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Home / News Archive / News July 2010 December / November / October / September / August / July / June / May / April / March / February / January 1 / 2 Fans Offer to Clean Up Michael Jackson's Vandalized Tomb. 14-07-'10 Members of a Michael Jackson fan club have reached out to officials at the star's resting place in California, offering to clean up the King of Pop's vandalized tomb. Bosses at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California, where the singer was interred following his death last year, were left fuming recently after discovering Jackson's memorial has been defaced with permanent ink tributes. They stepped up security onsite in a bid to deter fans from penning messages on the tomb - but a number of Jackson's followers are keen to help out. Several members of the Official Michael Jackson Fans of Southern California group, who visit the site monthly, have offered their cleanup services at the cemetery, according to TMZ.com. One fan tells the website the group wants to "fix this mess" so Jackson fans aren't banned completely from paying their respects at Forest Lawn. Source: Billie Jean Michael Jackson's Tomb Vandalized by Fans. 14-07-'10 Security has been stepped up around Michael Jackson's tomb in California after vandals defaced the star's resting place with permanent ink tributes. The King of Pop was interred at the Forest Lawn Cemetery memorial in Glendale, California following his death last year. Fans have flocked to pay their respects since then - but some mourners have taken to writing tributes, including 'Miss you sweet angel' and 'Keep the dream alive'. Officials at Forest Lawn are fuming about the markings, because many were made using permanent ink. A rep for the site tells TMZ.com, "Activity such as this is a prime example why we are evaluating the level of access to the various entrances of the Great Mausoleum." It isn't the first time overeager fans have caused a headache at the star-studded cemetery - in May, security was increased when the tomb of late Hollywood legend Clark Gable was found covered in lipstick marks. Source: Billie Jean Never Before Seen MJ Pics. 14-07-'10 Rare, never-before-seen pictures of Michael Jackson with his family are featured in a special collector's edition tribute issue published by American Media. The 100 page photo album, which is called Remembering Michael, features personal photos of the King of Pop with his family and friends. The pics were reportedly taken by one of Michael's favorite photographers. Inside the issue, Michael's brother Tito Jackson opens up about the tragic loss saying, "My biggest regret is that we didn't spend more time together in the later years. I last saw Michael at our parents' anniversary two weeks before the tragedy. I miss his voice. I miss his smile I miss his love." Remembering Michael is on news stands now. Source: starmagazine / Billie Jean La Toya: Michael Wanted to Teach Bubbles to Talk. 12-07-'10 Michael Jackson spent thousands of dollars on research to see if it was possible to perform a medical procedure on his beloved pet Bubbles that would give him the ability to speak ... this according to an interview with his sister La Toya. Michael eventually came to realize that any such procedure would be too risky, but not after flying in experts. La Toya told News of the World, "... He wanted to give him vocal chords and asked doctors, 'Can I give him an operation so that I can know what his thoughts are?'" La Toya says the most Bubbles ever mustered up was the occasional bark or grunt. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Michael Jackson™ Limited Edition Bust. 11-07-'10 Our adventure begins at the "King of Pop's" artistic peak of the, "Thriller", the most famous album of all times, which forever changed music with over 110 million copies sold. Some of the most innovative and famous videos of all time came from this album, starting from the title track itself, "Thriller". Directed in 1983 by director John Landis, the video "Thriller" was considered the most important musical video of all times, so much so, as to be conserved by the National Film Registry in the United States Congress Library. It was the most expensive video ever made and also the most successful, just think of the VHS "Michael Jackson: The making of Thriller", which sold over 9 million copies! The video starts with a couple of students and is set in the fifties (Jackson himself and the model Ola Ray) that, ready to exchange declarations of love head off on a walk under the moon (a full moon)! After giving her a promise ring, he confesses: "I'm not like other guys...". Then he starts his terrifying transformation into a werewolf. The rest is history. It is from this remarkable beginning that we wanted to immortalise a piece of the legend that is the King of Pop. A bust with amazing detail, a sculpture that is so faithful to the original that is transforms the myth into a must have collectors piece. Take your time and slowly discover the details that make this statue a little masterpiece and, some advice; let it listen to the music of "Thriller", naturally… 'Cause this is thriller, thriller night Product information: Product not available in U.K. and outside E.U. Michael Jackson™ Ultra Limited Edition Bust. Our adventure begins at the "King of Pop's" artistic peak of the, "Thriller", the most famous album of all times, which forever changed music with over 110 million copies sold. Some of the most innovative and famous videos of all time came from this album, starting from the title track itself, "Thriller". Directed in 1983 by director John Landis, the video "Thriller" was considered the most important musical video of all times, so much so, as to be conserved by the National Film Registry in the United States Congress Library. It was the most expensive video ever made and also the most successful, just think of the VHS "Michael Jackson: The making of Thriller", which sold over 9 million copies! Only 82 copies have been made of this Special Ultra Limited Edition in celebration of the year in which the album "Thriller" was released and to make this authentic collectors piece one of a kind in its category. Taken from the original sculpture of the Limited Edition version, this version has been treated with a special fine gold metallic chromium plating directly on the polystone base so that the final result is extremely precious and resplendent. A tribute to the great prestige for the biggest star of all times and only 82 fans will be able to own this piece and place it together with their most coveted and rare collector’s items. A statue that is already a legend. 'Cause this is thriller, thriller night Product not available in U.K. and outside E.U. Order your buste now. Product information: Source: michaeljacksoninfinitestatue.com / Billie Jean Judge Dismisses Much Of Lawsuit Against MJ Estate. 10-07-'10 A federal judge in Manhattan has dismissed most counts in a $300 million suit filed against Michael Jackson's estate, Jackson's former manager, and AEG over promotional rights to the comeback tour the King of Pop was planning prior to his death last summer. The plaintiff, AllGood Entertainment, Inc., filed a complaint in May 2009 (a month before Jackson died), alleging that Jackson, though his manager, Frank Dileo, had agreed to a deal to perform either a solo concert tour or a Jackson Family reunion concert to be promoted by AllGood. But months after striking its deal with Dileo, AllGood alleged, they [AllGood] heard that Jackson had, in fact, agreed to work with AEG on the "This Is It" concert series in London. AllGood then claimed breach of contract, fraud, and tortious interference against Jackson, Dileo and AEG. But Southern District of New York Judge Harold Baer found there were "no specific factual allegations" to support AllGood's claim for tortious interference, and AllGood's factual basis for fraud was "at best thin." In an 18-page ruling, judge Baer denied AllGood's request for an injunction and granted defense motions to dismiss the fraud and tortious interference claims. He did however, deny a motion to dismiss the breach of contract claim, finding there was sufficient uncertainty for it to proceed. But Baer did seem skeptical about whether AllGood ever had an enforceable contract with Dileo, agreeing with the defendants that the document in question was more of a letter of intent rather than a binding contract of offer and acceptance. Lead counsel for AEG, Kathleen Ann Jorrie of Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps, said, "I believe the judge is correct in his assessment, and that he did a very thorough analysis in his review of both our motion and Dileo's. It was nice to receive it when we did, because we were in the process of preparing a summary judgment motion." Jorrie noted that AEG is now out of the case because it is not involved in the remaining breach of contract claim. Howard Weitzman, attorney for the Michael Jackson estate, said he intends to file a summary judgment motion on the contract claim within the week stating, "From the estate's perspective … Michael Jackson never agreed to anything, never breached any agreement, and … should not be held liable for any damages that were incurred, if they were incurred." Weitzman continued, saying, "Based on what I know today, I don't think any truthful fact will surface that will change my opinion that the estate does not owe AllGood anything." An attorney for AllGood, said that they were disappointed but would continue the fight. "We were disappointed that the claims against AEG were dismissed, but we're encouraged that the claims our client has against Dileo and the estate of Michael Jackson are still in play. We've gone forward with depositions and discovery over the last couple of months, and we're more confident in our claims against the remaining parties." As for AEG, the attorney said they are not ready to give up. "I may consider a motion for reconsideration. We believe there is knowledge on AEG's side, however we don't have the smoking gun we need. What do you do when you have a person who is dead like Michael Jackson, who can't say he knew about the AllGood agreement and told AEG about it?" Source: MJFC / LAW.com / Billie Jean New Info On Upcoming Album? 09-07-'10 Later this year - late November if all goes as planned - a posthumous CD by the King of Pop will be released. When it hits stores, the CD of previously unreleased music may include a song called "A Place With No Name." The track features Jackson's amazing voice singing such wistful lyrics as "plants and birds and rocks and things." The song is Jackson's re-write of "A Horse with No Name," the very popular 1972 debut single from the group, America. The fact that a musical powerhouse like Jackson thought enough of the original song to rework it is a compliment that surprises the man who wrote it, Dewey Bunnell, original America band member. "I had heard about it a couple of years ago, before Michael passed," Bunnell says. "After his death, I forgot about it. Now it seems the song will come out this year, and the credits will read 'Michael Jackson and Dewey Bunnell.' It's pretty amazing." Various sources have said that an album of previously unreleased material is, in fact, in the works for later this year as part of the new contract between Sony and Michael Jackson's estate. Source: MJFC / dailyrecord.com / Billie Jean MJ Game Now Has A Date And Name. 08-07-'10 More details about the much anticipated new Michael Jackson game from Ubisoft are trickling out. Most specifically, an official name and a release date. The dance game, which will use Xbox 360's Kinect and PlayStation 3's Move to detect the dance movements of the player, is being called Michael Jackson: The Experience and is expected to hit stores in November 2010, just before Thanksgiving. It will be available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, DS and PSP. Source: MJFC / examiner.com / Billie Jean The King of Pop Michael Jackson Mural "MJ2010". 08-07-'10 The World Famous Pico Union Graff Lab home to the best legal graffiti in the world is proud to announce the unavailing of the start of the Michael Jackson Mural “MJ2010” set for completion on Michael Jackson’s birthday Sunday, August 29, 2010, by artist Rudy “Rude” Martinez. The mural tribute to the late Michael Jackson will measure 30’by100’. The mural will be painted on the west wall of The Graff Lab headquarters which is a quarter of a mile west of the Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles, CA. Artist Rudy Rude was inspired to paint the Michael Jackson mural after his tragic death which took place last year in his home in Holmby Hills, CA. The public debut of the mural “MJ2010” will be accompanied by a meet and greet of artist Rudy Rude Martinez and Rick Guerrero, Founder of the Pico Union Graff Lab alongside young musical entertainers inspired by the music and performances of Michael Jackson. Please join us and see for yourself the birth of a true L.A. Landmark...“The world has lost a musical genius but has given birth to a legend”-Rudy Rude Martinez. Rudy Rude is no stranger when it comes to painting Hollywood stars! His most recent painting is a portrait of Tori Spelling. The painting was presented to both Tori Spelling and Dean Mc Dermott last month during a visit to the artist studio. To view more of Rudy Rude Martinez works of art, please visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: Rudy Rude Martinez Source: Billie Jean Aspiring Singers Get A Shot At Recognition At MJ Celebration. 07-07-'10 This August, Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland will be celebrating the talent and creativity of the King of Pop who would have been 52 years old in August. In honor of his impact on younger performers, Ride or Die Records of Chicago and the Fluid Charitable Trust, Inc. an Indiana non-profit, will host the MJFanvention Star contest on August 14 at the Regal Theatre. Contest Coordinator, Mickel Henderson said, "It’s about honoring Michael Jackson while giving young talent an opportunity to perform in a great venue.” Jackson and his brothers performed at several talent shows throughout Gary, IN and Chicago, performing at the original Regal Theater in Chicago in 1965. “The talent of Michael Jackson is indisputable. In 1967 four boys from Gary, IN emerged as one of the most beloved singing groups of all time. From that springboard, Michael Jackson launched his solo career and became one of the greatest entertainers of all time. And just like the Jacksons, there are many talented individuals who just need a shot,” added Henderson. "Michael started here, and we want to honor his memory by having this event here." The auditions are open to everyone from everywhere. Contestants must sing a Michael Jackson or J5 song. The top 20 contestants will perform on August 14 at the Regal Theatre in Chicago. From there, six finalists will go on to perform on August 29 during the MJFanvention 2010 in Gary, IN - the home town of the Jackson Family. Winners will receive cash, an appearance on Chicago TV, an overnight stay in a Chicago luxury hotel and the opportunity to record a song with Ride or Die records. There is no entry fee for participating. Auditions for the contest will be held at: Chicago’s Malcolm X College, Saturday, July 10 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Source: prweb.com / Billie Jean Mesereau Says Juries Don't Like To Convict Doctors. 07-07-'10 Roger Friedman posted the following article today in his column, Showbiz 411: Michael Jackson: Defense Lawyer Mesereau Says Juries Don’t Like to Convict Doctors Michael Jackson’s accused killer, Dr. Conrad Murray, may not be convicted so easily. That’s what Jackson’s former defense lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, suggests in an interview that’s buried in a new book. The interview is with, of all people, Judge Larry Seidlin, the “crying judge” who made a fool of himself when he presided over the Anna Nicole Smith inquest in Florida. Not satisfied with his two minutes of fame, Seidlin has “published” a “book” called “The Killing of Anna Nicole Smith.” I’ll skip Seidlin’s sad efforts to get Mesereau to praise him. Certainly, Mesereau slyly ignores Seidlin’s request for compliments. But what Mesereau, a top notch criminal defense lawyer, does say might be of interest. It’s particularly noteworthy since he liked Michael Jackson a lot, and fought hard for his acquittal in 2005. Mesereau says: “I think that any prosecutor is going to be a little hesitant to go after someone who appears to be just the delivery person” – in regard to Anna Nicole’s situation. But then he continues: “You know, any crime requires a certain mental state, a certain form of intent. In law school, you learn about the general intent and specific intent but regardless of what term you use, it does require one to have a criminal state of mind to be guilty of almost any crime.” There’s a lot more along this line, but Mesereau then answers a question by bringing in the Elvis Presley case–and this is relevant to Dr. Murray as it is to Dr. Christine Ehrosevich, who was Anna Nicole Smith’s doctor. “Remember, the physician who was prescribing Elvis Presley inordinate amounts of medication was charged with manslaughter and acquitted years ago. So juries, in my opinion, don’t like to convict doctors unless there’s a tremendous pattern of abuse and criminal conduct.” Mesereau continues, speaking in general circumstances: “Now if the doctor committed malpractice, maybe that belongs in a civil trial, maybe it belongs in an administrative hearing on his license. But I think a lot of people are reluctant to bring it to [the] level of a crime.” Jackson fans are very emotional about Dr. Murray. But things when you get into a courtroom. Mesereau’s thoughts on this subject cannot be overlooked. I’m sure Dr. Murray’s lawyers are paying close attention to them. Source: MJFC / Showbiz411.com / Billie Jean Jermaine "Feels" Michael's Presence. 06-07-'10 Jermaine Jackson admits that he and the Jackson family are still long from getting over Michael's death. Jermaine said, however, that he still feels that Michael is with them spiritually. "We can never get over it, it's just trying to live with it and the fact he's not here. We know his spirit is very much alive. I feel him quite a bit," Jermaine said. Jermaine said he believes the world was in mourning following his sibling's untimely death because they recognized Michael had contributed more to life than just his music. "We hurt, like everyone else. We're not made of steel. We're human beings, we're family. And when Michael passed and the world cried, they didn't cry because of an entertainer. They cried because of the love that he put back out there and what he was about." Source: azcentral.com / Billie Jean MJ Still The King Of The Billboard Charts. 05-07-'10 One year after his passing, Michael Jackson is still the king of the Billboard charts with 4 titles holding spots on this week's Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. Michael Jackson's Number Ones took the number 42 spot, and was also this week's greatest chart gainer (number 100 last week). After 38 weeks on the charts The Essential Michael Jackson peaked this week and came in at number 53. Thriller 25 re-entered the charts this week at number 80 after previously having spent 147 weeks on the charts, peaking at number 1. Lastly, This Is It also re-entered the charts this week at number 97, after previously having spent 34 weeks on the charts, peaking at number 1. Go to Billboard. Source: MJFC / Billboard / Billie Jean Tribute - High Heels. 05-07-'10 Oyee Design Heels Feature Michael Jackson's Image & Lyrics. We’ve featured Oyee Design heels before at Trend Hunter, and I am happy to say that they have come out with new designs that are even more amazing than their existing line. The new designs from Oyee Design feature Michael Jackson and his lyrics on one of their heels. As seen in their prior collection, Oyee Design has also released some new food-inspired printed pumps. From the King of Pop to chocolate-covered strawberries and a four-leaf clover, these heels are sure to be the center of attention. http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oyee-design Source: trendhunter / Billie Jean MJ Estate Wins Partial Victory in Concert Suit. 03-07-'10 The company suing the Michael Jackson estate for $300 million over the Jackson family concert that never took place just got two strikes against it, and the pitcher was a federal judge. The judge on Tuesday threw out two of the three claims AllGood Entertainment filed against the estate, AEG and Frank Dileo. The suit claims Dileo, MJ's alleged former manager, made a deal with AllGood that Michael would perform at a Jackson Family concert before doing any other gigs. By launching the London series of concerts, AllGood claims Jackson breached his deal and cost AllGood a bundle. But a federal judge ruled AllGood's claim for fraud and tortious interference (i.e., intermeddling) was bogus. All that is left of the lawsuit is a breach of contract claim. The estate claims Dileo never had authority to make a deal with AllGood. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Silver Sclupture of Michael Jackson. 02-07-'10 The House of Billa Dhand has made a silver sculpture of Michael Jackson. Our first two pieces are of former President Nelson Mandela and the genius of musical imagination, the late Michael Jackson. Both pieces are of solid silver and weigh approximately 4.5 kgs. Each piece is made with intricate detail. Our master craftsmen are very knowledgeable in their art that has been passed down to them over centuries from their forefathers. They retain the pride and honor that goes with using their hands to produce such beauty. Michael Jackson, a musical genius that touched the hearts of a worldwide audience who sadly passed away in 2009. The landmark in his career was the "Thriller" album that to date is the biggest selling album in the world. Michael was one of a few elite musical legends that will be remembered still in a 1000 years from now. Width:7" Go to the website. Source: billadhand / Billie Jean MJ's Mom: They're Takin' Every Penny You Make. 02-07-'10 Katherine and Joe Jackson are set to make a bundle off of their various Michael Jackson business ventures. But Katherine and her hubby haven't figured out ... someone is waiting in the wings to take away everything they make. TMZ broke the story ... Katherine and Joe owe more than $13 million to a South Korean newspaper -- the Segye Times. The paper gave Joe, Katherine, and Jermaine a $5.5 million advance for a Jackson family concert series that never got off the ground. The newspaper sued in 1994, won a $4 mil judgment which has swelled with interest to more than $13 mil. Edwin Bradley, a lawyer for the Segye Times tells TMZ, his client will go after anything Katherine and Joe make -- and that includes profits from Katherine's book, the movie projects she's producing with Howard Mann (pictured right) -- everything. Ironically, Katherine's allowance from the MJ estate could be in jeopardy, since she's making money off of her son on the side. But the allowance could actually be protected from garnishment. We're told the newspaper will go to court on September 14 to try and wrestle money earmarked for Katherine from the MJ trust. Sources tell us, however, there is a big fat zero in the trust now, because the estate is in debt. Bottom line ... Whatever Katherine makes outside the estate will probably end up lining someone else's pocket. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Does Michael Jackson's Son Have Vitiligo? 01-07-'10 Michael Jackson always maintained he was blighted by a rare skin disease called vitiligo. While there is the possibility it was the result of sun exposure, it appeared more dramatic than peeling skin. His claim was always met with some scepticism from critics, who accused him of intentionally bleaching his skin. Now that Prince Michael is showing signs of similar symptoms, some are convinced it is evidence Jackson really WAS the teen's biological parent. But a family source is quoted as telling American tabloid The Globe: 'It proves once and for all that Michael is the father!' Prince Michael and his sister Paris were born to Debbie Rowe, Michael's wife from 1996 to 1999. Source: dailymail / Billie Jean Katherine Jackson to Produce MJ Movies. 01-07-'10 TMZ has learned ... Katherine Jackson is knee-deep in a business deal to produce and distribute several movies on Michael Jackson's life, and she is on a collision course with the MJ estate. Howard Mann, the guy who co-authored Katherine's coffee table book, "Never Can Say Goodbye," is also producing a movie that will feature video from Michael Jackson's childhood through the end of his life. We're told Katherine has hundreds of hours of video, including the family's big move from Gary, Indiana to L.A. after The Jackson 5 signed with Motown. We're told Mann just bought the rights to 26 hours of Michael Jackson video ... owned by Michael Jackson's former business partner/confidant Marc Schaffel. We're told Mann has paid Schaffel in the eight figures for the video. Now here's the problem ... the Michael Jackson estate has the exclusive right to market Michael Jackson's name and image. We're told Mann and company are comfortable with their legal position, because the beneficiaries of the estate -- Katherine and Michael's kids -- are profiting participants in the movie. In fact, Mann tells TMZ he and Katherine plan on releasing a series of movies. The estate would not comment. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Jermaine: Michael Would Be Upset With His Children's Newfound Freedom. 01-07-'10 Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine Jackson is convinced the late superstar wouldn't be happy if he knew about his children's newfound freedom - they are set to attend public school and can leave the house without wearing a veil. Jackson's mother Katherine was granted custody of the star's three kids - Prince Michael, 13, Paris, 12 and eight-year-old Blanket - after his death last year. Since living with their grandmother, the children's lives have changed dramatically and many of their father's old rules have fallen by the wayside - including his desire to keep the youngsters out of the public eye. The children were allowed into the spotlight after Jackson's death, appearing at his televised memorial, while Prince also gave a speech at the Grammy Awards. Katherine has also let the children go out without their faces covered and agreed to let them attend public school for the first time - but Jackson's brother Jermaine insists his late sibling would be worried about the changes. He tells Britain's Hello! magazine, "A lot of things he wouldn't like. He didn't want them to be all over the media, he wanted them to have a normal life, and it was hard with him so famous." But Jermaine is adamant the kids' lives are changing for the better, adding, "They have to fit into society at some point, to become citizens... They're going to go to a private school with other kids and know what it's like to have a friend. Absolutely. It's the best for them." Source: Billie Jean 1 / 2 December / November / October / September / August / July / June / May / April / March / February / January |
Updated: 12/02/2010 11:55 AM Billie Jean Web Radio Player |
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