Access Hollwood Interview - Part 1: Transcript
Topic: MJ's Side Segments

Part 1: Transcript
Friday, November 03, 2006

The below is a transcript of an interview between Michael Jackson and Access Hollwood's Billy Bush that aired on Thursday, November 2nd.

Billy Bush: Michael invited me to Ireland, to observe him, as he got back into the studio. Can lightning strike twice for the King of Pop?

Michael insisted this was NOT a formal interview. He wanted us to be more like flies on the wall. Let's face it, the way Michael sees it, when a camera and microphone has charmed its way into his personal space, it has turned out badly for him.

So with that in mind, we agreed to just turn the cameras on.

(Cuts to footage of Michael in the studio, and walking around around Irish estate with Billy Bush and Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas, with a new track playing in the background)

BB: So this is really a kind of an exploratory mission. You (pointing at Michael) deciding to get back into making music...

Michael: (Smiling) I never stopped... I'm always writing a potpourri of music, you know, it's how it is.

BB: (Voiceover) Relaxed, and ready to return.

(Cuts to footage of Michael laughing)

BB: (To Will.I.Am) Let's hear it.

(Will.I.Am starts playing a track he has prepared for Michael)

BB: (Voiceover) That, is the Michael Jackson we found when Access journeyed over 5000 miles to this classic old Irish estate (footage on screen) outside of Dublin. The stone manor is built to rock with a state of the art recording studio. But it's because of the beauty of the emerald landscape that Michael chose to be here.

(Cuts to footage of BB in grounds of the estate)

BB: What goes on on these grounds is a lot of exercise and walking and horse back riding. Michael wakes up in the morning, he makes porridge for his kids, which is oatmeal, and fruit. All the food is organically grown here. The amazing thing is, is that the man that is known as the P.T. Barnum of the recording industry (everything done big and extravagant) is really sort of dialling it back... to the roots.

(Cuts to more footage of Michael in the studio)

BB: (Voiceover) Michael is on the search for fresh sounds and Black Eyed Peas leader Will.I.Am is the man with the beats.

(Footage of Will.I.Am and Michael nodding away to a track that is being played)

BB: Will, we were talking a little earlier, you got a phone call on the tour bus, right? Someone said, "Mike's on the phone..."

Will: I was like, "no, come one, stop playing around." I didn't know it. I thought somebody was joking.

BB: So this is like eh, this is baby steps? Of just checking out what may be a collaboration or some work together?

Michael: Yeah, yes.

BB: Why Will?

Michael: Because I think he's doing wonderful, innovative, positive great music. Thought it'd be interesting to collaborate or just, you know, see how the chemistry works... be wonderful.

Will: This is like, a dream come true for me, you know.

BB: (To Michael) Does he take your advice well?

Michael: (Nodding and smiling) Yeah, we uh, yeah we...

(Will.I.Am interrupts, Michael laughs)

Will: I have... you have to take advice from the King of Pop.

(Billy Bush laughs)

Michael: I like to take sounds and put them on a microscope and just talk about how we wanna manipulate the character of it.

BB: (Voiceover) Will brought something new to the table, while keeping that classic Michael sound intact.

Will: (To Michael about the music playing) Living 'Off the Wall' with them kind of strings... (smiles)

Michael: Oh yeah, yeah, 'Off the Wall' yes.

(Laughter all around)

BB: (Voiceover) If Michael likes what he hears, he'll add his own musical touches. But for now, the two (Michael and Will) work the board, weaving out a sound and tapestry - layer by layer.

Michael: Pretend we're technically inclined. (Laughter all round)

BB: (Voiceover) Do NOT doubt his (Michael's) tech savvy, Michael knows his way around a recording studio AND our new digital camera.

(Footage of Michael holding a camera from the Access Hollywood crew)

Michael: That's a beauty. You can edit within the camera...

BB: Film me.

Michael: So s...

BB: Can you operate it?

Michael: Uh, I don't know, ok yeah... (points camera at Billy Bush)

BB: Are you a technology...

Michael: Yeah, I love cameras...

BB: Love the action?

Michael: Yeah. Love it. It's a beauty. (Starts to put camera down, turns to crew member) What's the price of this one on retail?

Crew member: $6,000.

Michael: Wow!

BB: (Voiceover) But what really impressed Michael? Will's music.

(Footage of Michael bopping his head to the music before it stops)

BB: What you think there?

Michael: They're very nice grooves...

Will: Alright...

Michael: I like the chords, I like what you did.

Will: That's a... that's a club banger.

BB: Yeah...

Will: That's what they call that one.

(Music starts playing again, Will and Michael move to the music)

BB: (Voiceover) Will's beats are infectious, and an enthusiastic Michael could NOT contain himself.

(Cuts to footage of Michael moving to other side of studio to dance a few steps)

Michael: (To Billy Bush) Do you feel you have enough (footage)?

BB: I could go forever Michael. (Laughter all round) You don't wanna ask me that Michael.

Originally posted by: Eve The Music Lady

MICHAEL JACKSON TO ATTEND LONDON AWARD SHOW
Topic: Breaking News

Will receive World Music Diamond Award in November

Exciting news for U.K. based fans, Michael Jackson will be in London next month to attend the World Music Awards.

On November 15th, Michael will receive the Diamond Award, only given to artists who have sold over 100 million albums. The ceremony is taking place at Earl's Court Arena.

"The presence of Michael Jackson is very exciting for us," Melissa Corken, founder of the awards, told the Associated Press. The annual event is most famous for taking place in Monaco before it moved to America in 2004 and 2005. "We are thrilled to be bringing the World Music Awards to London, the music capital of the world."

As well as the presentation of Michael's award there will be performances from Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Katie Melua and Andrea Bocelli. Actress Lindsay Lohan is said to be hosting.

Fans looking to purchase tickets for the event can do so from Ticketmaster.co.uk from Tuesday. Click on the link below and keep checking the site for updates.

Can Michael Jackson Make A Comeback!!!!!!!!!
Topic: MJ's Side Segments

Is Michael Jackson still the King of Pop? Personally, I say hell yes. The reason being, despite what personal issues the man may have encountered, it still hasn't stopped the likes of Omarion, Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke, Usher and so many others from trying their hardest to mimic his likeness even if in tribute.

But can Michael make a comeback?

When I say comeback I mean, like Mariah Carey. Not like say... Monica. Oh come on... "Sideline Ho"????

Any ways, it seems that Michael will try to restore the Jackson name and plans to discuss his NEW CD in an exclusive interview scheduled to air on "Access Hollywood" on November 2nd.

I can't lie. I would love for Michael to come back and make a hit that changes the world on the level of "We Are the World" or "Thriller" or "Man In the Mirror." I think musical genius is timeless. Besides, we know the American conscious is based on greenbacks and if the right person is set to make the right amount of money, most people would act as if he's never been publicly chastised. Journalists went from constantly mentioning Mariah's breakdown to mentioning her chart position.


Source:SOHH.com

----------------------

Anna M.'s Note:

He will make a comeback!!!!!!

Jackson sues former lawyers
Topic: Main News

18/10/2006 - 13:06:27

Pop star Michael Jackson is suing Los Angeles law firm Ayscough & Marar, accusing attorneys of trying to force him into bankruptcy.

In papers filed on August 29, but unseen until now, Jackson accuses his former attorneys of conspiring with other lawyers, who represented him in the past, to put him into involuntary bankruptcy.

According to Fox News, Jackson also claims that Brent Aysough - the attorney who unsuccessfully represented him in a lawsuit brought by former business partner Marc Schaffel - threatened to expose confidential information about him to the press, violated rules of professional conduct and committed both negligence and malpractice.

Ayscough sued Jackson in July for $216,000 (?207,300) he claims he is owed in unpaid fees.

Jackson is also currently embroiled in a $48m (?38.7m) lawsuit brought by Darien Dash, the cousin of hip-hop mogul Damon Dash.

Dash claims he has Jackson's signature on a document promising to pay him a 9% fee for securing financing for a $275m (?219.3m) loan in 2004 held by Fortress Investments.

Billy's Blog: Michael Jackson Exclusive (October 15, 2006)
Topic: Breaking News

It's half past four in the morning and I'm making my way to Dublin with Ray. I have spent a fair amount of time in the back of Ray's car in the last 34 hours. He is the driver, henchman for Paddy who owns the recording studio in the middle of no man's land, Ireland. Not only is it a quaint studio built inside the grounds of an old stone classic Irish estate...it's the new creative home of Michael Jackson.

And yes, I just conducted the first interview with Michael Jackson since he left the United States in June 2005. First off, let e tell you what this interview is not:

It is not a bare all, rehashing of that period of his life. I was prepared to ask him all the questions in the world regarding mistakes made and lessons learned, but trust me, he was not. He asked if 5 minutes of rolling tape was ok in the studio while he "collaborated" with Will I AM from the Black Eyed Peas. Ultimately, We rolled for about 40 minutes and I did ask him questions about music and his thoughts for making a comeback.

Michael Jackson was nervous and antsy. He was truly torn. He wanted to stay and keep jamming and have some fun, but he also wanted to leave before, from his perspective, he got crucified by another TV interview.

Michael's publicist and advisor, Raymone Bain, informed us (me and my Executive Producer, Rob Silverstein) that Michael would like to meet us alone, no cameras, in his cottage first. We agreed of course and before long we were seated at a breakfast table in a very cozy, humble stone cottage. Down the spiral staircase he came. First his boots, then his pants...black with a gold stripe down the side, then a velvet jacket with a white t-shirt underneath, then he turned to face us. I admit, my pulse was running high. He is a mythical character as atypical and untouchable as can be.

First impression I had was that he looked healthy. Fit. As Paddy told us earlier, artists come to his estate for the whole experience - nature walks and horseback rides, organic, homegrown food, the indoor mineral spring pool....peace and tranquility. It has suited Michael well, although he does not live there.

We stood up, shook hands and began small talk about life...soon, Michael began to make clear what he did not want: an interview. He was just willing to let our cameras roll while he and Will listened to beats and opened the lid to a comeback. I said that we should just go in there and go until he didn't want to anymore. Pensively, he agreed and we started for the door and the 50 yard walk to the studio.

This interview is a baby step for Michael.

About ten minutes into the session, after I had rolled out several questions, Michael paused and tried to get out. He did not like receiving pointed questions and he encouraged Will to play more beats so we could just roll casually.

At the end of the day, we did a little more of both. At one point, I suggested Michael remake "Thriller" for a new generation...with CD/DVD and web components, essentially go with what's proven but update with the help of technically savvy producer, Will I Am.
Michael lit up. Amazingly that was something he hadn't considered.

When the music was rolling and he didn't have me asking him questions, one could see sparks of life and energy. He hummed a little and at one point got up and walked to the back of the room where he could move a little to the music....he was almost dancing.

Michael was there with his children. I never saw them but Paddy, the studio's owner, said they were having a ball, playing with his children and enjoying the exquisite countryside. According to Paddy, Michael gets up in the morning and makes breakfast for them...usually Porridge and fruit. I find myself hoping that Michael's life is as normal as possible. Of course, it isn't. Nobody knows anything about him...does he drive? Apparently, he does occasionally and he even had a cell phone before losing it a day later.

There....something normal to which people can RELATE.

Again, this was a first step for Michael. He was excited and terrified. It's all about feeling whether he can trust somebody or not. His track record is horrible on that front. Maybe it will improve in regards to us. I am quite sure there is more to come.

Michael Jackson has slammed reports he has been dressing as a woman in St Tropez, France
Topic: Announcements

Yesterday's New York Daily News and today's British newspapers published photographs of a person dressed in skinny jeans, high heels and a woman's hat, claiming it was the Thriller singer.

However, the star's representative tells the New York Daily News, "Mr Jackson has not visited St Tropez in recent years, nor has he donned a woman's hat and pumps for disguise."

MJTKOP.COM says: Michael should sue the tabloids over this the pictures don't look remotely like him (see below) and that great purveyor of factual news called The Sun (that was sarcasm) decided to defame Michael in their article by writing:

Quote:

ODDBALL Michael Jackson steps out, his surgery-ravaged face hidden under a huge floppy hat.


Read The Sun article here


Pictures from today?s Sun Newspaper which they claim are pictures of Michael Jackson wearing women?s clothes.


What else will the tabloids make up about the King Of Pop? We?ve had the hyperbaric chamber, elephant man bones and countless other 'Stories' which are just stories nothing based on fact, more recently the tabloids had Michael opening up a leprechaun theme park in Ireland and now apparently he wears women?s clothes, when will it all end?

MJTKOP.COM urges all Michael Jackson fans to contact The Sun newspaper and get them to apologize publicly to Michael Jackson or, at the very least admit that the pictures are not him, which they so obviously are not.

Fans wanting to contact The Sun to express their anger can contact them using the details below.

KATHRYN LISTER (writer of the article)
k.lister@the-sun.co.uk

Or you can write to The Sun at:
The Sun
1 Virginia Street
Wapping
London E98 1SN

Telephone number: 020 7782 4000


Source:MJTKOP.COM

Photograph in Today's New York Daily News Is A Fraud And Is NOT Michael Jackson
Topic: Breaking News

Photograph in Today's New York Daily News Is A Fraud And Is NOT Michael
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2006
Washington, D.C.

A photograph in today?s, (October 11, 2006), New York Daily News, allegedly depicting Michael Jackson in women?s shoes and clothing IS NOT Michael Jackson.

Mr. Jackson has not visited Saint-Tropez in recent years, nor has he donned a women?s hat and pumps for disguise.

Mr. Jackson is demanding that the New York Daily News offer an apology and retraction, or he will refer the matter to his attorneys for further action.


Raymone Bain

Michael Jackson's Comeback Scuttled
Topic: Main News

09/26/2006 5:32 PM, E! Online


Two Seas or not Two Seas? Michael Jackson has opted for the latter.

The self-proclaimed King of Pop has split with the Bahrain-based record label just five months after signing on, pushing his once thriving music career into an ever deepening hibernation.

Jackson's longtime spokeswoman Raymone Bain has confirmed that the Thriller purveyor is no longer affiliated with the label that he cofounded last April and which was touted to release his would-be comeback album and follow-up to 2001's underperforming Invincible.

The 48-year-old formed Two Seas Records with Bahrain royal family member Abdulla Hamad Al-Khalifa. Per reports, British music exec Guy Holmes would serve as CEO of the label and oversee production on Jackson's new disc, which had been aiming for a 2007 release.

However, a rep for Holmes' U.K. label, Gut Records, told the BBC that the deal between Holmes and Jackson had never been formalized.

The deep-sixing of the label deal also seems to put the kibosh on the long-gestating Hurricane Katrina benefit single "From the Bottom of My Heart," which Jackson has regularly proclaimed is nearly ready for release. The all-star track, which began production a year ago, was due to be released by Two Seas.

But we may not have heard the last of Jackson just yet.

The Gloved One has already formed the Michael Jackson Company to oversee his dwindling finances (memo to the bean counters: You can start by removing the personal magician from the payroll). The company may, per the BBC, also branch off to become a label to shepherd any future Jackson releases.

After a sojourn in the Middle East, Jackson is currently holed up in England. His little sister Janet confirmed to Oprah Winfrey Monday that he and his children had no immediate plans to return to the States.

Source: Tanya

Michael Jackson & Ex-Wife Reach Child Custody Settlement
Topic: Main News

Saturday September 30, 2006


Michael Jackson and his ex-wife Debbie Rowe have ended a three-year court battle regarding their two children.
They've reportedly reached a settlement regarding custody rights for Michael Jr. and Paris, but the details of the deal haven't been released.

Jackson met Rowe while she was working for his dermatologist and the pair married in 1996. They had two children before they split three years later. The pop singer has since had another son, but hasn't revealed who the mother is.

A judge is expected to approve the child custody deal in the coming weeks. This settlement also covers a lawsuit Jackson filed against Rowe in 2004, according to her attorney Marta Almli, claiming she'd violated a confidentiality agreement.

"There is a settlement of all of the disputes between the parties," Almli said. "It's a done deal."

Private jet owner fined over Michael Jackson spying plot...
Topic: Main News

The owner of a charter jet company who spied on Michael Jackson by planting cameras in a private plane carrying the pop star in 2003 was fined and sentenced to home detention.

Jeffrey Borer, 60, pleaded guilty earlier this year to planning to install two mini-camcorders on the Gulfstream jet carrying Jackson from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara as he prepared to face child molestation charges.

Borer and an accomplice, Arvel Jett Reeves, had hoped to sell the video to media outlets. Reeves was sentenced to eight months in jail in July.

Borer was sentenced to six months home detention and given a 10,000-dollar fine. Judge Howard Matz indicated Borer escaped a jail sentence because of his wife's medical condition, which the judge said was a "compelling" circumstance.

Borer and Reeves were accused of kitting out the Gulfstream jet with concealed video cameras and microphones purchased from a "spy" gear store and of planning to sell the footage to a television network in November 2003.

Reeves bought the video and audio-recording equipment, installed and activated it before Jackson and his attorney Mark Geragos boarded the plane.

Reeves was charged with then removing the video recordings after the jet landed in Santa Barbara amid a media frenzy over allegations that Jackson had molested a 13-year-old boy.

Borer's role was to charter the aircraft for Jackson and Geragos and -- after the flight -- contact various media companies to try to sell the recordings, according to the indictment.

After a 19-month trial, Jackson was acquitted of all charges.


Source:AFP/Yahoo! News

From Raymone Bain RE: MJStar
Mood:  surprised
Topic: Announcements

9-4-06


-----------------------------------------------------

MJJDiscussion.com has spoken to Michael Jackson's General Manager Raymone Bain about the recent messages from Jackson to MJStar and Raymone says "It's a fake".


Please pass this info to other fan clubs.


Source: Raymone Bain / MJJDiscussion.com

People's Choice Awards!
Mood:  celebratory
Topic: Announcements

Hi, everyone.

If you think our fan base deserves a People's Choice Award, than click on the link below, to vote for Positive Voices 4 MJJ Fan Club, and tell others (if you wish).

Vote for Positve Voices 4 MJJ

We simply respect/admire/love --- Michael Jackson and The Jackson Family
~Positively~ Click Here to see or go to Positive Voices 4 MJJ Info


Thank you
&
Major Love

"Eve" - The Music Lady - PV4MJJ.COM Leader/Owner/Fan



http://www.btyahoo.com/dma06/peoples_choice_vote?web=380&category=Best%20Music%20Website



Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keep You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only Love keeps You Going!
PV4MJJ.COM

Michael Jackson Tells Ex-Wife Debbie Rowe to Beat It
Mood:  happy
Topic: Main News

Friday, August 25, 2006
By Terry Schermerhorn

The Life and Times of Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was hit with a suit last month by his ex-wife Debbie Rowe, demanding more money -- now he's telling her to beat it.

The Gloved One handed over $8 million in support and legal fees to Rowe in a settlement after their 1999 divorce. He got custody of their two children, Michael Jr., 9, and Paris, 8.

Rowe is now fighting for custody and wants Jackson to pay about $245,000 in new legal fees.

In his response, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court Tuesday but released Thursday, Jackson argues he has already paid her prior legal fees and the millions dictated by the settlement and charges that she broke a nondisclosure clause.

The case will be heard by Judge Robert Schnider on Sept. 5.

SOURCE: MJJDISCUSSION.COM / http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,210427,00.html

CONSPIRACY TO FORCE MICHAEL JACKSON INTO BANKRUPTCY REVEALED
Mood:  surprised
Topic: Main News

In what could be one of the biggest conspiracies in entertainment history, documents have been sent to Michael Jackson, and his representatives, which reveal a deliberate plan by some former attorneys as well as associates and advisors, to force Mr. Jackson into involuntary bankruptcy.

The documents reveal that former attorneys actively solicited other attorneys, vendors and creditors to "join in a petition to place the client in involuntary bankruptcy."

Mr. Jackson who, on June 27, 2006, announced sweeping organizational changes, has instructed his legal team to investigate and file claims against those responsible for conspiracy, bad faith, and self dealing. These efforts may also result in civil and/or criminal charges, where appropriate.

In addition, there is a strong possibility that these documents will be forwarded to the U.S. Attorney General for review and possible involvement.

"Mr. Jackson is neither shocked or surprised by these revelations," says Raymone K. Bain, Michael Jackson's General Manager. "Based on the timing of events that have impacted his personal and professional life in recent years, he has long been suspicious that some of those whom he entrusted to act on his behalf, and to advise him with respect to his personal and business affairs, may not have always acted in his best interests."

Source:
Raymone K Bain

Another law firm quits Michael Jackson
Mood:  not sure
Topic: Main News

Jackson says he fired the lawyers

NEW YORK (AP) -- For the second time in a year, a law firm representing Michael Jackson has parted company with the pop star, saying it hasn't been paid and can't get Jackson on the phone.

For his part, Jackson claims he fired the firm. In any event, a federal judge in Manhattan on Monday gave attorneys at Wachtel & Masyr permission to withdraw from a case in which a financial company claims the singer owes it $48 million.

In a letter to the judge, attorney William Wachtel described his trouble communicating with Jackson through a series of representatives. Over months, Wachtel said, he dealt with the singer through one intermediary after another, only to be informed repeatedly that they were quitting or had been fired.

The last straw came, he said, when Jackson dropped out of contact with the firm entirely after his only face-to-face meeting with his lawyers in June, at the luxurious Hotel de Crillon in Paris.

At the session, Jackson apologetically promised to be in better touch, Wachtel said -- and that was the last they heard of him.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Jackson has failed to respond to every e-mail and telephone message left for him over the past four weeks," Wachtel said.

A letter from Jackson to the law firm, dated July 17 and faxed to The Associated Press on Tuesday, said the singer had fired Wachtel.

"It is with deep regret that I must terminate the services of Wachtel & Masyr, LLP, effective immediately," the pop star wrote.

The legal team is the second to leave the case. Attorneys from the firm of Latham & Watkins quit in November after reporting that their bills weren't being paid and that it was impossible to communicate with Jackson.

U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel said Monday that he would allow Jackson to reorganize his legal team but that he wanted the parties back in court Sept. 5. The judge said Jackson must hire a new lawyer by then or appear in court himself.

Next up for Jackson could be New York attorney L. Londell McMillan, whose clients have included Prince and Stevie Wonder. Jackson's representatives announced in late June that McMillan had been hired to coordinate the singer's legal affairs.

The case involves the Prescient Acquisition Group, which claims it helped Jackson refinance $272.5 million in debt owed to the Bank of America and arrange $537.5 million in financing related to his ownership interest in the Beatles song library.

It is one of a number of recent suits involving Jackson and former business associates.

Last month, a California jury awarded a former Jackson adviser $900,000 related to work he did on videos intended to rehabilitate the pop star's image. The jury awarded Jackson $200,000 in a cross-complaint.

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

King Of Pop Sued Again For Unpaid Bills
Mood:  blue
Topic: Main News
Michael Jackson's seemingly endless legal woes continue to mount, as a Los Angeles law firm has filed a lawsuit against Jackson, alleging that the erstwhile King of Pop owes them over $200,000 in legal fees for services rendered during 2005.

In the lawsuit, filed July 25 in L.A. County Superior Court and obtained by TMZ, the firm of Ayscough & Marar (and, more specifically, attorney Brent Ayscough) says that it was hired in February 2005 by the performer to provide legal services during his child molestation trial, amongst them obtaining "orders sealing civil cases from the press" and "orders staying discovery" in those civil cases while the criminal trial for molestation was still going on. One of those cases, was the suit brought against Jackson by former business associate F. Marc Schaffel, the trial for which ended recently with a split decision. By the summer of 2005, says Ayscough in the lawsuit, "Nearly all my time was spent on Michael Jackson cases."

Up until mid-2005, according to the lawsuit, Jackson -- whose legal bills were being administered by business adviser Ron Burkle -- paid his bills on time. However, once the legal fees were being handled by Mesereau & Yu, the firm whose partner Thomas Mesereau was Jackson's lead counsel in the criminal trial, the payments dried up.
Ayscough & Marar allege in the lawsuit that Mesereau & Yu were paid $2.6 million, which they claim was to be spread around several law firms doing work for Jackson. But Ayscough & Marar say they haven't seen any of that money. (Mesereau & Yu are not named as defendants in the case.)

Besides detailing the payments that Ayscough & Marar claims it is owed, the lawsuit also describes significant debts owed by Jackson, including over $300 million to Fortress Investment Group, over $1.6 million to his brother Randy, and several million dollars to various lawyers.

Cour Documents: http://cdn.digitalcity.com/tmz_documents/mj_lease.pdf

Source: TMZ

Michael Jackson ordered to pay $900,000
Mood:  surprised
Topic: Main News
But conversely former associate must pay pop star $200,000

The Associated Press
Updated: 6:48 p.m. ET July 14, 2006

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - In a split decision Friday, a civil court jury awarded a former Michael Jackson adviser $900,000 — far less than he claimed in the money dispute — and awarded the pop star $200,000 in his cross-complaint.

F. Marc Schaffel originally sued for $3.8 million, but his claims were later reduced to $1.6 million, and his attorney ultimately asked the jury for $1.4 million in unpaid loans and expenses before deliberations began Thursday.

Jackson’s attorney had said Schaffel owed the pop star $660,000.

Earlier in the day, the jury asked several questions and sought read back of testimony.

In the civil suit, in which only nine of the 12 jurors have to agree on a verdict, one question from the panel was, “Do all 12 have to be accounted for, or can some abstain?”

Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Connor sent the jurors a message that some could abstain from voting.

The jurors also asked if they could award damages significantly different than claimed by the parties in the legal action. They were told they could do so but had to follow jury instructions on the law.

The panel also asked to hear the court reporter read back testimony from Schaffel on how much he claimed was due to him from his business relationship with Jackson.

A civil court jury awarded a former Michael Jackson adviser $900,000 and awarded the pop star $200,000 in his cross-complaint.

? 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
URL: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13865102/

? 2006 MSNBC.

Michael Jackson civil trial nears conclusion!!
Mood:  surprised
Topic: Main News

Michael Jackson was alternately portrayed as a gullible artist and a calculating businessman during closing arguments in the trial of a lawsuit that accuses the entertainer of failing to pay a former associate more than $1 million.

"Michael Jackson doesn't pay his bills. Mr. Jackson is a cagey, calculating witness," said attorney Howard King, who is representing businessman F. Marc Schaffel in his lawsuit against Jackson.

Jackson attorney Thomas Mundell told jurors Schaffel took advantage of the entertainer.

"I don't see the evil, conniving, puppet master he saw," he said of King's depiction of Jackson. "I saw the gentle, easily influenced artist who pays little attention to business matters."

And while Schaffel said he went uncompensated for his work, Mundell said, "he was living the life of Riley, traveling around the world in private jets."

"Mr. Schaffel saw Michael Jackson as an opportunity," Mundell said. "He could do projects for him and become part of the action."

The case was expected to go to the jury Thursday after Mundell concludes his argument, followed by a rebuttal from King.

During his closing argument, King said he was angry at the focus the defense placed on his client's past as a producer of gay pornography, calling it irrelevant.

A former Jackson lawyer testified during the trial that Schaffel was fired after Jackson was told of his past as a porn producer.

King also complained that Schaffel was unfairly portrayed as "some sort of parasite hanging on to Mr. Jackson."

King, who claims the effort to terminate Schaffel in 2001 never actually took effect, said negotiations with lawyers went on and on and that Schaffel actually came back on board to produce such projects as videos about Jackson that aired on Fox.

Among other debts, he said Schaffel was owed $664,000 for the Fox specials and $300,000 that Schaffel said he loaned Jackson when the entertainer told him he needed it delivered to a mysterious "Mr. X" in South America.

In all, he asked jurors to award Schaffel $1,474,280.


Source:Associated Press

Jackson hires new business managers
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Main News

Aide: Singer will move to Europe, tour and record again

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Michael Jackson has fired his business managers, has hired a New York firm to oversee his financial affairs and is moving to Europe, his spokeswoman said Tuesday.

His longtime spokeswoman, Raymone K. Bain, said in a statement that she has been named general manager of the new Michael Jackson Co., which will replace Jackson's MJJ Productions.

The pop star has been living in Bahrain since he was acquitted of child molestation charges a year ago.

Jackson has severed ties with his Bahraini lawyers and his longtime accountants and business managers, Bernstein, Fox, Whitman, Goldman & Sloan. Bain said he has hired L. Londell McMillan and The McMillan firm, "known for business restructurings and turnarounds."

Other management changes are expected and will be announced later, Bain said.

Jackson is planning public appearances and performances, Bain said. "He is reviewing numerous offers to tour musically, which he plans to embark upon within the next several months," the statement said.

She said he expects to release a new album next year.

Jackson had been rumored to be on the verge of bankruptcy for some time. But in April his Bahraini lawyers announced that he had restructured his finances in a deal with Sony Corp. The company shares ownership of his valuable music catalog, which includes the Beatles' hits.

Jackson recently had to shutter his elaborate Neverland ranch in Santa Ynez, California, because of unpaid salaries and insurance fees.

The change in management, which Bain called "the first of a sweeping restructuring of his personal and business affairs," is an apparent attempt by Jackson to salvage his finances.

The singer will maintain a house in Bahrain, Bain told The Associated Press in a phone interview. He decided to move to Europe for access to music industry figures, she said.

"He is very serious about his music," she said. "When you are a creative person and the creative juices are flowing again and you're about to embark on new projects, you want to make sure your organization is running smoothly."

Jackson was in Ireland on Tuesday "on personal business," Bain said in her statement.

Jackson's chaotic financial dealings will be put in the spotlight in a Santa Monica, California, courtroom this week in a lawsuit over whether he owes $3.8 million to a former business associate.

F. Marc Schaffel says he is owed for unrepaid loans and expenses and salary.

Schaffel's attorney, Howard King, portrayed the 47-year-old singer as an incurable spendthrift who sought financial guidance from advisers, then ignored it.

Jackson says Schaffel defrauded him and hid facts of his shady past.

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/27/jackson.business.ap/index.html

A Touching Story
Mood:  hug me
Topic: MJ's Side Segments
The following story was forward by the founder of PV4MJ.

This really happened when MJ was in Japan.

----------------

Eve - TheMusicLady wrote:

Hi everyone

Here's a shared story, from one of MJJ fans, regarding her son. Please read
in its entirety!




Hi Friends,

Something very nice happened to my 13-year-old son, and I wanted to share the happiness with you.

My son has been Michael's fan for 10 years, and Michael is his life. He started learning dance five years ago, because he wanted to dance like Michael. And, some time ago, he became the winner of "Michael Jackson Dance Battle." You can imagine how proud he was! He received a very nice trophy as a prize.

He also won the second place in the ALL JAPAN JUNIOR ENGLISH SPEECH CONTEST which was held this February this year by his speech on Michael Jackson Trial.

Ms. Raymone Bain was extremely kind and understanding to me, and when I saw her to hand in one of the newspapers with Michael and Ms. Bain’s photo on it on Tuesday, she said that she would try to let Michael sign his autograph on the trophy. Of course, as Michael has many many things to do, and it might not be possible. Still, I hoped it would be possible. Separately, I also handed the manuscript of my son's speech to a Japanese staff.

Then, on Wednesday, one of the staff told me that Michael read the speech. My son was overjoyed to hear this, as you can imagine.

However, the trophy was still not back, and we had absolutely no idea when Michael would leave! Michael might leave any moment. Also, there are thousands of presents Michael was receiving from fans and it could just get lost among all other things. The hotel people also said that they would not keep things for the fans at the concierge. So, how can we retrieve the trophy?

My son said that he would be happy to give the trophy to Michael, but, as a mother, I knew what that trophy meant to my son. It was a proof of his love to Michael.

The security of the hotel was incredibly tight and it was just impossible to have a direct contact with Ms. Bain. They just pretend that there is no person called Ms. Bain in the hotel.

So the drama started. The wonderful member at MJJF, MJDANCER123, kindly offered me help to get through to Ms. Bain. She and I started writing to each other day and night by e-mail, trying to get hold of the situation. It was not easy, as Ms. Bain was very very busy and flooded with all other messages.

I was in total panic, and frantically kept on writing messages to MJDANCER123, “What will I do?” “What can I do?” “Help me, please!!” MJDANCER123 is just an ANGEL, and did everything she could, although she had never met me, she had not known me three days before. She even made a phone call to the hotel from the USA.

There were all sorts of speculations about when Michael would leave, and at one moment, I was sending e-mail messages to MJDANCER123 from the PC room in the hotel in confusion, like, “They say the security people are leaving now, Michael may leave probably any moment!” (It turned out later that it was just a shift-change!)

MJDANCER123 patiently read my messages, and she finally secured a word from the staff that, although it was not clear if Michael would sign it, Michael would not leave without returning the trophy to my son! You simply cannot imagine how relieved I was.

Around the same time, a Japanese fan, who was trying to help me by talking to the staff, wrote to me saying that one of the staff saw my son’s trophy in Michael’s room!

Then, last night, when Ms. Bain tried to call me to say that the trophy was signed to be collected, I was with my son in Shibuya, coming across with Michael just by chance. I was getting calls from other Michael fans (who gave me the information about Michael’s visit to Shibuya) and Ms. Bain could not reach me by the phone!

When we got back, still drunk from the excitement of witnessing Michael, MJDANCER123’s mail was waiting for me, telling me about the trophy!!! It was too late to go to the hotel to collect it, so we went to bed. The best night ever!

The trophy is now back, with Michael's autograph, AND Michael also attached a signed self-portrait photo with my son's name on it. My son is still at school, but I think he is going to faint as soon as he sees them. They are now treasure of our household.

Although my son did not have any chance to talk to Michael (he just saw him with thousands of other fans from some distance), but his love and respect for Michael, I hope, reached Michael.

My sincere, deepest gratitude goes to MJDANCER123, Ms. Bain, Japanese staff, my fellow Japanese fans, and of course to Michael Jackson, who brought so much happiness to our lives.

Here is the speech my son gave:

Michael Jackson Trial

Today, I am going to tell you the truth. It is about Michael Jackson. He is a genius and the world's biggest superstar. I respect Michael Jackson more than anyone else. For, he has been energetically involved in various charity works. For example, he visits children in hospitals all over the world, donates profits from the concert tours to help underprivileged people, and is the founder of the Heal the World Foundation that works to support the poor children.

Recently, Michael Jackson was involved in a very unfortunate incident. Well, it was not just an incident, but a conspiracy. He was accused of the crime of "child abuse." Although there was no evidence, he was arrested and brought to court. He was accused by a child he liked very much, and Michael's heart was broken into pieces. Michael was very sad, but he had to win the trial. He couldn't lose a trial based on no evidence. And, finally, after months of witnesses' statements and arguments by the prosecution and the defense, Michael Jackson got a verdict of "Not guilty on all charges, "by a jury of 12 people on June 13, 2005.

Do you believe Michael Jackson's innocence? If your answer is NO, please tell me the reason. If you think you can explain why you said NO, please answer the next question. Have you followed the whole record and process of the trial? Do you know all that was said at the trial? If so, even a ten-year-old child can tell that Michael Jackson was completely innocent.

You may not believe this, but most of what is reported on TV about Michael Jackson is not true. To get a high viewing rate, they sensationalize everything. "Michael Jackson in trouble" can earn good viewer ratings. Please go and research the facts about Michael Jackson on the Internet and get the truth by yourself.

What is so funny about seeing a person like Michael Jackson being lynched by the media? What is so entertaining about looking at a person like Michael Jackson in distress? Can you answer these questions? I must tell you this. Michael Jackson's innocence is a fact and the truth.

When you voice your opinion, it should be based on accurate information and proven truth. Otherwise, you would end up giving someone suffering. In this society full of information where the media tends to seek sensationalism, a false rumor is often reported as a fact, and the truth can't be found so easily. Even so, we should try to be as truthful as possible. Please give it a thought again today.


Source: MJJF/GailFelix/PV4MJJ
http://www.mjjforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=75095

Posted by MJ Friend Anna at 1:47 AM JST
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