES
20 FEBRUARY � 26 JUNE 2006
THE FIRST ARTIST TO RELEASE ON DUAL DISC FORMAT
The original global megastar and arguably, the world�s best-known entertainer, Michael Jackson is set to release, Visionary � The Video Singles, through Sony BMG. Starting on 20 February 2006, each week for five months, one single from his monumental career will be released on DualDisc, a revolutionary new concept, which not only allows fans to collect his greatest hits, but also the groundbreaking videos that accompanied them.
Beginning with the Quincy Jones produced epic-track, Thriller, which will be released in a beautifully designed limited edition numbered box alongside the disco smash, Don�t Stop �Til You Get Enough.
Each week until 26 June 2006, smash-hits from Michael�s extraordinary catalogue of music, which include Bad, Billie Jean, Beat It, Black or White, Earth Song and Stranger in Moscow will be released as part of the Visionary - The Video Singles collector�s series.
Now using DualDisc technology, which allows music and DVD content to be played on a single two-sided disc, Sony BMG has brought together 20 of Michael Jackson�s biggest hits and their videos. Michael Jackson is the first artist ever to release a commercial single on DualDisc.
Each DualDisc single will feature an exact replica of the original 7� or 12� artwork which is presented in a stunning limited and numbered card wallet. All the audio has been digitally re-mastered and will feature the original 7� or radio edit of the lead track plus a sought after remix or related song.
Visionary � The Video Singles, is the ultimate must-have collection for any music fan.
�The King of Pop�, Michael Jackson is one of the most talented and popular musical artists of the modern age. An instantly identifiable voice, phenomenal dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and a wealth of sheer star power have seen him sell out stadiums across the globe and generate record sales in excess of 135 million around the world.
An outstanding innovative singer, songwriter and performer, Michael Jackson has broken countless records for his singles, albums and tours. With the Jackson Five, he was the youngest vocalist to top the US charts. He was also the first artist to enter the US charts at No.1 with You Are Not Alone and the first US singer to enter the UK charts at No.1 since Elvis Presley. His 1982 blockbuster release, Thriller, is the biggest-selling album of all time with an estimated 51 million copies sold around the world, 26 million in the US alone. It topped the US album charts for an unprecedented 37 weeks and had a record 12 Grammy award nominations. He was also the first black artist to find stardom on MTV, breaking down innumerable racial boundaries and blazed the trail for music video as an art form. Jackson was the first artist to sell over 100 million albums outside the US and was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004.
Roger Menz, International VP for Strategic Projects at Sony BMG commented: 'Michael has been fully behind this project and the originality of the first ever DualDisc single idea typifies the creativity of one of the most innovative artists in our lifetime. The quality of each single, having the audio on one side and the video on the other, is a compelling proposition for his fans.'
Visionary � The Video Singles is out on 20 February 2006 � 26 June 2006 through Sony BMG.
ORDER OF RELEASE:
DATE TITLE
20 Feb 06 Thriller + Limited Edition Box
20 Feb 06 Don�t Stop �til You Get Enough
27 Feb 06 Rock With You
06 Mar 06 Billie Jean
13 Mar 06 Beat It
20 Mar 06 Bad
27 Mar 06 The Way You Make Me Feel
03 Apr 06 Dirty Diana
10 Apr 06 Smooth Criminal
17 Apr 06 Leave Me Alone
24 Apr 06 Black or White
01 May 06 Remember the Time
08 May 06 In The Closest
15 May 06 Jam
22 May 06 Heal The World
29 May 06 You Are Not Alone
05 Jun 06 Earth Song
12 Jun 06 They Don�t Care About Us
19 Jun 06 Stranger in Moscow
26 Jun 06 Blood on the Dance Floor
Michael Jackson Visionary � The Video Singles
20 February 2006 � 26 June 2006
Source: Sony-BMG/MJJForum.com
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MJJF eNews #762 - Sunday Feb 19, 2006
All-star Jackson Single To Hit The Market In 2 Weeks
All-star Jackson Single To Hit The Market In 2 Weeks
Made in Bahrain project to raise funds for Katrina victims
Michael Jackson's all-star charity single that will raise funds for Katrina victims will be ready for distribution in two weeks.
The single,"I Have This Dream," is in the final stages of being perfected and mixed by Bahrain�s Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa�s Two Seas Records. In a telephone interview last week with the AP Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa said," The record is coming along great. We've benn taking our time to perfect it and mix it."
The stars who have contributed their talent include, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Ciara, Keyishia Cole, James Ingram, Jermaine Jackson, Shanice, the Rev. Shirley Caesar and the O'Jays, said the prince.
The record is set for a global release to maximise its fund-raising potential.
Michael Jackson announced that he would pull together a glittering array of music stars to create a music chart-buster for charity barely eight days after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.
�The time taken reflects the enormous logistics involved in putting together the tracks with the participation of some of the busiest stars in the international music scene as well as the legal fine-tuning involved in tying up with distribution companies,� a source close to Shaikh Abdullah told the Bahrain Tribune, �There are so many legal aspects involved that it often takes close to a year to clear all the issues and begin distributing the music. Luckily, we have been working very hard and our experts have nearly completed formalities in record time so we expect that we shall be ready to announce distribution tie-ups very soon.�
The music single which will aid the Hurricane Katrina victims will see all proceeds go through reputed NGOS instead through government or international agencies. �We believe that NGOs, with their low overheads and well-defined areas of expertise will serve our purposes best,� the source said.
Source: Bahrain Tribune/MJJForum.com
What is a NGO?
This site is the home page for our global NGO community (Non-governmental organizations associated with the United Nations).
Its help is aimed to promote collaborations between NGOs throughout the world to put together an effectively partner with the United Nations to create peace, just equitable and sustainable world for future generations.
Source: NGO website
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MJJF eNews #761 - Saturday Feb 18, 2006
Michael Jackson's Katrina Song Said Ready
Sheik Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the son of Bahrain's king, told The Associated Press that the long awaited charity single entitled 'I Have This Dream,' will be out by the end of Februray.
In a telephone interview from Dubai last week, Sheik Abdullah told The Associated Press, "The record is coming along great. We've been taking our time to perfect it and mix it." He said the song, which Jackson wrote, "is a message of peace and help and caring. It's a song of total oneness."
Gospel, R&B and Hip Hop luminaries Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Ciara, Keyisha Cole, James Ingram, Jackson's brother Jermaine, Shanice, the Rev. Shirley Caesar participated in the relief project.
The prince said the release has been delayed because additional artists wanted to contribute. But he declined to name those artists "I'd like to keep that as a surprise!" Sheik Abdullah also stated, "This is a raindrop before the thunderstorm,' he said. "He's getting ready to come out with a lot of bells and whistles. He's so energized. It's explosive."
Here are some quotes from some of the artists who participated on the song:
Eddie Levert from the legendary soul group, The OJay's: "James Ingram, Ciara, Snoop Dogg and Shirley Caesar were all there," said Eddie Levert, lead singer for The O'Jays. "Michael produced it on the phone from Bahrain. He talked to Shirley Caesar, he talked to James Ingram. He talked to everyone except me."
"Overall, it came out very well," Levert said. "It had a strong gospel feel. I think it's really a great song. If radio plays it, it could do very well."
Gospel great Rev. Shirley Caesar: "To work with him on this project was such a privilege and a blessing," Caesar said. "Michael is a true humanitarian."
Source: AP/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #760 - Friday Feb 17, 2006
In pictures: Jackson exhibition
Two photographers whom have had access of Michael in the 1980's will have their photos on display. Lynn Goldsmith followed Michael from the debut of Off The Wall in 1979. Michael went solo after much success with his brothers, photographed here with their cars.
Michael and Quincy Jones worked together in 1982 on Thriller to make the best-selling album. Songs such as Beat It and Billie Jean helped in the success of Thiller selling 45 million worldwide. Michael's ability to dance and to put special affects in his shows made his tours special events.
Photographer Harrison Funk followed Michael in the late 1980's through the Bad Tour. The display, which is called Anda's Spirit Presents Michael Jackson will be at the Proud Central in London until April 1.
Source: BBC/MJJF
Court voids Michael Jackson's ex-wife's loss of parental rights
Deborah Rowe's parental rights were not relinquished properly under law according to a California 2nd District Court of Appeals.
Michael Jackson who is traveling with his children in Italy could further appeal the ruling.
In 2001 Rowe gave up her parental rights and clearly wanted Michael to have sole custody, but the appellate court said the judge at that time didn't handle it properly.
Steven M. Lachs said in 2004 he failed to have state officials do an independent investigation to see what was the best interests of the children.
Lachs has voided his own ruling even though in 2001 he thought that the arrangement was the best interests of the children.
"A court cannot terminate parental rights based only on a parties' stipulation that a child's mother or father relinquishes those rights," said the appeals court.
A quote from the 18 page October 2001 ruling states Rowe:
"Michael has been a wonderful father and I don't wish to share parenting responsibilities," she said. " I want to give up all my rights of the children because I believe it is in the best interests of the children."
Rowe hadn't seen the children for more than a year when the hearing was held and she reiterated that she gave up all rights to them.
Jackson's lawyer warned her that if she changed her mind because of something she read or made her think Michael as a bad father she wouldn't have any recourse, but she clung to her position.
She stated that Michael wasn't capable of being a bad father and that he loved his children to much, according to the hearing transcript.
Rowe did change her mind two years later and sought temporary custody. Her reasons were due to the publicity surrounding the molestation charges and press reports that he was associated with Nation of Islam.
Deborah who is Jewish feared the children would be mistreated if Michael continued his association with the Nation of Islam, the ruling noted.
Lachs was quoted at the hearing of the Jackson's motion opposing her to regain parental rights as saying, " It was an arranged deal at the beginning. It wasn't mom or dad saying, 'Hey, let's raise a family that we will have.'"
The judge said that the couple agreed that Michael would raise the children.
Jackson's or Rowe's lawyers were not avaliable for comment on Wednesday.
Laurie Levenson a Law School professor said that the ruling puts Rowe back in the position she was before she relinquished her rights. State agencies would probably evaluate the situation if the case goes back to court, she says.
"No court has ever figured out what is best for these children, she said.
Rowe told the syndicated TV show "The Insider," " I am thrilled with today's ruling."
Raymone K. Bain, Michael's publicist, said she hadn't read the ruling.
Source: AP/MJJF
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Hotshot #2120
07 February 2006
RAYMONE BAIN RELEASES STATEMENT
Denies Pope John Paul II prayer rumours
Michael Jackson's spokesperson, Raymone Bain, has released the following statement regarding the recent reports that Michael is in talks to record music to the prayers of Pope John Paul II.
"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.
"None of Mr. Jackson�s authorized representatives have contacted either the Vatican, or Edizioni Musicali Terzo Millennio, regarding this proposed project. Michael Jackson is unaware of this project, and news reports stating otherwise are completely erroneous."
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MJJF eNews #758 - Monday Feb 6, 2006
Michael Jackson to set Pope's prayers to music
Discussions held in secret with singer Michael Jackson to put some of the prayers of Pope John Paul II to music have been made public after the singer fled members of the press who had got wind of the project.
24 religious prayers and chants written by the Pontiff who died last April, are reportedly to be set to music.
Yesterday, Father Giuseppe Moscati, of the Millennium Music Society, which specializes in church music and organizes musical events at the Vatican, reportedly confirmed the details.
Fr Moscati said: "We have the rights for the 24 prayers written by Pope John Paul."
Jackson is seen as a prime candidate because of his worldwide celebrity status.
"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 dismissed Jackson's controversial past and insisted it was no barrier to him working with the Catholic Church. The priest said: "He was cleared and found not guilty by a jury."
"Michael Jackson is very interested in this project -- we shall see what happens."
Some days ago it emerged that Jackson had secretly flown to Venice to sign a contract. But as news of his arrival leaked 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."
Source: ekklesia / scotsman / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #757 - Sunday Feb 5, 2006
eNews Special Offer
Learn To Dance Like Michael Jackson Online
Now you can learn how to dance like Michael Jackson Online from a certified dance instructor at
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Hi my name is Simone!
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These lessons are already online and available for you no matter where you are!
If you are reading this posting, you can get FREE access to this website by following 3 simple steps!
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If you are one of the first 20 people, you will get a FREE, private LIFETIME membership via email.
Here's what a website member who also happens to be an MJJ Forum member said after taking the lessons series:
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"Simone:
All I can say is, I CAN�T BELIEVE THIS!! This has got to be the most exciting, most innovative concepts I have seen in a very long time! Who would have thought that I can take dance classes, learn all the newest dance moves demonstrated by the most up to date music artists today, by a professional choreographer, right in my very home, ONLINE!!
Dance, has always been one of my biggest passions, along with Singing. I often wished that there were more studios that focused on Modern dance, Pop Lock as well as Break Dance, but this was few and far between. Even if there was, I wouldn�t be able to attend half as many classes as I would want, because of time constraints due to my busy days�. grrrr, always a road block! Now, with your ONLINE dance training, I could log on at ANYTIME and practice in my home! No need for traveling, no need to try and find a class that teaches the move I want to learn, I don�t even have to wonder if the dance instructor is any good�I am being taught by a REAL certified dance instructor/choreographer!!
Your dance training was so EASY!! The frame by frame � step by step enabled me learn the moves in literally seconds!! I loved the way you explained each move and how you described, were or when, the illusion will happen in the dance and what CAUSED the illusions. I also loved the way the website is set up where I CAN CHOOSE the dance I want to learn!! I was watching a video on TV and thought, how the heck did he do that? I ran to my computer, popped on to your site and POW, there was the dance move!!! One CLICK and I was learning the step! Lord, I think I�m in heaven!!!
Your online dance classes has not only saved me time, saved me money, saved me embarrassment of possibly tripping and falling in class in front of everyone, it enabled me to learn with ease and effectiveness�.I now want to challenge YOU to a dance off!!!
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MJJF eNews #757 - Sunday Feb 5, 2006
Papa Joe Thrills the Rap Bowl
Friday. Midnight. The Rap Bowl at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Between sets featuring Twista and Ludacris, Joe Jackson unexpectedly emerged on stage, wearing a suit with a yellow pocket square and a baseball cap that said, in part, "Hip Hop."
He said a few words about just having caught a red-eye flight, promoted a hip-hop boot camp and then launched the audience into a cheer, yelling, "Luda! Luda! Luda! Luda!"
After a long delay, Ludacris came onstage, giving Joe Jackson two shoutouts during his performance of "Yeah."
The Palace was about 75 percent full. Only a few Steelers or Seahawks emblems were spotted in the crowd. Many more people were wearing Detroit Lions jerseys.
Other performers included Juelz Santana, Freeway, and Juvenile.
Young Jeezy was taking the stage around midnight.
Source: Detroit Free Press / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #756 - Sunday Feb 5, 2006
MJJForum Revamped: Introducing MJJF Radio and MJJFtv!
MJJForum.com is proud to present our new and improved radio station, MJJF Radio! MJJF Radio is hosted by live365.com!
MJJF Radio will be giving away blockbuster prizes and merchandise! Want tickets to some of the hottest Michael Jackson fan events, like MJNewsonline's Visionary Event? Tune in to MJJF Radio to learn how YOU can win! We are even giving away merchandise signed by The King of Pop, Michael Jackson!
Are you still undecided about listening to MJJF Radio? Well, we have an exclusive interview with Taj Jackson, member of 3T! Taj is stopping by The 12 Inch Show to give us the 411 and to answer your questions! You can submit your questions to: [email protected]. DJ Thijzzz and DJ Arved are the hosts of The 12 Inch Show and The Basement! Tune in!
MJJF Radio plays all the hottest jams, remixes and mega mixes from Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5, The Jackson family and more! New shows will be added weekly, so please tune in!
MJJForum.com was the first Michael Jackson dedicated fansite to launch the only online television station devoted to The King of Pop, Michael Jackson. During the trial, MJJFtv daily broadcasts with breaking news, reports from the courtroom, and specials dedicated to Michael Jackson.
We�ve relaunched MJJFtv with a blazing video produced and directed by MJJF Member, Em-Jay. The special is called Michael Jackson � Visionary � The Video Megamix. It's only available in broadband format. Watch it here:
(If the player doesn't show; go to the address bar, select the url and press enter)
More specials and exclusive reports will be featured on MJJFtv, so please check back every single day!
MJJForum.com
Last but not least, MJJForum V.5 will be launching this year. Expect a new look to our website and forum! You can count on MJJForum to bring you exclusive content, interviews, and up to the minute news reports. Stay tuned!
Source: MJJF
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MJJF eNews #755 - Friday Feb 3, 2006
Michael Grows Support Ashore
Sony BMG Tapping Into Europe's Love For 'Visionary' Michael Jackson
An imminent crossmedia campaign from Sony BMG underlines Europe's undimmed appetite for the vintage work of Michael Jackson.
Between February and June in the United Kingdom, the company will begin a series of weekly rereleases of 20 of Jackson's best-known songs as limited-edition singles. The project is reminiscent of a highly successful Elvis Presley campaign that Sony BMG launched 12 months ago.
The Jackson series, under the banner "Visionary - The Video Singles," will see each single released on DualDisc with its original video. Sony BMG claims Jackson is the world's first artist to have DualDisc singles released. The Official U.K. Charts Co. confirms the singles are chart-eligible.
Sony BMG's Presley series was based around his 18 U.K. chart-toppers. All the reissues reached the top five and three reached No. 1, generating total U.K. sales of 625,000 units, according to the OCC.
The Jackson project is due to begin Feb. 20 with two singles, "Thriller" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." A limited, numbered box will also be sold to house all 20 releases. The series will conclude June 26 with "Blood On The Dance Floor."
Sony BMG U.K. VP of commercial marketing Darren Henderson believes total sales could outnumber the Presley campaign, claiming Jackson's commercial status in Europe has not been adversely affected by negative publicity surrounding his personal life and last year's 14-week U.S. child abuse trial.
"The media have more of an issue [with that] than the British record-buying public," he says. Further, the DualDisc aspect lets the company focus on Jackson's innovative visual work.
Henderson notes that while Sony BMG's international companies initially felt the Presley campaign was innappropriate for their markets, they noted the British sales and media impact with interest. Consequently, Sony BMG in France and in Germany will run with the Jackson series week by week. Other territories will release the singles in "batches." There were not any firm plans at press time for U.S. campaign.
Retail reaction so far is positive. London-based HMV U.K. & Ireland singles buyer Stewart Allan describes Jackson "one of the few artists with the depth of singles, recording heritage and dedicated fan base to make such a project work."
Allan points out that the label and retail can draw upon the Presley experience to make the campaign work effectively. "[This] also presents a perfect opportunity to further test and develop the DualDisc format," he adds.
Sony BMG says the 2005 38-track Epic double CD "The Essential Michael Jackson" is platinum in the United Kingdom (300,000 shipments). In the United States, however, negative publicity appears to have done more damage to the artist's commericial profile. In July the double CD had first week sales of only 8,000 units, according to Neilsen SoundScan, and has sold 93,000 to date. (My note: The writer failed to mention that the "Number Ones" CD has scanned 1.042 million in the USA thus far while the "Number Ones" DVD has scanned over 400,000 units. In addition, as many already know, Jackson scans an average 15,000 units in the USA each week.)
Jackson is still a presence at U.K. radio, Manchester's adult top 40 Key 103 PD Anthony Gay says. "We play Jackson at various points during the week," he says. " 'Billie Jean' and 'Beat It' are active songs, and we'll also work in others from the catalog."
Gay says he stopped playing Jackson's songs during the 2005 trial. "At times," he says, "the nature of the court reporting and the allegations created an uncomfortable atmosphere [that was] jarring around his music."
According to Gay, the reissue of the singles means he will "certainly consider" Jackson's catalog more in the coming weeks. "I'm sure his music will be picked up by new audiences," he adds, "as long as people are able to separate that from his personal life."
The singles campaign will not be the only reminder for U.K. consumers in early 2006 of Jackson's past work.
Dance track "Say Say Say (Waiting 4 U)" by Hi-Tack, originally on Dutch label Spinnin and which samples Jackson's vocal from his 1983 collaboration with Paul McCartney, will be released Jan. 16 in the United Kingdom by independent Gusto Records.
That will be followed by a dance version of Jackson's 1988 hit "Man In The Mirror" by Rhythme Digital featuring Redd Angel on dance indie All Around the World.
Source: Billboard / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #754 - Tuesday Jan 31, 2006
Michael Jackson Offers Sympathies To The King Family
Official Statement Regarding The Death Of Coretta Scott King
Michael Jackson releases the following statement upon learning of the
passing of Civil and Human Rights icon, Mrs. Coretta Scott King:
� I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mrs. Coretta Scott King.
I send my love, and heartfelt sympathy, to Martin III, Yolanda, Dexter,
Bernice, and the entire King family.
�Mrs. King is an irreplaceable jewel, who will be greatly missed.�
Source: Raymone K Bain
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28 January 2005
Hotshot #2117
MICHAEL JACKSON IN GERMANY
Takes children to visit friend.
Michael Jackson and his two eldest children, Prince & Paris, are in Hamburg, Germany.
The local police have confirmed reports to a daily publication Bild that Michael is staying in the area visiting a friend that he has known since a 1995 television appearance in Germany, according to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur.
Police have had to erect barricades around the residence to prevent fans from just walking onto the property.
It has also been reported that there are further flights in Michael�s name to Munich, Venice and Paris before a final flight back to Bahrain on February 10th.
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MJJF eNews #753 - Saturday Jan 28, 2006
MJJForum Welcomes You
MJJForum is happy to announce, that we have changed our policy regarding guests as well as registrations, to accommodate as many people as possible.
Starting today, MJJForum is happy to welcome everyone who wishes to do so, to read our forums without registering. Guests will now have read-only access to all our forums, so you can see what we�re all about.
Also, we have changed our policy regarding registrations, to once again welcome all type of e-mail addresses. This means, all of you who have tried to register but who were not able to, you can now re-register with your hotmail account.
We look forward to welcoming all of you to our online home, where we hope to see many of you discussing and having fun.
Please tell your MJ fan friends about our new policy and encourage them to sign up!
With Love,
MJJForum Staff
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MJJF eNews #752 - Saturday Jan 28, 2006
Michael Jackson in Germany
MJJForum can confirm that Michael Jackson is in Germany but it is our policy not to reveal his whereabouts. We wish Michael and his family a safe trip, and we hope that he will enjoy his stay in Europe.
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MJJF eNews #751 - Thursday Jan 26, 2006
Michael Jackson Fan Call To Action
MichaelGate: The Conspiracy, Author Geraldine Hughes Needs Your Support
Hello to the world's greatest fans, supporters and friends of Michael Jackson:
I continue to marvel at the power of Michael Jackson's fan clubs and fans. I seek your assistance once again in getting my next book "MichealGate: The Conspiracy" picked up by a major publisher which would eliminate the problems that we had with Redemption being published by a small publisher.
My agent is pitching MichaelGate to several major publishers and she feels that if we give them a sign of support from Michael's fans, this will move their hands in penning the deal. We are now looking at the book being released in February 2006 and, as most of you already know, it is about all the conspiracies that were responsible for the 2005 Michael Jackson trial. It is being called MichaelGate because I am skillfully showing the resemblances between Watergate and what happened to Michael Jackson (government abuse of power).
If you are in support of me getting this book published and out, this time by a major publisher, can you please send me a SHORT email stating why you think this book should be published and how you intend to support it: Please send email to: [email protected] titled "MichaelGate".
Thank you, once again, and with your help, my next book, which too will reveal the truth about the 2005 conspiracies, will not only be published, but will be promoted worldwide.
Join the discussion: http://www.mjjforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=70338
Source: Geraldine Hughes/MJJF
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MJJF eNews #750 - Wednesday Jan 25, 2006
Michael Jackson Spotted Behind Manama Mall
Pop star Michael Jackson was spotted behind a shopping mall in Manama, Bahrain, on Wednesday disguised as a Bahraini woman. Covered in a black abaya robe, a veil, gloves, and sunglasses, Jackson was accompanied by his three children whose faces were covered with black veils.
Jackson's cover was blown when a photographer spotted him at the popular Marina Mall with men's shoes peering out below the attire. With his three children and governess Grace Rwarmba in tow, the entertainer had been shopping for new shoes. Other shoppers soon recognized Jackson when his veiled children drew their attention.
"Please, no!" Jackson was quoted as having shouted to photographers before making a quick exit through the back of the mall with his children and Rwarmba.
As the group made their way to a waiting white vehicle, Rwarmba asked photographers to step back. "You have to give us some privacy," she told them. "Please, you have to understand his position, he is with his kids ... you need to leave us alone."
Despite the intrusion by the stalkerazzi, Jackson was able to shake hands with security guards. Photographers did manage to snap several pictures of Jackson holding the hand of his youngest son Blanket, and Rwarmba with his older son Prince and daughter Paris.
A Bahraini official at the mall confirmed that the person sighted at the mall was indeed Jackson.
Source: Associated Press / Reuters / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #749 - Tuesday Jan 24, 2006
Jackson Highest Selling Artist Ever
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry has just published its updated list of the 150 highest selling artists ever.
The full top 10 goes as follow:
01. The Beatles 40 400,000,000 UK 60s (1962-1970) Rock/Pop Guinness/EMI
02. Michael Jackson 14 350,000,000 US 70s-00s (1979-) Pop/R&B MJ Stats
03. Elvis Presley 150 300,000,000 US 50s-70s (1956-1977) Country/Rock
04. Madonna 16 275,000,000 US 80s-00s (1984-) Pop WBR [1]
05. Nana Mouskouri 450 250,000,000 Greece 60s-00s (1959-) Pop [2][3]
06. Cliff Richard 60 250,000,000 UK 50s-00s (1959-1969,1977-1979,1986-1999) Rock/Pop [4]
07.The Rolling Stones 54 ~250,000,000 UK 60s-00s (1964-1981) Rock 60.5 million in the US [5]
08. Mariah Carey 14 230,000,000 US 90s-00s (1990-) Pop/R&B
09. Elton John 43 ~220,000,000 UK 70s-00s (1972-1976,1989-1991,1997-) Pop [6]
10.Celine Dion 21 220,000,000 Canada 80s-00s (1990-) Pop Music/Pop Discography
Source: IFPI
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Please take the time to forward the below message to everyone in your address book.
NBC is not doing any marketing & publicity on Jamie's Music Special on NBC. To make it even worse he had two controversial guest stars, that do not fit the "NBC profile" on his show. Tune in to find out who they are. They are purposely putting his show up against the second week of American Idol in hopes that it will fail. This will give them the excuse to never give another black person a music special because "it doesn't work". Let's show them that it does work, and that we support each other. Tivo Idol, and watch Jamie.
Jamie Foxx making history on NBC. This is the first time NBC has ever aired an entire young urban African American cast on a music special. We need to show support. This was not an easy sell for Jamie and he stood his ground to make it happen the way he saw fit.
JAMIE FOXX MUSIC SPECIAL WILL BROADCAST
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25TH @
8:00PM PST on NBC.
PLEASE MAKE IT A POINT WATCH!
There will be surprise special guests.
This eblast is sponsored by Elbow Grease Productions, the producers of "Behind the Scenes at the Michael Jackson Trial"
MichaelJacksonInsider.com
TRUtalk: The Most Michael Jackson Trial Footage in the World
web: http://www.trutalk.us
Order both Jamie's new CD or purchase "Behind the Scenes at the Michael Jackson Trial" docu-ality DVD!
MJJF eNews #748 - Tuesday Jan 24, 2006
Proud Galleries
ANDA�S SPIRIT PRESENTS:
MICHAEL JACKSON
HARRISON FUNK AND LYNN GOLDSMITH
17
10am-7pm Mon-Thurs 11am-6pm Fri-Sun
5 Buckingham Street, The Strand, London WC2N6BP
http://www.proud.co.uk
Michael Jackson is the biggest selling artist of all time. Born in 1958, his rapid rise to fame from the age of four, in the Jackson Five, has led to phenomenal success and an entire life spent in the public eye. In the 70�s and 80�s Jackson�s music, dancing, live shows, and videos revolutionised pop. During the last two decades however, his bizarre private life has increasingly become the focus of unwanted media attention.
Now, as the world waits to see how the �King of Pop� will re-launch his career, Proud Central announces an exhibition of photographs by acclaimed music photographers Lynn Goldsmith and Harrison Funk that will chart in over 60 images an extraordinary music career, and life in the public eye.
Lynn Goldsmith�s
� covering the early days of his collaboration with Quincy Jones, the success of Off the Wall after 1979, and the release of Thriller in 1982 � still the biggest selling album of all time. As Michael Jackson�s official photographer between 1984 and 1995, Harrison Funk witnessed key moments of the height of his career. Granted unparalleled access by Jackson, Harrison Funk travelled with him on the 1984 Victory tour, which sparked the greatest demand for concert tickets in history, and the 1987-1989 Bad tour. Both photographers caught on film fascinating private and public moments in the life of Michael Jackson.
MICHAEL JACKSON
�Working with Michael was one of the most amazing creative experiences of my life. He has a way of pushing an artist creatively like no one else.� Harrison Funk
�Michael is not like anyone else I have ever met. Do you know any 5 year old child who could wake up on Saturday mornings and watch themselves on the TV as an animated cartoon? Michael did. No one should expect him to behave as a normal person. He did not grow up in the same world as us. Besides, what is the point in expecting a genius to behave as a normal person?�
"Michael Jackson has given to the world what few artists have done. His music is often about love and peace, and what could be more fitting than a website devoted to love sponsoring such an important retrospective of photographs of the height Jackson's of success."
Michael Jackson runs 17th February � 1st April 2006 at Proud Gallery Central, in association with Anda�s Spirit, 5 Buckingham Street, The Strand, London WC2N 6BP, 10am-7pm Mon-Thurs; 11am-6pm Fri-Sun, Entry: Free
http://www.andaspirit.com/proud
Source: Proud Galleries/MJJF
Henri Zimmand, Anda�s SpiritLynn Goldsmithat Proud Central will present the work of Harrison Funk and Lynn Goldsmith together for the first time, and will be a timely and intriguing look at the meteoric rise, and astounding heights of Michael Jackson�s career so far.photographs focus on the beginning of Michael Jackson�s solo career, from 1980 to 1985th February � 1st April 2006
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MJJF eNews #747 - Monday Jan 23, 2006
Neverland Veterinarian Settles Case
Dinnes Speaks Out, PETA Again Eats Crow
The old saying "time will reveal all things" seems so apropos when it comes to making sense out of the drama created for Michael Jackson by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The veterinarian who had filed suit against Jackson announced that the claim has been settled, and he staunchly countered allegations from PETA that Jackson's animals are not being well tended to.
The animal rights organization had publicly accused Jackson of neglect of the animals residing in his Neverland zoo. On or around January 16, 2006, the press was abuzz with news that PETA had demanded there be an official investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) into the living conditions of Jackson's animals. In a statement released to the media, PETA spokeswoman Lisa Wathne said that she had seen aerial photographs of the animals living in bleak conditions and surrounded by pools of urine.
"These animals are in enclosures that are completely barren, it looks like a dilapidated roadside zoo," Wathne said. "The animals have no enrichment of any kind. They are deprived of everything that's natural to them. We have heard accusations that employees aren't being paid and that animals aren't being fed, or that food is only available on a day-to-day basis.
"We have asked the USDA to investigate the situation and if they determine the animals are not being cared for properly to confiscate the animals and release them to accredited sanctuaries."
Wathne had also stated that PETA did not expect to hear back from the USDA for several months, "but we do feel that with all the accusations coming forward this is potentially a serious enough situation that there is a good chance the USDA has already looked into it, and we hope it is acting to address the situation."
Days later, Darby Holladay, a spokesman for the USDA, revealed that there had in fact been an investigation and that it was concluded that allegations of animal mistreatment were unfounded. The animal care veterinarians who visited Neverland on December 21, 2005, deemed the creatures to be in "good health." There were no apparent violations of the Animal Welfare Act at Neverland Valley Ranch.
It was also learned from Holladay's statements that PETA had filed their complaint with the government agency on December 19, 2005, a whole month prior to their spokeswoman creating a media frenzy relating to said complaint. Why the wait to publicly accuse Jackson of animal cruelty? Why had they not informed the public that they had already contacted the USDA in December?
In response to a letter from one inquiring mind, Wathne stated that PETA had "sent a letter to the USDA asking them to investigate the many allegations from employees and former employees at Neverland that the animals are not being properly cared for." It is unclear as to whether or not these allegations from these supposed "employees and former employees at Neverland" were made directly to PETA.
Wathne also reiterated what she had said to the press: "As I said to the media, from the few photos I have seen (taken by air), Neverland at this time resembles nothing more than a shabby roadside zoo - the animal enclosures were absolutely barren, devoid of anything natural and with no apparent enrichment for the animals."
Oddly, she never once mentions that her expertise or that of anyone else at PETA had also been in aerial photography analysis. But to be fair, nobody bothered asking. It is understandable that Photoshop, shadows, or elephant poop can deceive the untrained (or gullible) eye into believing that they are seeing pools of blood.
Another responder by the name of Jenny Woods gave additional reasons as to why PETA fired off their complaint.
"In this case, we were given several reasons to look into the allegations against Mr. Jackson, including a feature on Fox News suggesting that Mr. Jackson�s animals were being neglected and that ranch workers were not being paid as well as allegations that Mr. Jackson is being sued for not paying his veterinarian," she offered.
Only Woods knows of what "several reasons" prompted them to act, but we'll deal with the ones that she outlined. Woods said that PETA based their complaint off of a "Fox News feature" and also on the fact that Jackson�s longtime veterinarian was suing him. This "Fox News feature" was actually a gossip column by �ber Jackson stalker Roger Friedman, a man who proclaims that Jackson is near financial ruin every other day.
Friedman had dedicated yet another piece to Jackson's pending doom on Friday, December 16, 2005, in which there was a small bit about the animals at Neverland: "Also, there are real fears now for the animals in Jackson's home zoo. Last week, the ranch was down to almost no food for the animals. At the last minute, sources say, a delivery was made, but it won't last long."
PETA's complaint to the USDA followed on Monday, December 19. There has been no success in trying to pry from the ever-evasive PETA what other criteria triggered their reflex pressing of the "Alert: Animals in Danger" button.
Just about everyone (except PETA) fails to find a connection between Jackson being sued by his vet and allegations that his animals aren't being cared for. A report of that suit had included a blurb that veterinarian Martin Dinnes had still been caring for the animals despite not receiving pay. Additionally, Dinnes' suit was filed on December 27, 2005, eight days after PETA had lodged its complaint and six days after the USDA had sent a team to assess the condition of the animals. Unless they are psychics, PETA cannot possibly claim that their accusations of animal cruelty had anything to do with Dinnes's suit.
What was even more perplexing was that Woods trashed the USDA's conclusion. Hadn't they written to this agency to investigate the matter? Now they are dismissing their findings?
In the same letter, which had also been sent to several other outraged individuals, Woods stated, "The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) findings do not prove that the animals at Neverland are being well cared-for. This government agency is well-known for having only minimal requirements for the care of captive animals, and the USDA typically only takes action in cases in which animals are in extremely dire or life-threatening situations."
Wathne made a similar statement to the press: "The USDA enforces the federal Animal Welfare Act, which establishes minimum standards of animal care, and I have to emphasize minimum. The USDA takes action only when the animals are dying or are in dire straits."
This is somewhat amusing considering that PETA had no problem with the USDA's "minimal requirements" when the agency investigated allegations levied against Utah's Hogle Zoo and eventually fined them for animal neglect in 2005.
In an April 2005 Fact Sheet, PETA had the following about the Hogle Zoo situation: "Hogle Zoo has failed to meet minimal federal standards for the care of animals used in exhibition as established in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited, warned, and penalized Hogle Zoo for violations that include failure to safely cage animals, filthy conditions, unsanitary feeding, failure to provide shelter from inclement weather, failure to provide adequate veterinary care, supplying animals with contaminated drinking water, and failure to maintain facilities in good repair."
It is quite disturbing to then see PETA discarding as not enough to "prove that the animals at Neverland are being well cared for" the USDA's conclusion as to the allegations of Jackson's animals living in "squalor." Is the government findings only relevant when they support and assist in furthering your bottom line? These statements from PETA sound mighty hypocritical.
On January 23, 2006, the Santa Barbara News-Press published statements from a seemingly furious Dinnes about the media reports surrounding his lawsuit against Jackson. Not only does he state that the situation has been resolved, but that the animals that have been under his care are doing just fine.
"Through all of this, all the principals, and Neverland, and MJJ, and all of Michael's entities knew that even if I didn't get paid," Dinnes said. "I was going to take care of those animals."
In speaking about the USDA investigation, the doctor stated, "Attacking the health and welfare of those animals is a direct attack on me, and my credentials are impeccable. We really have nothing to hide. Our doors are open, to the right people. You could eat off the ground on that property."
The animals at Neverland are privileged to have a first class menagerie comprised of architectually designed, custom-built homes.
"Michael and I are very close," Dinnes added. "We've been close for 20 years. My dispute was not with Michael. It was with his business people. Through everything that Michael went through, their mind wasn't on a lot of things. I've been there with him before, through times when I failed to get a check on time, but they never, ever stuck me, and I was assured they never would again. Something triggered me to file, but it's all settled.
"I'm not paid, pending a signature, but suffice it to say, it's settled," he continued. "We got a clean bill of health from the USDA, and I have that in writing. I talked to Pete Miller at Santa Barbara County Animal Services. He's an investigator. I have a long history with them. Pete said, 'Marty, I believe whatever you say. I just had to call you because we hear what we consider rumors.'
"Contrary to what people are saying in all these looney toon reports, the animals are fine," Dinnes stated. "I go up there once a week. The animals are well fed. They're in good condition. It's just not like what's reported.
"My attorney asked the Enquirer, 'Where'd you get the information?' They said, PETA. 'Where'd you get the pictures that you took?' They said, 'From a helicopter.'
"You know how you can doctor pictures; I'm just surmising. They did take a picture of the elephants being walked, and they conveniently had a clump of elephant poop around them. They took a picture of the giraffes in the yard, and claimed that there was a dark spot on the ground that they said was blood. Under my watch, that can never happen," the doctor said.
If you ask PETA, they will tell you that they had been contacted by the National Enquirer to comment on the pictures; however, according to Dinnes, the tabloid is claiming that they received their story from PETA. Confused?
Now that the Dinnes suit is practically settled and he personally vouches for the condition of the Neverland animals, in addition to the USDA conclusion, one would hope that PETA would take a hint and back off. Maybe a second helping of crow soup would help with the digestion of that bitter pill they have to swallow yet again for having jumped on half-assed statements being made by ghosts quoted by gossipmonger Roger Friedman.
Prior to Dinnes announcing the settlement of his suit, PETA intended on going after Jackson further. If they have not yet filed a second complaint, we would hope that they will reconsider the thought of doing so. No animal mistreatment was found at Neverland and they should accept the USDA conclusion as they have in the past. We are certain that the millions that PETA receives from the many who genuinely love animals would be better used for the pursuance of cases of real animal atrocity and not for the chasing of nonexistent threats to animal welfare.
Source: MJJForum. Additional sources: Associated Press, Fox News, Santa Barbara News-Press, Santa Maria Times
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MJJF eNews #746 - Saturday Jan 21, 2006
Solvang Lawyer Shows Interest In D.A. Race
Gary Dunlap May Be Running For Santa Barbara District Attorney
A Solvang lawyer who has a civil-rights lawsuit pending against Santa Barbara County prosecutors took a step Friday toward running for District Attorney.
Gary Dunlap, 64, took out a petition that candidates can use to reduce their filing fees, according to Marlene Veatch, Santa Maria supervisor of the county Elections Division.
The signature in lieu of filing fees process, which ends Feb. 23, is often the first step taken by candidates running for office.
Dunlap did not return calls for comment late Friday.
Candidates for district attorney don't have to file for candidacy until March 10. If no candidate receives a majority of votes during a June 6 primary, the race will be decided Nov. 7 during a run-off election.
The district attorney position pays $121,056 annually.
Assistant District Attorney Christie Stanley, who supervises prosecutors in Santa Maria, is the only other person who has expressed interest in replacing retiring District Attorney Tom Sneddon.
Sneddon will leave office in December 2006 after his sixth four-year term.
"I welcome any opponents," Stanley said Friday. "And I plan to win the race."
Dunlap has sued the District Attorney's Office and accused Stanley and other prosecutors of violating his civil rights, inflicting emotional distress and interfering with his law practice by wrongfully prosecuting him on charges of suborning perjury and witness tampering.
A federal judge has set an Aug. 7 trial date for the $10 million lawsuit, which is to take place in Los Angeles.
A Santa Maria jury in 2003 acquitted Dunlap of six felony counts, including suborning perjury, witness intimidation, filing false documents and preparing false documents.
Dunlap pleaded no contest to misdemeanor marijuana possession and an infraction for possessing drug paraphernalia, two violations that surfaced when his home and office were searched as part of the investigation.
Stanley declined comment on the pending civil case.
Source: santamariatimes / MJJF
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MJJF eNews #745 - Saturday Jan 21, 2006
Raymone Bain speaks to Geraldo
Friday, January 20th, 2006, Raymone Bain sat down with Geraldo Reviera to talk about Michael Jackson, and dispell some of the current rumours.
Following is a transcript, kindly provided by MJJF staff-member mello1, of the piece entitled "Truth About Jackson"
*******************************
Geraldo: Ever since his June accquital on child molestation charges, Michael Jackson as you know has been engulfed in controversy, ranging from the bizarre to the comic, everything from reports on his being broke to his begging for a job to mistreatment of his exotic animals back on his Neverland Valley Ranch.
But forget the rumors because today we set the record straight about the rumors about the once King of Pop Michael Jackson.
Background:
MJ video clip from the Feb 2005 interview with Geraldo: Summary comments: Celebrities are always a target -- the bigger the star, the bigger the target -- They come after celebrities -- we are targets....
Geraldo: Living on the other side of the world in the tiny Persian Gulf country of Bahrain has not kept the pop star out of the crosshairs. Court filings and claims against him continue to plague the beleagued idol, perhaps straining his legendary forture and his health.
showing pics of MJ with the Prince, MJ with Bain in London, video clip of MJ coming and going to court along with the pjs clip...
Just a shortlist of recently published claims include Jackson on the edge of financial ruin, Jackson's ex-wife wanting her kids rescued from the middle east and another that he owes $48 million in fees related to his rights to the Beatles musical catalog. Then there's the claim regarding Michael's Neverland Ranch, where if the claims? by animal activists, federal inspectors found his exotic animals in good health after a surpirse inspection.
video clip of NLVR and animals; video clip of MJ in studio wearing black (clip does not appear to be a new one -- I've seen it before). MJ is wearing all black.
Trying to remain out of the eye of the storm in the US, the KOP remains living in Bahrain with his children, where he is putting the final touches on his long awaited hurricane relief song which features artists like Snoop Dogg, Babyface and R. Kelly among many others and is due now for release next month.
_____________________
Joining me now to sort fact from fiction is Michael Jackson's spokesperson, my friend, Raymone K. Bain.
G: Hi Raymone!
RB: Hi Geraldo (she was wearing a black suit with white piping and a three string pearl necklace)
G: First of all Raymone, you know the rumor that swept the world that he is on prescription drugs, on Demoral, that he is abusing these drugs and he's very, very ill ---
RB: Hmm -- Not true. I've seen him, I've spent time with him, we've been on the phone and there's so many other people who have been speaking to him recently -- there's so many people who have spoken to Michael in the last several months, that can verify the fact that he is not drowning in drugs. It is unbelievable how some of these reports are dissiminated.
G: But how often do you speak with him?
RB: I have been speaking to him quite a lot because as I've said, he has been 'hands-on' with regards to work--
G: So when was the last time you spoke to him?
RB: Yesterday.
G: Just yesterday.
RB: Yes. um hmm.
G: Okay so he is focused and you think that he is physically in good shape.
RB: Well I know he's physically in good shape -- I've seen him, I've been in his presence, my team has been in his presence, the artists have been speaking to him constantly back and forth about this project that we're hoping will help tremendously down in the southern --
G: 'I Have This Dream' -- now when is this song being released?
RB: We are looking at releasing it mid-month -- in February -- mid to late February.
G: And will the proceeds will be going to Katrina relief?
RB: Yes.
G: Was he looking for --
RB: Absolutely not --
G: -- begging for a job in Bahrain?
RB: Absolutely NOT! I was astounished in looking at some major reputable news organizations where the headlines were: 'Michael Jackson looks for a job'! The truth is is that a multi-billion dollar entertainment conglomerate has asked him if he would consider becoming an advisor helping to bring entertainment enterprises to the Middle East.
Don't believe 90% of what you read because 9 times out of 10, it isn't true. And this record is happening, we have some absolutely fabulous artists who are participating and we are hoping that it will help tremendously down in the Gulf region of this country.
Source: Fox News / MJJF
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MJJF eNews #744 - Friday Jan 20, 2006
Judge considers dismissing lawsuit against Michael Jackson
A federal judge sought more information Wednesday about repressed memories, before deciding whether to dismiss a lawsuit by a man claiming he was molested by pop star Michael Jackson more than 20 years ago.
Jackson's lawyer, Charles F. Gay Jr., has asked U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon to throw out the suit by Joseph Bartucci Jr. because the alleged incident happened more than 20 years ago.
There is a one-year statute of limitations on filing a lawsuit in such cases.
Bartucci, who was 18 in 1984, argues the statute applies only from the time he recovered a repressed memory of the event after seeing a television show about child molestation charges against Jackson in California. The singer was acquitted in that case.
Bartucci claims he was lured into Jackson's limousine in 1984 and held for nine days during which he was sexually assaulted.
Jackson's attorneys have called Bartucci's claim a "fantastic tale" in court papers seeking to have it dismissed.
"They have no facts or evidence to support the claim of repressed memory," Gay said, contending the notion is not supported by medical studies.
Attorney Louis Koerner, who represents Bartucci, countered that his client "went through a terrible, terrible, terrible time."
Judge Fallon asked Koerner to depose Dr. L. Mulry Tetlow, a psychologist who agreed that Bartucci had repressed the memory.
"I want to look at what he says about repressed memory," Fallon said.
Lawyers for Jackson said Bartucci was a party to 18 civil suits and criminal complaints in the past 17 years.
"We think this whole thing was conjured up by a guy who knows how to use the system," Gay said.
Neither Jackson nor Bartucci were in court.
Source: AP / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #743 - Wednesday Jan 18, 2006
Neverland Animals Check Out Okay
PETA Forced To Eat Crow
In a recent investigation by federal authorities, it was concluded that the animals at Michael Jackson's Neverland Valley Ranch are not being mistreated.
An inspector had been sent to the sprawling California estate by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in December 2005 in response to a complaint made by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who had based their complaint on tabloid reports that Jackson's animals were living under substandard conditions. Allegations of animal cruelty were deemed unfounded.
On Tuesday, USDA spokesman Darby Holladay said, "Whoever files a complaint, we usually send someone out to check out the situation as quickly as possible. PETA filed their complaint on Dec. 19. On the morning of the 21st, one of the animal care veterinarians went on-site and determined that the animals were in good health."
Jackson's ranch has been home to giraffes, elephants, snakes, orangutans, tigers, swans, flamingos and other animals. The federal animal care specialist who observed the animals last month reported that "they did not have any problems."
PETA's specialist on captive animals Lisa Wathne said that she hoped that the USDA investigation was correct. She admits that prior to filing a complaint that PETA did not attempt to corroborate tabloid reports of the purported mistreatment.
Wathne stated, "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."
Despite the USDA conclusion, Wathne believes that more should be done. PETA had offered to relocate Jackson's animals to accredited facilities, and now that Jackson is currently residing outside of the U.S., Wathne said that the offer still stands.
Not ones to wait, PETA intends to file a similar complaint with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service because African orangutans and elephants are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.
"A real big problem when someone like Michael Jackson or any other celebrity owns exotic animals is it encourages members of the public to do it," Wathne said. "They're encouraging exotic animals as pets, and that just perpetuates the very cruel trade in exotic animals."
However, USDA spokesman Holladay said the facts of past and recent visits to Jackson's home speak for themselves. "I'm unaware of any violations of the Animal Welfare Act at Neverland."
In response to the USDA's findings, attorney Brian Oxman, who had represented the entertainer during his recent trial, stated, "That's very nice and we appreciate it."
Source: Associated Press / Santa Barbara News-Press / MJJForum
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MJNI.COM Hotshots
News Hotshot #2115
18 January 2005
MICHAEL JACKSON'S ANIMALS NOT MISTREATED
Claims of cruelty unfounded
Animals at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch zoo are not being mis-treated according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Spokesman with the USDA, Mr. Darby Holladay, told the News-Press that the claims of animal cruelty were unfounded.
The complaint was made by the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), based on European tabloid reports.
"PETA filed their complaint on December 19," Mr. Holladay said. "On the morning of the 21st, one of the animal care veterinarians went on-site and determined that the animals were in good health." He also went on to say that he was "unaware of any violations of the Animal Welfare Act at Neverland."
One of Michael's lawyers, Brian Oxman, welcomed the USDA's stance, saying "thats very nice and we appreciate it."
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From: "Pearl Jr"
Subject: News from Elbow Grease Productions
Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2006 22:40:48 -0500 (EST)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
............Press Release .....
Another Ridiculous Accusation Against Jackson
by Aaron Barrow
MJ News Source
Jan 14, 2006 The King Of Pop, Michael Jackson, has been accused of sexual molestation once again. Before you pass judgment, commentator Pearl Jr. and I dug up the truth behind this matter.
In March of 2004, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) launched a criminal investigation after, then, 18-year-old Daniel Kapone made allegations of sexual abuse. After a two-month investigation, the LAPD cleared Jackson of all accusations, finding the accuser and allegations not credible.
It has been reported that in November of 2004, victim's rights attorney, Gloria Allred, represented Kapone. Then months later when Allred discovered that Kapone had never met the pop star, Allred quickly dropped Kapone as her client.
The next month after Jackson was acquitted and found �Not Guilty� on all counts in his 2005 child molestation trial, on July 25, Kapone filed a handwritten, paper-thin, lawsuit with little or no details. At that time, Kapone had no legal representation. Then, in October 2005, Kapone re- submitted his lawsuit, this time with an official document and an attorney. In the lawsuit obtained by www.mjnewssource.com, Kapone filed suit against Jackson, his company MJJ Productions, and SONY Music Corp. Also, the suit listed 1-200 defendants. Kapone�s attorney, Matthew Mattern listed 20 charges stemming from child molestation, plagiarism, and violation of certain civil rights.
Kapone claims that from 1987, when he was two, until December 1999, Jackson sexually molested him, stole his music, and forced him into having cosmetic surgery. The suit claims that Jackson stole songs for the 1987 album "Bad." From the time-line supplied, Kapone would have to be 6 months old, writing songs for the album with the most number-one hits in music history. Kapone also says that Jackson stole songs and released them on the albums "Dangerous," "HIStory: Past, Present, and Future," and "Blood on The Dancefloor." Furthermore, Kapone claims that Jackson gave him drugs and alcohol plus called him Jewish epithets.
Even though Kapone wanted to testify as an �1108� witness in Jackson's 2005 trial, he did not because when he was interviewed by Santa Barbara County District Attorney, Tom Sneddon and Deputy- District Attorney, Ron Zonen, BOTH decided NOT to have Kapone as a witness because his allegations were simply too unbelievable.
To date, Michael Jackson�s archenemies Tom Sneddon, Ron Zonen, and Gloria Allred have all passed on this witness due to these outrageously far- fetched claims. With this in mind, who is attorney Matthew Mattern--some type of thrilled seeking, self- serving, ambulance chasing, money hungry lawyer trying to grab his 15 minutes of fame by taking on a case that Michael�s worst enemies won�t even touch.
Lastly, Kapone sold his story for an undisclosed amount to a Brithish tabloid. It was published on May 29, 2004. Kapone also is a part of the high school gang "Messed Up Friends Club" and he was named "head lyncher." Kapone told the tabloid that he was being molested from the age of three [1988] until nine [1994]. But in the lawsuit he says that he was being molested from the age of two [1987] until fourteen [1999]. Making the ridiculous even more ludicrous!
A court hearing is scheduled for February 14, 2006 in Orange County Superior Court. From the evidence that MJNS has seen, it is clearly evident that these charges are, like always, absolutely ridiculous.
MJNS called Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone Bain and was told that these allegations are 1000% false, fabricated, and made up. We also called Jackson's personal attorney, Brian Oxman, and was told these allegations are �absolutely ridiculous and this is one of the prices you have to pay for being Michael Jackson...it�s a very sad price to pay.� Thomas A. Mesereau, Jr., who successfully defended Jackson at his 2005 trial was reported as saying that �these allegations are ridiculous on their face and that they will be vigorously defended."
MJNewsOnline Michael Jackson Extravaganza In London
With the support of MJJForum, MJJForum Europe and fan clubs worldwide, MJ News Online will be hosting the Michael Jackson Extravaganza in London, in celebration of Michael's remarkable career, song and dance, on April 23rd of this year.
There are two parts to the day...the first being the Michael Jackson Cinema Screening, where highlights from Michael's greatest performances and tours will be shown on the big screen, from 1-3pm.
Then, the VISIONARY Party...a 7-hour event featuring some of the worlds best Michael tribute artists and impersonators, book and DVD signings, an art exhibition...and much more. The VISIONARY Party will be held at one of London's top venues, the CC club, who are known for their spectacular lighting displays, and highly publicized events.
The likes of Slash, Usher, Beyonce, Ashanti, Lisa-Marie Presley, and many, many more have performed there, making it one of the most famous, and sought after venues in all of London.
We are working closely with cc club to create a fantastic highly themed atmosphere, complete with customized lighting effects, projection screens, and much more.
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MJJF eNews # 741 - Monday Jan 16, 2006
The International Jackson Event 2006
TNG Productions and Silva Entertainment would like to invite you all to attend an Event which will be unlike any you have seen before� one of music, dance, magic and much more, bringing together Jackson fans from all around the world.
The Venue is to be the world famous Hollywood Music Hall in Rotterdam , highly prized for its amazing lazer shows and huge stage.
We will also be holding a Jackson Idols Contest so please check the page for more details on how you can enter, plus there will be many stalls selling merchandise, and your chance to win some unique signed merchandise by enterting our Lottery.
Many of the top professional performers will be on stage to amaze you with their shows, and with the music of the Jackson's, Michael, Janet and 3T what better way to spend the night!
The Jackson family have given their full support for this Event and we expect to have 1000 people attend.
Michael has been invited to the Event!
All the profits made will be going to the Ronald McDonald Children's Charity Fund.
We promise to make this a day to remember� and to show that the Jackson family name will go down in HIStory as the World's number one entertainers!
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MJJF eNews #740 - Monday Jan 9, 2006
Jackson Relief Song On Track
Jackson relief song on track
FINISHING touches are now being put to the final production of Michael Jackson's Hurricane Katrina relief song - which is being released on Bahraini label 2 Seas Records, according to a statement released by his publicist Raymone Bain yesterday.
The label belongs to Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is reportedly spearheading the project.
Recording artists Keisha Cole, Ciara, Snoop Dogg, Babyface and R Kelly are among singer taking part in the song, I Have This Dream.
It was written by Mr Jackson in response to Hurricane Katrina, which happened at the end of last August and was the most destructive and costliest natural disaster in the history of the US.
"This project is in response to the widespread devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina," said Shaikh Abdulla in the statement.
"It is my hope that the proceeds from this recording will make a tremendous difference to all individuals affected by this tragedy in the US."
He also said more than 10 additional artistes participating in the production would be named.
Most of the participants recorded their parts in Los Angeles, while Mr Jackson himself recorded in London.
No release date for the song has been announced, but a spokesman said it is due out "very soon".
Source: gulf daily news / MJJF
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News Hotshot #2113
Sun, 8 Jan 2006 13:35:02 -0500 (EST)
MICHAEL JACKSON TO HELP BAHRAIN ENTERTAINMENT PROJECTS
Discussions to work with AAJ Holdings
Michael Jackson is said to be discussing potential entertainment projects in the Gulf with Bahrain based company AAJ Holdings.
The discussions concern possibly working with each other on theme parks and music academies, according to the Gulf Daily News. Michael could provide consultancy advice to help the music and entertainment industry in the Gulf.
AAJ Holdings owner Ahmed Abubaker Janahi said these entertainment projects could revive stagnant properties.
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MJJF eNews #739 - Saturday Jan 7, 2006
MJJForum Breaking News: The King of Pop May Help Bahrain Entertainment Projects
MANAMA: The King of Pop, Michael Jackson is currently in talks with a Bahrain-based company over a string of possible entertainment projects in the Gulf, from theme parks to music academies according to The Gulf Daily News.
AAJ Holdings & Michael Jackson are discussing various ideas to help bolster the music and entertainment sector in the Gulf, the parties announced yesterday.
Mr. Jackson would be in the role of consultant, offering advice on how to revitalize the music and entertainement sector in The Gulf. Michael Jackson has been in the entertainment industry well over 35 years and has vast holdings, such as MiJac Publishing and the heavily sought after 50% share of the Sony/ATV publishing house.
"Stagnant" properties could be revived through entertainment projects, says AAJ Holdings owner and founder Ahmed Abubaker Janahi.
His group has interests in companies around the world and concentrates on projects involving city and urban developments.
AAJ Holdings was instrumental in the creation of the Bahrain Financial Harbour in Bahrain and the Blue City in Oman.
Officials would not comment further yesterday.
Source: gulf-daily-news.com/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #738 - Thursday Jan 5, 2006
Michael Jackson Memorabilia Lawsuit Dismissed In Federal Court
A lawsuit filed by Michael Jackson two year ago, against a New Jersey man over Jackson memorabilia shown on a pay-per-view Web site, was yesterday tosses out because Jackson stopped persuing it, according to court papers.
The entertainer had alleged in his lawsuit against Henry V. Vaccaro that at least some of the items displayed, still belonged to him, and therefore Vaccaro had to right to them. U.S. District Judge Florence-Marie Cooper had acted on the allegations by issuing a court order which barred Vaccaro from displaying or selling them items, as long as the case was pending.
Late Wednesday, it was unclear how the dismissal order would affect the possible display of the items � including costumes, pictures and personal items such as court papers and letters.
The items had been in an Oxnard storage facility, and were sold as part of a bankruptcy proceeding involving Joseph and Katherine Jackson, as well as Michael Jackson�s two brothers, Tito and Jermaine Jackson, the lawsuit stated. An attorney for Vaccaro, Edgar Pease III, said after a court hearing in March 2004, that his client had paid about $25,000 for the collection.
Vaccaro had cataloged and displayed the items on a website, which promised �the MOST juicy information� about Michael, Janet, LaToya and the rest of the Jackson family.
Although the court order barred Vaccaro from selling the items, several news outlets reported in 2002, that before the order was issued, Vaccaro had already some items to a European buyer.
A call placed to a Jackson representative was not immediately returned late today, and an attorney who had represented Jackson in the matter, said he was no longer involved in the case.
Jackson had sought at least $10 million from Vaccaro.
Source: NBC4 / MJJForum
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To: [email protected]
From: "paul colebrook"
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2006 15:38:55 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: [Positive Voices 4 MJJ] GREAT ARTICLE!!! What They Don't Want You to Know About Michael Jackson!!
January 5, 2006
By Christopher Hamilton
What do you think of when you hear the name, Michael Jackson? Wacko?
Criminal? Great Entertainer? Businessman? Whatever you think of MJ, throw
all your thoughts out of the window and let's examine some facts.
For years the media has labeled him "Wacko Jacko." What happened to MJ?
Wasn't he the biggest thing in music at one point? When did he go
crazy?
All anyone has to do is look when Michael started being portrayed as
"Crazy." It wasn't during the "Thriller" years. It's cool being a song
and dance man. That's what they want. DON'T DARE BECOME A THINKING
BUSINESSMAN. DON'T DARE BUY THE BEATLES CATALOG. DON'T DARE MARRY ELVIS'
DAUGHTER. DON'T DARE BEAT THE RECORD INDUSTRY AT THEIR OWN GAME. Michael
started being labeled crazy when he began making business moves that no
one had been successful at doing.
Michael took two cultural icons and shattered them to pieces. All our
lives, we've been bombarded with 2 facts. The Beatles were the greatest
group of all time and Elvis was the King of Rock and Roll. Michael
bought the Beatles and married the King's daughter. (if that ain't
literally sticking it to the man) If I wasn't a cynic, I'd say Michael did the
Lisa Marie thing just to stick it to the people who consider Elvis the
King.
The Beatles were great, but they weren't great enough to maintain
publishing rights over their own songs.
Elvis was great, but he didn't write his songs. His manager, Col Tom
Parker, was the mastermind behind Elvis ... keeping him drugged with
fresh subscription pills and doing all the paperwork.
Michael could do no wrong as an entertainer. "Off the Wall," first solo
artist with 4 top ten singles. "Thriller," the biggest selling album of
all time, with a then record 7 top ten singles. "Bad," the first album
to spawn 5 number one songs (even Thriller only had 2 number one
songs). All this is cool. But that is all you better do. SING AND DANCE.
Michael wanted to be greater. He bought the legendary Sly and the Family
Stone catalog and no one really cared. When he bought the Beatles, people
noticed. The Sony merger took the cake. Sony, in their eagerness to
have a part of the Beatles catalog, agreed to a 50/50 merger with Jackson,
thus forming Sony/ATV music publishing. Now, Michael co-owns half of
the entire publishing of all of Sony artists. Check out the complete
lists of songs at sonyatv.com. A sampling of the songs he owns the
publishing rights to are over 900 country songs by artists such as Tammy
Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Alabama. All Babyface written songs. Latin songs by
Selena and Enrique Iglesias. Roberta Flack songs, Mariah Carey songs,
Destiny's Child's songs. 2pac, Biggie and Fleetwood Mac songs. In
essence over 100,000 songs. "What is this man doing?" None of the greats did
this. Not Bono, Springsteen, Sinatra. "Who does he think he is? Get
whatever you can on him."
To "get" someone, you have to attack what they love the most. I'll say
no more on that.
The only man who even approaches MJ in taking on the industry is Prince
and to a lesser extent, George Michael. They went after poor George
Michael, publicly outing the man as a homosexual. Prince fought hard and
made his point, but nevertheless still had to resort to using a major
company to distribute his materials. There is nothing wrong with that.
Prince would get the lion's share, but the result were years of being
labeled crazy and difficult.
The greatest moment for them was the Sneddon press conference. "We got
him." Never was such glee so evident. Who cares if we have evidence?
Michael was acquitted, did not celebrate, went home and left the USA.
Best move ever. Now what is there left for the haters to do? He's gone.
"Gone, what do you mean he moved to Bahrain? Well, how the hell can we
get him if he's not here? Quick, get that columnist to write a series
of articles on how MJ's teetering on the brink of destruction. Oh we did
that? Well, what can we do?"
On the outer surface, it appears Michael is not doing anything to make
money. Don't even count the weekly sales of his CDs. 15,000 CDs a week
is nothing for Michael. The Sony/ATV catalog is money for Michael
Jackson every time he breathes. Serious money. The fact that no one reports
on the actual amount is proof of that. They would rather you believe he
is broke than tell you the truth. Neverland is still owned by MJ. The
family home in Encino is still owned by MJ. Michael still owns the
Beatles songs through the merger with Sony as well as full ownership of his
own songs. But, hey, that's our little secret.
Michael Jackson is literally walking in the shoes that no Black person
has ever walked in before. If he ever writes an autobiography, it will
be one of the most interesting ever. A Black man with no real formal
education becomes the most powerful man in the industry, DESPITE hatred,
racism, enemies in his own camps and a media willing to be bought to
the highest bidder.
If Sony had any sense, right now they should offer to continue the
partnership. That's the only way they will make future money off of
Michael's catalogue. Tommy Mattola did not lose his job with Sony because he
was a bad label head. It was a casualty of war. MJ exposed him and Sony
had to cut their losses. Companies do it all the time. Notice no one at
Sony nor did Matolla himself ever sue MJ for slander. Michael always
was loyal to his bosses at Epic/Sony. Back at the 1984 Grammys, he even
brought then label head Walter Yetnikoff on stage with him at one point.
He's always thanked Dave Glew, Mattola and others at Sony in his
acceptance speeches.
Sony can still do right by Michael, but it may be too late. However,
they still should make a goodwill gesture, but how many times do
businesses do that? If I were them, I'd still want MJ as an ally, not as an
enemy. It is/was a mutally profitable merger.
I'd be scared as hell if I was an enemy of MJ while he is with the
multi-billionaires overseas. Believe me, they aren't just over there
discussing designer clothing. A conglomerate is in the making.
One last note, these facts that I write here should not be the only
times you hear this, but the sad fact is it probably is. I was worried
that Michael would go down because of the uncertainty of the jury. That's
playing unfair. If I'm presenting these facts here at EURweb, YOU CAN
BELIEVE THE MEDIA KNOWS IT ALREADY AS WELL. They aren't salivating over
everything MJ related just because he made "Thriller." They know what's
up. Think about it. That's why I laugh when I see shows like BET's "The
Ultimate Hustler." We all know who that is. (How can Damon Dash know
who the ultimate hustler is anyway? He lost Roc-a-fella to Jay-Z)
In the end, Michael won't be known for being an alleged child molester.
He won't be known for "Thriller." He will be known as the man that
fought the record industry and won and lived to tell the tale. That is a
book worth buying.
The Support Michael Jackson Campaign led by MJNO , is a campaign in
which fans around the world are coming together to change the negative
views that have been unfairly reported of Michael Jackson by the media,
prior to, during and after the trial.
Our current project is aimed toward MTV, because of the way they have
turned their backs on Michael and have joined the media in belittling
Michael. After how Michael has earned MTV huge ratings upon the release
of 'Thriller', and other successful Music Video's, we find their
negativity toward Michael Jackson unacceptable.
There is strength in number. Our goal is 100 individual letters
expressing displeasure of MTV's current negative views and asking MTV to be
more positive and respectful toward Michael on MTV! We would like to
stress though that fans not show their anger by attacking MTV in their
letters. MTV will become defensive which would only jeopardize the efforts
of this campaign.
We want to show that this affects many of us all over the world. Be
professional and respectful in your letter, as we don't want to come off
as crazy or obsessed fans.
In your letter please include your first and last name and mailing
address, and send your letter to [email protected], who is collecting all
letters to be sent to MTV. Be sure to have "MTV Letter" in the Subject
Line. We want MTV to recognize that there are many people who show an
interest in seeing better coverage and treatment of Michael Jackson on MTV.
The deadline is January 30th, so get your letters in ASAP!
You can also show your support by placing this "Support Michael Jackson
Campaign" request on your website, message board etc etc.
Source:MJNO/ paul(mjcool) / MJ-Upbeat / Gail Felix - Assistant To
Angel Howansky
MJJF eNews #737 - Sunday Dec 25, 2005
Victory Vindication 2005 DVD On Sale !! Only $17.50*
Share the memories of this spectacular event on this special double dvd! We've captured some of the best moments of the Victory-Vindicaton Celebration for your enjoyment!
Come join us again for this wonderful 3 day event that included:
Special appearance by Mr. Joe Jackson
Karaoke
MJ Idol
Victory-Vindication Show
Award Ceremony
Performance by Crystal Marven
Messages To Michael
Battle of The Impersonators
and much more!!
Don't miss out on this exclusive 2 DVD-R release by MJJForum. Please note that this is NTSC format, so Europeans may not be able to view it.
Check your system before ordering, thank you.
Reduced from $27.50 to
ONLY $17.50*
Please allow 4-6 weeks for shipping
*US FREE shipping, International $5 shipping
Check out all the VINDICATION 2005 Merchandise
http://www.mjjforum.com/catalog
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MJJF eNews #736 - Sunday Dec 25, 2005
Holiday Wishes From Michael & MJJForum
On this Christmas Eve 2005, the Staff off MJJForum would like to extend warm Holiday Wishes to the entire Michael Jackson Fan Community. Whatever your Holiday custom is, may it be filled with Joy, Cheer, Hope, Love, Togetherness and Family.
In a release from Raymone Bain, Michael Jackson sends his Holiday Wishes ...
To My Fans Around the World:
I would like to wish you, and your families, a wonderful Holiday Season.
Thank you for your cards, your letters, your love, and your support.
I love you all!
Sincerely,
Michael Jackson
Source: Raymone Bain/MJJF
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News Hotshot #2111
16 December 2005
CHARITY SINGLE RUMOURS DENIED
The single will NOT be released December 20th
A report that appeared on Wikipedia.org claiming that Michael Jackson would release his charity single on December 20th is NOT true.
We checked with his spokesperson Raymone Bain who denied the story and added that the hurricane relief song will not be called I Have A Dream as the report suggests.
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MJJF eNews #635 - Monday Dec 12, 2005
Official Statement From Michael Jackson Re:, The Death of Richard Pryor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2005
STATEMENT OF MICHAEL JACKSON
REGARDING THE DEATH OF MR. RICHARD PRYOR
Michael Jackson releases the following statement regarding the death of his friend, Mr. Richard Pryor:
�Richard Pryor was the true �King of Comedy��there will never be another like him. He was a trailblazer, whose extraordinary talent and genius provided the blueprint for others to follow.
�I send my love and heartfelt sympathy to the entire Pryor family.�
Source: Raymone K Bain
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News Hotshot #2110
14 December 2005
VISIONARY UPDATE
U.S. Fans can purchase singles via U.K. website
Many Michael Jackson fans have been wondering whether or not VISIONARY - THE SINGLES will be released in America, we can confirm that as of yet there are no plans for a U.S. release.
However, fans can still purchase the box-set and singles via Amazon.co.uk. If you want your purchase to be eligible for a chart position remember to purchase through the U.K. website as Amazon.com sales will not count.
Throughout the box-set campaign, MJNI.COM will be the best source for Visionary news via our dedicated web pages and hotshots.
Copyright � 2005 MJNI.COM All Rights Reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted to receive Hotshots and/or used a service on MJNI.COM.
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email: [email protected]
web: http://www.mjni.com
MJ News International is the worldwide Michael Jackson fan club. Established in 1992, it is recognised and approved by Michael Jackson, MJJ Productions and SONY Music.
News Hotshot #2109
13 December 2005
MICHAEL JACKSON RELEASES STATEMENT
Concerning the recent passing of comedian Richard Pryor
On the 10th December, legendary comedian Richard Pryor (pictured left) sadly passed away.
He died of a heart attack on Saturday morning at the age of 65. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986 and underwent triple-bypass surgery in 1990.
Pryor was a friend of Michael Jackson's and the two starred together in the 1978 film The Wiz. Michael has released the following statement;
"Richard Pryor was the true 'King of Comedy'... there will never be another like him. He was a trailblazer, whose extraordinary talent and genius provided the blueprint for others to follow.
"I send my love and heartfelt sympathy to the entire Pryor family."
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MJ News International is the worldwide Michael Jackson fan club. Established in 1992, it is recognised and approved by Michael Jackson, MJJ Productions and SONY Music.
MJJF eNews #1002 - Friday Dec 9, 2005
Green Light Turns Red, Statement From Raymone K Bain
Jackson Publicist Responds to Latest Rumors of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
The past couple of weeks have been marred with stories about Michael Jackson being investigated for trafficking drugs to his current mainstay in Bahrain, and also been alleged that Jackson was once again hooked on prescription drugs. Despite denials of an investigation by Santa Barbara authorities and denials from the Jackson camp regarding drug addiction, the stories seemed to grow even more elaborate and festered on.
It all came to a head Friday when the "National Enquirer" published that Jackson had overdosed on Demerol and alcohol, and that the singer is currently in critical condition in Bahrain. This latest report prompted Jackson publicist and personal spokesperson, Raymone K. Bain, to fire off a statement that served to debunk the story and also warn those responsible for relaying and disseminating the erroneous information:
"Michael Jackson has been working with several artists recording his Katrina Relief song, and with me all week, including today. He is doing fine. I have never seen him happier or healthier.
"Whomever these individuals are who are intent on disseminating false information throughout the media regarding Mr. Jackson, should begin hiring good attorneys. Likewise, the few irresponsible journalists who continuously rely on these 'sources,' and report this false information.
"Mr. Jackson's tolerance level has come to an end. The Green light that people have thought they have had to willfully impugn Michael Jackson's character and integrity has now become Red."
Source: Raymone K. Bain / MJJForum
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Date: Sat, 10 Dec 2005 05:43:44 -0500 (EST)
10 December 2005
Welcome to Hotshot #2106. This email contains the latest news from MJNI.COM.
MICHAEL JACKSON ISSUES STATEMENT
Drug Overdose Rumours Lies
Earlier this week the National Enquirer reported that Michael Jackson had suffered several drug overdoses and that his condition was now 'critical'. That story is entirely false.
It is not unusual for tabloid papers like the National Enquirer to publish such fiction - but in recent weeks many stories have come out of Santa Barbara, seemingly linked to the DA's office there, alleging one thing or another about the King of Pop.
Today, Michael's publicist, Raymone Bain, has issued a statement on his behalf. It reads;
Michael Jackson has been working with several artists recording his Katrina Relief song, and with me all week, including today. He is doing fine. I have never seen him happier or healthier.
Whomever these individuals are who are intent on disseminating false information throughout the media regarding Mr. Jackson, should begin hiring good attorneys. Likewise, the few irresponsible journalists who continuously rely on these �sources,� and report this false information.
Mr. Jackson�s tolerance level has come to an end. The Green light that people have thought they have had to willfully impugn Michael Jackson�s character and integrity has now become Red.
It is interesting to note that these odd rumours and stories - apparently connected to the same office which tried unsuccessfully to prosecute Michael earlier this year - have coincided with news of a major new Michael Jackson release.
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MJ News International is the worldwide Michael Jackson fan club. Established in 1992, it is recognised and approved by Michael Jackson, MJJ Productions and SONY Music.
MJJF eNews #1001 - Wednesday Dec 7, 2005
Jackson Re-releases Hits On Dualdisc
Jackson Innovates With The DualDisc
On January 23, 2006 Michael Jackson will begin re-releasing 20 of his top hits. Each single will be released weekly with each disc containing the single on one side and the video on the reverse.
"The quality of each single, having the audio on one side and the video on the other, is a compelling proposition for his fans" says Darren Henderson, vice-president of commercial marketing at Sony BMG.
"Michael has been fully behind this project and the originality of the first ever Dualdisc single idea typifies the creativity of one of the most innovative artists in our lifetime," adds Henderson.
Each Dual Disc single will contain an exact replica of the original 7" or 12" artwork, enclosed in a limited and numbered card wallet. All the audio has been digitally re-mastered and will feature the original 7" or radio edit of the lead track plus any remixes or related songs.
Thriller and The Way You Make Me Feel will be the first singles to be released together, along with a collector's edition box. Here is a list of the other singles to be release each week successively, ending on May 29, 2006.
23 Jan 06 - Thriller + Limited Edition Box
23 Jan 06 - Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough
30 Jan 06 - Rock With You
06 Jan 06 - Billie Jean
13 Feb 06 - Beat It
20 Feb 06 - Bad
27 Feb 06 - The Way You Make Me Feel
06 Feb 06 - Dirty Diana
13 Mar 06 - Smooth Criminal
20 Mar 06 - Leave Me Alone
27 Mar 06 - Black or White
03 Apr 06 - Remember the Time
10 Apr 06 - In The Closest
17 Apr 06 - Jam
24 Apr 06 - Heal The World
01 May 06 - You Are Not Alone
08 May 06 - Earth Song
15 May 06 - They Don't Care About Us
22 May 06 - Stranger in Moscow
29 May 06 - Blood on the Dance Floor
Source: BBC/MJJF
� MJJForum.com - This news can be reposted with a credit to MJJForum.com
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MJJForum website: http://www.mjjforum.com/
Stunning Revelations about 1993 Accuser via Mesereau �
MB #289
DECEMBER 2 2005 � There were astonishing revelations
from Michael Jackson attorney Tom Mesereau about the
1993 accuser ( Jordan Chandler ).
Appearing at a conference at Harvard University�s
Austin Hall to talk about the Jackson trial, Mesereau
was asked a question from an audience member about
alleged �prior bad acts� (1108 evidence) and if it was
possible to make the first 1993 accuser testify at the
past trial.
On the issue of the 1993 accuser who received the
settlement, Mesereau said if Chandler came to court,
he was prepared to call witnesses who would reveal the
fact that Chandler admitted Jackson didn�t touch him.
Talk about a revelation!
Apparently prosecutors tried to get him to come to
court during this past trial and he refused to
cooperate. Mesereau didn�t use Chandler�s name, but
you clearly knew who he was talking about.
A previous article in the Santa Barbara News-Press
cited �sources close to the case� who supposedly said
the �93 accuser had already been contacted by
prosecutors during the trial in an attempt to get him
to testify. So what happened?
Surely if he was still making the allegation against
Jackson, like pro-prosecution commentators assumed, he
would have cooperated with them right?
When Jordan Chandler apparently refused to cooperate
with the prosecution, the masters of spin came out of
the woodwork in an effort to explain-away why he
wanted nothing to do with this trial.
They claimed he didn�t want to be known as the kid who
was molested by Jackson. They claimed he just wanted
to get on with his life. They claimed a number of
things to explain his obvious absence.
Well the main and possibly most accurate reason why he
didn�t cooperate with prosecutors may be because he is
no longer standing by the allegations he might have
been forced to make back in 1993.
A member of the audience asked him about the accuser.
From Mesereau�s Harvard University Nov 29 2005
appearance:
MESEREAU: Now the one you�re talking about never
showed up. He�s the one who got the settlement in the
early 90s. And my understanding is prosecutors tried
to get him to show up and he wouldn�t.
If he had, I had witnesses who were going to come in
and say he told them it never happened. And that he
would never talk to his parents again for what they
made him say.
And it turned out he had gone into court and gotten
legal emancipation from his parents. His mother
testified that she hadn�t talked to him in 11 years.
So, you know, there was a problem there as well.
(Harvard U. , Nov 29 2005)
Personally, I�ve always felt the defense wouldn�t have
trouble cross-examining Chandler�s allegation�that is,
if he was sticking by it. But I didn�t figure in the
fact he may have confessed, so to speak, to other
people about. And that he was so angry at being forced
to make the allegations against Jackson, he filed for
legal emancipation as a remedy for it and a number of
other possible problems.
Could that be a reason why prosecutors didn�t subpoena
him and force him to testify?
Sources unrelated to the trial or the defense had been
saying, during the trial, that Chandler admitted he
was never molested. These rumblings evidently turned
out to be valid.
The issue of Chandler filing for legal emancipation
from his parents was completely glossed over in the
media. But as far back as the 1108 hearing in Santa
Maria, the defense revealed this information. From
Mesereau�s March 28 2005 court appearance:
MESEREAU: �After the settlement, the father then filed
a new lawsuit against Mr. Jackson wanting 30 million
more dollars. That was litigated and he lost. You have
all sorts of collateral litigation, and eventually Mr.
Chandler filed papers in Superior Court seeking legal
emancipation from his parents.
(see
1993 Accuser, Jordan Chandler, Sued for Emancipation from parents
)
One doesn�t file for legal emancipation for no reason.
Typically children who do file for emancipation do so
to keep parents from haphazardly spending their money,
having access to their finances, or being in a
position to make decisions on behalf of the child.
One certainly doesn�t file for emancipation because
their parents didn�t �protect� them, as some
pro-prosecution sympathizers tried to suggest to
explain-away Mesereau�s bombshell.
__Never have so many been taken advantage of by so few__
During his appearance, Mesereau also talked about the
prosecution�s stance on their 1108 related
allegations. Prosecutors told the Jackson jury that
there were 5 �victims�: Gavin Arvizo, Brett Barnes,
Wade Robson, Mac Culkin, and Jason Francia.
In relation to that, Mesereau said Judge Melville
allowed something to happen that he has never seen
before. He permitted prosecutors to present 1108
�evidence� without making them produce the people that
were supposed to have been victimized. From his
appearance Nov 29 2005:
MESEREAU: �To make it even worse, it appeared, the
judge did something I�ve never seen happen in a case
like this. With respect to three of these alleged five
victims, he allowed witnesses to come in and say they
saw them molested without the prosecution having to
bring the actual alleged victims in.
(Harvard U. Webcast, Nov 29 2005)
It was left to the defense to actually get these now
grown men to come in and talk about what really
happened. Some skeptics have speculated prosecutors
may have been banking on the defense not being able to
get them to come in and testify for Jackson. It
certainly blew up in the faces of prosecutors.
Culkin, Barnes, and Robson testified that Jackson
never touched them. They had never so much as made an
allegation of any wrongdoing. They also said the same
thing back in 1993. Apparently the prosecution is hard
of hearing.
Barnes and Robson particularly were outspoken at the
time with their families about what Jackson DIDN�T do
to them. Culkin has never made an allegation, and has
publicly defended Jackson. He is the godfather to
Jackson�s children. Did prosecutors really think they
would get away with that one?
It was a situation best summed up by Brett Barnes
whose testimony was quoted in an article from the
Santa Maria Times titled �Witnesses say nothing
improper happened�:
"Has Mr. Jackson ever touched you in a sexual way?"
Mesereau asked him.
"No," Barnes said. "I wouldn't stand for it."
When asked, Barnes said he was mad that prosecutors
had mentioned allegations he was molested.
Barnes flew all the way from Australia to testify on
Jackson�s behalf.
MJEOL discussed the possibility of the old allegation
becoming a part of the current trial. The public had
already learned that the Chandler settlement was
funded by an insurance company via a pre-trial
hearing. During the trial, there was further
information about the validity, or lack thereof, of
those old allegations.
In a 4 Part MJEOL Bullet (1993 Investigation Not a
Problem for Defense? MB#254), the possibility of this
1108 mess was discussed. We noticed that, from
courtroom observers� reporting, the defense didn�t
appear to be fighting too hard to keep this 1108
hearing from happening in the first place.
Mesereau, as mentioned previously, said the judge
allowed these 1108 3rd party �witnesses� � Chacon,
McManus and Abdool � to testify without requiring the
prosecution to call the people who were supposed to
have been the �victims�.
Ideally, they would have been required by the judge to
testify at the 1108 hearing before a decision would be
made whether or not to allow them to get in front of a
jury and make allegations, say some legal observers.
That didn�t happen for whatever reason in the Jackson
trial.
Had it happened, the prosecution may not have looked
so desperate and vindictive in front of the jury; in
front of the media and the public, yes, but not in
front of the jury.
Months before this trial started, many talking heads
were so sure the defense would be �devastated� if the
�93 allegation was allowed to become a part of the
current trial. But, as we all witnessed, it definitely
helped to reveal prosecution motives and clear Jackson
of decade old rumors.
__It all comes back to 1993__
After seeing the travesty of this past trial, most
Jackson-hating pundits are clinging desperately to
what could�..may��might�or what they assumed happened
back in 1993.
As you know, there were two grand juries convened back
in 93-94: one in Los Angeles County (D.A. was Gil
Garcetti) and another in Santa Barbara County (D.A.
was Tom Sneddon).
Mesereau told the audience at Harvard that the grand
jury met for approximately 6 months and neither one of
them handed down an indictment against Jackson.
As a matter of fact, Mesereau said he spoke with a
member on the 1993 Los Angeles County grand jury who
said grand jury members had real problems with
Chandler�s accusations. More from his Nov 29
appearance:
MESEREAU: �I also learned most people in that
community [of Santa Maria] thought the D.A. was on a
vendetta to get Michael Jackson.
He had convened a grand jury in the early 90s to try
to get an indictment and he had failed.
The grand jury met for approximately 6 months and
would not charge Michael Jackson with anything. And I
have since spoken to someone who was on that grand
jury quite recently from Los Angeles.
She was on a Los Angeles Grand Jury that was convened
at the same time. And they had real problems with
these accusations.
And real problems were the sense that people were
trying to get money out of Michael Jackson by
generating these charges.
(Harvard U Webcast, Nov 29 2005)
This actually corroborates a report from that time
period during an old CNN show called �Showbiz Today�.
In a story broadcast May 2 1994, there was a comment
from a male grand juror at that time. From that
transcript:
JIM MORET, Host: One juror told CNN he did not hear
any damaging testimony during the hearings. CNN has
previously reported the panel was never asked to
render an indictment, and that no vote was taken to do
so.
(see Jackson Grand Jury Disbanded - 1994)
Where was all this supposedly �incriminating� evidence
prosecutors claimed they had in 1993? As pointed out
in a previous MJEOL Bullet, it did not make sense to
proclaim to have �strong evidence�, and not represent
any of it to the criminal grand juries. That simply
doesn�t make sense. What does seem to make sense is
that they had no incriminating evidence against
Jackson.
Sneddon has since claimed he didn�t even ask for an
indictment against Jackson back in 93-94. The obvious
question is why in the world he wouldn�t have asked
for an indictment if he had all this �evidence� like
he claimed? But then again, he�s claimed a number of
things that have turned out to be false.
Suspicious minds would say he didn�t ask for an
indictment because he had no evidence then, nor did he
have a cooperating accuser; something which brings the
issue back to the 1993 accuser, Jordan Chandler.
The 93 accuser reportedly refused to cooperate with
prosecutors back in 1993 as well. Some observers even
speculated that the accuser�s father had no intention
of having him testify in court back then either.
__I wanna fly away�.yeah, yeah, yeah__
Geraldine Hughes wrote a book called Redemption: The
Truth Behind the Michael Jackson Child Molestation
Allegations. In it, she talks about that �collateral
litigation� revolving around the 93 accuser�s parents
and stepparent.
There definitely appears to have been a meltdown
between all of them during and after the 93-94 time
period. The �93 accuser�s father sued the mother and
the stepfather, who then countersued.
Evan Chandler (�93 accuser�s biological father)
leveled allegations against June Chandler (mother) and
David Schwartz (stepfather). He sued the mother and
stepfather for invasion of privacy, intentional
infliction of emotional distress, and conspiracy.
The mother shot back that they were being sued by Evan
Chandler to avoid payment of past due child support,
states Hughes. They filed a cross-complaint against
Evan Chandler.
In that cross-complaint, says Hughes, �Schwartz
further stated that he did not think Michael Jackson
had molested his stepson� (see Redemption Excerpt : 93
Accuser's Family Turn on Each Other ). Oops!
Again, another important point made at the time which
the media totally ignored.
The stepfather also sued Evan Chandler for �brain
damage, two counts of assault, and two counts for
battery� (Redemption Excerpt : 93 Accuser's Family
Turn on Each Other ).
Apparently the two men got into two different fights:
one in July 1993 and another in August 1993. Hum�that
time period seems familiar. It was in August 1993 that
the �93 allegation was made and Jackson�s Neverland
ranch was invaded.
On top of this was a second lawsuit filed against
Jackson by Evan Chandler after Jackson did an
interview with L. Presley. The suit was taken to
arbitration and the judge ruled in Jackson�s favor
(see Jackson Scores Court Win - E!Online ). Chandler
didn�t get another dime out of Jackson.
Somewhere in between all of this litigation, Jordan
Chandler filed for legal emancipation. Some observers
say it was clear that each of the adults around him
were trying to put themselves in an arrangement to
further take advantage of him, and be in a better
position to gain access to the insurance-funded
settlement he received.
If witnesses who were waiting in the wings to testify
for the defense about Jordan Chandler�s confession are
correct, the now grown man was forced to make the
allegations which both touched off a legal firestorm
and created a blueprint for other losers and frauds to
try to follow.
__Can a mad dog simply let go?__
Unlike Sneddon�s assertion that he moved on after
1993, the defense apparently uncovered evidence that
Sneddon flew to two different countries after 1993
looking for someone to make an allegation. Mesereau
touched upon this during the Harvard appearance:
MESEREAU: So he failed to get an indictment in the
early 90s. In the mid 90s, the District Attorney flew
to Australia and Canada. They are the only countries I
know that he went to. He may have gone to others
looking for victims of Michael Jackson. He failed.
They told him to get lost. �He didn�t do anything to
us.�
(Harvard U., Nov 29 2005)
Mesereau said Sneddon had �lost touch with reality�,
and was obsessed with getting Jackson, according to
the LA Times.
The larger question is just why the hell would the
D.A. of a county fly to another country searching for
people to make allegations against Jackson? Especially
after failing to get a case off the ground after the
insurance-funded settlement?
Usually an unbiased law enforcement official waits
until someone comes to him/her with a report of
wrongdoing. They do not typically go out searching for
recruits��in other countries!
Besides the fact that Australia and Canada are
waaaaaay outside of his jurisdiction, it looks similar
to the actions of a vindictive lunatic, say some
observers.
I think this kind of behavior is usually reserved for
glorified tabloid reporters like Diane Dimond. She too
had her own little involvement with someone in Canada
who ultimately admitted to authorities that Jackson
did not touch him. But not after telling Dimond his
sob-story (see Part 2: Tab Reporter Gets the Ax Amidst
Criticism of being Unfair and Unbalanced? MB #283).
That person was ultimately charged with public
mischief.
Can Sneddon let go and move on? Who knows. What I do
know is someone who has �moved on� usually doesn�t fly
to or authorize people to fly to other countries
trolling for someone to make an allegation against
Jackson.
As for the 1993 accuser, maybe he will find some sort
of backbone � rules be damned -- to either have his
allegation challenged or to publicly clear Jackson for
something of which he was never guilty.
If I knew the truth, I�m not sure I could sit back and
do nothing while someone was unnecessarily going
through hell. I would submit that Jackson�s good name
has been sacrificed in the process.
Society is supposedly about forgiveness and second
chances. Maybe someone should make sure Chandler knows
it.
-MJEOL
Recommended Reading
+ Webcast audio Part 3
+ Jackson Grand Jury Disbanded - 1994
+ Witnesses say nothing improper happened
MJJF eNews #630 - Wednesday Nov 23, 2005
ATTENTION FANS OF MICHAEL JACKSON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Raymone K. Bain
November 23, 2005
ATTENTION FANS OF MICHAEL JACKSON
Michael Jackson does not have a racist bone in his body. NEVER would he
say anything, or do anything, that would be offensive to any ethnic group, or
hurtful to any ethnic group. It is not in his character, or his being. He has
spent his entire life reaching out to people throughout the world by spreading
love through his music, and his philanthropic efforts.
It is unfortunate that these tapes are being disseminated throughout the
airways without any "due deligence" with regards to the authenticity.
However, Mr. Mesereau is representing Mr. Jackson in this matter and the
truth will be revealed.
Because this is an on-going legal matter, we are not issuing any statements
at this time.
Source: Raymone K. Bain/MJJForum
� MJJForum.com - This news can be reposted with a credit to MJJForum.com
MJJForum.com - Bridging the gap between Michael Jackson and his fans.
MJJForum website: http://www.mjjforum.com/
MJEOL Bullet #287: Howard King Determined to Try Weak Case in the Media?
Date: Thu, 24 Nov 2005 21:32:32 -0500
Howard King Determined to Try Weak Case in the Media? � MB #287 UPDATE #1
Another lawyer getting his face on television while using Jackson to do so
NOVEMBER 23 2005 -- Surprise, surprise. Another civil attorney chasing after Michael Jackson�s pockets decides to attempt to try Jackson in the court of public opinion.
We�ve seen this before. Five Neverland employees once sued Jackson claiming they were wrongfully terminated and wanted $16 million. He countersued. They lost their suit and lost the countersuit against them. They ended up owing Jackson over a million dollars in legal fees and compensation from the theft and sale of his property. They also had to file for bankruptcy because they couldn�t pay the judgment.
King is representing former outed pornographer Marc Schaffel. Now another ex-leech who was tossed from the Jackson gravy train has hooked up with the same lawyer in an effort to extract money from Jackson: the alleged crook, Dieter Wiesner
Instead of King trying his case in court, it appears he is trying it in the media. He released what some have called heavily edited and incomplete tapes of what seem on the surface to be private Jackson phone messages.
Outside of it being unethical to do so, according to some observers, it is also baffling as to why King is using the media to go after Jackson. It certainly didn�t work for Santa Barbara prosecutors because the facts prevailed.
There is an unsubstantiated and unverified comment related to something about �jews� King claims Jackson said. The network who broadcast these tapes and the current home of Martin Bashir (ABC) says they cannot verify the authenticity of the tape with this alleged �jews� statement on it. Why ABC chose to broadcast unverified private phone conversations is beyond me.
Others have already speculated that King may be trying to anger Jewish groups and force Jackson into a settlement so he does not have to face a trial; especially a trial with Jackson attorney Tom Mesereau.
Although an Associated Press report claims Jackson has no comment, Raymone Bain released a statement addressing this issue to his fans:
ATTENTION FANS OF MICHAEL JACKSON
Michael Jackson does not have a racist bone in his body. NEVER would he say anything, or do anything, that would be offensive to any ethnic group, or hurtful to any ethnic group. It is not in his character, or his being.
He has spent his entire life reaching out to people throughout the world by spreading love through his music, and his philanthropic efforts.
It is unfortunate that these tapes are being disseminated throughout the airways without any "due diligence" with regards to the authenticity.
However, Mr. Mesereau is representing Mr. Jackson in this matter and the truth will be revealed.
Because this is an on-going legal matter, we are not issuing any statements at this time.
According to that report, King claims he�s releasing this unverified information to keep Jackson from appearing sympathetic. From the report:
King said he released the messages to keep Jackson from appearing sympathetic in two upcoming lawsuits.
"When you're engaged in a civil suit with Michael Jackson or any celebrity like him, your trial starts long before the jury gets impaneled," King said. "I want to show early on that when he starts trying to act like the victim ... we have the evidence to show that he's not the victim, he's the victimizer." (see ADL demands Michael Jackson apology)
A number of observers who have commented thus far find that statement ridiculous.
It seems as if King is admitting to trying to prejudice the possible jury against Jackson before trial.
According to a fan of Jackson�s:
To admit to using such a tactic of raising racial/ethnic tension simply to get an unfavorable public viewing for the person you are suing is reprehensible and should be totally unethical by any standard set by the Bar Association.
Basically, it seems that some people are boldly admitting that they know they can play the media and certain groups/people like violins to suit their own agendas.
- member �classic� at MJJF
__Someone should calm the #&@! down__
The AP report also claims the Anti-Defamation League is already demanding an apology. This is a questionable tactic considering they have no verifiable evidence that this �tape� is authentic; or that the voice on said tape is Jackson�s voice in the form of a full sentence, instead of a set of words spliced together by an opportunistic ex-employee with a history of legal problems of his own.
First, if this tape is not authentic or if Jackson�s words were purposely spliced together to form the alleged �defamation�, King could be in a lot of trouble of his own for using falsified evidence to defame Jackson in court.
According to various legal sources, lawyers who knowingly present falsified evidence in court are committing fraud upon the court.
Second, Abraham Foxman speaking to the Associated Press about this issue made the following comment:
"Michael Jackson has an anti-Semitic streak, and hasn't learned from his past mistakes," said a statement issued by Abraham H. Foxman, the league's national director. "It seems every time he has a problem in his life, he blames it on Jews." (see ADL Demands Apology)
I won�t ask what planet Foxman lives on. But it is simply baffling why that characterization would come out of Foxman�s mouth. He must be talking about someone else because I don�t ever remember Jackson blaming his �problems� on �jews�.
Is Tom Sneddon Jewish? Is the Arvizo family Jewish? Is Tommy Mottola Jewish? Then the hell is Foxman talking about?
As a matter of fact, the birth mother of Jackson�s two older children is Jewish. Neither I nor observers who have been in contact with MJEOL can name an incident where Jackson has blamed his �problems� on �jews� as Foxman foolishly asserts.
Aside from it being a ridiculous statement, Foxman has chosen to involve the Anti-Defamation League in an issue for which he has no facts or confirmed basis to even be concerned at this early stage.
If Jackson did not make these statements or if these tapes have been doctored or tampered with in any way, the Anti-Defamation League should publicly apologize to him.
In the alleged �molestation� trial, much of the information given to the media by the prosecution and law enforcement leaks weren�t at all what they appeared to be. And thus, with this alleged �evidence�, I�ll wait for the court proceedings where there is sure to be interesting cross-examinations by the defense.
__�What you tryna do has already been done, I know all ya tricks from bricks to Kingston�__
It appears to be more of the same: sue Jackson, try him in the media, and hope for a settlement.
This was done in the aforementioned case involving other Neverland employees who sued Jackson, then sold stories to the tabloids to fund that lawsuit against him. Allegedly, they had sold stories to tabloids to sully Jackson�s name and force him into a settlement.
After the hell Jackson went through in Santa Maria recently, the �use-the-media-to-shame-Jackson� scheme doesn�t work anymore.
It didn�t stop a physically weakened Jackson from appearing in court to defend himself, and it certainly doesn�t appear to be stopping him from going after those who have stolen from him.
He is currently counter-suing Marc Schaffel for concealing and misappropriating more than a million dollars, for keeping $250,000 worth of sculptures and paintings which were supposed to be delivered to Jackson, and for keeping falsified books of account.
From the Daily Telegraph report dated Oct 27 2005:
Jackson alleges that after the agreement ended, Schaffel falsely represented himself as affiliated with the pop star, receiving a $US500,000 fee and $US500,000 dollars for expenses from Music Fighters Co in Japan without reporting it to Jackson.
Schaffel "concealed funds, comingled funds, misappropriated funds, charged expenses for matters un-related to the agreement, provided false books of account and ... wrongfully profited," the cross-complaint alleges.
Jackson also claims Schaffel kept $US250,000 in sculptures and paintings from artist Romero Britto in 2003 that were supposed to be delivered to the pop star.
(see Jackson counter-sues former aid)
Schaffel is also being sued by Hamid Moslehi for nonpayment.
Wiesner (or �Weizner� as it appears in some of the Santa Maria courtroom transcripts) filed suit this week so it remains to be seen if Jackson will file a countersuit.
During testimony in the alleged �molestation� trial, attorney David LeGrand testified that there was the sum of almost a million dollars unaccounted for which was going to Dieter Wiesner and Ronald Konitzer.
LeGrand also says he started an investigation into the backgrounds of Wiesner and Schaffel (two of King�s clients) and Konitzer. From LeGrand�s testimony:
MESEREAU: Why did you think Konitzer and Weizner had diverted $965,000 from Mr. Jackson?
LEGRAND: Because the report I got from this other lawyer showed those disbursements.
MESERAU: And when you saw the record of those disbursements, what did you do?
LEGRAND: I spoke to several of the other lawyers that were representing Mr. Jackson, and agreed that I should write a letter to Mr. Konitzer asking him to account.
MESEREAU: Did you ever find out what he had done with the money?
LEGRAND: No, I was terminated by Mr. Jackson as counsel within, I don�t know, two weeks, maybe, of that letter to Mr. Konitzer.
(lines 6-20, p. 10011)
As for the investigation, LeGrand says it was began on behalf of Jackson. More from his testimony:
MESEREAU:.At some point, did you have Schaffel, Konitzer and Weizner investigated?
LEGRAND: I -- again, on behalf of Mr. Jackson, I engaged an independent private investigative company, and asked them to investigate the backgrounds of Mr. Konitzer and Mr. Weizner and Mr. Schaffel.
MESEREAU: Why?
�
LEGRAND: Because I was suspicious of their motives, and some of their statements didn�t quite seem to add up.
MESEREAU: Did you think they were stealing from Mr. Jackson?
MR. AUCHINCLOSS: Objection. Improper opinion; no foundation.
THE COURT: Sustained.
MESEREAU: What did you do to have Schaffel, Konitzer and Weizner investigated?
LEGRAND: Working with one of my partners at Hale Lane who had the -- he�s a former U.S. Assistant Prosecutor and had good relationships with a couple of private investigating firms, we selected a firm, got them a retainer and asked them to do background checks and let us know what they found.
�
MESEREAU: You hired an investigative firm, correct?
LEGRAND: Yes.
MESEREAU: To start investigating these people, right?
LEGRAND: Yes.
MESEREAU: And others involving Mr. Jackson, right?
LEGRAND: Yes.
MESEREAU: You were doing it on behalf of Mr. Jackson, correct?
LEGRAND: Yes.
(lines 3-10, 14-28, 1, 6-15 pgs 10011-10013)
Who wants to bet these three convinced Jackson that LeGrand was the crook who had to go? This could get quite interesting once Wiesner and Schaffel are put under oath.
The public has seen, for at least the past 2 years, the same thing with relation to one-sided leaks and information from those who went after Jackson.
Remember how Celebrity Justice pushed Rudy Provencio? He was supposed to provide documented evidence that Jackson was involved in a conspiracy with Wiesner, Konitzer and Schaffel to kidnap the Arvizo family?
His "evidence" turned out to be notes by Provencio with inaccurate information; some labeled with the wrong dates and some tacked on later as his �memory� allegedly became sharper over time. Forget the fact that memory normally fades over time.
Remember Christian Robinson who had supposedly �flipped�, according to Diane Dimond, and was suppose to provide a copy of the script the accuser�s mother claimed she was given for the rebuttal video? It turned out to be totally untrue. There was no script and Robinson had not �flipped�.
Remember the prosecution�s first �conspiracy� witness Dwayne Swingler? He was also supposed to tie Jackson, Konitzer and Wiesner into a conspiracy. When asked to identify a picture of Wiesner, he testified that he�d �never seen the face before�. Oops.
Do I really need to talk about the 3 kids � now grown men � that prosecutors wanted to make �victims� of Jackson? They all testified under oath that they were never molested by Jackson, nor had any of them so much as alleged it.
And let's not forget the Martin Bashir so-called "documentary"! He rose to a new level of splicing and editing Jackson's words to manipulate what the public saw for his ill-named "Living with Michael Jackson" story.
The media should be getting tired of getting their proverbial faces cracked, repeatedly, by backing and/or pushing stories which later turn out to be completely ridiculous.
The familiar way in which King has gone about this in the media may end up biting him in the ass in a court of law. Just ask the Santa Barbara DA�s office.
-MJEOL
Mesereau's Fame Doesn't Alter Focus - LA Times
Pandit thrilled to beat it with [Jackson]
History Highlight: Family Kept Away from Jackson During Pros. Molestation Timeline
MJ NEWS : Rowe Didn't Talk to Tab, No Drug Investigation - NY Daily News
Posted by admin on 2005/12/1 10:51:58
Side dish
Overseas tabs must be desperate for Michael Jackson stories. Ireland's Sunday World quoted his ex-wife Debbie Rowe as saying he's not the biological father of their children, Prince Michael and Paris. Her lawyer, Iris Finsilver, tells us Rowe "never spoke to any newspaper." Besides being home (far from Ireland) with the flu, Rowe would be crazy to jeopardize her money and visitation deal with Jackson by blabbing.
Meanwhile, The Sun of London yesterday claimed "traces of cocaine were found on [Jackson's] underwear during a police raid" - and that cops were investigating his alleged use of anti-depressants and painkillers. The story is apparently based on the warmed-over 2003 claims by a former Jacko bodyguard. The News' Michelle Caruso found no law-enforcement sources to corroborate coke-laced briefs or a current drug probe.
MCaruso From the New York Daily News gave permission to share this
Great News:
December 01, 2005, today SB Sheriff's on the record, Informed,
"THERE IS NO INVESTIGATION"
12/1/2005 3:30:42 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: MCaruso
On The Record, PIO, Sgt. Rainey called yesterday, and called back
today, after
he had check with the DA's Office to be sure, There is No
Investigation.
Source: Gail Felix (TheJusticeSystem.Net)
"Thank you Gail" ~Major Love~ www.pv4mjj.com
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MJ NEWS : Jackson Slams 'Illegal Drugs' Report - Contact Music
Posted by admin on 2005/12/1 1:41:00 (241 reads)
JACKSON SLAMS 'ILLEGAL DRUGS' REPORT
12/01/2005 03:04
...superstar MICHAEL JACKSON has slammed a newspaper report claiming he has been obtaining prescription drugs illegally.
British newspaper The Sun also reported yesterday (30NOV05) traces of cocaine were found on Jackson's underwear during a police raid and his former aides allege the THRILLER singer is taking up to 40 pills a day.
The Sun alleged Santa Barbara District Attorney TOM SNEDDON - one of the prosecutors in Jackson's child molestation trial earlier this year (05) - is investigating allegations Jackson is transporting anti-depressants and painkillers from the US to his new home in Bahrain.
The publication quoted court papers of a police transcript with former Neverland security guard CHRIS CARTER, who alleged he would pick up prescriptions for Jackson under various fictitious names.
In response to the claims, Jackson's lawyer BRENT AYSCOUGH says, "Mr Jackson uses an amount of prescription drugs, but does not take anything illegal or obtain anything in an illegal manner."
MJEOL BULLET : Jackson Schemers Have Legal Problems of Their Own � MB#284
Posted by admin on 2005/9/25 21:20:59
Jackson Schemers Have Legal Problems of Their Own � MB#284
September 25 2005 � The months after Michael Jackson�s acquittal have brought many interesting developments concerning those who schemed against him, tried to benefit career-wise from his legal trouble, or sought to falsely imprison him around this past trial.
People including Tom Sneddon, the flip-flopping Ray Hultman, former �Jackson family friend� Stacy Brown, Janet Arvizo, Chris Carter, Ron Zonen and the XtraJet owners have all had legal problems of their own. And tabloid Diane Dimond, apparently hired specifically for the Jackson story, has been driven from Court TV and had to settle a lawsuit based on a harassment allegation which she started.
All of the aforementioned people seemed to have plotted, schemed and/or taken advantage of their positions for the betterment of their own bank accounts and public notoriety.
Some have brought situations on themselves that are mildly amusing given that they all participated, in their own ways, in attempts to either profit from Jackson or tried to convict Jackson.
Sneddon is caught up in a $10 million prosecutorial misconduct lawsuit. Carter was allegedly involved in a robbery where he was caught on tape. The XtraJet owners are in major trouble with the feds. Arvizo�s in trouble with Los Angeles County. Brown�s caught up in a plagiarism allegation from the flip-flopping Ray Hultman. And Zonen has apparently broken the law in a non-Jackson related case.
__Sneddon and his misconduct__
Sneddon could be in a world of trouble related to a $10 million federal lawsuit filed against him and his office by attorney Gary Dunlap. Dunlap was prosecuted by Sneddon and was acquitted on all felony charges.
Dunlap and his attorneys documented incidences involving prosecutorial misconduct on the part of Sneddon and the Santa Barbara D.A.�s office in his case both before and during his trial.
He is suing the Santa Barbara DA�s office for engaging in outrageous misconduct, including �conspiracy, illegal taping, deceiving a court� and �illegally assisting the defense of a case� (see Lawyers press for investigation of DA, staff ). They, according to Dunlap, violated �several felony and misdemeanor statutes�.
Sneddon was actually deposed in relation to the Dunlap lawsuit on June 16 2005 � just days after a humiliating defeat in the Jackson trial. Assistant DA Christie Stanley was �interviewed� July 14 2005 and Deputy DA Jerry McBeth was scheduled to be deposed August 19 2005 (see Dunlap lawsuit continues with depositions of top prosecutors).
Months before Sneddon�s deposition, Dunlap�s attorneys sent letters to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles, the California Attorney General's Office, the California State Bar, and the Santa Barbara County Counsel and grand jury asking them to investigate Sneddon�s office.
A report from the Santa Maria Times dated August 13 2005 titled �Dunlap lawsuit continues with depositions of top prosecutors� quotes Dunlap. From the report:
Dunlap maintains that prosecutors went to extraordinary and unconstitutional lengths to gather evidence against him.
"An injustice was done and the district attorney's office refuses to acknowledge, investigate, or refer it for investigation because their employees were involved in committing it," Dunlap said.
A Santa Maria jury on June 4, 2003 acquitted Dunlap of six felony counts, including suborning perjury, witness intimidation, filing false documents and preparing false documents.
(see Dunlap lawsuit continues with depositions of top prosecutors)
In an explosive radio interview given by Dunlap Jan 2004, he let loose much information concerning how the D.A.�s office prosecutes people and how close the relationship really is between the DA�s office and the Santa Barbara sheriff�s department.
He says that they do engage in vindictive prosecutions. Of his specific experience, Dunlap told the radio host:
They got a complaint, which they had to investigate. However, rather than looking at that complaint and doing a straightforward and honest investigation, they saw it as an opportunity to prosecute me. And what they did, is they tried to add legitimacy to an illegitimate charge.
(see Dunlap radio interview)
Sounds awfully familiar, doesn�t it?
Dunlap says in one instance, the DA�s office went to talk privately with the judge in a case he (Dunlap) was trying. This is �against the law and in violation of the rules of professional conduct� (see Dunlap radio interview).
They told this female judge that they were investigating Dunlap for criminal activities and apparently tried to get Dunlap�s client released from custody.
But this judge had already made her decision and the DA�s office tried to get her to illegally change it. Once a judge makes a decision, he/she loses jurisdiction of the case. She could have gotten into trouble herself had she done what the DA�s office wanted.
Who was that female judge? Judge Diana Hall. Her name should be familiar to most regular readers at MJEOL because Hall was then prosecuted by this same DA�s office in an unrelated charge. A vindictive prosecution? Maybe.
In her first battle with Sneddon�s office, she was only convicted of a misdemeanor --- which doesn�t remove her from her position as a judge.
Hall is currently in her second battle with this DA�s office. Only this time, the DA�s office had to be kicked off the prosecution of her case because of bias.
You see, this second battle seemed to mysteriously materialize after Sneddon and company found out that she would be testifying FOR Gary Dunlap in that $10 million lawsuit against Sneddon�s DA�s office.
The Attorney General has taken over the prosecution of Hall�s case in this 2nd battle initiated by Sneddon�s office.
As it turns out, there may be even more of a reason for these agencies to investigate Sneddon�s office considering how prosecutor Ron Zonen has recently admitted to breaking the law in an unrelated case. More on this later.
__Opportunistic juror turns on opportunistic publisher__
We are all now familiar with the flip-flopping juror Ray Hultman. He signed a book deal with Larry Garrison.
In post trial interviews, he claimed he didn�t believe the accuser, Gavin Arvizo. When that book deal with Garrison was signed, he suddenly flip-flopped � along with Elenor Cook � to level all sorts of unfounded allegations against their fellow jurors. The only media personality to give them a platform was Rita �NOI� Cosby.
Hultman is currently suing Garrison to get out of that book deal. He claims he was unsophisticated and was taken advantage of by Garrison. Yeah, right.
He alleges in court papers that he was so �impressed and dazzled� by Garrison and �would trust him so completely� that he and his wife �would believe virtually anything he said or promoted to them,� (see Jackson juror now wants out of book deal).
Hultman also made allegations against Stacy �Mouth Almight� Brown. He alleges Brown � who was supposed to write the book at first � plagiarized garbage�.uh, I mean� plagiarized �material� from a defamatory Vanity Fair article written by �Wacko Orth� (Maureen Orth).
He is suing both Garrison and Brown for ruining his reputation (HA!) and hopes to collect monetary damages from his suit.
__Welfare fraud charges for Arvizo__
Janet Arvizo has been charged with defrauding the welfare system in Los Angeles County. She had received over a hundred thousand dollars from a JC Penney settlement -- as well as receiving money from other celebrities � all while claiming to be destitute.
She renewed her welfare application repeatedly and never mentioned the extra money she was getting from other sources. She�s now charged with 5 felony counts of perjury and fraud, and could face prison time. Arvizo actually had the gall to plead not guilty.
As reported in MJEOL Bullet #282, the Los Angeles County District Attorney�s Bureau of Fraud and Corruption Prosecution filed felony charges August 23 saying that the felonious fraud hid hundreds of thousands of dollars from the welfare system while claiming she was indigent.
When the news broke of Arvizo�s charges, there wasn�t even half the amount of attention the broadcast media devoted to Jackson when police invaded his Neverland Ranch looking for evidence which never existed.
During the 2005 trial, Jackson�s defense team presented uncontested evidence that Arvizo committed fraud to receive almost $19,000 in welfare and proof that she was cashing these checks through Jay Jackson�s bank account, which some say appears to be money laundering.
In his opening argument, current Santa Barbara D.A. Tom Sneddon himself said Arvizo would admit she had committed welfare fraud. No such thing occurred. Arvizo refused to take responsibility and only testified because Judge Melville allowed her to plead the 5th Amendment concerning questions involving her welfare fraud.
Arvizo is due back in court October 28 2005 to answer to the 5 felony charges.
__Crooked is as crooked does?__
Prosecutor Ron Zonen, one of Sneddon�s minions, is also in boiling water with the law concerning the Jesse James Hollywood murder case. Zonen is one of the prosecutors whose disgustingly ridiculous characterizations of Jackson were lapped up and distributed by the media.
According to reports, Zonen broke the law; committing a misdemeanor by sharing confidential information about Hollywood with the creators of a movie about Hollywood. The next scheduled hearing about Zonen�s misconduct is Nov. 1 2005.
The attorney representing Hollywood called Zonen�s actions �unprecedented misconduct�. More from an article titled �Defense blasts links between Santa Barbara prosecutor, filmmaker� dated September 21 2005:
Hollywood's attorney, James Blatt, called Zonen's work with filmmaker Nick Cassavetes "unprecedented misconduct" in a motion filed last week.
He said the movie reflects prosecutors' version of events and depicts his client as "extremely manipulative, vicious, selfish and without any redeeming character traits whatsoever."
(see Defense blasts link between Santa Barbara prosecutor, filmmaker)
It�s important to note that prosecutors have a special duty to ethical conduct. Anything which falls under the umbrella of committing a crime -- Zonen�s misdemeanor conduct � is cause for concern.
Some are already wondering what made Zonen think he was in the position to be handing over information of this sort with any movie creator in the first place, especially given the fact that Hollywood hasn�t yet been convicted.
Blatt also said that Zonen told a researcher for Nick Cassavetes that he (Zonen) wanted the Hollywood case to be his legacy. From a Santa Barbara News Press article dated September 21 2005 titled �Hollywood prosecutor admits to misdemeanor�:
In a motion filed last week, Mr. Blatt called the cooperation between Mr. Zonen and the filmmaker, Nick Cassavetes, "unprecedented misconduct."
Mr. Blatt said Mr. Zonen told Mr. Cassavetes' researcher that the case against Mr. Hollywood and his four co-defendants would be his "legacy" and that he planned to write a book.
(see Hollywood prosecutor admits to misdemeanor)
In response to that particular point, the prosecution gave a lame explanation, saying that talking about writing a book and actually writing one are two different things.
Well, of course they are two different things. But you can�t write a book without planning to write one first. And, again, what the hell is he doing talking to the creator of a movie about writing a book? Talking about this being his �legacy�? Talking about this case at all??
This is the kind of conduct, or misconduct, some insiders say these prosecutors are use to committing. Jackson�s �case� wasn�t the first time they had been accused of misconduct, and it certainly looks like it wasn�t the last time either.
__�Jack in the Box� Carter__
Ex-bodyguard Chris Carter is also in deep, deep trouble with the law. He was snatched up so early by law enforcement that he didn�t even get a chance to testiLIE in Jackson�s trial.
Carter is currently awaiting trial for committing a number of robberies in the Las Vegas area.
According to an Associated Press (AP) article titled �Former Jackson bodyguard pleads not guilty to Vegas robbery spree� dated March 30 2005, Carter himself is an ex-felon. From that report:
Carter is accused of robbing several businesses, including a toy store in January. He also is being investigated for a series of bank robberies, according to Deputy Clark County District Attorney Susan Krisko, who argued against reducing his bail.
Krisko told the judge that Carter has confessed to the robberies and a "conviction is likely."
�
If forced to testify in California, Carter will take the Fifth Amendment, his lawyer Lloyd Baker said outside court.
"Saying anything (there) could affect his case here," Baker said.
�Baker argued that being compelled to testify in Jackson's case would affect Carter's ability to prepare for his own trial.
(see Former Jackson bodyguard pleads not guilty to Vegas robbery spree)
Carter was, according to the prosecution in Jackson�s trial, suppose to claim that Gavin Arvizo told him Jackson said it was okay to drink wine�or some nonsense like that.
Besides Carter�s allegations being suspect, the allegation itself is beyond weak to begin with. It doesn�t make any different what Gavin Arvizo told Carter; it doesn�t make what Arvizo said true.
But there may be an even deeper reason for Carter not testifying. He may have been lying about Jackson completely.
Santa Barbara prosecutors fought to get Carter to be able to testify and to plead the 5th Amendment when asked about his criminal conduct in Las Vegas; like they allowed Janet Arvizo to testify without answering questions about her welfare fraud.
They were going to make Carter testify in the Jackson trial, but something happened. When he got pinched by Las Vegas authorities for committing robbery and kidnapping, he may have told Santa Barbara prosecutors where to stick it when asked to testify against Jackson.
Why Carter was dropped from the prosecution�s witness list has been cause for speculation since it happened. Did Carter tell prosecutors that he lied about Jackson, causing them to scrap plans to force him to testify? Who knows.
__Dumb and Dumber__
When Jackson flew to Santa Barbara County to answer the arrest warrant Sneddon obtained back in November 2003, the private jet he flew on was bugged with recording equipment.
As of now, there is no allegation that Sneddon�s office was involved in the bugging of that flight��that we know of.
Now, two men have been indicted on federal charges of recording Jackson and then-attorney Mark Geragos on that flight. According to an AP report titled �Two indicted in Jackson recording case� dated September 22 2005, the pair used two digital camcorders and remote microphones to break the law.
Jeffrey Borer and Arvel Jett Reeves are charged with �conspiracy, endeavoring to intercept oral communication and witness tampering in an alleged scheme between Nov. 19 2003 and Nov. 21 2003� (see Two Indicted in Jackson Recording Case).
Borer was the owner of XtraJet and, according to unconfirmed sources, may have had a connection to Marc Schaffel. Reeves owned a maintenance company, Executive Aviation Logistics, which serviced XtraJet�s fleet of jets.
After they taped Jackson�s plane ride, they shopped the tape around to various networks. Back during when this story first broke, some networks confirmed they had been offered the tape for sale.
Both Geragos and Jackson sued XtraJet in federal court. According to the AP, XtraJet officials gave the tape to the FBI and claimed not to know who had bugged the plane. More from that report:
According to the indictment, Reeves purchased the video and audio equipment from three electronics stores in San Bernardino County and, with another suspect, secretly installed the equipment in a concealed part of the airplane's cabin.
The microphones were allegedly installed between passenger seat cushions.
Borer, who instructed Reeves to obtain and install the equipment, later contacted news companies and offered to sell the recordings, the indictment said.
(see Two Indicted in Jackson Recording Case)
The witness tampering charge involves Reeves telling a suspect to lie to the FBI about why the recording equipment was on the private jet. According to reports, Reeves told an �unindicted co-conspirator� to tell FBI officials that the plane was bugged in order to catch a thief.
Apparently Reeves didn�t think this lie through. I guess the FBI was supposed to believe that the company wanted to catch a thief on the day Jackson surrendered to Santa Barbara authorities.
Further, how in hell would he have explained the fact that Borer was trying to broker deals for the sale of that tape? Their plan and the cover-up was seemingly destined to fail.
If you remember, prosecutors in the Jackson trial called a witness to the stand, Cynthia Montgomery, who is also being investigated in relation to the XtraJet set up. She was supposed to speak to the ridiculous conspiracy charges leveled by the prosecution and the Arvizos.
As he did with Janet Arvizo, Judge Melville allowed Montgomery to testify without answering questions about her alleged involvement in illegal activity involving XtraJet. She was allowed to plead the 5th to questions about her FBI investigation, and was given immunity by Sneddon.
There were also reports that Jackson wanted to use another private jet company to take him and his lawyer to Santa Barbara on that day, but Montgomery � in charge of booking the flight � insisted that he use XtraJet for a reason unknown at the time. I think we now know the reason.
Montgomery, by the way, was reportedly also a friend of Marc Schaffel�s. Small world, isn�t it?
On the stand Montgomery claimed Schaffel ordered her to book �one-way tickets� to Brazil for the members of the Arvizo family. This was one of the Arvizo allegations.
One thing she apparently couldn�t explain was why Schaffel would have asked her to book one-way tickets to Brazil when � according to reports -- he spends a lot of time in Brazil. International law prevents anyone from booking one-way tickets to Brazil anyway.
Not to mention that, under cross-examination, Mesereau established that there were no tickets to Brazil. They, in fact, never existed. None were purchased by Jackson or Schaffel for that matter. And she had never spoken to Jackson about booking tickets to Brazil (see April 26 2005 Trial Update #1.5 ).
Did I mention that Montgomery is suing Jackson? She�s another prosecution witness who had a huge motive to try to shade her testimony in the prosecution�s favor. At the time of her testimony, Jackson and Geragos were also suing her reportedly for invasion of privacy involving the XtraJet taping.
Everything seems to come full circle, doesn�t it? There is no word yet on whether Montgomery dropped a dime on Borer and Reeves, or if she�s still under investigation for her part.
__Diane Dimond Gets Sued, then Gets Booted__
Then there�s tabloid reporter Diane Dimond. I don�t think she has seen the full brunt of her karma just yet, but she and her �investigative unit� was seemingly booted from Court TV. As reported in a special two-part MJEOL Bullet #283, Court TV �dismantled Diane Dimond�s investigative unit.�
As I said then, the unbelievably biased and pro-prosecution slant Dimond gave to her reporting caused scores of people to become alarmed. And more, still, to be put-off by Court TV altogether. She seemed to have been hired solely for the Jackson story.
And, I speculate since it didn�t work out like some hoped it would, they could no longer spare the expense of her Jackson-baggage either (see Part 1 | Part 2).
Dimond accused Jackson fan B.J. Hickman of harassing her and obtained a restaining order to keep Hickman from her. She wanted it to be 100ft, but the judge ordered 20ft.
Hickman then sued Dimond for his legal fees to fight against her harassment allegation. He says he was not harassing her at all, and was exercising his free speech.
Dimond ended up settling the lawsuit against Hickman, to which Hickman�s attorney says he is very satisfied with the settlement terms. It was a fight she started with an allegation. Could it be that she didn�t think he would defend himself?
All of these people in some way or another profited, schemed, plotted or benefited career-wise from Jackson�s legal troubles. And all currently find or found themselves in legal entanglements of their own.
-MJEOL
MJJF eNews #629 - Friday Nov 18, 2005
STATEMENT OF MR. MICHAEL JACKSON REGARDING THE DEATH OF HIS LONGTIME FRIEND MR. BILL BRAY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Raymone K. Bain
November 18, 2005
STATEMENT OF MR. MICHAEL JACKSON REGARDING THE DEATH OF HIS LONGTIME FRIEND MR. BILL BRAY
Michael Jackson releases the following statement regarding the passing, this
week, of his longtime friend, Mr. Bill Bray:
Washington, D.C. ��� � I am deeply saddened by the passing of my
dear and longtime friend, Mr. Bill Bray.
�As I traveled throughout the world, Mr. Bray was there by my side. Bill
Bray will forever have a special place in my heart.
�I send my love and heartfelt sympathy to the Bray family.�
� MJJForum.com - This news can be reposted with a credit to MJJForum.com
MJJForum.com - Bridging the gap between Michael Jackson and his fans.
MJJForum website: http://www.mjjforum.com/
MJJF eNews #628 - Thursday Nov 17, 2005
Jackson�s Former Security Chief Dies
Michael Jackson�s former security chief has died at the age of 80.
Bill Bray, a former Los Angeles police officer, began working for the Jackson 5 in the early 1970s and soon became a father figure to the singer. He remained one of Jackson�s closest confidants until his retirement in the mid-1990s.
Jackson�s publicist, Raymone Bain, confirmed that Bray died on Tuesday.
"Michael is very, very, very saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Bray, who was a long-time friend and mentor to him and very trusted adviser to him," she said.
Bain said that Jackson, who is living in Bahrain, had spoken to members of Bray's family by telephone.
J. Randy Taraborelli, who authored a Jackson biography, said: "Bill was a father figure to all of the boys (in the Jackson 5) in the early days and when Michael struck out on his own, he became sort of a surrogate father to Michael."
MJJForum sends heartfelt condolences to Mr. Bray�s family and friends.
Source: Reuters/MJJForum
� MJJForum.com - This news can be reposted with a credit to MJJForum.com
MJJForum.com - Bridging the gap between Michael Jackson and his fans.
MJJForum website: http://www.mjjforum.com/
Date: Tue, 15 Nov 2005 20:12:32 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [Positive Voices 4 MJJ] Recent Rumors Cleared By Raymone Bain
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Raymone K. Bain
November 15, 2005
MICHAEL JACKSON HAS NOT PURCHASED ACREAGE
ON AMWAJ ISLANDS IN BAHRAIN
Washington, D.C. …..Contrary to published reports, Michael Jackson
has not
purchased acreage on Bahrain�s Amwaj Islands; his children have not
participated on any studio recordings; and, Mr. Jackson has not put
Neverland
up for sale.
Also contrary to published and broadcast reports today, Mr. Jackson
mistakenly
entered a ladies room in Dubai, labeled in Arabic, during an outing
with friends.
Upon realizing his mistake, he quickly exited. Upon his exit, he was
recognized
and a crowd ensued. He had to wait in a nearby bookstore until police
arrived to
escort him through the crowd.
Please contact this office with regards to any inquiries regarding Mr.
Jackson,
in order to clarify any misinformation reported by sources
Source: Raymone Bain - Gail Felix (Asst. To Angel Howansky)
~~sending out a major love~~
"The Music Lady's"
http://www.pv4mjj.com
Our Forum
http://www.seaofvictory4mjj.2truth.com
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MJEOL Bullet #286: CBS Producer Gets Nailed in �Jesus Juice� Scandal
Thu, 10 Nov 2005 23:38:36 -0500
CBS Producer Gets Nailed in �Jesus Juice� Scandal � MB#286
NOVEMBER 10 2005 -- As if we needed more disgusting proof of the type of bias from the people who were covering the Michael Jackson trial, we just got more courtesy of �CBS Evening News� producer Bruce Rheins.
From the what-the-hell-were-you-thinking file comes word that Rheins and wife Dawn Westlake trademarked the name �Jesus Juice� with a picture of a figure with long hair on the cross being crucified, wearing a single glove, a fedora and loafers. I�m not kidding.
I would be the first to liken Jackson�s treatment by vindictive Santa Barbara law enforcement and money hungry media bosses to a modern day crucifixion. But what Rheins and his wife have done is infuriating to Jackson supporters and religious persons all over the world.
What is ridiculously insidious is that this blatant behavior was from a person in the position of making decisions on which stories and angles got covered and which ones didn't get coverage during the Jackson trial.
According to thesmokinggun.com, Rheins and his wife trademarked the name �Jesus Juice� along with that ridiculous image, and handed out wine apparently under the name �Rheins-Westlake Winery�.
The action has already drawn the ire of religious groups, which may be why the shamed Rheins is now backing away from the idea of publicly producing his �Jesus Juice� brand of wine.
To know that in Jan 2004, over a year before the trial began, these two a--holes were clearly seeking to profit and/or make a mockery of the entire situation is totally repulsive.
The hateful way in which they sought to ridicule Jackson and the trial is totally indicative of how much attention they would have given to a non-negative Jackson story.
I can only wonder what damaging information about the prosecution or the Arvizo family came to their attention early on, which was ignored because they already thought Jackson was guilty.
Reports are coming from the NY Daily News, thesmokinggun.com, and the conservative organization NewsBusters.org � the organization who say they broke the story.
According to the NY Daily News, Rheins headed the network�s coverage of the Jackson trial. Rheins claimed to the Daily News that �their Jesus Juice was never meant for public consumption,� (see Jax finds wine logo to be in pour taste). From the report:
"My wife and I are hobby winemakers," he said. "We made a few bottles for friends. We never wanted to sell it. We only trademarked it because we didn't want other people to try to make money off it.
(see Jax finds wine logo to be in pour taste )
�And the Bull$hit Award for the Most Ridiculous Public Denial goes to����..CBS�s Bruce Rheins!
Why in the world would he trademark such an image and phrase, reportedly to be used under �Rheins-Westlake Winery�, if he didn�t plan on making money from it?
What Rheins apparently didn�t count on is that groups of people would have been watching and archiving data about this affront to the religious community.
CBS has jumped to spin the story as a huge joke done simply in poor taste. Please!
On their Public Eye blog, the blogger claims to have spoken to Rheins. Rheins apparently said he didn�t intend to profit from the logo. From their blog:
I spoke to Rheins about it and he called the whole effort �a very bad attempt at a spoof.�
Rheins said he and his wife make their own wine and intended to produce a small number of �Jesus Juice� bottles to give to friends, some of whom covered the Jackson trial alongside of Rheins. He said there was never an intention to profit in any way from the effort.
� When I asked about reports that they had tried to solicit wineries in a partnership, he told me that his wife had made a �joking reference� on her Web site about seeking partners but they have �never approached any wineries� and if any had contacted them (none did), they would have turned them down.
(see at mjeol: When Bad Jokes Go Public (CBS lying and backtracking) | at CBS: CBS News.com)
Where to begin!
First, this was a hell of a lot more than a �spoof�. Who trademarks a �spoof� for personal use?
Second, if this is typical of the attitudes and behaviors of reporters covering the Jackson trial, no wonder the media coverage was shallow and generally stunk to high heaven.
It is not a good thing having a bunch of jaded, careless, contemptible, self-serving pricks covering the trial. Some of these nitwits probably became angry that they didn�t get a �guilty� verdict to shoot ratings through the roof.
Third, Rheins may be lying through his teeth about not seeking to profit from his trademarked �Jesus Juice� imagery.
__Busted!__
NewsBusters.org has information clearly showing that Rheins intended on making money from this image if he hasn�t done so already. They have caught Rheins with his pants down.
They found out Rheins and Westlake had a cafepress.com virtual store selling merchandise with the blasphemous Jackson/Jesus image on it. It was archived and made available to their readers at the NewsBusters.org website.
Rheins�s cafepress.com store, Ron de Cana Productions, was selling everything from wall clocks to t-shirts to coffee mugs with this image on it.
And, from the archived information, Rheins and Westlake clearly played on the Jackson angle.
For example, they were charging $15 for a wall clock with their �Jesus Juice� trademark image on it. In the description section for that clock was the following:
Off the Wall Clock
$15.00
Go ahead! Open that bottle of merlot! It must be 5 o�clock somewhere! You gotta be startin� something! Yeah, yeah�
(see NewsBusters.org Archived Info)
The clock is called the �Off the Wall Clock�! I mean, come on! It is in terrible taste to seek to benefit from a child molestation trial, especially when the person on trial was factually innocent and acquitted.
On top of this is the fact that Rheins has apparently lied and sought to cover his tracks by having the items removed from the cafepress.com store bearing the Jackson-esque image.
The public doesn�t need more proof that Jackson was telling the truth when he says people seek to profit from him in strange, disgusting, and sometimes illegal ways. They have had enough verification already:
(1) XtraJet federal indictments for 2 men who bugged Jackson�s private plane
(2) Gavin Arvizo claiming to be �molested� but not being able to tell a straight story to save his life
(3) The Arvizo family claiming to be kidnapped and held hostage while out shopping, getting body waxes, meeting with civil attorney Bill Dickerman, going to doctor�s appointments, flying on a private jet with Chris Tucker, etc., etc., etc.
(4) Mark Schaffel�.Deiter Weisner�..Ron Konitzer�.Ralph Chacon�.Adrian McManus�.Kassim Abdool��..need I say more?
(5) Jason Francia (Mr �I don�t remember�) �remembering� things that couldn�t have possibly occurred the way he claimed they did
(6) Dwayne Swingler, former Neverland employee, admitting on the stand that he was writing a book so that he could �cash-in like everybody else was� around Jackson at the time
(7) Diane Dimond and her planned soon-to-be-released book leeching off of Jackson�s image and notoriety
(8) Stacy Brown parlaying connections to �the Jackson family� into a paid analyst position with MSNBC
(9) Former sheriff Jim Thomas, in charge of the 1993 Neverland raid, parlaying his involvement into a paid analyst position for MSNBC.
(10) Bob Jones the �opportunist� writing a book full of innuendo, unfounded speculation and outright lies, etc., etc., etc.
I could go on and on��.and on. Seriously, I could.
But the point is that �Jesus Juice�-gate is yet one more event added to a long list illustrating the depths to which people will sink to grab a piece of profit and/or notoriety at Jackson�s expense.
It is this smugness�this repugnant attitude which draws the ire of so many people.
There is yet another angle here. Anyone seeking to obtain a trademark for their brand of wine using this logo showed no sensitivity even for the accuser.
I mean, in Jan 2004, Rheins and Westlake may not have known what a complete liar the accuser was at the time. So this is hateful behavior even from that standpoint.
The problem is some nitwits under the guise of �real journalists� covered the trial and treated it like a big joke. Rheins may not have bargained for the fact that Jackson would be acquitted or that the �case� would be non-existent once non-pro-prosecution people started to ask questions.
The travesty which was the Jackson trial is made all the more calamitous when we get word that a couple of a--holes in position of power � covering the trial, mind you � use a crucified Jackson/Jesus under the words �Jesus Juice�, and slaps that label on a bottle of wine�.a t-shirt��a coffee mug��a wall clock�..and lord knows what else.
Will Rheins�s denial and half-assed apology save him from a public crucifixion? Time will tell.
-MJEOL
Jesus Juice Producer Falsely Denies Profit Motive - Newsbusters.org UPDATE
Jax finds wine logo to be in pour taste - NY Daily News
Jackson Voted Most Influential Artist in Black Music - Choice FM
Michael Jackson close to wrapping relief song, spokeswoman says
Thriller Enters Billboard's Top 50 Digital Songs Chart
Copyright � 2004 by MJEOL.COM
Copyright � 2004 by MJEOL.COM
DISCLAIMER: Neither MJEOL.COM nor the opinions expressed in any and all writings/posts/messages located anywhere on this site, are in any way affiliated either expressly or implicitly with Michael Jackson, his management, his attorneys, etc. We are not an official Jackson website, we do not speak for (or to) Michael Jackson, nor do we fall under any gag orders associated with the current case. Long story short, if you're looking to silence our support for Jackson, you'll have to throw out the U.S. Constitution, dude.
MJJF eNews #627 - Friday Nov 11, 2005
Title of Jackson�s Charity Single Revealed
The much anticipated hurricane relief single from pop superstar Michael Jackson has finally been named.
In a recent interview, recording artist Ciara revealed that the track title is �I Have a Dream�.
Jackson�s spokesperson, Raymone Bain, confirmed earlier this month that the King of Pop had rewritten the song and changed the original title, �From the Bottom of My Heart�.
Ciara, who recently recorded her part of the single, divulged "... it's a very beautiful record. The cool thing is that it has a message behind it and it's for a good cause."
Proceeds from the single will go to the hurricane victims of the gulf coast. The disaster relief is to be provided through the Bill Clinton-George Bush Katrina Fund, the Push-Excel Hurricane Katrina College Relief Fund and the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Source: MTV News/AP/MJJForum
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From: Eve - TheMusicLady
Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 09:09:51 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [Positive Voices 4 MJJ] Message from Raymone Bain
A Respectful Request From Ms Bain
---------------------------------
At the appropriate time, I am certain that Mr.
Jackson will make his
decisions known with regards to the status of
MJJSource. Until
he does, everything is speculation. It would be
appropriate for
individuals to allow him the courtesy to do so w/out
creating
havoc and confusion. It does them no good to do so.
Michael Jackson is close to completing his charity single for Hurricane Katrina relief and hopes to release the song sometime this month, his spokeswoman said Thursday.
From his new base in the Middle East, Jackson has been working through global satellite and phone connections with the 12 recording artists who are participating, spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain told The Associated Press.
"All that remains is for two or three more artists to do their tracks, and Michael will then add his vocals," Bain said in a phone interview. "He is now on the fast track, and we're happy with the progress."
Last week, Jackson coordinated recording sessions with artists who were visiting Los Angeles for the Black Entertainment Television awards and went to studios to record their parts.
Meredith O'Sullivan, a spokeswoman for rapper Snoop Dogg, and Sonia Muckle, who represents singer R. Kelly, said those artists have participated in the recording sessions.
Jackson is the writer and producer of the track, Bain said.
She added that Jackson has rewritten the song several times and is changing the title from the original, "From the Bottom of My Heart," to a new, undisclosed title.
Jackson found he did not need as many artists to participate as originally planned, she said. The final tally will be about 12, she said.
Jackson's plan is to provide disaster aid through three funds: the Bill Clinton-George Bush Katrina Fund, the Push-Excel Hurricane Katrina College Relief Fund and a disaster fund set up by the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Source: AP / MJJForum
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Correction MJJF eNews #625 - Tuesday Nov 1, 2005
Michael Jackson Attorney Honored in LA
Gospel music rocked the rafters as the mayor and police chief of Los Angeles joined hundreds of members of a black church to honor Michael Jackson's lawyer, Thomas Mesereau Jr., as "a champion of justice."
Mesereau, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Police Chief Bill Bratton swayed and clapped Sunday as a band played and a choir of young people sang religious songs in a rock tempo. They also presented a medley of upbeat numbers in praise of America.
"We are here to honor a man who is setting an example for all of us," the mayor told the packed chapel at Brookins Community African Methodist Church. He noted that Mesereau is "a white man who has for many years now marched with the mothers of Watts against gang violence. He co-founded a legal clinic for the indigent."
He noted that Mesereau also travels to Alabama every year to defend a death penalty case free of charge.
"Anytime I get the opportunity to acknowledge those among us willing to reach out as Tom has, I'm truly honored," said the mayor, who presented Mesereau with a city proclamation.
With Sunday's service focusing on a reading from the Book of Daniel, the Rev. Cecil "Chip" Murray, recently retired pastor of the First AME Church of Los Angeles, described Mesereau as "an attorney not intimidated in the lion's den."
"You saw him with Michael Jackson doing the impossible," said Murray. The remark brought sustained applause.
Mesereau told the group: "I am so touched, so honored and so privileged. I thank all of you very much."
Bratton said outside the church that he and his wife, attorney and TV personality Ricki Kleiman, met Mesereau several years ago and became familiar with his work.
"This is a city of many neighborhoods," said Bratton. "It's important to have people like Tom who reach out beyond their own neighborhood."
Source: AP / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #624 - Saturday Oct 29, 2005
Jackson Security Chief Moves On
Jackson Security Chief Moves On
Violet Silva dismisses cited reasons for her departure from Neverland
Violet Silva, the fifteen-year veteran security chief of Neverland Valley Ranch, has taken a job with attorney Robert Sanger, a member of Michael Jackson's defense team that was instrumental in short-circuiting prosecutors during the child molestation case against the entertainer.
Contrary to a report by Internet gossiper Roger Friedman that she was part of employee departures due to missed payroll, Silva said that she joined the criminal defense firm of longtime friend Sanger to expand her career horizon. Her new job as an investigator began about three weeks ago.
Speaking with the Santa Barbara News-Press, Silva replayed: "I was presented with a tremendous opportunity and I took it. I left on very good terms. There are no bad feelings whatsoever."
Sanger said that he has the utmost respect for Silva, and that he is looking forward to working with her. "I feel fortunate to have been her friend for 13 years," he said.
The lawyer is a leader in the movement to abolish the death penalty, and convicted a judge that the old jury pool system of Santa Barbara County was unconstitutional.
Silva had been called to testify in the molestation trial of her former employer. She informed the jury that the accuser and his family were sympathetic figures when they initially arrived at the ranch; however, that changed within a year, with that sympathetic allure being replaced with "pretty reckless" behavior on the part of the accuser and his brother.
Upon prosecution cross-examination, Silva stated that as a mother she would not allow her children to be at Neverland for the lax rules there were in conflict with the manner by which she raised her children.
The State's case ultimately fell apart and Jackson was acquitted.
Before, during, and after the trial, reports (largely offered by Friedman) have swirled about missed payroll checks for Neverland employees, a possible sale of the property, employees leaving in massive numbers, and so on.
If any of this was happening, Silva said that it isn't unlike any other business.
"People are presented with opportunities, and if they're better, they take them," she said. "Sometimes it's as simple as the price of gas."
Regarding the latest "exodus" that had been reported on by Friedman on Thrusday, October 27th, Silva said, "I don't know. I don't ask. As accurate as the information about me was stated -- I am a 15-year employee, I did leave, and I am working for Bob Sanger -- it was linked to other people leaving, and it hurt my feelings because it just wasn't true."
Silva added that having worked at Neverland for so long, she grew close to many of the employees, from zookeepers to the "irrigation guys."
"The Neverland employees were my second family. I have great affection for the employees there. I describe them as courageous and loyal," she said.
The five-month trial of their boss, which ended on June 13, 2005, tested that loyalty.
"We were a strong group, but with the story of Mr. Jackson, of what he was being alleged of doing, it was difficult for the employees," Silva stated. "All the employees gave 100 percent all the time, and probably more than 100 percent during some very difficult times."
In the end, she said, "We all stuck together.
"My leaving had nothing to do with the alleged problems Roger Friedman thinks are happening there, and there is no dissatisfaction," she said.
Thursday's report by Friedman suggested that six employees who had purportedly quit over the past couple of months did so because "everyone is pissed," according to a cited and unidentified so-called insider. Silva was inexplicably attached to this group that has allegedly trickled out of Neverland due to these missed payroll cheques.
Silva said that divulging too much bordered on the personal and that was a place into which she did not want to venture.
"I am just so amazed that anyone would have any interest in me whatsoever," she said. "All I wanted to do was defend my position (at Neverland). I'm tired of people making up stories about who I am, what I'm doing and why I'm doing it.
"I left Neverland feeling that every experience, whether it was positive or negative, was a successful experience for me."
Source: Santa Barbara News-Press / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #622 - Thursday Oct 27, 2005
Jackson Fights Back
Pop icon Michael Jackson is countersuing a former associate, accusing him of concealing and misappropriating funds. This is the latest move in a flurry of legal activity from the singer.
A lawyer representing the superstar, Brent Ayscough, confirmed that Jackson filed the countersuit on Oct. 18.
In court papers, Jackson claims that producer Marc Schaffel �concealed funds, commingled funds, misappropriated funds, charged expenses for matters un-related to the agreement, provided false books of account and ... wrongfully profited �"
Marc Schaffel originally filed suit in November 2004, saying Jackson owed him over $3 million. He claims the singer owes him $2.3 million for payments and loans and a further $800,000 for producing two television specials that aired on the Fox network.
Jackson claims that Schaffel failed to pay costs related to the production of the charity single, �What More Can I Give?�
It is also alleged that Schaffel continued to represent himself as Jackson�s associate, even after their business dealings had ended, and that Schaffel profited from this false association.
The singer also claims that Schaffel kept a number of his sculptures and paintings, valued at $250,000.
Ayscough said Schaffel had already failed in two attempts to have a lien placed on the singer�s Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara.
This case is the latest in a string of legal actions launched by the singer. Jackson recently initiated legal action against concert promoter Marcel Avram, who is suing for lost revenue from two millennium concerts.
He also settled a lawsuit filed by an antiques dealer who alleged he had not fully paid for $380,000 worth of goods.
An attorney for Schaffel, Howard King, dismissed the accusations as "another ridiculous claim."
Source: AP/Daily Telegraph/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #621 - Sunday Oct 23, 2005
The Official 2005 Victory-Vindication Celebration Superstore
THE HOTTEST MJ CELEBRATION PARTY MERCHANDISE IS NOW AVAILABLE!!
Share the memories of this spectacular event on this special double dvd! We've captured some of the best moments of the Victory-Vindicaton Celebration for your enjoyment!
Come join us again for this wonderful 3 day event that included:
Special appearance by Mr. Joe Jackson & Majestik
Karaoke Night
MJ Idol
Victory-Vindication Show
Award Ceremony
Performance by Crystal Marven
Messages To Michael
Battle of The Impersonators
and much more!!
The new MJJF Superstore now has more items for sale!
T-Shirts
Sweatshirts
Buttons
Buy your Official Merchandise today. DVD quantities are limited! Only 27.50! Shipping is included in the price for USA orders. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. We accept Money Orders as well!
Let us relive the special moments we all shared at the MJJForum Victory-Vindication Celebration!
Get your OFFICIAL merchandise by clicking:
http://www.mjjforum.com/catalog/
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MJJF eNews #620 - Thursday Oct 20, 2005
Jackson Back in Court?
Pop superstar Michael Jackson has once again been summoned to appear in court � but this time as a juror.
The singer received the jury summons only four months after being acquitted on child molestation charges. However it is unlikely that Jackson will make this return to court and his lawyers have filed paperwork for a deferment.
"He is permanently living outside of the United States [and] the proper procedures are being followed," said attorney Thomas Mesereau.
Anyone deliberately avoiding jury duty can be found in contempt, fined up to $1,500 or even jailed. But Jury Commissioner Gary Blair said the singer appears to be in the clear.
"All he has to do is show he has legal residency somewhere else and he'll be exempted," said Blair, "it's no big deal."
"You're not legally supposed to exempt someone just because they're a celebrity," Blair said. "I summoned Ronald Reagan when he was president but granted him a deferment until he was out of office."
The singer has been out of the country since his trial ended, although there has been no indication that he plans to sell his 2,000-acre California ranch, Neverland.
Source: News-Press/AP/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #619 - Tuesday Oct 18, 2005
MJJF-Europe Looking For New Staff
MJJF-Europe.com is an ever growing community providing images, news and reports to European fans of Michael Jackson. MJJF-Europe.com is currently looking for new Staff for it's Communications Department. We need people for two Teams - Translatiors and the Main Team.
Translators Team. I think title says it�s all. Translators job will be translate news articles into language that is needed.
For this team we are looking for people who besides English speak French, Polish, German, Spanish and Italian.
Main Team. If you are good with searching for news, pictures, writing, re-writing, posting and other things that is related with news and communication, then apply for this Team.
If you have this skill you can help provide a valuble service to your fellow MJ fans.
You will need to send applications to communications@mjjf-europe. Application date will close on 28th October. Please provide which Team you would like to join and soon after that you will recieve a questionnaire.
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MJJF eNews #618 - Sunday Oct 16, 2005
The Official 2005 Victory-Vindication Celebration DVD is here!
THE HOTTEST MJ CELEBRATION PARTY IS NOW AVAILABLE!!
Share the memories of this spectacular event on this special double dvd! We've captured some of the best moments of the Victory-Vindicaton Celebration for your enjoyment!
Come join us again for this wonderful 3 day event that included:
Special appearance by Mr. Joe Jackson & Majestik
Karaoke Night
MJ Idol
Victory-Vindication Show
Award Ceremony
Performance by Crystal Marven
Messages To Michael
Battle of The Impersonators
and much more!!
In a few days, the new MJJF Superstore will have even more items for sale!
T-Shirts
Sweatshirts
Buttons
Official Program-Special Edition with added Fan Reports and exclusive pictures!
Buy your Official DVD today as quantities are limited! Only 27.50! Shipping is included in the price. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. We accept Money Orders as well!
Let us relive the special moments we all shared at the MJJForum Victory-Vindication Celebration!
Get your Official DVD by clicking MJJF SUPERSTORE
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MJJF eNews #617 - Tuesday Oct 11, 2005
JIBLETS CORNER IS OPEN
Welcome to the new and improved MJJF-Europe!
MJJF-Europe is proud to announce the opening of Jiblet's Corner. Here you will find first hand reports from many major Jackson events. Jiblet's corner will also include photos of the events, interviews with fans and tribute acts!
JIBLETS CORNER IS OPEN
Check The Latest from his London visit as well all the exclusive reports from around Europe including:
The European Jackson Event 2005: Eindhoven.
At the court-side in Santa Maria, California.
The Victory Party: Hammersmith London.
The UNBREAKABLE Party: Leicester Square, London.
A huge gallery with 100's of photos of fans, tribute acts and locations of interest will be added later this week!
We're going further to bring you the real stories of Michael Jackson's loyal supporters.
Above: Fans turn out on mass to support the King of Pop. Jiblet and MJJF-Europe were there, and below Michael In London.
Team MJJF-Europe
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MJJF eNews #616 - Friday Oct 7, 2005
Michael Jackson in London
It all started with rumors that Michael Jackson would come to London and ended with the dreams of some fans coming true - to see Michael Jackson. For some it was the first time, for some it was yet another experience to add to the list.
No confirmation regarding Michael Jackson being in London was ever released, but that didn�t stop fans from gathering outside the Dorchester Hotel. Raymone Bain was spotted there with Grace Rwamba (the nanny of Michael�s children).
Not a lot of fans were outside the hotel during the day but as the rumors about Michael being in London seemed to become more and more truthful, the crowd started to grow.
One person, who works at the Dorchester hotel in central London, said to the fans that Michael Jackson was indeed there with his children this week. They also said to the fans that Michael would come out soon and possibly be ready to meet his fans.
Later in the day barriers were built outside the hotel, causing some movement amongst the fans.
More fans arrived and started to gathering where no barrier was in place. People from security tried to keep fans behind the barriers by saying; if fans crossed the barrier they would be arrested.
When Michael wanted to come out to greet his fans, he was mobbed by 100s of fans and was pushed back inside as soon as he left the hotel.
After Michael managed to leave the hotel, fans went to the Metropolice Record Studio and waited for Michael there. When Michael arrived he got on top of his car allowing everybody to see him. Once again Michael Jackson was mobbed by the crowd of fans.
Reporters said Michael will stay in London till Friday 3am.
Source: MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #615 - Tuesday Oct 4, 2005
Michael Jackson Sues Marcel Avram
In a suit filed Monday, Michael Jackson is seeking to prevent concert promoter Marcel Avram from proceeding with arbitration over a disputed 1999 New Year's Eve concert contract.
Jackson and his company, MJ Company, are suing Avram and his Germany-based company, Mama Concerts and RAU, for breach of contract. The lawsuit also calls for a preliminary injunction to prevent Avram from going forth with arbitration.
In 2003, Jackson lost a civil suit brought against him by Avram, with a Santa Maria jury awarding the concert promoter $5.3 million in damages. At the time, Avram's attorney Louis "Skip" Miller stated that his client's intended to appeal $6 million that Judge Zel Cantor had prevented the jury from considering.
According to court papers, Jackson and Avram signed a settlement agreement in 2003, which resolved all existing and future claims connected with the concert lawsuits. Disputes regarding the agreement were to be handled in Los Angeles Superior Court as part of the settlement agreement, but Avram has decided to proceed with arbitration, a violation of the agreement, the lawsuit stated.
"Plaintiffs Jackson and MJ Company seek this court's intervention to compel Avram to abide by the terms of the settlement agreement and to engage Plaintiff's in this forum regarding their purported right to relief," according to court papers.
An arbitration hearing is scheduled for October 24, 2005.
Jackson is seeking an injunction to prevent any alternate forms of dispute resolution, interest on sums awarded, and costs of the lawsuit.
Jackson attorney Michael Bruce Abelson did not immediately comment comment on the case.
Source: The Associated Press / City News Service / MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #614 - Thursday Sep 22, 2005
Jackson Eavesdroppers Charged
LOS ANGELES � A federal grand jury indicted two men Wednesday for bugging a charter plane carrying singer Michael Jackson and his lawyer in 2003.
Jackson and his then lawyer, Mark Geragos, were travelling aboard an XtraJet charter flight from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara, where Jackson was to surrender to authorities on child molestation charges.
The indictment alleges that the Gulfstream jet was fitted with concealed cameras and microphones purchased from a �spy� equipment store. XtraJet owner, Jeffrey Borer and Arvell Reeves, owner of an aircraft maintenance company, were charged with conspiracy and attempting to intercept private communications. Reeves was further charged with witness tampering during an FBI investigation into the incident.
The bugging of the plane was first revealed in November 2003 when Fox News disclosed that it had been approached by a private party offering to sell the tapes. Fox said staffers had watched the tapes without audio and that Jackson had appeared calm and was smiling and laughing during the flight.
Borer subsequently confirmed that XtraJet had offered the tapes to television networks. At the time he said the company did not know who was responsible for the recordings and that the tapes were found aboard the aircraft.
The indictment alleges that Borer and Reeves conspired to record Jackson�s conversations with Geragos. Borer was to provide the aircraft, while Reeves allegedly bought and installed the recording equipment.
Borer was then allegedly tasked with selling the tape to media outlets. According to the indictment, Reeves installed two color "pinhole" cameras in the aircraft's passenger cabin and placed microphones between the seats.
After news of the tapes surfaced, the FBI launched an investigation. Reeves then allegedly told a subordinate to fabricate a story about the devices. He asked the subordinate, now an "unindicted co-conspirator,� to tell FBI agents that the cameras were installed the day before Jackson�s flight, to catch someone suspected of stealing alcohol from the plane.
Assistant U.S. Attorney, Andrew Cowan, said the men would be summoned to appear for arraignment in the coming weeks.
If found guilty, Borer�s charges could result in a 10 year prison sentence, while Reeves faces a possible 20 years behind bars.
Source: LA Times / San Diego Union Tribune / MJJForum
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Michael Jackson
MJJSource.com Official Newsletter
Monday Sep 12, 2005
Breaking News: Music’s Biggest Names Join Michael Jackson for Katrina Relief Effort
Washington, D.C. - Michael Jackson is pleased to announce that Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, R. Kelly, Wyclef Jean, Lenny Kravitz, Lauren Hill, Mary J. Blidge, Yolanda Adams, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, James Brown, Snoop Dogg , the O’Jays, and Ciara, are among the artists joining in his hurricane relief song, where all proceeds will be donated to victims of Hurricane Katrina.
WARNING! MICHAEL (OR HIS CHILDREN) HAVE CONTACTED ME VIA EMAIL OR INTSANT MESSAGING... IS THIS REALLY HIM (OR THEM)?
NO.
Michael Jackson's authorized team members are the only ones who communicate via email on his behalf. This would always be official and verifiable correspondence.
Michael Jackson and his children do NOT ever communicate via computer. If you are communicating with someone on the internet that claims to be Michael Jackson or one of his children, you are being deceived.
Unfortunately, this is an issue that arises quite often. MJJsource URGES YOU TO BE CAREFUL AND AWARE. There are certain individuals that use the anonymity afforded them by the internet to disguise themselves as Michael Jackson and abuse the trust of innocent fans. This is an issue that Michael's Team takes very seriously as the safety of unsuspecting fans is at risk.
If you are aware of anyone that is taking part in this type of malicious deception, please email [email protected].
Please do not give out your personal phone numbers or address to anyone online that you do not know and trust personally.
Michael Jackson & MJJsource care about you and your safety!
Please Note:
If you or someone you know is impersonating Michael Jackson or one of his children on the internet via email, instant messaging, chatroom, etc,. please be aware that this is a crime that MJJsource and the authorities take very seriously. Mr. Jackson's legal team will investigate all identity theft matters and the offending individual(s) will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Music�s Biggest Names join Michael Jackson
Music�s Biggest Names join Michael Jackson
Washington, D.C. Michael Jackson is pleased to announce that
Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, R. Kelly, Wyclef Jean, Lenny Kravitz,
Lauren Hill, Mary J. Blidge, Yolanda Adams, Kenneth �Babyface� Edmonds,
James Brown, Snoop Dogg , the O�Jays, and Ciara, are among the artists
joining in his hurricane relief song, where all proceeds will be donated to
victims of Hurricane Katrina.
As previously announced, the working title of the song is, �From the Bottom of
My Heart,� which will be released on 2 Seas Records, owned by Prince Abdullah
Hamad Alkhalifa of Bahrain.
This project is in response to the widespread devastation wrought by Hurricane
Katrina, and because of the human suffering taking place in the Gulf Region of his country.
Mr. Jackson is continuing to reach out to artists who would like to work with
him in this project, which he humbly hopes will make a tremendous difference
to all individuals who have been affected by this tragedy.
All inquiries regarding Mr. Jackson's Katrina relief effort, and artist participation
should be addressed to Mr. Jackson's publicist and Executive coordinator,
Raymone K. Bain.
Source: Raymone K. Bain
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MJJF eNews #612 - Friday Sep 9, 2005
Jackson Juror Sues to Get Out of Book Deal
One of the two jurors who went on a media blitz last month alleging that they were pressured into voting not guilty to acquit Michael Jackson on child molestation charges is now suing to get out of a book deal.
Ray Hultman and his wife Darlene wants to break their publishing contract with Larry Garrison, owner of the Lake Sherwood-based SilverCreek Entertainment, stating that they did not know what they were doing when they signed the pact.
Hultman is also suing Stacy Brown, former Jackson Family pal and co-author of another book written with Bob Jones, alleging that he is the source of plagiarizing material for the book proposal from an article written by Maureen Orth for Vanity Fair.
Hultman, 62, along with 81 year-old Jackson juror Eleanor Cook, went on a media promotion junket to hock upcoming books. Both jurors told stories of alleged jury tampering, rule breaking and that they were pressured into acquitting Jackson. Both have since claimed that they believe Jackson to be guilty of molesting a 13 year old boy in 2003.
Hultman's suit is seeking unspecified damages for mental and emotional stress and claims that his reputation and deal was damaged by the alleged act committed by Brown. Furthermore, Hultman's attorney Santa Barbara lawyer James Nichols Jr., wrote in the lawsuit that his client should be released from the contract because California law barred him from capitalizing on his jury service until 90 days after the verdict.
Brown called Hultman's actions 'laughable' and went on to say, "I think this is another attempt for Ray to keep himself in the media. No one is interested in his book. He was badly misguided. He'd be better off riding into the sunset and getting on with his life."
Hultman signed two contracts with Garrison, one giving him 50% of book sales and another one that combined his contract with Cook's only giving him a 25% cut. Garrison would receive 50% in any case.
Neither Hultman or Garrison was available to comment on this court filing.
Source: Santa Maria Times/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #611 - Tuesday Sep 6, 2005
Michael Jackson to Record Hurricane Relief Song
Created: Tuesday, 06 September 2005
Michael Jackson to Record Hurricane Relief Song Fundraising Project titled:
�From the Gulf to the Gulf�
Within 24 hours, Mr. Jackson will be reaching out to other recording superstars asking that they join him in this project to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina
Washington, D.C. ��. In response to the widespread devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, Recording Superstar Michael Jackson has been moved to pen a song, with the working title, �From the Bottom of My Heart.�
Hoping to rekindle the success of �We Are the World,� which he wrote and produced, and which raised millions of dollars for aid to Africa, Mr. Jackson will be enlisting, within the next 24 hours, the involvement of other recording superstars to join him in this project. It is his intention to record this record within the next two weeks.
�It pains me to watch the human suffering taking place in the Gulf Region of my country,� says Mr. Jackson. �My heart and prayers go out to every individual who has had to endure the pain and suffering caused by this tragedy. I will be reaching out to others within the music industry, to join me in helping to bring relief and hope to these resilient people who have lost everything.�
The song will be recorded on 2 Seas Records, a label owned by Prince Abdulla Hamad Alkhalifa of Bahrain. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Further details will follow.
Source: Raymone K. Bain/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #610 - Wednesday Aug 31, 2005
Dear MJJForum Members:
Fans of Michael Jackson's from all over the world celebrated in Las Vegas, Nevada, Poland and in London this past weekend. As the joyous festivities from around the globe were happening, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the coastal states of The Gulf of Mexico in The United States. The aftermath of this hurricane is catastrophic.
The victims of Hurricane Katrina needs our help. Hundreds of people are dead and millions have been evacuated. New Orleans, Louisiana is virtually under water and many are dead (over 100 people) in Biloxi, Mississippi. Road ways are destroyed, gas leaks are causing explosions. Water is contaminated and many survivors are trapped on their rooftops, awaiting the coast guard to save them. Power and phone service (cell and landline) will not be restored in some of these areas for up to 2 months. The temperature in the Gulf Coast is above 90 degrees, which will breed bacteria in the contaminated waters. Many more will die.
We are asking all of our members to donate to The American or International Red Cross immediately.
https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp
Your monetary donation will immediately be put to use. Food, water, shelter clothing, blankets, psychiatric help, and medication will all be provided by The Red Cross to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Please donate to one of the organizations below as soon as you can.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency lists these organizations for those seeking to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina:
Donate cash
American Red Cross (800) HELP NOW (435-7669) English; (800) 257-7575 Spanish
Operation Blessing (800) 436-6348
America's Second Harvest (800) 344-8070
To donate cash or volunteer
Adventist Community Services (800) 381-7171
Catholic Charities, USA (703) 549-1390
Christian Disaster Response (941) 956-5183 or (941) 551-9554
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (800) 848-5818
United Methodist Committee on Relief (800) 554-8583
Source: MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #609 - Tuesday Aug 23, 2005
BREAKING NEWS - Mother of Jackson Accuser Charged with Welfare Fraud
A five-count complaint of welfare fraud has been filed against the mother of the teen accuser of Michael Jackson. The complaint alleges that she collected $18,782 in payments while making claims that she was indigent.
During the trial, Jackson's attorneys presented evidence that she and her family received $150,000 settlement in 2001 in a lawsuit against J.C. Penney, again while claiming to be indigent.
It was also shown that she received money from her boyfriend to pay her rent on an apartment.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Bureau of Fraud and Corruption Prosecutions are alleging that she hid from authorities that she received the settlement and failed to report the receipt of $637 for her rent in January 2003. The payment was not discovered until a social services investigator received a tip from a private investigator on February 2, 2005.
She was a significant witness for the prosecution against Michael Jackson and many of the jurors believed that she lacked credibility.
Source: AP/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #608 - Thursday Aug 18, 2005
Jackson Fined for Missed Hearing
A Judge fined pop icon Michael Jackson $10,000 Wednesday for failing to be represented at a previous hearing in a federal civil case.
Judge Eldon Fallon ordered the singer to pay the fine after neither Jackson nor his attorney had appeared for the July procedural hearing in a case where he is accused of sexual assault during the 1984 World's Fair.
Plaintiff Joseph Thomas Bartucci Jr. claims he was lured into Jackson�s limousine and then held against his will for days. He says he was sexually assaulted by the singer during a return trip to California. Bartucci, who was 18 at the time, said he repressed the memories until 2003 when he watched coverage of the child molestation case against Jackson.
However, Jackson was photographed at the White House visiting then-president Ronald Reagan on at least one of the dates Bartucci claims he was molested.
Summons "lost"
Jackson�s attorney, Charles Gay, told the Judge that the summons for the missed court date had been lost during the confusion of Jackson�s trial in Santa Maria. The summons had arrived on June 13, the day the singer was vindicated by the jury.
"I would like to point out that June 13 was probably the most anxious day of Michael Jackson's life," Gay said.
Gay told the Judge that Jackson had not been eating or sleeping during this time and was worried about his and his children's futures.
"The order of June 13 did not get in the proper people's hands because of the chaos in Michael Jackson's life," Gay said.
Judge Fallon said it would be inappropriate to fine Jackson for contempt, but levied other fines related to court costs.
"It strains my understanding of the facts that Mr. Jackson did not know of this matter," Fallon said. "The same person received all the summonses."
The Judge fined Jackson $5,000 for missing the earlier hearing and $5,000 to cover attorney fees for Bartucci.
Statute of limitations
Gay said the case would most likely not even go to trial
"It's very unlikely," he said. "There is probably a problem with the statute of limitations."
A one-year statute of limitations is in place from the time that Bartucci claims he regained his memory, but Gay said Bartucci had allegedly discussed the allegations with his wife in the 1990s.
Attorney for Bartucci, William Pigg, also filed a motion to have Gay dismissed as Jackson's attorney. Bartucci said he had previously discussed the case with attorneys from Gay�s firm, Adams and Reese.
"Mr. Bartucci's memory appears to be false," Gay said of the claim.
Pigg said he would push for a quick trial in which Bartucci is suing for unspecified monetary compensation from Jackson on various claims such as emotional distress.
"My client has been under a great deal of stress," he said. "He has been the victim of character assassination. He had animal blood smeared on his door a couple of weeks ago."
Bartucci is a "con artist"
In an interview late last year, Bartucci�s then-girlfriend said he knew he was planning to sue Jackson.
�I am speaking out because I don't want to see this con man ruin a person who already has enough on his plate," said Hope Horne. �He's a total con artist and a liar."
It was also discovered that Bartucci filed another suit in 2001 in which he accused a Louisiana reverend of sexual molestation. He claimed the minister "demanded that the plaintiff's masturbation was necessary in order to purify and avoid going to hell."
Bartucci himself is facing a civil suit from a woman claiming he used "fraudulent conduct" and "obtained title" to her insurance policy. It is alleged that Bartucci faked a convulsion during a deposition.
The Judge scheduled a conference for September 7 to determine a trial date.
Source: AP/Celebrity Justice/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #597 - Thursday Jul 7, 2005
Jermaine Jackson "Inside The Jackson Family" on BET
Jermaine Jackson Shows Viewers The Real On "Inside The Jackson Family."
.
Posted July 5, 2005�Jermaine Jackson takes BET inside Neverland Ranch from the moment word came there's a verdict to the tense moments en route to the courthouse and we even see Michael's emotional scene with each family member only seconds before the verdict was read. �Inside the Jackson Family� shows their inner most thoughts and feelings and exclusive information you haven't heard anywhere else.
What Michael did following his acquittal, why he was so subdued leaving the courthouse and what the Jackson Family wants to say to Black America. We have it all. And it's only on BET.
Be sure to tune into �Inside The Jackson Family,�
.
Thursday, July 7th 9 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (ET/PT)
Friday, July 8th 12:30 a.m.-1 a.m.(ET/PT)
Sunday, July 10th 5 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (ET/PT)
.
Special Note: Thejusticesystem.net's journalist 'Raffles Van Exle', who covered the trial will be on during the show! BET said that 'Raffles' was one of the most positive interviews about Michael they have had on BET ever. You cant miss him. He's in a Bright Yellow Suit Jacket that he had made for Verdict Day!!
Source: mj_upbeat.com/MJJForum
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MJJF eNews #596 - Thursday Jul 7, 2005
Terrorist Attacks in London
ENGLAND � At least two people have been killed and hundreds injured following a series of bomb blasts in the nation�s capital.
The London Underground and bus networks have been shut down following a series of at least seven explosions on city buses and Underground trains. Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was �reasonably clear� that the attacks had been terrorist attacks. Early reports point to Islamic group al-Qaeda, following a statement posted on an Islamic website.
Explosions took place near Underground stations at Edgware Road, King's Cross, Liverpool Street, Russell Square, Aldgate East and Moorgate. London�s police chief said the situation was "steadily coming under control".
MJJF sends our most heartfelt love and prayers to anyone affected by today�s tragedy. Our brothers, sisters, friends and family in Europe are in our hearts and minds.
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