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Home / News Archive / News June 2010 December / November / October / September / August / July / June / May / April / March / February / January MJ's Mom Vs. His Accusers. 23-06-'10 Roger Friedman posted the following article today in his column, Showbiz 411: Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine, has come out swinging against her son’s accusers. In her foreword to “Never Can Say Goodbye,” Mrs. Jackson makes pointed reference to the father of Jordan Chandler, the 13 year old boy who in 1993-94 received a $20 million settlement from Michael after accusations of child abuse. Mrs. Jackson writes: “Most of what I’ve read or heard about Michael in the media was not the truth–especially the allegations of child abuse. “Evan Chandler, the father of Michael’s first accuser, recently committed suicide. Though I can’t comment on why, I want to believe his conscience finally caught up with him and he was not able to live with himself after destroying an innocent person’s career and breaking his spirit. “Michael loved children and he worked diligently and passionately to better the lives of the less fortunate–the last thing he would do is harm an innocent child.” Mrs. Jackson observes: “Michael often saw the good in people and trusted many in the early part of his career, sometimes leading to pain and betrayal in his life.” By the way, Mrs. Jackson’s business partner and publisher, Howard Mann, tells me that he has made no deal with website TMZ.com to republish pictures from the book. He says they just copied them and put them up without permission. They are low resolution and stamped with TMZ’s logo. Source: showbiz411.com / Billie Jean J5 Surprise: 273 New Tracks. 22-06-'10 Roger Friedman posted the following article in his column, Showbiz 411 today: Howard Mann, the Toronto entrepreneur who bought a warehouse full of Jackson family paraphernalia, has a surprise for Michael Jackson fans and the singer’s estate. He has the masters to 273 unreleased Jackson tracks. Some are Michael alone, some are duets with superstars like Tina Turner, and some are with the Jackson family. A good chunk of them come from the 1975 CBS variety series featuring the whole family. According to Mann, who seems to know his stuff, the Jacksons were between the end of their Motown contract that summer and the beginning of one with Epic Records. “The recordings belonged to the Jacksons. I bought them with the contents of the warehouse,” Mann says. Mann feels the recordings therefore do not belong to the Jackson estate, and he can release them any way he sees fit. Meanwhile, Mann has gone into business–he tells me–with Katherine Jackson only, and not with Joseph Jackson. “My arrangements have nothing at all to do with Joe Jackson,” he says. Mann also says he did not pay Katherine Jackson an advance for her book, “Never Can Say Goodbye.” Rather, they are business partners. It does seem that Mann has become The Man in the Jacksons’ life. But he also his largesse is not responsible for the Jackson brothers reportedly all driving new cars. “You’ll have to look elsewhere for that answer.” he says. Source: showbiz411.com / Billie Jean Oprah To Air Remembrance. 22-06-'10 Michael Jackson will be remembered by Oprah Winfrey on Thursday, June 24th. The show will pay tribute to Michael in "Remembering Michael Jackson." The rememberance will include parts of Oprah's famous exclusive 1993 interview with Michael at Neverland Valley Ranch. The interview aired on February 10th of 1993 and turned out to be the most watched interview in television history. The live interview drew a live audience of 90 million people. During the June 24th show, Oprah will talk about her feelings about Michael and this famous interview. She described entering the Neverland gates as like going to see the Wizard of Oz. Oprah says, "We are coming in the gates of Neverland, and it's like a moment in The Wizard of Oz. It was literally like going to see the wizard. We couldn't believe it. I felt like a kid." Oprah said that, like Michael's fans, she never would have believed that he would be gone so soon. She concluded, "What I remember about Michael the most is that he was a person who was passionate about life. He was really passionate about his work and passionate about his desire to try to be a good force in the world." Source: MJFC / Examinerportland.com / Billie Jean Michael Jackson: The Billion Dollar Man. 21-06-'10 According to Billboard estimates, Michael Jackson's estate has generated at least $1 billion dollars in the year since the superstar's death last June 25th. That figure is thanks in part to a lucrative new record deal with Sony Music and the most successful concert film of all time. Through interviews with industry experts and number-crunching, Billboard examined the various music-based revenue streams flowing into the estate. In the past year, Jackson has sold about 9 million albums in the United States, while the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons have sold about 800,000 units, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Outside the U.S., Jackson's album sales for the past year stand around 24 million units. Based on these figures, Billboard estimates that Jackson's album catalog generated about $383 million in sales. Digitally, Jackson's songs have generated 12.9 million track downloads in the U.S. in the past 12 months, according to SoundScan. Based on those figures, Billboard estimates that the total number of worldwide downloads is about 26.5 million units, with a value of $34 million. Then there's about 1.5 million in ringtone sales in America; another 3 million globally for another $5 million, as well as $2 million from digital performance royalties from music subscription services and $4.5 million from global digital performances for a music total of $429 million. The next biggest source of revenue for the estate has been from movie/TV projects. Sony Pictures paid $60 million for the rights to the 'This Is It' film, which earned $72 million at the U.S. box office to become the highest-grossing concert film in history. It earned an additional $188 million overseas. After AEG recouped their investment of more than $35 million in the canceled shows at London's O2 and the film, most of the theatrical take (and court documents indicate it could be as high as 90%) went to Jackson's estate. Add in the fact that the DVD of the film raked in $43 million in the U.S., as well as $25 million in rental income. Billboard also speculated that the sales of the exclusive TV rights to "This Is It" to Viacom (parent company of MTV, BET and VH1) could be worth upwards of $15 million. Jackson's music publishing rights, were another lucrative source of income, taking in nearly $130 million. The singer's Mijac publishing company — with an estimated value of $75 million in 2005 — now has a current value of around $150 million, generating around $25 million a year in revenue, with that number possibly doubling to $50 million in the past 12 months. Jackson's half ownership of the lucrative Sony/ATV catalog could be worth as much as an additional $80 million a year. The executors of Jackson's estate have cut a series of deals over the past year that have resulted in about $35 million of additional revenue. First, This Is It concert tickets retained by fans as keepsakes and not refunded brought in an estimated $6.5 million as well as another $5 million in concert merchandise. A second deal with merchandise partner Bravado cut last August reportedly included a $10 million advance. And a Jackson memorabilia exhibit in Japan has earned $3.5 million. Based on conversations with industry insiders, Billboard estimates licensing royalties and retail sales accounted for another $10 million in revenue with actual retail sales being far greater. Second, it is unknown how much game-maker Ubisoft paid to license Jackson's image for an upcoming dance oriented video game or what potential revenues could be from the estate's two-pronged deal with Cirque du Soleil for a tour and a Las Vegas residency. Finallly, even in death Jackson has probably the most lucrative recording contract in the business. Sony Music Entertainment cut a deal in March with the estate to release 10 Jackson albums through 2017. From a collection of unreleased music to reissues of his classic albums like 'Off The Wall," the estate is guaranteed between $200 million and $250 million for the deal. If just one of the contract's eight years goes as planned it would add $31 million to the the estate. Source: AP / mtv.com / Billie Jean Children Spending Time With Debbie Rowe. 21-06-'10 Roger Friedman posted the following article this morning in his column, Showbiz 411: Michael Jackson’s kids, Prince and Paris, have been spending time with their biological mother, Debbie Rowe. Rowe has also included Blanket, aka Prince Michael II, in the visits, according to sources. Blanket’s biological mother is unknown. This might be the best news to come out of the long year since Michael Jackson died. The anniversary, on Friday, June 25th, is sparking dozens of stories, mostly false, about the Jackson kids and anything to do with Michael Jackson. It’s going to be a wild week, that’s for sure! The reality is that Rowe, who was married to Jackson when she gave birth to Prince and then Paris, has forged a relationship not only with the children but with Katherine Jackson, their guardian and Michael’s mother. The visits have happened quietly, with no fanfare or publicity. Rowe – who raises and sells horses in Southern California – retained her parental rights when she divorced Jackson. A family court judge reaffirmed that in 2006. This week, however, all members of this saga will be out of town as fans descend on various locations to commemorate the anniversary of Michael’s death. According to my sources, the Jackson kids are doing fine. They will, indeed, attend private school this fall. But I am also told that it’s incorrect, as was reported Sunday from the British press, that the children have “no friends.” They have plenty of friends among their similarly aged cousins. And once they’re in school, they will undoubtedly make friends. It wouldn’t have been easy for them in the first place. From June 2005 until last June – four years – the children were dragged by Jackson from one locale to another–Bahrain, Ireland, Japan, France, Las Vegas, northern Virginia, suburban New Jersey, and then finally a rented house in Beverly Hills. Source: MJFC / Showbiz411.com / Billie Jean Katherine Jackson Thanks Voiceplate. 21-06-'10 On June 26, 2010, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel VoicePlate.com will present "Forever Michael," a red carpet event to pay tribute to the King Of Pop, "Michael Jackson" on the anniversary of his death. Watch the video of Katherine Jackson thanking Voiceplate and also inviting fans to endulge in her new book "Never Can Say Goodbye.
Source: MJFC / voiceplate.com / youtube.com / Billie Jean Justice4MJ Has Gift4MJ ... But Will They GiveIt2MJ? 21-06-'10 A group of Michael Jackson's most rabid passionate fans have put together a token of their love and affection to give to MJ on the anniversary of his death -- but they may not get the chance. Justice4MJ -- the group that previously said nothing will keep them from being at MJ's tomb on June 25 -- has put together a hope chest filled with photos and messages for the King of Pop. A rep for the group says they have hundreds of messages from people all over the world. The group says they've been told by people at Forest Lawn Cemetery the box will be placed on the steps near MJ's tomb on June 25 -- but a rep for Forest Lawn told us that won't be happening since it's against the rules. Sounds like the staff at Forest Lawn might want to sign up for combat pay this week. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Bodyguard Reveals His Anguish. 21-06-'10 The bodyguard who watched helplessly as Michael Jackson lay dying suffers sleepless nights as he struggles to cope with what he saw. Devastated Alberto Alvarez, who took control and dialled 911 for an ambulance, says he cannot stop thinking about whether he could have done something more to save the superstar. Alvarez, 34, will be the prosecution's star witness in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, who is said to have halted resuscitation attempts in order to hide vials of the anaesthetic that killed Jackson. Alvarez said, "I've had sleepless nights. I play over in my mind what I could have done differently. I feel terrible about what happened. I want justice for Mr. Jackson and will do whatever it takes. When I tell my story, it will be in a court of law." Alvarez told police that Murray broke off from trying to revive Jackson to stuff vials into a bag. The substance in the vials resembled Propofol. Police say Murray spent about 30 minutes trying to revive the star before seeking help. But rather than calling for an ambulance, he left a message on the cell phone of security chief, Michael Amir. Amir immediately called back, then alerted Alvarez, who finally dialled 911. Carl Douglas, attorney for Azvarez, said, "When the facts are released in front of a jury, I am confident that M.r Alvarez will emerge as the hero of this tragic saga." Source: Billie Jean Family To Spend Anniversary In Gary. 21-06-'10 A family friend in Gary, Indiana confirmed to reporters that members of the Jackson family will be spending June 25, the first anniversary of Michael Jackson's death, in Gary at the family home. "They will be here on the 25th," said Nathaniel Donald, while working at the Jackson home at 2300 Jackson St. on Saturday afternoon with his long-time friend Keith Jackson, first cousin to Michael. Keith Jackson told the Post-Tribune on Saturday that, as a family member, he could not confirm or deny the family's attendance. However, he did say, "It's been a blessing to be a part of this," as he and his brother Ronnie helped to landscape the yard on Saturday afternoon along with Donald. Donald said Katherine would be speaking at the site and that a permanent monument to Michael, still wrapped in plastic and sitting in a corner of the yard, would be unveiled. The monument was moved to the homesite from the U.S. Steel Yard about a month ago, Donald said. Keith Jackson, who said he had spoken to Katherine "about eight days ago," said she had also ordered flowers from a Los Angeles floral designer to add to the landscaping for Friday's ceremony. Although TMZ reported the ceremony would be a private affair with only friends and family, earlier this month city crews cleaned up the neighbourhood around the Jackson home in order to prepare for what Mayor Rudy Clay said would be "thousands" of visitors expected to attend. Clay also mentioned a candlelight vigil to be held outside the home. Keith Jackson, whose father Luther is Joe Jackson's brother, said he and his band Triple Dose will perform. "We wish everybody would come out and have a good time," he said. "The city of Gary loves Michael and misses him." Gossip website TMZ broke the story early Saturday that Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, and his three children Prince, Paris and Blanket would observe the day in Gary. Mayor Clay could not be reached Saturday regarding whether or not Katherine and the children would attend. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Murray Requested Life Saving Gear. 21-06-'10 Documents obtained by The Associated Press show that Conrad Murray requested but never received resuscitation equipment and a medical assistant from the concert promoter organizing Michael Jackson's London shows. The requests are revealed in e-mails and a proposed contract detailing Dr. Murray's negotiations with concert promoter AEG Live. The documents are included in a complaint filed by Jackson's father, Joe, to the California Medical Board against AEG Live. The complaint accuses the company of forcing Murray to provide Jackson with dangerous medical services. Murray faces involuntary manslaughter charges in Jackson's death. His contract with AEG was not finalized before the superstar's tragic death. AEG spokesman, Michael Roth, said the company had not seen Joe Jackson's complaint and could not comment on it or the contract. Source: AP / Billie Jean Michael's Children To Attend School. 21-06-'10 According to Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, Prince, 13, Paris, 12, and Blanket, 8, will be attending school for the first time later this year. Up until now, the children have been privately tutored at home. The children will attend an unidentified private school beginning in September. Source: AP/ Billie Jean Permanent Memorial In London Theatre. 20-06-'10 A permanent memorial will be erected in London's theatreland in memory of Michael Jackson. On the eve of the first anniversary of Jackson's death, Thursday June 24, a plaque will be unveiled in the foyer of the Lyric Theatre in London's West End. The venue is currently home to Thriller Live, the show featuring many of the King of Pop's solo hits and those with the Jackson 5. Last year, shocked and saddened fans flocked to the theatre after the superstar's death, creating a shrine of candles, tributes and flowers and signing 40 books of condolence. Britain's Got Talent 2009 winners, dance group Diversity, who were booked to appear at Jackson's London concerts, and the show's cast will attend the event to mark the milestone and the 18 months that the show has been in residence. Before the show on Friday night, six of the youngsters who have played Jackson in the production will sing 'Speechless - The Tribute.' The song, originally recorded by Jackson, will be released this month as a charity single in aid of War Child. Source: MJFC / belfasttelegraph.co.uk / Billie Jean Check Out Julien's “Music Icons” Vegas Exhibit (Video). 20-06-'10 Julien's Auctions is proud to present “Music Icons” summer auction taking place at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Las Vegas on Friday, June 25th. Leading this magnificent offering and unprecedented event is a selection of twenty-two exquisite furniture lots commissioned by Michael Jackson for his planned residence in Kent, England, during the “This Is It” concert series in London along with memorabilia from his extensive career. Julien's Auctions has executed the recreation of Michael Jackson's Kent home for the public viewing at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Las Vegas from Monday, June 14th – Friday, June 25th. Michael's fans and the public will experience how the entertainer's home would have looked like with his custom designed Colombostile furniture ordered by the icon himself. As a tribute to the late King of Pop, Colombostile will be donating a generous portion of the proceeds from the sale of these items to benefit MusiCares and Joshua's Heart, both 501(c)3 charities.
Julien's Auctions "Music Icons" summer auction will place at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Las Vegas on Thursday, June 24th and Friday, June 25th, 2010. To learn more about the auction and register to bid Click Here. Additionally, fans can enter Here to win a copy of Julien's Auctions “Music Icons” catalog featuring Michael Jackson on the cover. FIVE lucky fans will each receive a copy of the limited edition fully-illustrated color catalog featuring over 400 items in auction, valued at $100! Click Here to enter for free! Fans have until end of day Monday, June 21, 2010 to register! Source: Julien's Auctions / Billie Jean Katherine Jackson to Release MJ Book. 20-06-'10 Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, is preparing to release a coffee table book dedicated to her late son ... this according to a new report. According to Showbiz411.com, the book will be released next week and is called "Never Can Say Goodbye: The Katherine Jackson Archives." The book will reportedly consist of photos on one page and Katherine's thoughts and memories on another ... and will be sold through a website, www.jacksonsecretvault.com. The site also says Katherine gave an interview with former MJ confidante Marc Schaffel in an effort to promote the book -- a curious decision because Schaffel was heavily involved in Michael's life at one point, but the two had a huge falling out which resulted in several lawsuits. As we first reported, Katherine plans on taking Michael's kids -- Prince, Paris, and Blanket -- to Michael's hometown of Gary, IN on the anniversary of his death. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean MJ's Dad: AEG Has Blood On Its Hands. 19-06-'10 AEG put such pressure on Michael Jackson to perform for his London concerts, they effectively forced Dr. Conrad Murray to heavily sedate the singer so he could get rest, which ultimately led to his death ... this according to documents filed with the California Medical Board and obtained by CNN. According to the 169-page complaint, filed by attorney Brian Oxman on behalf of Joe Jackson, Michael had only sporadically attended rehearsals for the show, leading to a showdown with Michael Jackson on June 18 in which an AEG exec allegedly threatened to "pull the plug" on Jackson's rented home and fire Dr. Murray. The complaint alleges Murray -- who was allegedly promised $150,000 a month by AEG -- immediately began fueling Jackson with heavy sedatives, including Valium, Ativan, Versed and Propofol so the singer could sleep. As we first reported, Murray gave Jackson Propofol virtually every night for six weeks -- until Michael died. The complaint alleges AEG knew the dangers of Murray's treatment but ordered full steam ahead. And, according to the complaint, AEG turned a blind eye to Murray's request for life saving equipment. The complaint claims AEG was effectively practicing medicine without a license, by forcing Murray to take radical medical steps to protect the show. The complaint claims, "Had AEG not violated California law and fulfilled its promise to provide Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation equipment and a nurse, Michael Jackson would not have died on June 25th." Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Estate, AEG Pays for Memorial. 19-06-'10 Michael Jackson's estate and AEG have agreed to pay the City of Los Angeles $1 million to cover the cost of the MJ memorial last year. In addition the estate and AEG will pay $300,00 for crime fighting equipment, as a make-good for the memorial expenses. City officials determined $1.3 mil will cover the costs of police services, permits, Sanitation Department and Transportation Department expenses incurred for the memorial. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Michael Jackson B'Way Play Opens ... in Court. 19-06-'10 A huge Broadway theater group is suing the executors of Michael Jackson's estate ... claiming the estate is blocking them from making an MJ Broadway musical. Nederlander Presentations claims it entered into a contract in 2008 for the rights to create and produce a musical stage play based upon MJ's most famous songs, including hits from "Thriller" and "Off the Wall." Among the songs -- "Beat It," "Billie Jean," and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin.'" According to the suit, filed in L.A. County Superior Court and obtained by TMZ, Nederlander claims the estate won't provide the rights to use the songs for the play. Nederlander has already filed a creditor's claim but so far they've gotten nothing. The suit names co-executors John Branca and John McClain as defendants. Howard Weitzman, attorney for the MJ estate, tells TMZ, "The contract provides for certain approvals by Michael on a number of important elements. Unfortunately, Michael is not available to participate in the process, and therefore I don't think the contract is enforceable. The lawsuit has no merit." Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Covers Billboard Magazine. 19-06-'10 This week’s Billboard cover story is none other than the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Billboard.com also has a great in-depth list (including videos) of MJ’s top 50 hits, based on the Billboard charts. In a career that spanned almost all 50 years of his life, Michael Jackson became a mainstay on the Billboard charts. It was his dominance on the weekly Billboard Hot 100, however, that entered him into the record books: As a solo artist, 13 of his singles went to No. 1 — the most by a male artist — and an additional four songs by the Jackson 5 also topped the chart. Here, Jackson’s top 50 singles are ranked based on a track’s performance on the Hot 100. (Nielsen SoundScan started tabulating sales data for Billboard in 1991; as many Jackson songs were released before then, a measurement based on strict sales numbers would be incomplete.) Songs are ranked based on an inverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 earning the greatest value and weeks at No. 100 earning the least. Order now Source: celebdirtylaundry / Billie Jean Joe Jackson Blames AEG for Michael's Death. 18-06-'10 Dr. Conrad Murray had requested lifesaving equipment and back-up help for Michael Jackson from the promoter of the London concerts -- AEG -- but the company never came through, according to a new complaint filed by Joe Jackson. TMZ broke the story -- Joe was gunning for AEG by filing complaints with the California Medical Board and another agency, alleging the concert promoter abused Jackson in a way that led to his death -- and he's just filed with the Medical Board. Joe claims days before Jackson's death Murray had requested a heart resuscitation machine and a nurse in several e-mails making the request, but AEG never provided it. According to the complaint, Joe is accusing AEG of co-opting Murray's medical judgment by enticing him with a huge salary -- in effect engaging in the "unlawful practice of corporate medicine." Besides the CPR machine, Murray also asked for saline, catheters, needles and a gurney. AEG and Murray had no comment. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean MJ's Top 50 Billboard Hits. 18-06-'10 In an astounding career that spanned almost all 50 years of his life, Michael Jackson became a near permanent fixture on the Billboard charts. But it was his dominance on the weekly Billboard Hot 100 that landed him in the record books. As a solo artist, 13 of his singles went to No. 1 - the most by any male artist - and an additional four by the Jackson 5 also topped the chart. Jackson's top 50 singles were ranked based on the track's performance on the Hot 100. Because Nielsen SoundScan only began tabulating sales data for Billboard in 1991, a measurement based on strict sales numbers would be incomplete. Songs were ranked based on an inverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 earning the greatest value and weeks at No. 100 earning the least. To view the entire list of the King of Pop's Top 50 Billboard Hits, please click here. Source: billboard.com / Billie Jean MJ To Be Honored At BET Awards. 18-06-'10 This year's BET Awards, which will be held on June 27, will pay tribute to Michael Jackson. Members of the Jackson family will be on hand for the event, just two days after the first anniversary of the King of Pop's death. Jackson's 'This Is It' is also nominated in the Best Movie category. The BET Awards previously paid tribute to Jackson at last year's ceremony, which was held just three days after Michael died on June 25th, 2009. Source: MJFC / rollingstone.com / Billie Jean Rhythm Magazine Michael Jackson issue. 17-06-'10 The drummers of Michael Jackson and the beats that shaped his greatest hits. The web site of Musicradar. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Documentaries on Tv. 17-06-'10 DStv: Michael Jackson’s ‘This is It’ to screen on DStv on June 20th. Animal Planet: “Michael Jackson and Bubbles: The Untold Story” premiers Tuesday, June 22 at 10 PM. ET/PT on Animal Planet. ZDF: Porträt "Michael Jackson – King of Pop" on June 18. MTV: MJ TV Special on June 21 at 9:00 PM. Gulli: Docu Jacksonmania on June 19 at 9:30 PM. Direct 8: Docu "Michael Jackson on June 19 at 1:35 PM and June 25 at 5:00 PM. TF6: Docu "Michael Jackson intime: (Michael Jackson's Private Home Movies) on June 20 at 10:20 PM and June 25 on 11:10 PM. W9: June 23 Docu "Histoire du roi de la pop" on June 23 at 1:40 PM and June 24 at 11:00 AM. W9: June 25 Docu "Michael Jackson : forever" on June 25 at 1:40 PM. MCM: Live funérailles Michael Jackson on June 25 at 8:35 PM. TF1: Docu "Michael Jackson, l'histoire et la légende" on June 25 at 10:45 PM. Virgin 17: "Les stars chantent Michael Jackson" on JUne 25 at 8:410 PM. Michael Jackson clips at 1:00 AM. Source: Billie Jean Michael Jackson On Amimal Planet. 17-06-'10 Next week, many TV channels all over the world will air various specials and documentaries on Michael Jackson as we approach the one year anniversary of his death. Now the Animal Planet joins in with, "Michael Jackson and Bubbles: The Untold Story." The documentary will profile the relationship between Jackson and his beloved chimpanzee through first-hand accounts from those who were close to the King of Pop at the time, including his sister, La Toya. The show will also delve into the psychology behind the human/amimal bond and Jackson’s connection to Bubbles and other animals he surrounded himself with during his life. The show will also reveal what happened to Bubbles The Chimp after Jackson could no longer care for him and where the famous primate is today. “Michael Jackson and Bubbles: The Untold Story” premiers Tuesday, June 22 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Animal Planet. Source: MJFC / ecorazzi.com / Billie Jean Moonwalk Being Translated Into Turkish. 16-06-'10 The King of Pop's self penned autobiography, Moonwalk, may be translated into Turkish soon and rushed to publication for the superstar's birthday on August 29, 2010. Since it was first published in 1988 it has been translated into many languages but never Turkish. The translation is currently in discussion with the publishing house Kabalci and the acclaimed, award-winning Turkish poet/lyricist/director/producer, Aziz Dogdu Turuskan. Megan Particia Jones, P&R manager for Turuskan said, "Michael Jackson has always been a favorite in Turkey and remains the biggest selling foreign artist in the country with sales over 1.5 million units. And Aziz has been a [Michael Jackson] fan, as he stated, since 1988 when he first saw [the] 'Man In The Mirror' video. He has a credible collection and gathers all information about Jackson. As he bought his own copy of Moonwalk, he approached Kabalci Publishing House to allow him to translate the book into Turkish. He is now at the talks and details will be revealed very soon." Turuskan, has won several awards and was the first Turkish poet to be inducted into the American Poets Society back in 2002. He is currently in negotiations for 'Mirrors,' his first book of poetry in seven years. However, first he wants to translate Moonwalk into Turkish for Jackson's Turkish fans. Jones added, "It is the most important thing for him nowadays. He is ready to translate the book, and awaits the publishing house, which is probably dealing with the copyrights, to deliver him a deadline." Source: Independant News Agent / Billie Jean MJ Docu Makers Get Bad News. 16-06-'10 Roger Friedman posted the following today in his column, Showbiz 411: Michael Jackson Documentary Film Makers Get Bad News: No Music Allowed It’s bad news for anyone who’s got the idea to make an unauthorized Michael Jackson documentary. There won’t be any music in it by Jackson. Sony Music isn’t clearing any music rights for filmmakers who think they’ve got The Next Big Thing. That includes sleaze digger Ian Halperin, former Jackson partner Marc Schaffel, and Liza Minnelli’s ex husband, David Gest. Halperin’s so called documentary, which he sold to the TV Guide Channel of all places (that’s where we all go for serious docs, isn’t it?), airs June 25th – the anniversary of Jackson’s death. But it will free of Michael Jackson’s music, thank you. And full of interviews with people who are on the outer circle of Jackson’s world. Schaffel, despite a piece yesterday on The Wrap, didn’t actually make a documentary. He sold footage he’d had to a Japanese outfit. They put together a film, just for Japan, and narrated in Japanese. It will play in 200 theaters around Japan starting June 25th, again, without music. And then there’s David Gest’s purported film. The word is that Gest’s effort is around four hours long and is mainly interviews with old movie stars – Gest’s forte – about Jackson. Gest may have footage from his old sketchy charity fundraisers at which Jackson occasionally appeared, plus footage from his own wedding to Liza Minnelli. Michael was the best man. It’s unclear if Minnelli would have any say in that footage. But again, no music. There’s also a fourth film, called “The Untold Story of Neverland,” by Santa Barbara filmmaker Larry Nimmer. It was shown last February at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, but it didn’t get much attention. Nimmer makes courtroom films, and was given access to Neverland during Jackson’s 2005 child molestation trial. (Someone should tell The Wrap, by the way, that the trial was in 2005, not 2004. ) Source: MJFC / showbiz411.com / Billie Jean Dr. Murray Keeps His Medical License. 15-06-'10 Dr. Conrad Murray can keep practicing medicine in California while he awaits trial for the death of Michael Jackson ... so says the trial judge. California Attorney General Jerry Brown -- who is running for Governor -- was shut down for a second time in his attempt to suspend Murray's license. Judge Michael Pastor ruled he did not have jurisdiction over the doc's medical license. Interesting side note ... Murray's lawyer, Ed Chernoff, brought up a story TMZ broke -- that Murray came to the rescue of a sick passenger on a plane last month. Judge Pastor also set Murray's preliminary hearing date for August 23. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean 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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