Michael Jackson Page 7

Quincy Jones is taking Michael Jackson's family estate to court over allegedly unpaid royalties, with his estimates claiming that he is owed $10 million from the estate of the late King of Pop. Jones produced the majority of Michael's most popular works, and believes he is being duped out of millions of dollars worth of earnings generated by the ever-profitable recordings he worked on.

Jones says he is owed big bucks from the Jackson estate in unpaid royalties and contract breaches

The 27-time Grammy winner served as the producer on some of Michael's most successful albums, including Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad, and he is now taking Sony Music Entertainment and MJJ Productions - a song company controlled by MJ's estate - to court over unpaid royalties. Among the ventures associated with the late pop icon that Quincy wants compensation from include the This Is It film and OST album, the two Michael Jackson Cirque du Soleil productions and the 25th anniversary edition of the Bad album that was released in 2012.

Continue reading: Quincy Jones Files $10 Million Lawsuit Against Michael Jackson Family Estate

American music producer Quincy Jones has filed a lawsuit for $10 million aimed at Michael Jackson's posthumous music releases.

TMZ reported, Jones is suing Michael Jackson Productions (MJJ) and Sony citing the works 'This Is It' movie, the Cirque du Soleil stage show and the 25th Anniversary of the 'Bad' album, which contain music that Jones produced.

The lawyer for the Michael Jackson addressed these allegations to the gossip website and said;

Continue reading: Quincy Jones Sues Michael Jackson Estate Over Owed Royalties

Michael Jackson's family may have lost their $1 billion lawsuit against AEG Live, but the dead pop star is still the highest earning deceased person in the world, according to yet another list from Forbes. Jackson was cremated so there'll be no chance of a Thriller-style resurrection where he returns to spend his riches but from his grave he earned a mighty $160 million (£99 million) over the past 12 months.

Though Dead, Michael Jackson Is Exceedingly Rich.

Amazingly, and four years after his death, Jackson is also earning more than any living star, surpassing the top living earner Madonna's yearly earnings by a tidy $35 million. Second place by a long way on Forbes' list was Elvis Presley whose post-mortem earnings total $55 million.

Continue reading: Michael Jackson Is The Highest Earning Dead Person With $160m

In it's most recent list of top celebrity earners, Forbes has named Michael Jackson as the highest earning dead celebrity of the last year. With his estate earning an estimated $160 million between October 2012 and June 2013, not only is Michael the top earning dead celebrity, but the top earning celebrity in general.

Michael Jackson tops the list once again

Michael's earnings over the last year amount to $35 million more than the top-placed living celebrity, Madonna, who Forbes estimates earned $125 million between 2012 and 2013. As reported by Forbes, this marks the "third time in the past five years" that a dead celebrity has been crowned the highest earner of the year. How appropriate for a list that is released just before Halloween.

Continue reading: Michael Jackson Named Top Earning Celebrity Dead Or Alive

Corey Feldman will release his memoirs, Coreyography, in the coming weeks, describing his rise to stardom at a young age, before falling from grace and into relative obscurity as his years progressed. Perhaps known best for his work with off-screen best friend Corey Haim, the actor has admitted for the first time that both he and Haim were the victims of sexual assault in their formative years. What's more, Feldman also claims that some of Hollywood's leading figures were behind the attacks.

Feldman goes into detail about the sexual abuse he, Haim and many others have endured in Hollywood

Both Feldman and Haim were known for their consuming drug habits, and the autobiography goes into vivid detail about some of the nights of debauchery the former teen heart throbs went through in their younger years, but Feldman's memoir also reveals a much darker side to Hollywood that surpasses child drug use. Feldman explains in Coreyography that at the height of his fame, the crop of young stars dominating the Hollywood scene at the time were regularly picked off and sexually abused by senior Hollywood personel.

Continue reading: Corey Feldman Says That Pedophilia Is Rife In Hollywood, And The Two Coreys Often Bore The Brunt Of It

Katherine Jackson's lawyer Brian Panish has acknowledged that his client is "obviously disappointed" at losing the $1.5 billion damages case against concert promoter AEG, though told the New York Daily News, "There's going to more to this story."

"She's obviously disappointed, but she's a very strong woman," lead plaintiff's lawyer Brian Panish said on Thursday, "She's been through a lot in life, and she's doing the best she can. She only wants what is best for Michael's children, who are her No. 1 priority," he added.

He called the five-month trial "a search for the truth" that likely didn't end with Wednesday's verdict, which acknowledged that AEG Live did in fact hire Dr Conrad Murray as Michael Jackson's doctor, though that they were not responsible for his death.

Continue reading: Katherine Jackson's Lawyer Warns, "This Ain't Over Yet"

A jury ruled in favour of concert promoter AEG Live LLC, determining that the company was not liable in the death of singer Michael Jackson in 2009. The court case had been filed by Katherine Jackson, Michael's mother, and his three children - Prince, Paris, Blanket- were also listed as plaintiffs. The concert promoters were responsible for arranging Jackson's comeback tour in 2009, the case against them claimed they were negligent in hiring Dr Conrad Murray as Jackson's doctor.

Michael Jackson died in 2009 after his doctor administered propofol.

Murray was charged with involuntary manslaughter in 2011 as it was ruled he had administered a fatal dose of propofol which led to Jackson's death. The drug propofol is usually used as an anaesthetic in surgical operations; however Murray administered the drug to Jackson in July 2009 as a sleeping aid, with fatal results. Despite being a difficult drug to administer, Jackson's lawyers argued,"Propofol might not be the best idea. But if you have a competent doctor, you're not going to die."

Continue reading: Jury Rules AEG Wasn't Negligent In Hiring Doctor Who Administered Michael Jackson's Overdose

The family of the late pop star Michael Jackson have lost in their case for huge damages after a court ruled against claims that alleged concert promoters AEG Live was negligent over Jackson's death on the 25th June 2009 as a result of an overdose of the anaesthetic Propofol.

The Aftermath Of Michael Jackson's Tragic Death Has Been Riddled With Long Court Cases.

Brought by Jackson's 83 year-old mother, Katherine, the case against AEG Live alleged that the organisers of the star's comeback tour were negligent in hiring Doctor Conrad Murray, who was jailed for four years for involuntary manslaughter, and failed to read the signs of Jackson's ill health.

Continue reading: Michael Jackson Family Defeat In AEG Lawsuit, Court Rules Death "Not A Tragedy Of AEG Live's Making"

Kanye West's ego need know introduction, so when he described himself as the planet's biggest rock star, it wasn't exactly an alarming statement. Speaking to BBC DJ Zane Lowe in an exclusive interview, West went on to discuss the opertunities awarded to him as a black artist thanks to Michael Jackson and the sacrifices in the name of civil rights that his parents and grandparents gave, as well as also discussing his life with Kim Kardashian.

Kanye was promoting his Yeezus tour when he appeared on Zane's Radio 1 show

"Rap is the new rock 'n' roll. We are the real rock stars and I'm the biggest of all of them. I'm the number one rock star on the planet," the 'Black Skinhead' rapper boasted. Kanye, who begins his world tour in support of new album Yeezus next month. The album, released in June this year, received mostly unanimous praise for his sixth full-length release and reached the top of the album chart in the US, UK, Australia and Canada upon it's release.

Continue reading: Kanye West Is "The No.1 Rock Star On Earth," He Claims

Billions of dollars are at stake as the Michael Jackson wrongful death trial moves into its closing arguments, with Katherine Jackson and the King of Pop's three children attempting to persuade a jury that concert promoter AEG Live should pay for its role in hiring Dr Conrad Murray.

The five month trial, which has resembled a circus at times, begins its culmination on Tuesday with the closing arguments. A big crowd, which is rumored to include Prince, is expected for the final arguments, meaning court personnel have moved the proceedings to a much larger courtroom with over 200 seats.

A judge at confirmed to the 12 jurors that only nine had to reach agreement on whether AEG hired, retained or supervised Murray through a contract that was written, oral, or created by intentional conduct, according to the New York Daily News.

Continue reading: Billions At Stake As Michael Jackson Trial Moves Into Closing Arguments

The Michael Jackson statue that was unveiled outside Fulham Football Club's Craven Cottage stadium in 2011 is to be removed by the clubs new owner Shahid Khan. Khan has since stated that he is removing the statue of the King of Pop as per the request of former owner Mohammed Al Fayed, who will re-erect the statue at one of his many other properties.

The Michael Jackson statue that currently sits outside Craven Cottage

Since it was first installed in 2011, the statue garnered criticism from fans who said the money could have been spent better and that the late singer had no connection to the South London club. At the time of it's unveiling, Al Fayed insisted that Jackson was a fan of Fulham (in spite of the fact that he was only ever spotted once in the South London area) and stood by his decision to keep the statue at the back of the Hammersmith stand. When met with further criticism and ridicule from supporters, Al Fayed told them they can "go to hell."

Continue reading: New Fulham Boss Plans To Remove Michael Jackson Statue From Stadium, As Per Al Fayed's Request

Katherine Jackson’s wrongful death suit against Michael’s concert promoter AEG took another turn for the worse today. According to E!News, the judge has dismissed AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips and executive Paul Gongaware as defendants in Jackson’s wrongful death lawsuit, in which she is claiming a billion in damages.

Now the company as a whole is left as the sole defendant. Katherine Jackson’s claim is that AEG were negligent in hiring Dr Conrad Murray, who administered a lethal dose of Propofol to Jackson in 2009. Murray was subsequently convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 and sentenced to four years in prison.

The lengthy and complicated trial is now in its fifth month. It is expected to go to jury sometime during this month. Defense attorneys for AEG maintain that Jackson was making decisions of his own free will and that it was his choice to bring Murray onboard. The dismissal of accusations against Phillips and Gongaware is a significant break in the case.

Continue reading: Accusations Against AEG Execs Dismissed In Michael Jackson Wrongful Death Suit

It has been revealed that the late king of pop, Michael Jackson, requested the drug Propofol long before he died from an overdose of the very same medication. Dr Christine Quinn told of his want for the drug while testifying for the defence in a negligent hiring lawsuit filed by Jackson's mother against AEG Live LLC.

Dr. Quinn advised Jackson back in the late 90s, that Propofol wasn’t the appropriate drug to use for his symptoms. "I told him that the sleep you get with anesthesia is not real sleep, not restful sleep," she explained. Dr Conrad Murray, who was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter, was the person to administer the drug in 2009 – the year that Michael Jackson died.

Cherilyn Lee, a certified nurse who collapsed when giving evidence, also spoke out about his ‘addiction’ to the drug. "I remember telling him that it wasn't something he wanted to use at home," Lee said on Wednesday, according to CNN.

Continue reading: Michael Jackson Wanted Propofol A Full Decade Before His Fatal Overdose

N Sync reunion at the VMAs? Surely this is too good to be true! Well apparently this is supposedly what is going to happen at the Snday, 25 August awards show, according to reports coming from within MTV. Vulture first reported that it had heard from people working behind the scenes at the VMAs that Justin, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, Lance Bass and JC Chasez will once again be hooking up for a long, long awaited reunion.

Justin will be awarded the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Awards at this weekend's ceremony

As already reported, Justin is already going to receive a special award on the night; the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award in honour of his long-serving career in the music biz, but as good a news this is, the fact that he'll be there with the boys from his N Sync days just makes this the best news we've heard all week. After a thoroughly triumphant return to the music scene this year with his well-received 20/20 Experience and the upcoming follow-up, The 20/20 Experience 2 Of 2, it was thought that Justin's own success would get in the way of any N Sync reunion ever happening, but luckily this clearly isn't the case.

Continue reading: N Sync Reunion On The Way? Band Reportedly Planning Comeback For VMAs

Collaboration work between the undisputed King of Pop, the late Michael Jackson, and the irrepressible teen pop idol, Justin Bieber, has been leaked on YouTube in the form of 'Slave to the Rhythm.'

'Slave To The Rhythm' Was A Known MJ Track But Justin's Vocals Have Been Added Recently.

It would be easy to denounce the supposed collaboration track as fake or too conveniently timed with the current attention brought to MJ's death by his family's wrongful death case against concert promoters AEG Live, but listen to the track for yourself and you'll find it hard to deny that those are Jackson's trademark scralls and 'oohs' ripping through the rising, infectious club beat.

Continue reading: Michael Jackson Justin Bieber Collaboration Leaks: Hear 'Slave To The Rhythm'

Justin Bieber's latest project is an update of Michael Jackson's posthumous track 'Slave to the Rhythm'. The track was released in 2010, a year after Jackson's death. Nothing much has changed from the original, with the exception of Bieber's rather unoriginal dance beat.

Justin Bieber performing at the GeldreDome in Arnhem, the Netherlands in April 2013.

The track has been leaked early although it is uncertain when it was intended to be released. However, could this be a publicity stunt? Bieber tweeted on Friday, shortly before the leak, promising that "big things were ahead."

Continue reading: Justin Bieber's Remix Of Michael Jackson's Posthumous Track 'Slave To The Rhythm' Leaked Online

Michael Jackson ft. Justin Bieber must be the least likely musical pairing in the history of forever, therefore the law of the music industry dictates that it must exist. Lo and behold, it does, in the form of the track Slave to The Rhythm. In true Bieber fashion, the teenage popstar took to Twitter to tease the record, saying: Michael Jackson ft. Justin Bieber must be the least likely musical pairing in the history of forever, therefore the law of the music industry dictates that it must exist. Lo and behold, it does, in the form of the track Slave to The Rhythm. In true Bieber fashion, the teenage popstar took to Twitter to tease the record, saying:

Excited for what is to come. MJ set the bar. Not only for music but for being an entertainer and how u treat the fans. Wish he was here...

— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 16, 2013

Debbie Rowe, Michael Jackson's ex-wife, wept whilst standing as a witness in the AEG negligence trial. The trial is into its second day, the suit was filed by Michael Jackson's three children and his mother, Katherine. The suit claims AEG should pay compensation for hiring Dr Conrad Murray who, inadvertently, killed Michael Jackson in 2009. Concert promoters AEG allege that Jackson hired Conrad and that he frequently used anaesthetics. 

Michael Jackson in 2008.

Rowe married Michael Jackson in 1996 but the marriage only lasted three years. Rowe left their two children with Michael for three years following their divorce, a decision she claims she has no regrets about. She stated: "Michael wanted to be a father, I didn't sign on to be a mom. I loved him very much and still do. I wanted him to be a father, I wanted him to have everything that he didn't have growing up, wanted him to experience it with his own child, his own children."

Continue reading: Debbie Rowe Weeps In Witness Stand "I Almost Lost My Daughter"

Debbie Rowe, mother of Michael Jackson’s two oldest children, told the Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday (Wednesday, Aug 14) of Michael Jackson’s “incredible” fear of pain, according to The BBC. 

Michael Jackson announces his tour back in 2009

"Michael had a very low pain tolerance," Rowe, the singer’s ex-wife, explained. "His fear of pain was incredible. I think the doctors took advantage of him that way," she said. Rowe was giving evidence in the AEG court case.

Continue reading: Michael Jackson’s "Incredible" Fear Of Pain Detailed By Ex-Wife

Justin Timberlake's 'Take Back The Night' video has dropped onto our radar, showing the performer dancing his way through the streets of New York City at night in the lead single from upcoming album The 20/20 Experience: 2 of 2.

Justin Timberlake Was Unaware He had Chosen The Same Name As A Rape Charity.

The release of the music video comes not long after anti-sexual violence charity Take Back The Night accused him of stealing their name - and therefore affecting their brand - without their permission.

Continue reading: Justin Timberlake's 'Take Back The Night' Video: Channels King Of Pop In Wake Of Charity Dispute

Queen guitarist Brian May has revealed that he's working on and plans to release previously unheard material from Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury and pop star Michael Jackson. The surfacing of the dead icons' collaboration will mark 30 years since they were originally recorded in 1983, but May and pop producer supremo William Orbit have worked together to tweak and remaster the songs - one would assume - for digital age optimisation.

We Will Hear New Jackson Material In A Freddie Mercury Collaboration.

The tracks in question were reportedly recorded three decades ago at Jackson's home studio in Encino, California, before the pair fell out after Jackson decided to bring a llama into the studio. Yup, the duet tracks could well be llama-inspired, after Freddie's manager Jim "Miami" Beach reportedly got a call from the British star, having said; "Mercury rang me and said: 'Miami, dear, can you get over here? You've got to get me out of here; I'm recording with a llama.'"

Continue reading: Unheard Michael Jackson & Freddie Mercury Duets Set For Release 30 Years Later

A week in music videos... Kanye West has been doing a lot of promotion for his edgy, rock-infused track 'Black Skinhead' (or 'BLKKK SKKKN HEAD' as it's otherwise known'), the lead single from his US and UK number one album 'Yeezus', so his anger when the unfinished video directed by Nick Knight was leaked earlier in July was unsurprising. He described the unauthorised distribution as 'heartbreaking' and no wonder; a video as unique as this was definitely worthy of a grand entrance but, nonetheless, the spoiler has definitely not affected the viewing experience.Watch the video for BLKKK SKKKN HEAD here.

French house star Kavinsky has already become a hit in his home nation with his debut album 'OutRun', released earlier this year, reaching number 2 in the charts and he's certainly turning heads overseas too. Teaming up with Canadian producer The Weeknd on one of his newest singles, Kavinsky delivers a driving dance beat with 'Odd Look' - the single from his new EP of the same name. The track also features on his album as a collaboration with fellow electronic musician SebastiAn. Listen to Odd Look here.

Continue reading: A Week In Music, Kanye West Releases 'Black Skinhead' Video, Dawes Talk New Album And Bob Dylan And Mercury And Jackson Duets Are To Be Unveiled

A top executive for AEG Live has managed to turn the farcical Michael Jackson trial into an absolute circus by claiming the Canadian singer Celine Dion is a "bigger" artist than the late King of Pop ever was.

Testifying at the long-running wrongful death trial, John Meglin downplayed Jackson's lawyers claim that the singer would have earned $1.5 billion touring the world, according to CNN.

Meglin, who has been a concert promoter since the 1970s, was the first witness called to the stand as AEG Live began its defense in the thirteenth week of the trial. Much of his testimony focused on ridiculing accountant Arthur Much's claims that Jackson would have played 260 shows around the world as part of his This Is It tour, earning $890 million plus more in endorsements and sponsorships before his 66th birthday.

Continue reading: AEG Man Claims Celine Dion Is Bigger Than Michael Jackson. Which Is Just Wrong

Katherine Jackson concluded her tearful testimony at the on-going trial against the promoters of Michael Jackson's ill-fated comeback concerts, claiming AEG Live watched as the King of Pop "wasted away" before his untimely death.

Hanging her head and welling up, Katherine Jackson said she didn't know the true extent of her son's weakness until after the start of her family's trial against AEG Live, reports Billboard.

"They watched him waste away," she said after her attorney had cited emails from workers preparing for the "This Is It" shows in London. The messages described Michael Jackson's condition as deteriorating and confirmed that he was unable to rehearse. 

Continue reading: Katherine Jackson Claims Michael Jackson 'Wasted Away' Before 'This Is It'

Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, told a court her son never wanted "to be doing the moonwalk on stage" when he reached 50. The singer joked about this with his mother in the years before his death. Sadly he was forced, by his financial situation, into arranging his last tour 'This Is It' with AEG.

Katherine Jackson at the World premiere of 'Michael Jackson One', Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas

The singer died in 2009 yet continues to make headlines. Most recently the news has surrounded the law suit filed by his mother and children against the concert promoter AEG. Katherine's revelation, reported by TMZ, was addressed to the court trying this case. The suit concerns whether AEG were negligent when they hired Conrad Murray: the doctor who was charged in 2011 of involuntary manslaughter, he had administered a lethal dose of anaesthetic to Jackson on the evening of his death.

Continue reading: Michael Jackson's Mother Surprised He Announced 'This Is It' Tour

Kenny Ortega, the director, who worked with Michael Jackson on his planned This Is It tour, took the stand this week to testify in Katherine Jackson’s wrongful death suit against concert promoter AEG. His testimony was emotional filled with personal details about the singer, such as Ortega’s claim that the last few times he saw the singer, he was “frightened” at the sight.

Jackson was noticeably frail in his final days.

During his Wednesday testimony, Ortega told the jury that at the time, he didn’t think Michael was well enough to continue rehearsals. He recalled Jackson’s peculiar behavior and speculated that the performer had been under chemical influence during at least four rehearsals. Ortega also shared the observation that this delirious behavior tended to follow visits to the doctor.

Continue reading: Former Tour Director Gives Chilling Account Of Michael Jackson's Final Days

Michael Jackson was addicted to prescription drugs and had been for well over a decade before his eventual death in 2009 - that's what his one-time doctor, Dr. Stuart Finklestein, told a courtroom via a video deposition on Monday (July 8) during the wrongful death case brought against tour organisers AEG by the bereaved Jackson family, with Finklestein adding that he had alerted AEG bosses of the singer's condition and the vulnerability of his medical condition, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Jackson's family are blaming AEG for hiring Dr. Conrad Murray

As the wrongful-death trial reached its 43rd day, Finklestein's testimony detailed his long-time friendship with Paul Gongaware, the manager of Michael's extensive 'Dangerous' tour of the early nineties. The doctor discussed how, upon meeting Jackson in 1993 whilst his tour was in Bangkok, Thailand, he was suffering from severe headaches and, under the guidance of Allan Metzger - his LA doctor - Finklestein administered Demoral and later morphine to Michael until he felt hell enough to go on stage. Finklestein told the court that when he first tried to administer a shot of Demerol to Jackson, “his buttocks were so scarred up and abscessed that the needle almost bent. ... He obviously had had multiple injections in his buttocks prior to arriving in Bangkok.”

Continue reading: Michael Jackson's Doctor Details Painkiller Addiction And AEG's Knowledge Of Drug Problems

The Michael Jackson trial took an unexpected turn last week after the King of Pop's child pal Wade Robson claimed the singer spent $35 million to silence 24 boys over molestation charges. Robson wants his lawyers to reach out to the FBI about secret documents from a private investigator that allegedly show how much Jackson spent on silencing his apparent victims.

Michael Jackson At The Press Conference For The 'This It It' Concerts

A choreographer and former child pal of the late King of Pop, Wade Robson ordered his lawyers on Sunday (June 30, 2013) to contact the FBI about secret documents that apparently prove Jackson spent $35 million to silence 24 young boys, sources tell the New York Daily News. "Wade knows that if he stands shoulder to shoulder with another accuser, he might be viewed more sympathetically," one of the sources said.

Continue reading: Is There Anything In The Michael Jackson $24 Million Silencing Claim?

Michael Jackson is under public scrutiny, once again, over four years after his death. Wade Robson, a former friend of Jackson, has contacted the FBI, claiming he has evidence which shows Jackson bribed those he molested into silence. 

Michael Jackson shopping in L.A. in 2008.

Choreographer and former friend of Michael Jackson, Wade Robson, contacted the FBI through his lawyers. A private investigator had compiled a series of secret documents which, allegedly, implicate Michael Jackson in bribing those he was accused of molesting. Apparently, $35 million is involved and had been used to silence 24 boys.

Continue reading: Michael Jackson Allegedly Paid Off Molestation Victim's Families

Jennifer Lopez appeared on Saturday (29th June 2013) at the birthday celebrations of Turkmenistan's president, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov. The nation has a history of abysmal Human Rights, according to Human Rights Watch. Lopez has been criticised for performing, however the situation has drawn attention to the country and its leaders. 

Jennifer Lopez at 4th Annual amfAR Inspiration Gala, The Plaza Hotel, New York

Lopez is not the only celebrity to entertain unsavoury characters. Oliver Stone worked with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez; Naomi Campbell accepted a diamond from Liberian dictator Charles Taylor; Michael Jackson was harboured by Prince Abdullah al-Khalifa of Bahrain and Beyonce and Usher performed for Hannibal Gadhafi. 

Continue reading: Jennifer Lopez Apologises For Turkmenistan Performance

Michael Jackson's nephew T.J. Jackson appeared in court yesterday and has stated he believes his uncle was murdered. His thoughts stem from conversations he had with Michael shortly before his death.

Apparently Michael Jackson believed he would be murdered. T.J. said under oath that this belief was founded "because he did tell me and the brothers that he was going to be murdered on a couple of occasions". Michael does not appear to have been specific about who the perpetrator of the murder would be but he thought he was at risk because of "his position".

The law suit was first filed in 2010 by Katherine Jackson, Michael's Mother. She is suing concert promoter AEG for hiring Dr Conrad Murray as Michael's private physician. Prince and Michael Jackson's two other Paris and Blanket are also named as plaintiffs. 

Continue reading: Michael Jackson's Death Was 'Murder' According His Nephew T.J. Jackson

Justin Bieber is being sued by a paparazzo over an alleged assault which occurred in May 2012.

The lawsuit was filed yesterday (Wednesday 16th June) by Jose Osmin Hernandez Duran, according to E!. The photographer claims Bieber kicked and punched him. Hernandez Duran was one of many photographers attempting to take the pop star's photograph as he left a L.A. shopping mall with then girlfriend Selena Gomez.

A variety of statements have been made both by Hernandez Duran and Bieber's representatives. L.A. authorities apparently investigated the incident but chose not to press charges.

Continue reading: Justin Bieber Sued By Paparazzo, But Ex-Pet Monkey Is Released From Quarantine

Michael Jackson's death anniversary should have been a moment of appreciation and remembrance. Appreciation at the King of Pop's lengthy stay at the very top of the pile of the finest entertainers and remembrance of his finest albums, singles and live shows. However, on June 25, 2013, attention in the Jackson camp was fixed firmly on the lawsuit against AEG, with the controversy surrounding the entertainer's death continuing to swirl.

Michael Jackson Announcing His London O2 Arena Shows

Earlier this month, Jackson's 15-year-old daughter Paris was hospitalized after an apparent suicide attempt that involved an overdose of pills as well as a kitchen knife to cut her own wrists.

Continue reading: Michael Jackson's Death Anniversary: What Was His O2 Arena Set List?

Paris Jackson has been bullied online which may have caused the teenager to self-harm, resulting in her hospitalisation, according to sources close to the daughter of Michael Jackson. At only 15, Paris is at risk of cyber bullying perhaps more than anyone else as she is in the public eye. The bullying extends far beyond her own circle of acquaintances as the rest of the world has plenty to say about her. 

A number of 'official' Facebook pages exist for Paris Jackson fans, of which she appears to have many. Whilst many offer supportive comments wishing the teenager well and for her health to improve, a few are highly critical making comments about Paris' relationship with her parents. 

On Paris' personal Facebook page accusations by acquaintances, according to TMZ, have centred on the relationship she shared with her father including references to molestation. 

Continue reading: Paris Jackson Is Victim Of Cyber Bullying, Comments On Facebook 'Destroyed Her'

Michael Jackson revealed months before his death that he only fathered one of his three children, according to a new report. Jackson's youngest child, Blanket, is his natural son whilst British actor Mark Lester (most famous for playing the title role in the musical Oliver) is allegedly the biological father of his two eldest children: Prince and Paris. 

According to clinic worker Jason Pfeiffer, giving an interview in the Mirror, Jackson decided on Mark Lester as the sperm donor because "Michael felt Mark was one of his closest friends. He said he was a great actor and very good man". 

Furthermore Jackson does not appear to have been without choices in who should father his children as "he had taken several people's sperm and decided on Mark".

Continue reading: Michael Jackson Revealed His Eldest Children Were Fathered By Mark Lester?

Catherine Jackson’s lawsuit against Michael Jackson’s concert promoter AEG continues and now the testimonies are going into the pop star’s deep, dark and personal secrets. At one point MJ was an extremely successful pop-star with bestselling records and Grammy award winning hits. But this was not the Michael Jackson of 2009. According to Randy Phillips, an executive at AEG, when planning his supposed comeback tour, the king of pop just wanted to make enough money to buy a permanent home for himself and his children. Jackson broke down in tears as he confided that he was tired of "living like vagabonds" — shuttling his family between a Las Vegas rental and a Bel-Air hotel, Phillips recalled, quoted by the LA Times. He also told the story of an emotional Halloween meeting at Jackson’s hotel room, with his three children running around.

"I felt incredibly bad that this incredible star was at this point where he just couldn't buy a house with all this money he made," Phillips testified. "It just didn't make sense."

Phillips told the court that the emotional meeting was the first time Jackson had expressed a desire to go back to work. Apparently, the performer even had his sights set on a huge 40,000-square-foot house with a $93-million price tag in Bel-Air. But Phillips said he told Jackson the house was too much — "you'll put every dime you make into this house," he recalled telling the singer. Instead, the Jackson family had to settle for a rented place - a $100,000-a-month Holmby Hills estate he paid for using a multimillion-dollar advance he received from AEG.

Continue reading: Michael Jackson Needed The Tour To Buy A House, Says AEG

There has been an update in the Paris Jackson attempted suicide saga, as the apparently troubled teenager has been transferred to UCLA Medical Centre, the same hospital in which her famous father, Michael Jackson, died.

Jackson was rushed into hospital and kept under psychiatric watch after she attempted to kill herself in the early hours of Wednesday (June 5). Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff, the man overseeing the guardianship of Michael Jackson's three children, has ordered an enquiry following this incident. "There have been communications between the court and counsel and we're completely supportive of the court's actions," Perry Sanders Jr, the attorney for Paris's grandmother Katherine Jackson, said. Tito Jackson's son, TJ, was appointed co-guardian over the children. "This is standard protocol in a high profile case," his attorney Charles Shultz explained. "The court is doing what we fully expected the court to do." Michael Jackson's former lawyer Tom Mesereau, said he is “heartbroken over the news.” He told RadarOnline: “I'm heartbroken over Paris Jackson’s suicide attempt. I’m shocked, and frankly, at a loss for words. 'Paris is just a wonderful young lady, beautiful, and extremely bright.”

Prior to the attempt, Paris posted some cryptic tweets to her Twitter account. “i wonder why tears are salty ?” was the first one, followed by: “yesterday , all my troubles seemed so far away now it looks as though they're here to stay."

Continue reading: Paris Jackson Suicide Attempt – Teenager Transferred To Michael Jackson’s Hospital

Trouble just haunts the Jackson family, even 15-year-old Paris Jackson. The young daughter of the late Michael Jackson was set to begin work on her budding film career with her very first movie – Lundon’s Bridge and the Three Keys. Unfortunately, following the potential actress’s suicide attempt and subsequent hospital stay, the company behind the production, will have to take out a hefty insurance policy for Paris, TMZ reports. Still, sources connected to the film have commented that this would not be a problem for the production.

"There's a policy that we will have to buy now that we would not have had to buy prior to the incident." The source goes on, "We're prepared to pay a large amount of money for the policy," adding, "Fortunately, we have a big budget."

In addition, Paris’s engagement with the production doesn’t begin for another six months – plenty of time, the producers feel, for the young woman to recover and get back on track with her career. And while no, it does not sound like the healthiest decision for Jackson herself, apparently it is the most viable decision as far as the film’s producers are concerned. Oh well, we’ve already known for a while that mental health isn’t exactly top priority in Hollywood, so decisions like that one should come as no surprise.

Continue reading: After Suicide Attempt, Paris Jackson Is Still Going Ahead With Filming For Her First Film

Following Paris Jackson’s attempted suicide, the stars have come out in support for her. None of them had dedicated a song to her, though, until now, but Manson didn’t stop there. He created controversy by mimicking slicing his wrists shortly after dedicating the song to Michael Jackson’s only daughter.

"This song is for Paris Jackson," said Manson to his crown before going into his rendition of 'Disposable Teens' – probably not the best track to dedicate to a teenager who has just attempted to take her life, but Marilyn hasn't always been the best at behaving appropriatly in public. The first verse of the track reads: "And I'm a black rainbow/ And I'm an ape of god/ I've got a face that's made for violence upon/ And I'm a teen distortion/ Survived abortion/ A rebel from the waist down."

A source said that Paris “has suffered terrible bullying recently. All the allegations about Michael abusing children have been back in the news, plus details of his drug use and even questions about whether he is the kids’ biological father.” Jackson wanted to see Manson in concert, but wasn’t allowed to go. "I hope you feel better," Manson said in a statement, "you will be on my guest list anytime you want."

Continue reading: Marilyn Manson Dedicates A Song To Paris Jackson, Mimics Self Harm

Paris Jackson's shock suicide attempt yesterday (5th June) left her in hospital last night.

She reportedly sliced her arm with a cleaver knife and took an overdose of painkillers after a relative forbade her from attending Marilyn Manson's rock concert in Los Angeles.

The 15 year-old daughter of Michael Jackson also rang a suicide hotline after she left a note to her family and was later found unconscious.

Continue reading: Paris Jackson Attempted Suicide After Being Forbidden From Marilyn Manson Gig?

It would appear as though the continuing court action regarding Michael Jackson’s death is have a profound effect upon his children. Paris, in particular, has found it difficult, and was hospitalized after cutting one of her wrists.

"Being a sensitive 15-year-old is difficult no matter who you are," attorney Perry Sanders said Wednesday (June 5) morning. "It is especially difficult when you lose the person closest to you. Paris is physically fine and is getting appropriate medical attention. Please respect her privacy and the family's privacy."

Paris sent out some pretty cryptic tweets Tuesday evening, before calling a suicide counselling hotline early on Wednesday. She posted: "i wonder why tears are salty?", "yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away” and "now it looks as though they're here to stay". At 1.27am on Wednesday, The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said its deputies "responded to a medical situation".

Continue reading: Michael Jackson’s Daughter Paris In Hospital After Apparent Suicide Attempt

Paris Jackson seemed to be like most other 15-year-olds to most of us; she was hardly ever off Twitter or Instagram, has dreams of being an actress, works hard at school - where she is also a cheerleader - and had even given an online make-up tutorial for girls her age, so when the news was broken by TMZ on Wednesday (June 5) that Paris had attempted suicide earlier that morning, to say it was shocking would be an understatement.

Paris regualrly updates her Twitter and Instagram pages and has a strong online presence

There has been some light shed on what might have led Paris to attempt to take her life, with June 25, the fourth anniversary of her father Michael Jackson's death, the 15-year-old would have understandably been in a state of bereavement. As she quite clearly showed during Michael's televised funeral, she had very close and loving relationship with her father and the loss must have given her emotions a severe beating. As the Jackson's lawyer, Perry Sanders, told TMZ, "Being a sensitive 15-year-old is difficult no matter who you are. It is especially difficult when you lose the person closest to you."

Continue reading: Paris Jackson Recovering In Hospital Following Failed Suicide Attempt; But Is It Teenage Angst Or Much Worse [Report]

A lawyer for Michael Jackson's family say they offered to settle their wrongful-death suit against concert promoter Anschutz Entertainment Group, but that they never received an answer. The revelation suggests AEG are confident they will win the lawsuit, given the company's insurance company would have paid. "They could have settled the case without them paying a dime of their money," said attorney Kevin Boyle.

Boyle added that AEG has never offered to settle "and they haven't apologized" at any point during the suit. Marvin Putnam, an attorney for AEG, said it was inappropriate to discuss settlement discussions. "We don't settle matters that are utterly baseless," he said, according to Los Angeles Times. "We believe that is the case in this matter. I can't see why we would consider a settlement as anything other than a shakedown."

AEG was the promoter and producer of Michael Jackson's comeback shows in London, before he took an overdose of the anaesthetic Propofol administered by Dr Conrad Murray and died. The Jacksons say that AEG negligently hired and supervised Murray, though the concert promoter says Jackson hired Murray and that any money the firm was supposed to pay him would have been loans to the singer.

Continue reading: AEG Ignored Michael Jackson Family's Offer To Settle Wrongful-Death Suit

AEG Live are currently defending themselves in court from the Jackson family estate, claiming that they have no place in the wrongful death trial of the late Michael Jackson. Whilst in court on Monday (May 20) however, the defendants were presented with a piece of evidence contradicting their claim that they did not hire Dr Conrad Murray, placing their whole defence in jeopardy.

AEG Live took to the stands claiming that they did not hire or pay the doctor convicted in Jackson's death, but were forced to do a u-turn on their initial claim when it was revealed that they had asked the Jackson estate to repay the $300,000 spent on Murray just weeks after the singer's death. A previous testimony from AEG Live Senor Vice President and General Counsel Shawn Trell - and prior to that, AEG LIve controller Julie Hollander - also showed the company's budgets at the time of Michael's death included $1.5 million set aside to pay Murray his $150,000 a month fee.

The Jackson family claim Michael was practically forced to go on tour

Continue reading: AEG Bosses Put On The Stand In Michael Jackson Trial

We all have plans to achieve our goals and ambitions in life, and for a 21-year-old Michael Jackson he only had one thing on his mind; complete world domination and to be a "a new, incredible actor/singer/dancer that will shock the world."

Well, mission accomplished we suppose, but the recently uncovered handwritten manifesto by the late King of Pop from 1979 reveals more than an overwhelming desire to become the greatest entertainer of all time, it also reveals a young man driven by a strong determination to be the best at what he does and become the King of Pop. MJ's meticulous attention to detail was renowned and his career was one of the most enduring of all time, and with this recently unearthed document we now know that Michael didn't just turn on his drive in the studio or on stage, but had planned his future way in advance and stuck to the plan.

Jackson's manifesto could be the reason we remeber him for all the right reasons

Continue reading: '60 Seconds' Exposes Michael Jackson's Plans For World Domination

Hello, is it me you’re looking for? Nope, Lionel Richie thinks that the courts would be wrong to pursue the Jackson family following choreographer Wade Robson’s recent child molestation claims against the late King of Pop, claiming that the accusations are “bogus.”

Wade Robson had actually testified in Jackson’s defense in a 2005 child sex abuse trial, but in a weird twist the choreographer has now launched a claim against the late pop star, saying that he was abused by Jackson over a seven year period. "Michael Jackson was a monster and in their hearts every normal person knows it," Mr Robson's lawyer, Henry Gradstein, said in a statement to a news agency, according to Sky News. He added: "He (Mr Robson) collapsed under the stress and sexual trauma of what had happened to him for seven years as a child. He lived with the brainwashing by a sexual predator until the burden of it all crushed him."

There have been so many claims and rumors about Jackson’s extra-curricular activities over the years, but none have managed to stick, and if you believe Lionel Richie that’s because there isn’t anything to stick on him. TMZ attempted to get a word with the crooner recently about the recent allegations and were dismissed completely. Robson must wait for a judge to decide whether he can pursue his case. 

Continue reading: Latest Michael Jackson Child Abuse Allegations "Bogues," Says Lionel Richie

The “wrongful death” suit that the Jackson family have filed against Michael Jackson’s concert promoter AEG is going full steam ahead. Currently, the prosecution is focused on Jackson’s personal physician, employed by AEG, Dr Conrad Murray. Yesterday, May 1st, LA police detective Orlando Martinez testified against AEG, saying that the cardiologist, who has already been convicted of involuntary manslaughter, was in dire financial straits when he was working for AEG. According to Martinez, Murray’s debts on credit card bills, home and student loans, child support and so on amounted to over a million dollars and this is why the doctor was willing to do anything AEG asked in order to get paid.

"Focusing on the financial aspect may have been important for Dr. Murray's willingness to disregard his Hippocratic Oath for financial gain," Martinez testified, and said that in order to get the $150,000 a month, Murray might "break the rules, bend the rules, to do whatever he needed to do to get paid." According to the prosecution, this also meant that Murray was willing to administer the pop star with a dangerous and potentially lethal dose of anesthetic propofol, which did end up killing him in the end.

Martinez also testified that the search of Murray’s girlfriend’s apartment yielded suspicious results, namely just one scrap of paper with the physician’s name on it. According to the detective, this suggested that the place, where Murray had been living for a couple of months, must have been cleaned out in a hurry. "I found one piece of paper with Dr. Murray's name -that had fallen behind the door of a cabinet- in the entire apartment [Murray had] been staying at at least two months," Martinez said. "He was living there, and none of his stuff was there." Martinez assumed that Murray asked Alvarez to cover his tracks.

Continue reading: Michael Jackson's Doctor Accused Of Negligence In Wrongful Death Suit

La Toya Jackson is convinced that she can hear her late brother’s ghost tap-dancing in the family house. The former Celebrity Apprentice star LaToya was talking on Good Day New York when she confessed that she can still feel Michael Jackson’s presence at times. One of her security guards apparently told her that he could hear tapping, like someone tap-dancing, in the house. “When he told me I said ‘You’re kidding,’ that made me want to know even more about hearing someone tap dance over a certain part of the house. Michael used to do that every Sunday for two hours.”

“It’s the strangest thing because you feel something like thick around you or behind you and you’re wondering,” she described. “You don’t see anything, but you feel a presence … It’s very interesting because it is there, it’s definitely there.” La Toya went on to reveal more details about the friendly haunting: “We go up there and no one’s up there … and just tap dancing,” she recalled. “And the dog barks at his room, the window, every single night at the same time … the dog doesn’t even know that that’s Michael’s room, and the security didn’t know … so it’s weird.”

On the show, LaToya explained that she likes to surround herself with positive people. She didn’t seem willing to talk about her clash with Omarosa on Celebrity Apprentice. In fact, she managed to side-step those questions, completely and was so adamant that she didn’t want to answer, that the show’s presenters just skipped straight on to the next topic.  

Continue reading: The Strangest Thing In The World: LaToya Jackson Hears Michael Jackson's Ghost Tap-Dancing

After a painstaking jury selection, the Michael Jackson wrongful death trial will get underway on Monday (April 29, 2013), Reuters reports today (April 24). The $40 billion civil case will pit Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson and other members of the Jackson family against the concert promoters AEG. Katherine, 82, is suing the promoters of Michael Jackson’s never-realized 2009 concert dates, claiming that they were partly responsible for her son’s death.

Six men and six women were finally selected to take part in the trial, in what will most likely be a very protracted and emotional trial. It is thought that the hearing will take around three months to come to completion and the opening statements will take place at Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday. Of an original selection of 100 potential jurors, many were unable to commit to a 3-month trial as they argued that taking part in such a length legal process would be a hardship to them. Other jurors were rejected as they were deemed to have a bias against Jackson, had business ties to AEG, or the Jackson family. Potential witnesses for the case include Michael’s daughter Paris Jackson, 15, his son Prince, 16 and the singer Diana Ross.

Katherine Jackson is claiming that AEG should take responsibility for the hiring of Dr Conrad Murray, who has already been jailed for causing the singer’s death through negligence. Jackson accuses that the promoters failed to check Murray’s credentials, the BBC reports. 

Continue reading: Katherine Jackson Vs AEG: Date Set For Michael Jackson Death Trial

Calvin Harris was given an almighty soaking by a member of the audience at this show at London's Project Club at the weekend. The Scottish DJ was 30 minutes into a planned hour long set when he was given a watering by a fan who got a little excited. Ever the professional, Harris stuck up two fingers, downed a shot, and continued with his set which ended up being four hours long.

A club source said: "Calvin took it all in his stride. He even joked that next time he DJs he'll wear waterproofs. The culprit was dealt with very quickly and 95 per cent of the clubbers didn't even notice. Calvin was a pro and carried on unphased and ended up DJing for extra time when a lot of lesser performers would have stormed off." It's probably not difficult for Harris to keep an audience on the dancefloor for four hours - his latest album 18 months is packed with chart hits. I Need Your Love, featuring Ellie Goulding, has become the eighth top ten track from the album. It means Harris now holds the record, overtaking Michael Jackson who scored seven Top 10's from his Dangerous record.

Harris is about to take off to the U.S for a handful of shows, before heading back to Europe for the summer. He'll play multiple shows in Ibiza and Mallorca before returning to the UK for a number of festivals including Oxegen and V Festival.

Continue reading: Calvin Harris Left Soaked By Drink-Hurling Fan At London Show

Six men and six women will decide whether concert promoters AEG Live were to blame for the death of Michael Jackson in a $40 billion civil lawsuit that could last three months. The twelve jurors have been chosen after a month-long search, while three alternative jurors still have to be chosen. Opening statements should begin later this week, or early next week, reports Reuters.

Jackson's 82-year-old mother Katherine is suing AEG Live, the promoters of the singer's ill-fated series of concerts in London, for the wrongful death of her son. She alleges that the company was negligent in hiring Dr Conrad Murray to care for the singer while he rehearsed for the 50 shows. Of course, Dr Murray is currently serving time for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson. 

The concert promoters argue that they could not have foreseen that Murray posed a danger to the singer, who died from a lethal dose of the surgical anaesthetic Propofol that Murray was administering to help with sleep problems. Potential witnesses in the trial include Jackson's mother, his two oldest children Prince and Paris, Dr Conrad Murray, singers Prince and Diana Ross and Jackson's ex-wives Lisa-Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe.

Continue reading: Six Men, Six Women Form Jury For Michael Jackson's $40 Billion Lawsuit

The inquiry into the death of the Prince of Pop Michael Jackson took a step forward today (April 23) as a jury consisting of six men and six women has been selected to preside over the wrongful death case brought against promotion company AEG by the late singer's family. The Jackson family are blaming AEG Live for Jackson's death as they hired Dr Conrad Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after supplying Jackson with a surgical anaesthetic in 2011.

The trial is expected to go on for some time, estimated at around three months, a factor that made the selection process for the jury a difficult one. Biases in Jackson's favour and ties to AEG also made certain would-be jurors easy to eliminate from the drawn out procedure of finding a jury for the case. After filing through over 100 applicants for the case though a full, hopefully unbiased and civil list of jurors has been found. Legal teams representing both sides of the trial have now begun questioning potential candidates to sit as one of the six alternative jurors, who will be drafted into the courtroom should one of the regular jurors become unable to serve.

The legal action brought forward by the Jackson family accuses the promoters of Jackson's This Is It comeback shows in London of failing to check the credentials of his physician Dr. Murray. Jackson was scheduled to perform 50 comeback shows in the British capital before his untimely death in 2010. The Jackson family are suing the company for a massive $40 billion (£26bn), with the being held in Los Angeles as soon as all formalities have been ironed out. Although no set date has been given by the judge, the hearing could begin as early as this week. 

Continue reading: Finally: Jury Selected For Michael Jackson Death Trial

Paris Jackson, the 15-year-old daughter of the late Michael Jackson, has spoken out against the convicted family physician, Conrad Murray. Murray could potentially be a crucial witness in Paris and her family’s case against Jackson’s concert promoter, AEG. However, the physician thought his testimony could harm his appeal for involuntary manslaughter.

The Jacksons‘ wrongful death lawsuit aims to prove that AEG negligently hired Murray and that the doctor gave Jacko a lethal dose of proforol in 2009. It’s easy to see why he would not want to testify in favor of the Jackson’s.

Understandably, Murray’s lawyer feels it may harm his case. However, a source close to Michael’s 15-year-daughter was quoted by the Sun yesterday as saying: “Paris wants to kick Murray’s butt. She wants him to explain what pressure the doctor was under to make Michael perform. When she gives evidence she plans to tear him apart.”

Continue reading: Paris Jackson Planning Manhunt For Family Physician Conrad Murray

Michael Jackson was almost resigned to the fact he would be assassinated on-stage, going so-far as saying goodbye to everyone in his office. Speaking out ahead of Michael's family's $26 billion lawsuit against tour promoter AEG Live, the singer's close pal Jason Pfeiffer said, "The last time I saw him he was saying his goodbyes to everyone in the office.It was like he knew he was never coming back, and he would often say he thought he was going to be shot on stage."

Michael's children Prince, 16, Paris, 15 and Blanket, 11, and his mother Katherine 82, accuse AEG Live of being neglectful in hiring Dr Conrad Murray as his doctor in the lead-up to his planned London gigs. Now, Jason, 39, says Jackson only chose to play in the UK as he thought there was less chance of being gunned down than at home in the US. "He said the comeback was in England due to the gun laws there.That's why he ditched a US comeback as people had access to guns here and would shoot him. He thought America was too dangerous.But he still had some fears that he would be shot on stage."

Jackson died less than three weeks before the This Is It shows at London's O2 Arena. Lawyers for AEG Live are planning to use Michael's drug past in their defence, saying, the Grammy winner had a long history of abusing medication before he met Dr Conrad Murray, who was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in relation to Jackson's death.

Continue reading: Michael Jackson Was Resigned To Being Assassinated On-Stage

Michael Jackson's family are to begin their courtroom battle with concert promoter AEG over the pop star's sudden death in 2009. The late singer's children Prince, 16, Paris, 14, Blanket, 10 and mother Katherine, 82, are seeking $40 BILLION in damages in a wrongful death lawsuit claiming AEG was guilty of negligence which contributed to Jackson's passing. Jurors were due to be sworn in today in Los Angeles. (April 2, 2013).

The Jacksons are specifically seeking around $10 billion for lost future earnings and $30 billion in damages, claiming AEG filed to carry out the proper checks when hiring or supervising Dr Conrad Murray, who was convicted of the involuntary manslaughter of Jackson in a high profile trial. 

Before his death, Jackson was due to begin his massive This Is It tour, a sold-out series of 50 concerts at the O2 Arena, which AEG promoted. Lawyers for the company will argue that Jackson was responsible for his own death because of his addiction to prescription drugs and his penchant for "doctor shopping," according to the Evening Standard. They will seek to prove Murray was hired by Jackson, and Jackson alone.

Continue reading: Michael Jackson's Family Begin War Worth $40 Billion With AEG: Can They Win?

Katherine Jackson is demanding $40 BILLION in damages for the wrongful death trial of her son Michael Jackson. The mother of the King of Pop is suing concert promoters AEG Live claiming the executives behind her son's doomed comeback shows in London were negligent ignoring life-threatening health concerns.

Last month, a judge ruled that the case would go to trial, with newly obtained legal papers suggesting Katherine wants the entertainment bosses to pay over $40 billion in damages. According to TMZ.com, the documents state that Jackson's three children should have $6 billion for all the future earnings their father would have generated, and an additional $31 million for various other damages. Though the figures appear ridiculous on the surface, Jackson was still the biggest pop-star on the planet at the time of his death and his sold out This Is It tour would have generated millions. With future albums and tours, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that Jackson would have generated billions. 

AEG Live officials say the damage claim is "preposterous," as the Thriller hitmaker's career had been badly damaged by child molestation allegations. Ticket sales say otherwise. 

Continue reading: Mother Katherine Wants $40 Billion From AEG Over Michael Jackson's Death

A Paris Jackson NFL offer isn’t the sort of thing you’d be expecting to be coming in for the daughter of Michael Jackson, but that’s exactly what’s happened! Now, Paris isn’t going to be lining up on the field for anyone of course, but she’s been offered a role cheerleading for the Philadelphia Eagles, among others.

“We think Paris will make a great Eagle cheerleader” said Eagles head cheerleader Barbara Zaun to TMZ. “We thought that she had a lot of poise, confidence and enthusiasm in her cheer performance … Paris has that ‘wow factor’ that makes a great cheerleader.” However there is a stumbling block given that Paris is only 14 years-old. NFL rules are pretty strict in stating that you can only cheerlead for an NFL club if you’re 18 years old or over. Despite Paris’ fame, we’re not sure the NFL would bend those rules for her.

Continue reading: Philadelphia Eagles Make Surprise Paris Jackson NFL Offer

He is, without doubt, one of the biggest selling solo artists of all time (beaten only by rock 'n' roll legend Elvis Presley, the daughter of whom he actually married) and became a global phenomenon after embarking on a solo career from his childhood band the Jackson 5. Whilst he has held the record for the biggest selling album of all time with 'Thriller' for a number of years and has evermore growing sales nearly four years after his death, we thought we'd collate together the best global favourite Michael Jackson songs from The Pop Star's back catalogue. 

We would like to emphasize that we understand that our top 20 songs may have been different had we looked at other nations' music charts, but this list is based on a point system racking up the number of weeks his singles topped the charts in the US, the UK, France, Spain and Australia only. 

20. Heal the World (1992)

Continue reading: 20 Most Loved Michael Jackson Hit Songs

The jailed doctor Conrad Murray has had his named brought up in the courts again relating to Michael Jackson, after the deceased King of Pop’s mother Katherine Jackson was granted the right to go to court over a lawsuit she filed back in 2010, which accused concert promoter AEG of negligence in hiring the medic.

Murray is, of course, currently serving out four years in prison for involuntary manslaughter regarding the death of Jackson, with the doctor being found guilty of supplying him with sleeping agents that ultimately contributed to his passing. The matriarch of the Jackson family filed a suit that accused AEG of negligence in hiring and supervising Murray during his treatment of the star during preparations for the This Is It tour, as well as breaching its duty to care for him during rehearsals and believes they were responsible for the conduct of Murray.

Continue reading: Jackson AEG Lawsuit Goes To Court; Are Promoters Negligent For Hiring Conrad Murray?

The lawsuit filed by Michael Jackson's three children and mother, which accuses a concert promoter of contributing to the pop icon's death, has taken a fresh new twist.

This week, the presiding judge uncovered an email that connects MJ’s death to a concert promoter. The email has been dubbed a ‘smoking gun’ email, which sounds terrifically dramatic, but it’s just a term used to convey the lawful culpability of the evidence. "Now that the court has ruled that there is evidence that it was foreseeable that AEG's actions resulted in Michael Jackson's death, the Jackson family feels vindicated from the public smear campaign that AEG has waged against them," Jackson lawyer Kevin Boyle said Sunday. "The truth about what happened to Michael, which AEG has tried to keep hidden from the public since the day Michael died, is finally emerging. We look forward to the trial where the rest of the story will come to light." So what do those emails actually say? Well the exact text is unclear, but the context is not. MJ’s death occurred just two weeks before he was supposed to embark on his ‘This is It’ tour. The E-mails suggest that AEG Live’s promoter was getting worried about Jackson’s missed rehearsals, and contacted Dr. Conrad Murray in order to sort it out.

Continue reading: Michael Jackson Death: New Information Arises As Jackson Family Pursue Truth

Of the many trademark dance moves that the late megastar Michael Jackson showcased to the world - the Moonwalk, the Toe Stand, the Anti-Gravity Lean - the Crotch Grab has got to be the most frequently copied by popstars everywhere. The reason? It could be that M.J. was (and still is) the biggest music icon in the world and stars will always be trying to achieve status of his calibre, it could be that it is one of the easiest of his seminal moves to learn, or it could be that it has always been controversial, critically regarded as infamous and overtly sexual, and notoriety, as celebrities know, is a sure fire way to hit headlines.

Society has reached a stage where such trifles are rarely considered shocking anymore, so why do we still find ourselves recoiling at the sight of another star copying the famous move?

 Too Old?

Continue reading: The Crotch Grab: Too Old, Too Young, Too Female?

Lady GaGa is quickly becoming a big stake monopoliser of what's left of Michael Jackson's property, be that his gloves, or, it appears, his house. The 3000 acre property in California which was famous for its Neverland Ranch name and interesting variety of inhabitants (plenty of exotic creatures) is currently not owned out right by the family, and according to a source at the Sun, Lady Gaga wants to help out by buying a big ol' chunk of it.

"Lady Gaga is obsessed with Michael."The source said, "She's become good friends with his sister LATOYA and would love more than anything else to restore Neverland to its original state. His kids are all desperate to hold on to their childhood home so they can decide what they want to do with it properly when they've grown up. Gaga would love to help with the financial costs by buying a share." What a wonderfully charitable young woman! Without wanting to sound cynical, there is plenty for Gaga to gain here - a closer insight into the life and mind of her biggest hero: MJ. 

Michael's death hit Gaga very, very hard, not only because of her enormous fandom, but also because she was going to be supporting him on the tour that he was about to embark on. "There was some talk about the openers doing duets with Michael on stage," she told David Letterman at the time. "But Michael's death was devastating for me regardless of whether I was supposed to go on tour with him."

Continue reading: Lady Gaga Has Her Eye On Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch

Pop music just isn’t enough for Lady GaGa. The threat of acting in a Quentin Tarantino movie just isn’t enough for Lady Gaga. Launching perfumes just isn’t enough for Lady Gaga. Now, it seems, Stefani Germanotta (aka Lady Gaga, aka Mother Monster) is shaping herself up to become Michael Jackson’s official archivist and historical restoration expert.

Not only did Gaga recently spend about a gazillion dollars on Michael Jackson-related memorabilia at an auction recently, but The Sun have now reported that she is in talks to purchase his legendary Neverland Ranch amusement park. Neverland is currently owned by Sycamore Valley Ranch – they purchased it when Jacko was undergoing serious financial problems. Michael’s kids Prince Michael, Blanket and Paris still own shares in Neverland though, as does his mother, Katherine. According to a source, The Sun reports that Lady Gaga has become good friends with Michael’s sister LaToya and would apparently like nothing more than to restore Neverland to its former glory.

“Lady Gaga is obsessed with Michael,” said the source, which would certainly explain her recent extravagant expenditure. If Gaga did invest in the property, it could potentially help Michael’s kids out with their investment for the future, as the source explains: “His kids are all desperate to hold on to their childhood home so they can decide what they want to do with it properly when they've grown up. Gaga would love to help with the financial costs by buying a share.” 

Continue reading: Could Lady Gaga Rescue Neverland For Michael Jackson's Family?

Two men, who hacked Sony Entertainment's servers and downloaded thousands of songs, including some unreleased material from Michael Jackson, have escaped jail time today (Jan 12) after a court hearing in Leicester, UK.

The two men, James McCormick, 26, and James Marks, 27, met online before eventually collaborating together to break into Sony's vast musical database and helping themselves to the spoils, which also included Elvis Presley and Beyoncé as well as MJ. They were arrested in May 2011, after Sony identified the security breach, but not before helping themselves to over 7000 songs, as well as artwork and videos. The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) said that the two had also conspired to sell the files on after they had been stolen, after chat-logs recovered from the pair's computers offered some rather incriminating evidence for the prosecutors to consider.

The pair first appeared in court in September last year, pleading guilty to computer misuse offences. They now face a suspended 6 month sentence each, reduced from a year, as well as 100 hours of community service. Mick Jameison, from SOCA's Cyber Department, said to press shortly after the sentencing, "These men stole thousands of copyrighted files belonging to Sony Music. Our remit is to protect businesses as well the public, and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement and industry partners to tackle online criminality."

Continue reading: Sony Hackers Escape Jail After Leaking Michael Jackson Tracks

For some years, there, we had high hopes for Justin Bieber. It really looked as though the squeaky clean pop star was just that: squeaky clean. A chance online encounter propelled the young bedroom singer to stardom, with a little help from his new pal Usher and by all accounts, he seemed to be the kinda lad that his fans wouldn’t mind taking home to meet mom and dad (they wish!). He was polite, if occasionally a little dim, he came from a seemingly pleasant church-going family and would speak regularly about his faith as though he were just another pleasant, well-behaved young boy next door who happened to be allowed outside the realms of the white picket fence just a few years earlier than most.

A montage of a young Justin Bieber talking about his faith

Continue reading: Timber! Is Justin Bieber Teetering On The Brink Of A Fall From Grace?

Lady GaGa is famed for her eccentricity so it's no surprise that she covets the items of another great eccentric: Michael Jackson. This is probably why she spent $1,000,000 at an auction of his costumes and clothing. 

The auction, held in Los Angeles on December 2nd at Julien's Auctions, was organised by Jackson's costume designers Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush with the aim of raising money for charities including Guide Dogs of America and a Las Vegas hospice reports the BBC. Gaga snapped up 55 items, which she tweeted about:

The 55 pieces I collected today will be archived & expertly cared for in the spirit & love of Michael Jackson, his bravery, & fans worldwide

— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) December 3, 2012

Continue reading: Lady Gaga Goes Ga-ga For Michael Jackson Costumes At Auction

Spike Lee’s Michael Jackson documentary BAD25 has been hailed as a success. Spike Lee, of course, has personal knowledge of working with Jackson – he directed his 1996 video ‘The Don’t Care About Us,’ so the documentary is lent an intimate air, as he conducts the interviews himself. Featured in the interviewee’s chair are a host of stars, all influenced, or touched by Jackson and the music of his hit album Bad (released 25 years ago this year).

Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder are amongst those discussing Jackson’s creative vision, on the album that sold over 30 million copies and spawned five consecutive number ones. According to Boston.com, the film plays out with a series of oral accounts of the recording period. Lee speaks to all of the major players in the recording studio as ell as those involved in his videos and the accompanying tour (surprisingly, including the only solo North American tour that Jackson would ever headline).

Some of the cinematographic vignettes include footage of Martin Scorsese directing Michael Jackson (and Wesley Snipes, before he was famous) in the video for ‘Bad’ and Sheryl Crow, talking of the time that she worked as a back-up singer for Jackson. “The molecules changed in the room,” she said. Although Spike Lee is a vivacious character in his own right, he steps back and lets the interviewees do the talking here. The documentary will be aired this evening (November 21, 2012) at 9:30pm EST, on ABC.

The jacksons will bring their reunion tour to the UK with five dates next year. Yes, that's right, you'll get to hear hits including 'ABC' and 'I Want You Back' when Jackie, Jermaine, Marlo and Tito perform together outside the US for the first time since 1984.

The 'Unity Tour' - which includes a number of Michael Jackson songs - will call at Birmingham's National Indoor Arena on February 26, 2013, before moving on to the Manchester O2 Apollo, Glasgow's Clyde Auditorium, Bournemouth's International Centre and finishing at London's Hammersmith Apollo on March 3, 2012. The group has been busy performing on the North American tour, one date of which took place at New York's Apollo Theatre where the group performed with Michael in 1969. A 26-song set saw Jermaine take many of the lead vocals, while he also performed a mini solo-set featuring 'Let's Get Serious', 'Do What You Do' and 'Dynamite'. He also paid tribute to his late brother with an emotional rendition of 'Gone Too Soon', accompanied by a video montage of the King of Pop.

Tickets for all the UK dates go on sale via Ticketline on Friday (November 23, 2012). 

Continue reading: Here Come The Jacksons! Reunited Family Announce UK Tour (Ticket Details)

Brooke Shields' mother Teri Shields has died in Manhattan aged 79 after suffering from long illness. A spokesperson for the Hollywood actress told the New York Times that Teri - who had dementia - had passed away last Wednesday (October 31, 2012).

According to the Los Angeles Times, Teri "exerted an iron fist" on managing her daughter's career from the time she was 11 months old. Though their relationship was thought to have soured in later years, Shields said in a statement, "My mother was an enormous part of my life and of who I am today.I loved her, laughed with her, and respected her. And although she had her share of struggles, she was my mom." As a baby, Brooke was paid $25 to pose for a soap commercial, before going on to work for Breck, Band-Aids and Colgate. In the 1978 movie Pretty Baby, she played a teenage prostitute, and went onto appear in a couple of provocative Calvin Klein.  "It's only a role", she said of the film, "I'm not going to grow up and be a prostitute."

As well as her movie and modelling work, Shields has also starred on television shows such as Suddenly Susan, That 70's Show and Lipstick Jungle. She was a close friend of the late musician Michael Jackson.

Continue reading: Brooke Shields' Mother Teri Dies In New York Aged 79

Elizabeth Taylor has arisen not from the dead, but to the lofty heights of the posthumous rich-list, and in doing so, has overtaken the late king of pop, Michael Jackson. 

E! reports Forbes' annual list of top-earning dead celebrities is topped by Taylor, being worth a hefty $210 million, which beats out Jackson, who stands at #2 with $145m. Much of the income her estate has generated has been largely due to Christie's record-setting auction last year of Taylor's jewellery and art, which netted $184 million. The rest of the loot comes from her property sales and movies like Cleopatra and Around The World in 80 Days. The legendary actress will receive even more buzz when Liz & Dick, the Lifetime biopic starring Lindsay Lohan, premieres on Sunday, Nov. 25, while record sales and movie appearances account for MJ's riches. Another king, this time presiding over the rock 'n roll mantle, Elvis Presley still boasts $55m despite being dead since 1977. 

'Peanuts' creator Charles M. Schulz comes in at #4 with $37 million and reggae great Bob Marley at #5 with $17 million. The rest of the top 10 look something like this: singer-songwriter John Lennon at #6 with $12 million, actress Marilyn Monroe and scientist Albert Einstein at #7 with $10 million, children's book author Theodore Geisel at #9 with $9 million and actor Steve McQueen at #10 with $8 million.

Continue reading: Elizabeth Taylor Takes #1 In 'Dead Rich List'