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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Japan welcomes Michael Jackson
Mood:  special
Topic: Main News
Pop star makes rare public appearance for Tokyo music award ceremony

Reuters
Updated: 7:02 a.m. ET May 27, 2006


TOKYO - Pop star Michael Jackson appeared in public in Tokyo on Saturday for the first time since his acquittal on sex-abuse charges last year and was welcomed by an adoring crowd.

Neither heavy rain nor scandal could prevent several hundred Japanese fans from flocking to catch a glimpse of the 47-year-old entertainer as he arrived at a Tokyo stadium to receive a music award.

The crowd held up signs that read “We love you, Michael” and “Welcome to Japan” and some sported his trademark glitter glove as Jackson stepped out of a black limousine, surrounded by several bodyguards.

Jackson, in a jewelry-embroidered black blazer and tight black trousers with a simple white T-shirt, did not speak but waved and raised a forefinger to acknowledge a group of reporters before he was whisked inside along a red carpet.

Jackson has remained largely in seclusion since his trial on child molestation charges.

He is in Tokyo to receive a “Legend Award” at MTV’s Japan Video Music Awards ceremony on Saturday, according to spokeswoman Raymone Bain.

More Asia visits He will also will spend time in Tokyo touring the city, visiting orphanages and meeting with Asian business leaders, Bain said, adding that his trip kicks off the first in a series of planned visits to Asia.

“I look forward to my visit to Japan because I have so many fond memories of my visits there,” Jackson said in a statement.

Jackson moved to Bahrain shortly after a jury cleared him last June of charges that he had sexually abused a young boy at his Neverland Valley Ranch in central California.

Although keeping largely out of public view since then, the performer continued to make headlines in a dispute with the state of California for his failure to pay employees at Neverland and maintain proper workers compensation insurance.

Last month, Jackson reached agreement with creditors and Sony Corp. to refinance some $270 million in loans, and avoid default, by giving up half of his prized stake in the Beatles’ song catalog.

Days later, a Bahrain-based music label announced it had teamed up with Jackson to produce a new album by the singer, his first studio collection since the release of “Invincible” in 2001.

Copyright 2006 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.

? 2006 MSNBC.com

URL: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13000611/
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Jackson in 1st appearance since acquittal
Sat May 27, 9:44 PM ET

Michael Jackson made his first public appearance since being acquitted on child molestation charges, choking up as he thanked Japanese fans at an award ceremony Saturday.

"I'm honored to be in Japan again and I'm very happy to be among the Japanese people because I love them very much," Jackson said in a brief appearance at MTV Japan's "Legend Award" ceremony at Yoyogi Olympic Stadium. "Thank you for your loyalty."

The pop star was to visit orphanages, tour Tokyo and meet with businessmen during his trip to Japan, said Broderick D. Morris, chief executive of Positive Productions Yokohama, an entertainment promotions company.

Jackson arrived Friday night with his three children and will stay through Wednesday on the first leg of a swing through Asia that will include stops in Singapore, Shanghai, China and Hong Kong.

"I'd like to say to the Japanese people from the bottom of my heart, I love you very much," said Jackson, wearing a fitted tuxedo with a short jacket.

Responding to his fans screaming "I love you!" Jackson replied: "I love you more."

He flashed a victory sign to the crowd.

"This is like his comeback party," Morris told The Associated Press before the event. "He's in good spirits, and he loves it here.

"There has been a lot of bad press, but Japanese fans still love him. It's like a second home for him."

Jackson, 47, has been living in the Middle Eastern kingdom of Bahrain since his June acquittal on child molestation charges in California.

He has said he plans to return to recording and hopes to release a new album in 2007.

Copyright ? 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.


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For the images of the event go to The Asian Tour

Michael Jackson kicking off Asian tour
Mood:  party time!
Topic: Main News
By LINDA DEUTSCH, AP Special Correspondent
Fri May 26, 11:26 AM ET

Michael Jackson plans to make his first public appearance since his trial acquittal last June at a ceremony in Tokyo to accept MTV Japan's "Legend Award," his spokesman said.

Jackson's participation in the award ceremony Saturday at Yoyugi Olympic Stadium will launch an Asian tour. Jackson also plans to visit Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong, spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain said in a telephone interview from her Washington, D.C., office Thursday.

Bain, who said she was en route to the airport to join Jackson in Tokyo, said the star plans to visit orphanages, tour the city of Tokyo and meet with members of the Asian business community during his trip.

Jackson has been living in Bahrain since his acquittal on child molestation charges in Santa Maria, Calif.

The Asian tour is being organized by Broderick D. Morris, chief executive of Positive Productions Yokohama, an entertainment promotions company, Bain said.

"Michael Jackson is a legend. ... He loves Japan and we love him," Morris said in a press release. "We look forward to welcoming him."

Jackson was quoted as saying, "I look forward to my visit to Japan because I have so many fond memories of my visits there. I thank MTV Japan for this honor and Mr. Morris for spearheading this visit.

"I look forward to seeing old friends and saying hello to my huge fan base in Japan who, like my other fans around the world, have for so many years consistently shown their love and support to me and my family."

Bain said that Jackson plans to return to recording and hopes to release a new album in 2007. Meanwhile, she said work continues on the song he has planned as a charity fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina.


Copyright ? 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.


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Michael Jackson Interview In London
Mood:  flirty
Topic: Main News

The handshake is surprisingly firm - and the hug totally unexpected - as pop legend Michael Jackson grants me a private audience.

The singer was in buoyant mood yesterday when we met at the London offices of Harrods, owned by his close pal Mohamed Al Fayed.

He swept in at 1.05pm without fanfare, no bodyguards, no entourage - and barely a trace of make-up.

It was his first face-to-face interview since being acquitted of child abuse last year - and I wasn't sure what to expect.

But Jackson - who has often given the impression that he prefers to keep people at arm's length - greeted me like an old friend.

Smiling broadly he held out his hand, then threw his arms around me, giving me a whiff of his sweet-smelling perfume.

He looked totally different from the gaunt, hunched figure who emerged weighing just six stone at the end of his US trial last June.

And the 47-year-old star was more than happy to chat after finally emerging from his self-imposed exile in Bahrain.

He seemed relaxed as he talked about rebuilding his tarnished career and his plans to create a new Neverland - in Britain. He said: "I'm here in London on business for a couple of days. I love it here.

"I'm looking for a place to live. I've always liked the UK and I just love the fans here."

He grinned as he added: "I'm also visiting my good friend Mohamed - 'cos he's the man."

Jackson has lined up a series of business meetings in the UK and will be looking at a luxury properties in and around the capital.

He also plans to view places in Scotland and Ireland in a bid to re-create the funfair-style California ranch that was once his sanctuary.

Asked about his health, Jackson insisted: "I'm fine - very well thanks. I'm feeling good." He says he is also working on a new album - his first since Invincible in 2001.

Then, with a gentle pat on the back, he said goodbye and we went our separate ways.

As I left to catch the Tube back to the office and he headed to his chauffeur-driven limo, I could still detect the faint aroma of his perfume on my hand.

And I think I may have witnessed the first tentative steps of Jackson's emergence from the shadows.

By Fiona Cummins, Showbiz Reporter

Michael goes to a concert in Bahrain
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: MJ's Side Segments

Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama was shocked when American singer Michael Jackson appeared at a concert he was holding in Bahrain, where Jackson is currently residing.

According to the Qatar based daily, Al Raya, Jackson listened to the concert and exchanged greetings with Ragheb after the show. Jackson admired Ragheb’s talent, and Ragheb told Michael he had hoped to have the opportunity to meet him, and described his music as a source of inspiration.

Source:MJTKOP