Michael Jackson's estate/Since August 2011

MJ ESTATE to LLOYD'S OF LONDON
This Is It. Now Pay Up!


The Michael Jackson estate is tired of waiting for Lloyd's of London to pay out on the $17.5 million "This Is it" insurance policy -- so they're going after Lloyd's in court ... demanding they pay up, stat.

Lloyd's of London originally issued the policy to cover potential losses for MJ's 2009 "This Is It" concerts -- but earlier this year, the company asked an L.A. court to declare the policy null and void ... claiming MJ lied about his medical history and drug addiction.

Lloyd's insists the policy "was restricted to losses resulting from accident only" -- pointing out Michael's official cause of death was "homicide."

But the estate is now on the offensive -- filing a cross-complaint, claiming MJ never intended to die, whether by homicide or not, so his death still qualifies as an accident.

But the estate isn't just settling for the original $17.5 million -- they also want punitive damages.  FYI, suing for punitive damages often scares the crap out of insurance companies.

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Michael Jackson's kids to get 30 million from estate


LOS ANGELES: Executors of 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson's estate are seeking a court's permission to donate USD 30 million to his mother Katherine and his three children.

According to court documents, co-executors John Branca and John McClain are seeking the court's permission for the estate to fund the Michael Jackson Trust to benefit his mother and three children Prince Michael, 14, Paris, 13, and nine-year-old 'Blanket', media reports said.

Consent is also being sought to sell the family home in Hayvenhurst Avenue in Encino, California.

Katherine is thought to be keen to offload the house, which was valued at USD 4.15 million in 2010, but it has since undergone extensive renovation work and she wants the estate to purchase another abode for her and the three children.

The family have moved out of the house and are now living in a leased Calabasas home that is for sale for about USD 10 million and Katherine is thought to be lining up a number of possible properties to live in.

Michael's estate, which had generated USD 310 million by the end of last year since the singer's death in 2009, benefited financially from the release of his posthumous concert film 'This Is It' and is thought to have reduced debt obligations by more than USD 90 million.

A hearing for the judge's approval is planned for September 28.


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Michael Jackson has earned $310M since death

Visitors to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in Hollywood take pictures at the Michael Jackson Experience Traveling Exhibit on August 24, 2011, in Hollywood, California, ahead of the late King of Pop's birthday on August 29. (Getty Images)
(AP) LOS ANGELES - Two years after Michael Jackson died deeply in debt, his estate has generated more than $310 million, enabling executors to distribute a preliminary payment of $30 million to Jackson's mother and children, and to unnamed charities, according to court documents filed Tuesday.
Executors also disclosed that Jackson's mother, Katherine, is putting the family's fabled Encino compound up for sale and wants the executors to negotiate the purchase of a new residence for her and the children, Paris, Prince and Michael Joseph Jr., known as Blanket.

The Encino property, where Jackson grew up and where several of his siblings lived in a cottage near their parents' home was appraised at $4.15 million in 2010 but has since undergone extensive renovation. Katherine Jackson and the children moved out and have been living at a leased Calabasas home that is for sale for about $10 million. The executors said Katherine Jackson has identified a number of homes in that price range that would suit her needs and that of the children.

The executors said the trust and the California attorney general's office, which is representing charities as beneficiaries of the estate, have been pressing for distribution of funds.


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Bally Technologies Unveil Estate Authorized Vegas Slot Machines

(Vegasinc) – The King of Pop is making a comeback in Las Vegas. Expect to soon hear his classic tunes in casinos all over town.

Slot machine manufacturer Bally Technologies next week will unveil a Michael Jackson-themed slot machine that the company hopes will be its next big hit. It will debut at the Global Gaming Expo, which begins Monday at the Sands Expo.
The digital penny slot uses original Jackson songs and video to entertain players. Hit a certain combination on the reels and Jackson moonwalks across the screen to “Bad.” Use his iconic sequin glove to spin a wheel for prizes as “Smooth Criminal” plays in the background. Watch his dancing foot kick icons to transform them into wilds during a “Beat It” bonus round.
Sony and the Jackson estate provided to Bally audio and video for the project. A professional musician-turned-Bally engineer remixed them for the game in a sound studio at the company’s headquarters.
Six songs — “Billie Jean,” “Dirty Diana,” “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Beat It” and “Bad” — are used in the game’s first generation, and Bally has a second version with two more songs planned for the future.
Crews have been working on the machine for six months. It will have been under development for almost a year by the time it hits casino floors early next year. Bally plans to introduce it in several Las Vegas resorts and export it around the world.
“Michael Jackson appeals internationally,” Director of Development David Schultz said. “He was such an incredible performer. He changed popular music as we know it.”
The slot machine is progressive, with a wide area jackpot that is linked to two other games. The minimum bet is 40 cents and the maximum $4. The game features digital, high-definition screens with a digital bet line and a surround-sound seat.
“Imagine walking by” as a gold Michael Jackson statue erupts in flames while music blares, Schultz said. “People just can’t help but stop.”
Bally executives call it coincidence, but the timing of the game’s debut couldn’t be better. Las Vegas will be awash in all things Jackson as the slot is rolled out.
Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson: Immortal” opens Dec. 3 at Mandalay Bay . It runs in tandem with the first-ever officially authorized Michael Jackson Fan Fest where people can view Jackson memorabilia and take pictures in re-created video sets. And Madame Tussauds at the Venetian will run a Jackson exhibit Sept. 8 to Dec. 27 with three wax figures from various stages of his career.


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Michael Jackson Estate: 'We'd Like Justice to Be Done'
septiembre 30, 2011 9:50 EDT

The estate of Michael Jackson is, of course, watching the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray with great interest -- but with no formal involvement in the proceedings other than wanting "just to be done," according to one of the executors.

"The estate's role will be to watch it," attorney Howard Weitzman tells Billboard.com. "Having done a few of these types of trials over the years myself, we know the evidence will play out, the jury will come to some decision, and we'll watch it. From my personal perspective and from the estate's perspective, we'd like justice to be done. We know the system sometimes has flaws and the result you'd like to see doesn't always happen. All we can hope is that justice prevails here."

The trial began Tuesday and has already featured bombshell testimony from the late star's security personnel, who prosecutors hope can prove Murray delayed in calling for help in order to conceal evidence he had been over-medicating the singer. On Friday, jurors will hear from two paramedics that arrived at Jackson's home and tried to resuscitate him.

As to how Jackson will be portrayed as the trial goes on, particularly during Murray's defense, Weitzman says those maintaining the estate are "not worried about it. He may be portrayed differently than I'd like to see him portrayed, but his genius speaks itself.

"I like to say, 'What do you want to know about Michael Jackson? Press the play button.' That's all there is to say."

The Jackson estate is preparing for the Oct. 2 launch of Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour and is eyeballing some new projects for 2012, including a possible 25th anniversary reissue of Jackson's "Bad" album and another collection of unreleased material to follow-up 2010's "Michael."

As for the unauthorized tribute concert that members of Jackson's family has planned for Oct. 8 in Wales, which is slated to feature performances by the Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera and Leona Lewis, Weitzman says the estate is "kind of watching it like everybody else. They've never really had any discussions with us, so we're just watching it all go by."

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Michael Jackson: John Branca talks King of Pop on 'Piers Morgan Tonight'


Katrina K Wheeler
, Jackson Family Examiner
October 4, 2011

The executor of Michael Jackson's estate, John Branca appeared on Piers Morgan Tonight, and discussed the This Is It film, as well as his working relationship with the King of Pop. Piers Morgan asked a lot of questions, and it was revealed that the film, chronicling the rehearsals of Michael Jackson was created to show "the real Michael Jackson." To show what it was like to work with Michael Jackson.

As fans will recall, This Is It was released in October of 2009, and there was a mixed reaction to that. Some believed that Michael Jackson would never want rehearsals to be created into a movie, while others felt that it was a great idea, especially for those left grieving around the world -- to be able to see what Michael Jackson was planning to do, one what would have been a once in a lifetime type of tour, which yet again, would make history.

The Conrad Murray trial has began last week, and is currently in its second week, and there is much that will be revealed with the testimony of the witnesses as the trial continues this week.

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The Estate on Michael’s Wishes – Children’s Charities


We all know how much Michael cared about children and children’s charities, among his many causes, and we also know that many of Michael’s fans want to honor him by making charitable donations or volunteering their time to help others. We have received many inquiries from concerned and caring fans looking for information to help them in making their choices in this regard.

Although we are not at liberty to provide any details at the present time, we can say that the Executors are very much looking forward to sharing with the fans (and the world at large) the way in which they intend to implement Michael’s wishes under his will to have a certain portion of his estate benefit children’s charities. The process is underway but there are many steps that have to be taken before the announcement can be made. Bear with us, keep your faith, commitment and patience.

Just know that this is an important concern and focus for the Estate.


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Dear Messrs. Roberts, Burke, Graboff and Griffin:

No sooner was Conrad Murray ordered led away in handcuffs after his conviction on manslaughter charges in the death of Michael Jackson than we discovered your MSNBC network inexplicably will showcase him in primetime Friday night as if he is worthy of celebrity.

The mere title of your “documentary,” “Michael Jackson and the Doctor: A Fatal Friendschip,” is bewildering. Since when was Dr. Murray ever Michael Jackson’s friend? Since when does any doctor – let alone any friend – act in such an irresponsible manner in the care and treatment of another human being?

MSNBC excerpts released thus far suggest Dr. Murray, who refused to tell his story under penalty of perjury in a court of law, apparantly has no qualms about smearing the reputation of his “friend.” In fact, MSNBC seems ready to let him say what he wants with no fear of cross examination. According to his one-sided spin, Dr. Murray says “He asked me, ‘Please, please Dr. Conrad… I need some milk so that I can sleep. If I don’t get any sleep today, I cannot perform, I cannot do anything.’” Thus, MSNBC gives Conrad Murray a platform to shift the blame post-conviction to Michael Jackson, even though a jury considered the evidence and rejected this very argument.

We have read news accounts that Dr. Murray has had cameras following him since 2009 as if he is his own reality television show. We also have seen october Films claiming that Dr. Murray received a nominal $ 1 for “an exclusive look at the last two years of Murray’s life” while leaving open the question of wether payments were made to his representatives. As the executors for the estate of the victim of Dr. Murray’s crime, we would like to know how much money in total was paid for this privileged “access?” Was it really only $ 1, or was it more?

It doesn’t matter to us if it was a production company, comcast, NBC Universal or MSNBC that paid for “access” to Dr. Murray because all are morally culpable. It is equally irrelevant wether any or all interviews took place before the jury convicted him. These are moral loopholes aimed at excusing a reprehensible program stemming from Michael Jackson’s tragic death that not only will be aired, but which is being heavily promoted on The Today Show in order to boost ratings at a struggling cable network.

Dr. Murray’s victim, Michael Jackson, was a loving father, an incredible talent and someone who had much left to give to the world. Dr. Murray is a convicted felon who a judge felt compelled to have placed in handcuffs and jailed immediately after the jury delivered its verdict. he is not someone NBC Universal should be giving a platform to on a prime-time pedestal. We demand that you exercise proper judgment and refrain from airing this program.

Very truly yours,

John Branca
John McClain
Co-Executors
The Estate of Michael Jackson

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MJ ESTATE
Murray Got What He Deserved

The Michael Jackson estate believes Dr. Conrad Murray got his just desserts when Judge Pastor sentenced him to 4 years in the clink today -- telling TMZ the sentence was "appropriate and called for."

Howard Weitzman, lawyer for the estate, released a statetment ... saying, "The egregious conduct of Dr. Murray when 'treating' Michael Jackson was bad enough ... but when coupled with his outrageous lies in trying to cover up his wrongdoing after Michael was dying and/or had died only served to magnify his criminal actions."

The rep adds, "Michael Jackson was one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived and he will be missed by millions."

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Judge shifts legal, other expenses from executors of Michael Jackson’s estate

LOS ANGELES — The executors of Michael Jackson’s estate will no longer have to pay some legal expenses and other costs out of their own pockets after a judge approved changes Monday to the estate that has earned hundreds of millions of dollars since the pop star’s death.

The changes approved by Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff mean attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain will no longer pay the costs from their share of the estate.

The men had been paying fees for entertainment legal counsel provided by members of Branca’s firm, and McClain had been incurring expenses for the use of a recording studio founded by Marvin Gaye.

Those expenses significantly diminished their 10 percent share of Jackson’s post-death earnings.

Branca and McClain have been collecting closer to 7 percent of the estate earnings since it became a “massive entertainment business enterprise,” court filings state.

Estate attorneys sought the change, saying the executors spend more time than they anticipated on Jackson’s affairs. The men have overseen numerous Jackson-themed projects, including the licensing of music, video games and a touring Cirque du Soleil show that will eventually become a Las Vegas fixture.

The men agreed in February 2010 to accept 10 percent of the gross entertainment-related earnings of the estate, minus money generated by Jackson’s 50 percent interest in the Sony-ATV music catalog and earnings from “This Is It,” a film compiled from the singer’s final rehearsals.

The exclusions are huge revenue generators for the estate — the Sony-ATV catalog includes publishing rights to music by The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and other stars. The executors also have been excluded an interest in Jackson’s music, which has sold briskly since his death on June 25, 2009, at age 50.

Since then, the estate has earned more than $310 million.

The percentage covers Branca’s work on the estate and McClain’s producing services.

Under the deal approved Monday, Branca’s firm Ziffren Brittenham LLP will now receive 3 percent of entertainment-related income generated by Jackson’s estate in 2011 and future years.

Estate attorney Howard Weitzman said the firm was performing work that would cost more than $2 million a year if it was being handled by another firm, and court filings state that a traditional entertainment estate would include additional managers and attorneys who would receive up to 30 percent of the estate’s overall revenue.

There was no estimate for how much McClain’s billings might be. He bought and restored Gaye’s former Los Angeles studio in 1997, christening it Marvin’s Room, and Jackson and other top singers have recorded music there.

The estate benefits Jackson’s mother, Katherine, and the singer’s three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket, who received an initial $30 million payment earlier this year.

Attorneys for Katherine Jackson and the children had no objection to the changes approved by Beckloff. Meg Lodise, who represents the children’s interest, said, “It is quite clear that what they’re proposing is going to be fair to the estate.”

Weitzman told Beckloff that the estate has recently resolved creditors’ claims worth at least $11 million and is working to resolve any other valid outstanding debts. Jackson died with an estimated $400 million in debts, but renewed interest in his music and career have fattened the estate’s accounts, which listed $90 million in cash on hand according to a September court filing.

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MICHAEL JACKSON ESTATE
Claims MJ's Manager
Royally Screwed Him


Michael Jackson's Estate is going after Tohme Tohme, MJ's former manager, claiming he fleeced the singer out of millions of dollars.

TMZ has obtained legal docs filed by the Estate, claiming Tohme got Michael to sign agreements that earned him a fortune for doing nothing.

According to the papers, Estate attorney Howard Weitzman claims Tohme got MJ to agree to pay him $35,000 a month plus expenses as a flat fee -- regardless of what work Tohme performed. On top of that, Tohme inked a deal that gave him 15% of any money Michael made.

And there's more ...Tohme introduced Michael to a lender that refinanced Neverland. In return, Tohme got Jackson to pay him $2.4 million -- just for the introduction. And Tohme got MJ to promise him 10% of any profits if the Ranch was sold.

Tohme also got MJ to agree to pay him $100,000 a month for the "This Is It" tour.

Estate lawyers are anticipating a lawsuit by Tohme against the estate for the money he claims he's owed, and the Estate wants to shut him down before a suit is filed.

The Estate is also asking for damages.

BTW, Michael fired Tohme 3 months before he died.

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Message from The Estate

We know many fans have been upset by recent tabloid stories in the UK about Michael. In his song “Tabloid Junkie” Michael Jackson sings: Just because you read it in a magazine or see it on a TV screen doesn’t make it factual.

Sadly, we were recently reminded of just how prophetic Michael’s lyrics were when these disgraceful, stale and discredited stories more than two decades old were published making unfounded allegations about Michael and so-called FBI “files.” It should be no surprise that one of the authors of this rehash has a long history of writing tabloid articles about Michael. It also should be noted that he formerly was a top editor at a scandal-ridden British tabloid that folded following revelations that the phones of celebrities, public figures and even a child murder victim were illegally hacked. Even more unseemly was one press account in which the tabloid’s source was identified as a former investigator whose license was revoked and who also has filed for bankruptcy. He isn’t denying that he was paid to tell these falsehoods, but he is boasting about his pornography career. It goes without saying that this callous and brazen disregard shown Michael’s children, family and fans is beyond reprehensible.


Responsible journalists who don’t practice checkbook journalism have thoroughly debunked this disgusting story and its unreliable sources. Showbiz411 titled its story: “ ‘FBI Files’ Are From People Discredited Long Time Ago” (http://www.showbiz411.com/2013/06/30/michael-jackson-fbi-files-are-from-people-discredited-long-time-ago). CNN called the London tabloid reports a “questionable” rehash while noting that, “A website can enjoy a sharp spike in traffic -- which can translate into advertising revenue -- with a sensational headline” (http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/03/showbiz/michael-jackson-files) in describing how media can play fast and loose with the truth to drive viewers or readers to their site.


We believe unethical tabloid journalists and publications spreading falsehoods about Michael for their own selfish reasons are best ignored. Sadly, they hide shamelessly behind a legal shield allowing them to smear those who are no longer with us. As readers abandon them and their businesses collapse, they desperately seek attention and publicity. We don’t believe they deserve it, and are confident that discredited articles such as these vanish quickly and are easily forgotten.



Rest assured that Michael’s legacy is his artistic genius. It’s his humanitarian work that touched millions, and his global messages of peace. Most important, Michael’s legacy is his enduring love for his children, his family and his fans.


- John Branca and John McClain, Co-Executors, The Estate Of Michael Jackson

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QUINCY JONES
SUES MICHAEL JACKSON PRODUCTIONS
YOU'RE RIPPING ME OFF ROYALLY

Quincy Jones says he's been double-crossed by Sony and Michael Jackson Productions (aka MJJ) ... claiming the 2 companies intentionally aced him out of his cut of Michael's music.

Jones has sued MJJ Productions and Sony ... claiming he owns a big chunk of "Off the Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad" because he produced all of them. Jones claims Sony and MJJ concocted a scheme to edit and remix the original songs and put them into new ventures such as the "This Is It" movie, the Cirque du Soleil stage show and the 25th Anniversary of the "Bad" album and then deny him royalties.

The allegations are even worse. Jones says MJJ and Sony created a shell game and diverted millions of bucks away from what is rightfully his.

Howard Weitzman, lawyer for the Michael Jackson Estate, tells TMZ, "The Estate of Michael Jackson was saddened to learn that Quincy Jones has filed a lawsuit seeking money from Michael's Estate. To the best of our knowledge, Mr. Jones has been appropriately compensated over approximately 35 years for his work with Michael."

Jones wants $10 mil minimum.

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