MJ’s ‘Beat It’ lyrics to go under the hammer

May 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 19 (ANI): The handwritten lyrics to Michael Jackson”s ‘Beat It’ are to be auctioned in California next month (Jun10).

The late King of Pop gave his scribbled notes to a producer pal.

“This piece has been in private hands since being written. It”s an incredible piece from the legendary King of Pop and it”s in fine condition,” the Daily Express quoted Marc Kruskol, spokesman for auction house Profiles in History, as saying.

The lyrics by the late singer won”t be the only highlight of the memorabilia auction – the pink satin gown Marilyn Monroe donned in the Diamonds Are a Girl”s Best Friend sequence in the film ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ is sure to be the main lot. (ANI)

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MJ’s doc unlikely to face trial for two years

May 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 16 (ANI): Michael Jackson”s doctor is unlikely to go before a jury over the singer’s death until 2012, it has been revealed.

Huge delays in preparing the case against Conrad Murray mean he probably will not face trial over the singer’s death for two years.

Ed Chernoff, Murray”s lawyer, is fuming ‘many pages’ of documents collected by Los Angeles police have not been handed to the defence even though Murray was charged in February.

Proceedings could be drawn out even longer over problems with choosing a jury.

Chernoff fears his client will not get a fair hearing in LA.

The doctor is next due in court on June 14, but his lawyer says he will push that hearing back to September.

“We are looking at the trial starting in about two years in September. We”ve got a huge load-3,500 pages-of evidence to go through. And we have witnesses to speak to all over the world who have had contact with Jackson over the years. To properly defend Conrad it”s gonna take time to get all of our stuff together,” News of the World quoted Murray”s spokesman as saying. (ANI)

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Mum wants MJ’s autopsy photos kept private

May 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 14 (ANI): Late King of Pop Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine has expressed her fear that a series of graphic photos taken during the autopsy of the singer might be leaked to the public.

The images, which were detailed in the coroner’s report of the singer’s death, are in the possession of officials at the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office.

According to the National Enquirer, Katherine, 80, fears the photos will fall into the wrong hands and end up on the Internet or splashed across publications around the world.

“There are genuine fears the pictures could be leaked or that computer hackers could get to them – and the LAPD and District Attorney’s office are taking extreme preventive measures to keep them secure,” the Daily Express quoted a source as saying.

Katherine wants the pictures to be kept under wraps, as she believes the publication of the gruesome shots will be disrespectful to Michael’s memory and have a negative impact on his three young kids.

“Katherine says releasing the photos is morbid and disrespectful to Michael’s memory,” the source said.

“She’s still dealing with Michael’s death and she’s extremely worried about his kids seeing pictures of their dead father.

“Katherine said she hopes and prays that decency will prevail and no one will ever see these photographs,” the source added. (ANI)

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Liz Taylor slams MJ doc for gay claim

May 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New York, May 14 (ANI): Elizabeth Taylor blasted Michael Jackson’s doctor, Dr. Arnold Klein, via Twitter for claiming that the late singer had a gay affair.

Earlier this month, Dr. Klein, a longtime friend and physician to Jackson who also treats Taylor, told TMZ that his office manager, Jason Pfeiffer, had a two-month gay affair with the King of Pop, reports The New York Post.

“Dr. Arnie Klein declared on May 2 that he did not betray Michael Jackson by saying publicly that he had a homosexual relationship with someone in Arnie”s office,” Taylor tweeted. “It seems he supplies not only women (Debbie Rowe), but men too … how convenient.”

“Just what we want in our doctors. And then to say he did not betray Michael”s confidence. No wonder he has death threats,” Taylor continued.

“I thought doctors, like priests took an oath of confidentiality. May God have mercy on his soul.”

Klein said he made the gay affair announcement to put an end to rumors that Jackson was a pedophile. (ANI)

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MJ’s physician may seek to delay preliminary hearing

May 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New York, May 11 (ANI): The physician accused of Michael Jackson’s murder may seek to delay the preliminary hearing of his trial.

According to TMZ.com, Miranda Sevcik, a spokesperson for Dr. Conrad Murray”s lawyer, said that the legal team is yet to receive the full criminal file relating to the pop legend”s death, reports The New York Post.

The defense team received only 3,500 pages of the document.

They may seek to delay the June 14 hearing if the rest of the document is not forthcoming.

Murray pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in February.

The physician, who runs medical practices in Houston and Las Vegas, was barred by the California Medical Board from administering or prescribing sedatives as a condition of his bail. (ANI)

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MJ’s bodyguards trying to prove he wasn’t gay

May 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New York, May 8 (ANI): Michael Jackson’s former bodyguards Bill Whitfield, Javon Beard and Mike Garcia, who were interviewed by ABC in March, will again appear in a chat show to dismiss rumours that the singer was gay.

They will also be seen talking about the late legend’s financial woes.

Publicist Lelani Clark confirms that according to the bodyguards, Jackson had two girlfriends in the last years of his life. One of them was called ‘Friend’ who had a European accent, reports The New York Post.

The guards are penning down a book ‘In Defense of the King’ which is about their three years with the King of Pop. (ANI)

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MJ’s doc receives death threat after claiming the singer was gay

May 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New York, May 03 (ANI): Dr. Arnold Klein, Michael Jackson”s personal physician and long-term friend, has claimed that he has been receiving death threats after stating that the late singer as gay.

Dr. Klein told TMZ that he received “horrible death threats” since he told that Jackson was gay to the gossip Web site.

Jackson”s office manager, Jason Pfeiffer, confessed last week on “Extra,” that he had an affair with his former boss, reports The New York Daily News.

After the interview, Klein called in TMZ to support Pfeiffer, adding that the office manager was “the love of [Jackson''s] life.”

Klein told TMZ that he revealed the singer”s secret to put an end to rumors that Jackson was a pedophile.

But he did add that Jackson’s alleged two-month fling with Pfeiffer was the only homosexual relationship he believes the singer has had.

Klein and Pfeiffer, who has also reportedly had his life threatened, have hired bodyguards since the incident. (ANI)

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MJ’s mum asks relatives to vacate California mansion

April 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, April 28(ANI): Michael Jackson”s mother Katherine has asked her former daughter-in-law Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza and her children to vacate her California mansion, it has emerged.

The Jackson family matriarch, who won custody of the King of Pop’s children, is apparently having trouble taking care of all her seven grandchildren in the San Fernando Valley house, reports the Daily Star.

According to TMZ.com, Oaziaza, who has two sons by ex-husband Jermaine Jackson and another two kids with Randy Jackson, may now move into a nearby condo, belonging to the family.

Jackson’s kids – Prince Michael, Paris and Blanket- have been living with Katherine, since his death in June last year. (ANI)

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Cirque du Soleil to base show on MJ”s music

April 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New York, April 21 (ANI): Late King of Pop Michael Jackson’s estate and Canadian entertainment company Cirque du Soleil are planning to produce a touring acrobatics show based on his music.

The “concert-like” arena tour, which is expected to start late next year and visit the New York metropolitan area, will end in 2012 with a permanent production in Las Vegas at a property owned by the MGM Mirage.

A Jackson-inspired nightclub will also open with the Vegas show.

“This will not just be a tribute to Michael’s musical genius, but a live entertainment experience that uses the most advanced technology to push every creative boundary as Michael always did,” the New York Daily News quoted estate layer John Branca as saying in a statement.

“Having attended Cirque du Soleil performances with Michael, I know he was a huge fan,” he stated.

The estate, which supports Jackson’s three children and his mother Katherine Jackson, will own 50 percent of the project and share in the cost of production. The estate also will receive royalty payments.

“Our family is thrilled that Cirque du Soleil will pay tribute to my son in such an important way,” Katherine Jackson said in a statement. (ANI)

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MJ’s ‘secret’ wife denied share in his property

April 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Washington, April 17 (ANI): According to a court’s ruling, the woman who had claimed that she was Michael Jackson’s wife will not be getting any share in the King of Pop’s estate.

A woman named Shellie Doreen Smith had claimed that she and Jackson had married in the seventies in New York City and had hence requested a part in the property.

Shellie had filed a creditor’s claim with the Jackson estate in December 2009, reports TMZ.

But, as per court documents, Shellie’s request for a share in the pop star’s assets has been denied. (ANI)

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Producer Rodney Jerkins likens Lady Gaga to MJ

March 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, Mar 27 (ANI): Comparing Lady Gaga to Michael Jackson, super-producer Rodney Jerkins has said that the eccentric singer could build a career to rival the late King of Pop”s.

Jerkins worked with the late superstar on his final studio album, 2001”s ‘Invincible’, and produced Gaga”s latest hit single ‘Telephone’.

The music mogul has confessed that he is extremely impressed with the ‘Poker Face’ hitmaker, and is sure that she can go on to become a music legend just like Jackson.

“We haven”t seen an artist like Gaga in a long time – we haven”t seen an artist that really has no fear. I remember Michael Jackson used to tell me he was crucified for doing Thriller, but he had to do what he felt was needed at that time. I”m just happy to be part of history,” the Daily Express quoted him as telling People.

“I”ve always wanted to leave my stamp on music, and to be able to say that I worked with Michael Jackson and now I”m working with Lady Gaga, who”ll probably go down in history as one of the best female entertainers of all time,” added Jerkins. (ANI)

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MJ’s home search reveals ‘skin-whitening cream”

March 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Melbourne, March 27 (ANI): Officials combing Michael Jackson’s home after his death were said to have stumbled on skin-whitening creams.

Several skin-whitening tubes and medical items, including four bottles of anesthetic, were found in a cupboard in the star’s room, according to released search warrants.

The documents were unveiled following a legal motion, News.com.au reported.

Jackson died aged 50 on June 25 last year at his home in Los Angeles. The coroner ruled the case as homicide mainly caused by an overdose of the anesthetic Propofol.

His personal doctor Conrad Murray admitted administering Propofol to help Jackson sleep hours before his death but said he gave him nothing to cause his death.

Murray has pleaded not guilty to the single charge of involuntary manslaughter over the singer’s death. (ANI)

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Women living with leaking sewage, open drains in home

March 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Two residents in the town of Elliott have spoken out about raw sewage in their homes in the hope of improving their living conditions.

The women, who want to be known only as ‘Sarah’ and ‘MJ’, have told the ABC that there leaking sewerage pipes, open drains and exposed electrical wiring in their homes.

MJ told ABC Radio that she paid rent to the Barkly Shire and she has approached the council about the problem.

But she said little had been done to fix things.

“We just want the housing standards to be up like every other Australians,” MJ said.

“Basically housing is just one of the basic human rights.”

The Barkly Shire’s acting chief executive, Gary Cleary said he has appealed to the Territory Government for more funding to fix the houses.

He said the housing department provided $2600 a year in maintenance funding for each of the outstation homes, but so-called community houses get $6000 a year.

“I don’t know that I necessarily fully understand the difference, particularly in Elliott,” he said.

“When you can have outstation houses within the town precincts and the community housing which attracts a different amount of money in the same environment.

“So the ladies have legitimate concerns and we have been forwarding that on up to the department.”

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MJ’s witness account dubbed ‘inconsistent’

March 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, March 24 (ANI): A leaked statement by a witness who was present at the scene when Michael Jackson breathed his final moments has been dubbed ‘inconsistent’ by the legal team for Dr Conrad Murray, who is charged with the involuntary manslaughter over the singer’s death.

Alberto Alvarez, Jackson”s logistics director, apparently told investigators Murray interrupted CPR on the dying star and caused delay in calling paramedics while he tried to conceal drugs.

However, Ed Chernoff, among the lawyers representing Murray, said on the legal firm”s website that the statement was “inconsistent”, The BBC reported.

He wrote: “This statement was given more than two months after Michael Jackson”s death and is inconsistent with a statement he (Alvarez) gave the police the day after Mr Jackson was taken to the hospital.

“Further, his statement does not match up with much of the physical evidence found at the scene.”

Chernoff added: “We would ask the public to reserve judgement until after the people”s witnesses are placed under oath and subjected to the rigours of cross-examination. We are confident that a fair trial will ferret out the truth.”

Murray has denied the charge, pleading not guilty to “unlawfully, and without malice, killing Michael Joseph Jackson”.

The doctor admitted administering Propofol to help Jackson sleep hours before his death.

Jackson died aged 50 on June 25 last year at his home in Los Angeles. Coroners ruled the case as homicide mainly caused by an overdose of the anesthetic Propofol.

The next hearing has been set for April 5. (ANI)

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MJ”s estate signs one of the biggest recording contracts in history

March 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New York, March 16 (ANI): Michael Jackson”s estate has signed a sweeping contract with Sony following which the record label will have the complete rights to sell the Pop icon”s back catalogue and many of his previously unheard recordings.

The contract, for about 10 recordings through 2017, is expected to rake up nearly 250 million dollars in advances and other payments for Jackson”s estate, while offering a special high royalty rate for sales both inside and outside the US, says sources.

The deal will also enable Sony and the estate to team up for several lucrative licensing arrangements, such as the use of Jackson”s music for movies, TV and stage shows, and memorabilia.

“We think that recordings will always be an important part of the estate…New generations of kids are discovering Michael,” the New York Times quoted John Branca, an entertainment lawyer who is one of the estate”s executors, as saying.

He added: “A lot of the people that went to see ”This Is It” were families.

” ”This Is It” was one of the few films allowed into China. So we think there are growing and untapped markets for Michael”s music.”

The first recording under the new contract is the “This Is It” soundtrack, released in 2009, and Sony is now planning a new album of unreleased recordings for November.

Rob Stringer, chairman of the Columbia/Epic Label Group, a Sony division, said: “It”s not just a record deal.

“We”re not just basing this on how many CDs we sell or how many downloads. There are also audio rights for theater, movies, computer games. I don”t know how an audio soundtrack will be used in 2017, but you”ve got to bet on Michael Jackson in any new platform.” (ANI)

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MJ’s brothers film new reality TV show

September 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, September 19 (ANI): Michael Jackson’s brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon have been filming a new reality TV show.

Tito revealed the first episode of ‘The Jackson Dynasty’ was shot in March, three months before the King of Pop died.

“It basically shows the insides of the Jackson brothers, what they are about, what they are about musically, their recording and their personal life as well as their public life, as you guys know it,” Contactmusic quoted him as telling BBC6 Music

“We’ve had cameras follow us our whole entire lives, so that part of it is no problem. I have nothing in my life that I need to hide or whatever so I’m good with it. If anything, they’re gonna see how many girlfriends I have,” he added.

The series, based on the brothers as they prepared for a Jackson 5 reunion tour, will air later this year. (ANI)

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MJ’s mother wins will ruling

September 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, September 19 (ANI): Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine can challenge the administrators of the singer’s estate without any threat to her 40 per cent stake, a judge has ruled.

The 79-year-old’s legal team said that she wants to have more say over the manner in which the 400 million dollar estate is handled.

According to the ruling, the King of Pop’s mum will not breach a ‘no contest’ clause in the family trust if she sets up a challenge before the executors over Jackson’s will, reports the Sun.

Katherine is the legal guardian of the star’s children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, after his sudden death on June 25.

She will receive more than 1 million dollars a year from his estate including a sum of 26,804 dollars a month for herself apart from a monthly allowance of 60,000 dollars for the three kids, as per the court’s order. (ANI)

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MJ’s new signature dance move, Penguin, set to sweep fans

September 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, September 19 (ANI): Michael Jackson’s completely new signature dance move in a new footage while rehearsing for his comeback concerts may soon become a rage amongst his fans.

The King of Pop, in the move, being called as the Penguin, was seen flapping his right arm up and down very quickly as his body shimmied while standing on the spot.

Jackson was spotted doing the hilarious Penguin in the video, thought to be from the This Is It movie rehearsal footage, as renowned choreographer Kenny Ortega coached and watched him over, reports the Sun.

The move was due to expand his signature repertoire of dance steps including the legendary Moonwalk, Anti-Gravity Lean, and Crotch Grab.

It would be no surprise if kids and adults tried to ape the Jackson Penguin, which West End star Ricko Baird said was not easy to imitate.

He said: “Michael was just so talented and he made it all look so easy. Some of his moves like the Moonwalk – and now the Penguin – are actually very difficult and need a lot of practice.”

Business analyst Christian Severina, 35, London, said: “I love Michael Jackson and I love his dancing. But this was really tricky to do it with the same grace and speed he does it. I ended up looking like I was having a fit.”

Hannah Turner, 16, of Essex, added: “Oh my god I look like such a wally. Only Michael Jackson can make that look cool.” (ANI)

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Richie’s daughter Sophia befriends MJ’s Paris

September 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, Sept 18 (ANI): Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie’s friendship has passed onto the next generation quite literally, as the daughter of the two stars are now pals.

Richie’s daughter Sophia and Jackson’s child Paris became friends after a playdate on the Saturday before MJ passed away.

The 60-year-old Richie is extremely delighted that their daughters are pals now.

Contactmusic quoted the Hello singer as saying: “Michael and I have been trying to get them together forever and ironically enough they had a playdate on that Saturday before he died. That was our first-time meeting.

“We met backstage and they (girls) have been inseparable ever since.”(ANI)

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MJ called dad to help deal with ‘bully’ music bosses, says La Toya

September 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, September 18 (ANI): Michael Jackson’s sister La Toya has revealed that the late singer called his father Joe to help him deal with music executives.

The revelation comes as a surprise as the King of Pop had been open about his troubled relationship with his dad.

“Michael had a wonderful relationship with my father,” Contactmusic quoted La Toya as saying.

The ‘Thriller’ singer apparently wanted his father to deal with music bosses of his future shows.

She said: ” About two or three weeks before he passed he was having this really big meeting with all these people that were working with him and he said, ‘Joseph, I need you to come, I need you to be there because I’m not liking anything these people are doing with me, I want you to be there and tell them like it is.’ He even wrote a note to say, ‘I must call Joseph to have him there.’” (ANI)

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