Michael Jackson Dissapointed By The Shambolic World Music Awards Comeback didn't go to plan...
Topic: Main News

By: Lowri Williams on 11/17/2006

It has been revealed that the reason Michael Jackson only sang a few lines of a song at the recent World Music Awards was because his mic was cut off as the event had run over its 11pm curfew.

Jackson was forced to wait before going on stage as the event was running behind schedule and so could only sing a few lines from his song `We Are The World'.

A friend of his told the Mirror: "He is terribly disappointed. He'd rehearsed four songs. He'd decide to sing `She's Out Of My Life' but each time his car drove up to the stage he was told it wasn't ready. Then his mic was cut off. It was just one disaster too far.

Another source added: "It was an extraordinary night for all the wrong reasons. Everything that could go wrong did. Everything was late, running orders were being made up during the show. celebs were being asked to do things with literally 10 minutes notice.

"No one could be persuaded to give Michael Jackson his award ? even Bon Jovi refused. In the end they begged Beyonce ? she said yes, but it certainly wasn't I the schedule."

An event spokeswoman Jules Just said: "The event started late because all the celebs got caught up doing interviews on the red carpet, which was one of the longest ever
.
"There were also technical hitches meaning things had to be juggled around. But all the team pulled together and we are appreciative of Philip Green for his support."

Jackson?s return to stage? No `Thriller?
Topic: Main News

Singer struggles to sing as sound cuts out at World Music Awards in London

MSNBC staff and news service reports
Updated: 12:27 p.m. ET Nov. 16, 2006

LONDON - Reclusive pop superstar Michael Jackson made a musical comeback of sorts on Wednesday, singing the chorus line of his charity single ?We Are The World? before the sound cut out as he struggled for the high notes.

The 48-year-old, performing live for the first time since he was acquitted of child molestation charges in June, 2005, had been expected to sing his seminal hit ?Thriller?.

But to the huge disappointment of screaming fans, that was performed instead by young U.S. star Chris Brown.
Jackson looked uncomfortable at times as he was surrounded by excited young members of a gospel chorus on stage with him.

That did not stop supporters desperate to see their idol cheer his every move, especially when threw his black sequin jacket into the crowd.

The failure by the deposed King of Pop to demonstrate his voice and confidence were back to anywhere near their best was likely to raise further doubts about his ability to resurrect a career that has been on hold for years.
?There have been so many people who have loved me and stood by me. I love all the fans from the bottom of my heart,? Jackson said before flinging his jacket and exiting the stage.

Earlier, Jackson?s appearance outside the Earl?s Court Arena in west London inspired glee and bedlam among hundreds of fans, who scrambled for photos and reached out to touch his gloved hand.

Jackson, clad in black and wearing his trademark shades, also spoke briefly to journalists. But the roar of the crowd combined with the singer?s own low-decibel delivery ensured few could hear anything he said. Asked where he has been living, Jackson replied: ?All over the place.?

Earlier in the evening, Jackson was given the Diamond Award honoring artists who sell more than 100 million records.

Introducing Jackson, U.S. singer Beyonce said: ?Tonight we are celebrating 25 years of ?Thriller?,? referring to his seminal album. ?If it wasn't for Michael Jackson I would never have ever performed. I love you, we all love you.?

Doubts abound

Jackson, who has been a virtual recluse for the last 17 months, thanked fans and his family, singling out his three children who have been with him during his stopover in London.

?I am greatly humbled by this award,? said Jackson, who wore his jet black hair long and straight. ?It was my dream that ?Thriller? would be the biggest-selling album ever ... and God has answered my prayers,? he added.

Jackson?s lifetime record sales tally is believed to be around 750 million, making him the most successful entertainer of all time.

It was an unhappy return to the London stage for Jackson, who has not performed in Britain for around a decade. In 1996, Pulp lead singer Jarvis Cocker stormed the stage and mocked Jackson during his rendition of ?Earth Song?.

Jackson has said he plans to move to Europe in a bid to resurrect his musical career and has indicated he will release a new album in 2007.

Whether Wednesday?s performance helps him on the road to professional recovery remains to be seen.

?I would say there?s very little chance of him coming back from where he is,? said Gareth Grundy, deputy editor of the Q music magazine, speaking before the show.

?I think people will always be fascinated by the freak show, and that?s what?s going on,? he said. ?I would categorize him as a celebrity as opposed to an artist.?

Celebrities Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan were also at the Earls Court venue, where they were joined by hundreds of reporters eager to catch Jackson in action.

Winners on the night included Madonna (world?s best pop artist), Canada?s Nelly Furtado (best pop/rock) and Nickelback (best rock group), Beyonce (best R&B), Kanye West (best rap/hip-hop) and Britain?s James Blunt (best new artist).

The World Music Awards reflect artists? global sales rather than a public vote or panel decision.

? 2006 MSNBC Interactive
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15738748/

Michael Jackson Returns to Spotlight
Topic: Main News

Associated Press
By KATIE FRETLAND 11.15.06, 7:33 PM ET

Michael Jackson gave his first public performance Wednesday since his acquittal on child molestation charges a year-and-a-half ago - a fleeting rendition of "We are the World" surrounded by youthful singers.

Jackson, 48, sang at the World Music Awards in London, which was honoring him with an award commemorating the 25th anniversary of his hugely popular album, "Thriller."

But the reclusive pop icon, who has been traveling in Europe since his June 2005 acquittal in California, did not perform the album title song as some expected. Instead he appeared on stage and sang among a group of swaying, clapping kids - until the musical accompaniment inexplicably stopped.

"There have been so many people who have loved me and stood by me. I love all the fans from the bottom of my heart," Jackson said before flinging his black jacket into the crowd and exiting the stage.

Earlier, Jackson's appearance outside the Earl's Court Arena in west London inspired glee and bedlam among hundreds of fans, who scrambled for photos and reached out to touch his gloved hand.

Jackson, clad in black and wearing his trademark shades, also spoke briefly to journalists. But the roar of the crowd combined with the singer's own low-decibel delivery ensured few could hear anything he said.

Asked where he has been living, Jackson replied: "All over the place."

In recent days, he reportedly rented an entire London hotel for $95,000 a night.

Jackson has spent time in Bahrain and Ireland since he was acquitted, making few public appearances.

Jackson's "Thriller" album won eight Grammy Awards and sold more than 50 million copies.

Michael Jackson madness hits London
Topic: Main News

Pop star confirmed that he will be singing `We Are the World?
Access Hollywood
Updated: 8:26 p.m. ET Nov. 14, 2006
LONDON - As Michael Jackson prepares for his performance at the World Music Awards in London on Wednesday, only Access Hollywood is with the King of Pop every step of the way.

Our cameras were with Michael inside Earl?s Court Arena as he rehearsed for his performance and MJ confirmed to Access he will be performing ?We Are The World? at the awards show.
And while all was quiet inside the arena during rehearsals, outside it was a much different story. Being with Michael since he landed in London, trust us the hardest part of his day is wading through the mob of fans to get in and out of his car.
Fans even waited for hours outside of Michael?s hotel for a glimpse of the superstar and a glimpse is what they got when Michael appeared on his balcony.
The fan frenzy went into overdrive when Michael emerged from his hotel to get into an awaiting van.
But the scene would get even wilder.
Ten minutes later, photographers converge on the restaurant Nobu as Michael?s van pulls up.
And as soon as MJ steps out of the fan, all rules are off as it?s a photo frenzy.
Once safely inside the restaurant, Michael dined with a party of 12 and even posed for some photos with Access? Billy Bush and designer Roberto Cavalli, who will be dressing Michael for the World Music Awards.
Not only will he be performing, but Michael will also receive the Diamond Award, given only to those who have sold over 100 million albums.
But the relaxing dinner ended two hours later when Michael met up with the mob scene outside.
?I was in the middle of this madness and let me just say I couldn?t imagine going through this every time I stepped outside,? Billy said.
On Tuesday morning, it was a bit less chaotic as Michael and our crew arrived at the offices of the Guinness Book Of World Records, where Michael picked up an award for breaking seven world records.
?Thank you for everything. God bless you,? Michael told those in attendance.
And Billy took the opportunity to remind Michael of one of his records.
?I have a trivia question. Speaking of records, what album holds the record for sales in the world?? Billy asked Michael. ?Do you know? I?ll give you a hint.?
As Billy hit play on ?Billie Jean,? Michael smiled and laughed.
A brief moment of levity before the Michael madness resumed.
Copyright 2006 by NBC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15721456/

Ed Bradley: Michael Jackson Releases Statement!!
Topic: Main News

"I am saddened to learn of the passing of 60 Minutes correspondent Ed Bradley.
As the first African-American to anchor a network morning news program, Mr. Bradley was a trailblazer who set impeccable standards for reporting and journalistic benchmarks in television news. Mr. Bradley single-handily broke down barriers for minorities in journalism.

My family and I offer our sympathy and prayers to Mr. Bradley's family and his friends. He will be missed." - Michael Jackson, Dublin, Ireland.


Submitted By:

paul(mjcool)

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.

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

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

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/
-------------------------------------------------------

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.

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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.


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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

Furious Jackson demands magazine's withdrawal over photo spoof
Mood:  blue
Topic: Main News
LOS ANGELES, May 5, 2006 (AFP) - Furious pop icon Michael Jackson on Friday demanded that top US magazine GQ apologize for publishing a spoof photo of a lookalike wearing Bedouin garb and also withdraw the issue from newsstands.

Jackson's spokeswoman Raymone Bain issued a statement saying that the exiled singer was outraged over the photos in the May issue of the monthly which she insisted were not "authentic."

"Mr Jackson has neither posed for, or provided photographs of himself to GQ Magazine. The person in these photographs is an imposter," she said.

"Mr Jackson is furious that his image has been used in such a misleading way, and is demanding an apology from the editors of GQ, and its publisher, Conde Nast," Bain added in a statement received by AFP.

In addition to an apology for the photo, which shows a figure resembling Jackson standing atop a sand dune wearing one white glove and with his head covered as if he were a Middle Eastern woman, Jackson is demanding that GQ pull the May issue from newsstands.

But GQ defended itself vigorously against the angry outburst, saying the person in the photo that accompanied an article entitled "Where's Michael?" and told of the writer's attempts to track down Jackson in the Middle East, was clearly a Jackson lookalike.

"It is very clear that the pictures in the story 'Where's Michael?' in the May GQ are satirical, whether it is a picture of a Michael Jackson imitator sitting in a Bahraini cinema or an image of The Gloved One standing flamboyantly in the desert," said GQ editor-in-chief Jim Nelson.

"Mr Jackson may feel that the person in the photographs is an 'imposter,' but he is merely an imitator."

The 1980s superstar left the United States shortly after his acquittal on child sex charges last June following a gruelling four and a half month trial and went into self-imposed exile in the Gulf state of Bahrain.

Since then Jackson, 47, has been plagued by a rash of news stories about his allegedly unusual antics, including one account -- which he denied -- that he had been spotted in women's clothes in the Middle East.


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