Michael Jackson is gone

[samanthajane13]

Pepsi Slams Release of Jackson's Fiery Ad
Josh Grossberg Josh Grossberg – Fri Jul 17, 12:26 pm ET

Los Angeles (E! Online) – The choice of a new generation is...voyeurism?

In the wake of footage surfacing online showing the filming of the infamous 1984 Pepsi commercial in which Michael Jackson's hair caught fire, the bottling company released a statement wondering aloud what the fascination about it is other than morbid curiosity.

"We don't know how the footage became available. Twenty-five years later, we'd question why anyone would want to share such frightening images. It was a terrifying event that we'll never forget," spokeswoman Nicole Bradley said.

And undoubtedly akin to something out of his Thriller video.

In the video promoting the soft drink, Jackson performs a retooled version of "Billy Jean" before 3,000 screaming fans (among the extras were comedians Kathy Griffin and Jon Lovitz—before they were famous) at L.A.'s Shrine Auditorium.

But on the sixth take, as Jackson struts down a staircase onto a stage, the background fireworks explode early. The singer starts making his way down the steps, but doesn't realize his hair has suddenly caught fire until he reaches the bottom and goes into his spin. Only then did he touch his head and realize his scalp was burning.

Stagehands gathered around Jackson and quickly doused the flames. But the Moonwalker was taken to a hospital with second- and third-degree burns on his head and face, an injury that required skin grafts.

It's now being speculated that the incident may have led to his dependence on prescription pain medication, an addiction he allegedly battled for the rest of his life. Pepsi later aired a version of the ad without the hair-raising moment and paid Jackson $1.4 million for his pain and suffering, but the music legend ended up donating the money to a burn victim center.

Since Jackson's fiery performance bubbled up over the Internet and cable news two days ago, Pepsi initially declined to catch the wave and comment on it. But the company chose to speak out now not only to criticize the release of such imagery (and incidentally the public's grotesque obsession with it), but also to pay tribute to the late King of Pop, with whom it had the good fortune of working during his 1980s peak.

"We were grateful for Michael's recovery and for the chance to continue working with him on a number of successful projects," Bradley added. "As for Michael as an artist, his music helped us define a generation and, like everyone else, we're deeply saddened by his passing."

The rep also said Pepsi has no intention of pursuing legal action to stop the burn footage from airing and, in fact, isn't even sure who owns the rights.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090717/en_celeb_eo/134623

[lorettalockhorn]

Gee,I don't know much about Debbie Rowe, but she strikes me (so far since MJ's death) as someone who gets up on the wrong side of the bed too often.

Last night on Nancy Grace it was pointed out that the settlement ($1.5 million?) collected by Jackson was donated to a childrens' hospital burn unit.

[JLette]

Gee,I don't know much about Debbie Rowe, but she strikes me (so far since MJ's death) as someone who gets up on the wrong side of the bed too often.

Last night on Nancy Grace it was pointed out that the settlement ($1.5 million?) collected by Jackson was donated to a childrens' hospital burn unit.

i read on wikipedia that it was the burn unit at the hospital where he was treated for the burns. he seemed to be pretty happy to donate to various causes...since his death i have become more and more sympathetic towards him it seems

[samanthajane13]

Jackson Custody Hearing Pushed Back, Again
Natalie Finn Natalie Finn – 2 hrs 9 mins ago

Los Angeles (E! Online) – Looks like Debbie Rowe and Katherine Jackson's lawyers are doing everything in their power to keep their clients from having to share a courtroom.

A custody hearing related to the care of Michael Jackson's three children has been postponed yet again, this time to Aug. 3. His mother will remain the kids' temporary guardian in the meantime.

When announcing that there wouldn't be a court date this past Monday, either, Katherine's attorney, L. Londell McMillan, said they and Rowe's camp were hoping the extra time would allow them "to privately and amicably resolve this most important matter in a dignified manner for the benefit of the children first and all involved."

Rowe's side has remained mum—except to deny stories that the mother of Jackson's two eldest kids had settled for another big, fat payday in exchange for any custodial rights—but the repeated docket-ducking has prompted all sorts of speculation as to just what an amicable resolution in this case might entail.

Amid reports that the two sides are nearing a resolution...here's hoping it harbors aspects of amicability when it arrives.

Also scheduled for Aug. 3 is a hearing on the King of Pop's estate, which he left under the executorship of attorney John Branca and music exec John McClain in a 2002 will.

A judge shot down Katherine's attempt to continue on as a special administrator last week.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090718/en_top_eo/134736

[samanthajane13]

Jackson's mother may challenge will executors
LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson's mother asked for a judge's ruling Friday on whether she can challenge the authority of two men named in her son's will as executors of his estate without being disinherited.

The filing does not formally challenge the appointment of attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain as executors of Michael Jackson's estate.

But a favorable ruling could pave the way for 79-year-old Katherine Jackson to seek control of her son's estate, which has an estimated value of more than $500 million.

A judge granted her temporary control over roughly 2,000 items taken from her son's Neverland Ranch and slated for auction, but her authority expired and was given to Branca and McClain. She had sought to control Jackson's estate, but that was before the singer's 2002 will was filed in Los Angeles.

It names Branca and McClain as Jackson's choice for co-executors of the will, and states his estate should be placed in a private trust.

Jackson's trust included a "no contest" clause that calls for anyone who challenges the will to be disinherited. Katherine Jackson, her three grandchildren and unnamed charities are beneficiaries of the estate.

The filing states that Katherine Jackson's attorneys continue to confer with attorneys for McClain and Branca and no final decisions have been made.

"Mrs. Jackson and her counsel have not yet decided whether to object to the appointment of the named executors or to suggest an alternate appointment," the filing states.

A phone message left after business hours Friday for Paul Gordon Hoffman, an attorney representing Branca and McClain, was not immediately returned.

The filing was first reported by RadarOnline.com.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff will consider how to handle the filing at a hearing on Aug 3. Lingering issues about Jackson's estate could be decided then, and the hearing will also focus on whether Katherine Jackson will be allowed to keep custody of her son's children, who range in ages from 7 to 12.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090718/ap_en_ot/us_socal_jackson_estate

[samanthajane13]

Jermaine Jackson Tells TMZ to "Get Their Facts Straight"
Megan Masters Megan Masters – 1 hr 49 mins ago

Los Angeles (E! Online) – Are the Jackson brothers really performing in Jamaica or what?

We're still not totally sure. Depending on who you listen to, the answers seem to vary.

Yesterday, TMZ reported that Jermaine Jackson would be joining his brothers Tito and Jackie Jackson onstage at the 17th annual Jamaican Reggae Summerfest in Montego Bay, but the performer was singing a different tune when E! News caught up with him on a Friday afternoon shopping spree.

Jackson's choice words for the ever accurate gossip hounds? "No. TMZ needs to get their facts straight. We're not going to Jamaica."

So there you have it. It's a no-go for Jermaine, but does that "we" apply to the rest of the family affair?

Apparently not, because according to Summerfest spokesperson Damian McGann, "Both of the brothers will perform on Saturday night. This is dedicated to the memory of Michael."

Guess we'll just have to wait and see which Jacksons actually take the Jamaican stage next weekend.

—Additional reporting by Lindsay Miller


http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090718/en_top_eo/134812

[samanthajane13]

Katherine Jackson Working to Get Around Michael's No-Contest Clause
Megan Masters Megan Masters – Sat Jul 18, 5:11 pm ET

Los Angeles (E! Online) – Amidst all of the custody turmoil, there still remains the issue of who exactly will be named executor of Michael Jackson's estate.

However, arguing the point may result in an heir-apparent's complete disinheritance.

Enter the Jackson matriarch to make sure everything is handled by the book.

According to legal documents filed by Katherine Jackson's attorneys, Michael's trust included an iron clad "no-contest clause" as a way of discouraging any of his heirs from arguing over his estate. If a beneficiary attempts to challenge these terms in court, the clause stipulates that the heir will disinherit their share of his estate.

Unfortunately, the family remains torn over the icon's appointment of John McClain and John Branca as estate executor's, leading Katherine to hedge her bets, so to speak, asking the court to determine if her potential objection would in fact result in violation of her son's trust.

At this time, a decision has yet to be reached and the hearing to discuss the matter is set to take place August 3.

-Additional reporting by Claudia Rosenbaum


http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090718/en_top_eo/134820

[samanthajane13]

Jackson Reunion Tour in the Works?
Brandi Fowler Brandi Fowler – Sat Jul 18, 9:45 pm ET

Los Angeles (E! Online) – Michael Jackson's death left a huge void in the music world. His brothers may be trying to fill at least one of them with the rebirth of the Jackson….four.

It appears that the King of Pop's passing may spurn a mini-reunion tour for the surviving members of the Jackson 5.

Jacksons Tito, Randy, Marlon and Jermaine are reportedly in talks with concert promoters AEG to perform at the O2 Arena in London, according to the Los Angeles Times.

That would be the same venue where the King of Pop was set to stage his comeback with 50 shows, before he died June 25.

While a rep for AEG has yet to comment, according to the L.A. Times, any show put on by the brothers would not be a one-off: They are reportedly negotiating for several dates at the U.K. venue.

Countdown to when Jermaine calls the paper a liar in 3...2...1...


http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090719/en_celeb_eo/134825

[Nawny]

Exclusive: Photos of Michael Jackson Show Signs of Vitiligo and Needle Punctures
Expert Tells ABC News Needle Puncture Marks on Jackson's Leg in 2002 Photos Are 'Very Unusual'

Exclusive photos of Michael Jackson obtained by ABC News show a serious wound on the pop star's right leg, which a medical expert said appears to be surrounded by unusual needle punctures.

"On the photographs of Michael Jackson, it looks like there was necrosis on his lower leg where there might have been fluid that went into his lower leg," a possible result of an IV that had leaked into the leg, Dr. Debra Jaliman, a leading dermatologist and spokeswoman for the American Academy of Dermatologists, told ABC News.

"It looks like there are multiple puncture points from IV placement," she said.

The wound seen in the photos, which were taken in 2002, could have been a result of contact with highly caustic, acidic fluid that would burn the skin and cause it to turn black, Jaliman said.

"If, in fact, he had an IV here, and the IV fluid, which may have been acidic fluid, went into his skin, it might may have, in fact, destroyed the skin," she said. "That's all dead skin that would then make an ulceration underneath that skin."

In the photos, Jaliman highlighted areas of blue discoloration in Jackson's leg and puncture marks, which she said point to needle entry.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MichaelJackson/story?id=8083809&page=1

Enlarged photo here:

http://abcnews.go.com/primetime


Jaliman didn't know MJ had a spider bite? Hmmm.. So much of his environment and skin conditions remind me of King Henry the 8th. He lived in the lap of luxury to the oomph degree and was so riddled with skin issues. Look at the chair he is sitting in! It's probably worth more than my house. Again the lesson comes: Money does not protect us from suffering, huh? So why does everyone want it? And again, we pity the rich. MJ was a great artist but I'll save my pity for the hungry and for those struggling to feed and clothe their children. His life was one that experienced more food and more clothing then he outlived. The simple things he didn't notice.

No disrespect intended. He is a legend.

May he rest in peace, indeed. :rose:

[samanthajane13]

Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri Call It Quits?
Marc Malkin Marc Malkin – Fri Jul 17, 5:33 pm ET

Los Angeles (E! Online) – Another day, another breakup rumor for Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri.

US Weekly reported this morning that the couple has split after almost seven years together because they are "polar opposites [who] were never too compatible." Jackson is shy and private, while Dupri is a gregarious charmer who loves to be out and about.

Buzz that the relationship had taken a recent dive began circulating after Dupri was a no-show at Michael Jackson's memorial service...

And I just learned that shortly before the King of Pop's death, Janet left the publicist she shared with Dupri for another high-powered mouthpiece.

However, two days before the Staples Center tribute, Dupri and Jackson were spotted together grabbing a bite to eat at a burger stand at the Malibu Country Mart. "They seemed like they were still together," an eyewitness says.

Reps for Jackson and Dupri are not commenting today. So, where are the two now?

Jackson is reportedly back at work reprising her role as Patricia in the sequel to Tyler Perry's 2007 comedy hit Why Did I Get Married? Her costar Malik Yoba blogged on Monday that she was back and "all seems well."

Dupri has been crisscrossing the country for DJ gigs. On Saturday night, he played Mixx nightclub at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. He dedicated one set to Michael.

And he did the same last night, but at the Bud Light Lime party at the Underground in Chicago. "He deejayed for two hours and drank Johnny Walker Blue all night," a source says. "He seemed to be in a really good mood."

Before launching into some hits by Janet's late brother, Dupri said, "I love you and I hear you Michael," according to a clubgoer.

As much as breakup talk has plagued the two, there have also been countless reports about an engagement.

"Most people don't get it right," Jackson told me in April 2008 when our talk turned to marriage. "Look at me! The thing is, I don't know if I ever will or won't get married again. I'm very happy where I am. I just think I jinx marriages, but that's not going to stop me from loving."

—Reporting by Claudia Rosenbaum


http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090717/en_movies_eo/134694

[samanthajane13]

Sony bids $50 million for Jackson rehearsal film
By RYAN NAKASHIMA, AP Business Writer Ryan Nakashima, Ap Business Writer – 55 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Sony Corp.'s movie studio has bid $50 million to acquire the worldwide distribution rights to a film based on rehearsal footage for Michael Jackson's "This Is It" comeback concert series, according to a person familiar with the bid.

The person said Monday that the bid came after several studios, including Paramount, Universal, 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros., were shown footage starting early last week. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the bidding had not been completed.

The winning studio would produce the film with Jackson's concert promoter, AEG Live, and his estate.

It would go a long way to helping AEG Live recoup some of the $30 million to $32 million it spent producing the concert before Jackson died June 25.

Sony Pictures has a leg up on other bidders because Sony Music distributes Jackson's music and is in a 50-50 partnership with his estate in Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

The bidding was reported earlier by the Los Angeles Times and industry blogger Nikki Finke.

The estate and AEG Live are also negotiating with several television networks and pay-per-view outlets on a TV special that would be a stage show featuring Jackson's music and dancing. It would be directed by "This Is It" director Kenny Ortega.

The selling price being discussed for the rights to show the TV special is also in the tens of millions of dollars.

General Electric Co.'s NBC has been in talks on the TV show, but the concept, air date and cost for the rights has not been finalized, said NBC spokeswoman Rebecca Marks.

"We have no deal for the rights to the Michael Jackson special," Marks said.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090720/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_film

[samanthajane13]

Jackson's father suggests foul play in son's death

LOS ANGELES – Joe Jackson said in a televised interview Monday that he's taken his son Michael's death "very hard" and believes the doctor who took care of him could be behind the singer's demise.

The patriarch of the Jackson family appeared on "Larry King Live" and implied his son's personal doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, may be to blame for the death.

"The doctor gave him something to make him rest, and then he don't wake up no more. Something is wrong there," Jackson said. He did not refer to Murray by name.

A phone listing for Murray could not be found, and two messages left with his attorney, Edward Chernoff, on Monday night were not immediately returned.

The family is awaiting the coroner's toxicology report to determine how Michael Jackson died at the age of 50. The results are expected next week.

Investigators obtained a search warrant and removed several bottles of the powerful anesthetic propofol from Jackson's home, according to a person with knowledge of the investigation. The person is not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity.

Jackson suggested Murray couldn't be found following his son's death on June 25.

"This doctor, he ran away. They had to look for him three days to find him. To me that is foul play," Jackson said.

Police interviewed Murray two days after Jackson's death. Authorities say he is a not a suspect, though the cardiologist is a key figure in the investigation because he was with Jackson in the mansion and tried to revive him. His car has been seized after police said they believe the vehicle may contain drugs or other evidence.

Wearing a black fedora and a gold medallion of Africa hanging around his neck, Jackson appeared on the show with promoter Leonard Rowe. When asked by King how he's dealt with his son's death, Joe Jackson replied, "I took it very hard."

Jackson added he didn't know where his son's body is being kept and hasn't seen the results from a second autopsy performed on Michael Jackson at the family's request.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090721/ap_en_ce/us_jackson_interview

[samanthajane13]

'Criminal aspects' probed in Jackson memorial cost
By MICHAEL R. BLOOD, Associated Press Writer Michael R. Blood, Associated Press Writer – 1 hr 41 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Investigators looking into the chain of events that led City Hall to spend an estimated $1.4 million for police protection and other services at Michael Jackson's memorial have turned up possible criminal wrongdoing, the city attorney said Tuesday.

The disclosure two weeks after Jackson's lavish farewell came amid a public backlash over the taxpayer bill, which included more than $48,000 for sandwiches brought in for police from 70 miles away.

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich has been reviewing the procedures that led the city to deploy thousands of police and other city workers for the star-studded tribute at the downtown Staples Center, hoping to identify a way for taxpayers to recoup at least some of the money.

"Our investigation has taken an unanticipated turn that raises both civil and criminal aspects," Trutanich told the City Council. The investigation is continuing, but he said he could not reveal any further details about possible criminal activity.

Trutanich later told the Council his office had exchanged correspondence with AEG, the company that owns the Staples Center. Subsidiary AEG Live was the promoter behind Jackson's planned comeback concerts in London.

"That letter is an investigative-type letter," said Trutanich spokesman John Franklin. "He's asking questions and wanting them to produce certain things.

"His main goal here is to recoup the taxpayers' money. When you are dealing with the civil aspect, that's basically it," Franklin added.

Staples did not reply to an e-mail sent to its media office. AEG Live spokesman Michael Roth did not return a phone call.

The city attorney's office prosecutes misdemeanors, but the office could also pass on any evidence it uncovers of more serious violations to the county district attorney.

The city's involvement in the Jackson event, which was broadcast worldwide, has been marked by confusion. An attempt to collect donations from Jackson fans to help cover the costs was later abandoned by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who at first supported the idea.

The Police Department deployed 3,200 officers after projecting that as many as 250,000 people would converge on downtown streets for the service. Beyond ticket holders, only about 1,000 fans showed up.

The City Council is seeking a full accounting of the taxpayer dollars committed to Jackson's tribute. Councilman Dennis Zine has said the cost of the event could far surpass the estimate.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090722/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_memorial_cost

[lorettalockhorn]

Uk Paper: Jacko Doc Admits He’s the Dad, Now Wants Custody

As I’ve already reported in this space the mystery sperm donor for Michael Jackson’s two oldest children, 12 year old Prince Michael and 11 year old Paris Katherine, is Jackson’s dermatologist for the last 25 years.

Now, the London Daily Mirror reports the beleaguered Dr. Arnold Klein, already in the cross hairs of a joint DEA/LAPD investigation into whether he illegally wrote prescription drug orders for Jackson, plans to jump into the official custody battle for the kids. According to this report Klein has told friends he wants to take a DNA test and prove once and for all he is the Baby Daddy.

No word on whether Dr. Klein would also want to take custody of 7 year old Blanket whose parentage is still a mystery. In nearly every instance judges like to keep siblings together. My question is why Klein’s sudden interest in playing Daddy? Does he think law enforcement might ease up on him if he’s suddenly responsible for children?

QUOTES FROM THE LONDON DAILY MIRROR :

“Now the 64-year-old millionaire has told friends that he IS the biological father, he wants to bring them up and he is consulting lawyers about his options. A custody application filed with Los Angeles Superior Court in which Klein formally acknowledges he is Prince Michael and Paris’s father would be one of the most sensational developments yet in the entire Michael Jackson saga.

Klein’s intervention threatens to throw into total chaos the custody deal that was pending between the children’s biological mother, Debbie Rowe, and Jackson’s mother Katherine. A well-placed source, who is close friends with one of Klein’s inner circle, told the Sunday Mirror yesterday: “Arnie is planning to fight for custody of Prince Michael and Paris. “He says he can prove he is their father with Debbie.” via Michael Jackson’s doctor to stake custody claim on his kids saying: ‘I’m the daddy’ - mirror.co.uk.”

Now that Dr. Klein apparently plans to fight for custody. Boy, this could really get ugly. And the kids are the real victims.

http://dianedimond.net/

BTW, Diane's site has some great links.

[samanthajane13]

Investigators want more info from Jackson doc
By THOMAS WATKINS, Associated Press Writer Thomas Watkins, Associated Press Writer – 1 hr 11 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – The lawyer for Michael Jackson's doctor says Los Angeles County coroner's investigators are seeking additional information from his client.

Ed Chernoff, who represents Conrad Murray, the physician who tended to Jackson as he was dying on June 25, has already been interviewed twice by Los Angeles police detectives. In a statement posted on his Web site late Tuesday, Murray said the coroner's office was seeking more information.

A cause of death has yet to be determined for the pop star.

Chernoff did not immediately return a message, but his spokeswoman Miranda Sevcik says the interview might happen Friday. She says Murray is currently in Las Vegas, where he has a medical office.

A message left at the coroner's office was not immediately returned.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090722/ap_en_ce/us_socal_michael_jackson_doctor

[samanthajane13]

Lawyer: Police seek Jackson manslaughter link
By JUAN A. LOZANO and THOMAS WATKINS, Associated Press Writers Juan A. Lozano And Thomas Watkins, Associated Press Writers – 7 mins ago

HOUSTON – A lawyer for Michael Jackson's doctor says police who searched the physician's north Houston clinic were searching for evidence of manslaughter.

Dr. Conrad Murray had been interviewed by police as a witness to the pop star's death, but has not been considered a suspect.

Los Angeles police and agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration searched the Armstrong Medical Clinic on Wednesday for about 2 1/2 hours. Authorities said they were searching for documents.

"The search warrant authorized law enforcement to search for and seize items, including documents, they believed constituted evidence of the offense of manslaughter," Ed Chernoff, Murray's attorney, said in a statement posted on his law firm's Web site.

Chernoff said agents left with "a forensic image" of a computer hard drive and 21 documents.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090722/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_doctor

[samanthajane13]

LA coroner seeks records from Jackson nutritionist

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Michael Jackson's former nutritionist is the latest person authorities are tapping as they piece together the star's medical history.

Los Angeles County Coroner's officials are at the Inglewood office of Cherilyn Lee, serving a subpoena for records related to her treatment of Jackson, Lee's spokeswoman says.

Belinda Foster says Lee is cooperating with investigators but required a subpoena because the records were protected by law. Lee treated Jackson between January and April, when she says he began persistently asking her for the powerful anesthetic central to the death investigation.

The subpoena comes hours after Los Angeles police and federal drug agents raided the Houston office of Jackson's personal physician.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090722/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_nutritionist

[samanthajane13]

In Jackson case, what constitutes manslaughter?
By LINDA DEUTSCH, AP Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch, Ap Special Correspondent – 1 hr 11 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – If Michael Jackson's death turns into a manslaughter case, prosecutors would have to show that his doctor acted in a negligent or reckless fashion in causing the pop star's death.

The possibility of such a charge emerged Wednesday after authorities served a search warrant at the Houston offices of Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson's personal physician. Murray's attorney, Ed Chernoff, said investigators were looking for items "they believed constituted evidence of the offense of manslaughter."

Such a charge does not require an intent to kill and experts said the focus would more likely be on whether Murray took unnecessary risks in administering a drug or drugs to Jackson.

To prove a charge of manslaughter, authorities must show there was a reckless action that created a risk of death or great bodily injury. If a doctor is aware of the risk, there might also be an issue of whether the patient knows that risk and decided to take it.

A patient's complicity in taking the risk could reduce the doctor's culpability, said Harland Braun, a prominent Los Angeles defense attorney who has represented doctors in cases involving administering of drugs.

"Every drug has a risk," he said. "In the case of a manslaughter charge, you have to show it was a reckless risk to even administer it and that the drug was administered in a reckless manner."

The search warrants for Murray's office were obtained by the Los Angeles Police Department. LAPD detectives were joined in the search by agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

DEA spokeswoman Violet Szeleczky said the search was focused on records, not drugs.

Chernoff said agents left with "a forensic image" of a computer hard drive and 21 documents.

Braun said the seizure of a computer indicates authorities are looking not just for patient records but also for e-mails either between the doctor and Jackson or orders for prescription drugs.

Loyola University law professor and former federal prosecutor Laurie Levenson said a search warrant gives authorities the opportunity to talk to employees at Murray's office. She said they may be seeking evidence of a cover-up or use of pseudonyms in providing Jackson with drugs.

Murray, a cardiologist, was hired by Jackson not long before the pop star's death on June 25. The doctor was with him in Jackson's rented mansion and tried to revive him when he was found unconscious.

Among the drugs found in Jackson's home was the powerful anesthetic propofol, according to a person with knowledge of the investigation. The person is not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity.

Propofol depresses breathing and the heart rate and lowers blood pressure so it's supposed to be administered by an anesthesia professional in a medical setting.

Braun said doctors are permitted to administer a drug for uses not specified on the drug label as long as they don't use it in a reckless manner. But the responsibility for the use falls on the doctor.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090722/ap_on_re_us/us_michael_jackson_manslaughter

[lorettalockhorn]

Statement by Ed Chernoff
July 22nd, 2009
July 22, 2009

“We can confirm that a search warrant was executed today on Dr. Murray’s offices in Houston Texas. We reviewed the warrant and remained on the premises while the search was being executed. The search was conducted by members of the DEA, two Robbery – Homicide detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department and Houston Police officers. The search warrant authorized law enforcement to search for and seize items, including documents, they believed constituted evidence of the offense of manslaughter. Law enforcement concluded their search around 12:30pm, and left with a forensic image of a business computer hard drive and 21 documents. None of the documents taken had previously been requested by law enforcement or the L.A. Coroner’s office. “

http://houstoncriminallaw-pressroom.com/

[samanthajane13]

Jackson Nurse Joins the Subpoena Brigade
Natalie Finn and Whitney English Natalie Finn And Whitney English – Wed Jul 22, 8:25 pm ET

Los Angeles (E! Online) – If you in any way examined or treated Michael Jackson over the past decade, chances are you've been in contact with law enforcement recently.

Cherilyn Lee, the nurse and nutritionist who says that the King of Pop once begged her for propofol, confirms to E! News that the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office was at her office Wednesday to pick up Jackson's medical records.

"Before the Fourth of July they were contacting me," Lee tells us. "They were initially telling me thank you because it helped with their investigation."

The coroner's visit to Lee's office today came as two LAPD detectives, Houston police and Drug Enforcement Administration agents executed a search warrant at the Houston offices of Dr. Conrad Murray, the cardiologist employed privatedly by Jackson at the time of his death.

Lee reiterated that she never administered the anesthetic propofol—or any other drug—to Jackson when he was under her care.

"He didn't take any medications from me, I'm just nutritional," Lee told E! News today. "When it switched over to medication, especially that particular medication, I told him—I only deal with nutrition."

She said that she last spoke to Jackson on June 21, four days before his death, when a member of his entourage called her to alarmingly report that Jackson felt cold on one side of his body and hot on the other.

"I received a call from his staff on Father's Day asking if I could come see him right away," says Lee. "I could hear Michael in the background. He sounded very anxious when he was making the statement that one side of his body was real hot and one side of his body was very cold. I said he should go into the emergency room. That's the last time I spoke to him."

The last time she saw him was in April—and she didn't see any signs of drug abuse then, Lee says.

"Anyone who is abusing drugs is not going to have normal lab results," says Lee of the records she handed over to the authorities. "I didn't see...signs, nothing."

"I did an exam of his body, and he was fine," she added. "There were no track marks."

A source familiar with both autopsies that were performed has confirmed to E! News that there were needle marks on Jackson's neck and arms when he died. A coroner's source says a potentially lethal amount of propofol was also present in his system.

The medical examiner's official findings are expected to be presented sometime next week.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090723/en_top_eo/135487

[samanthajane13]

Several coroner's staffers viewed Jackson file

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson's death certificate was improperly viewed by at least a half-dozen employees at the Los Angeles County coroner's office who had no role in investigating the cause of his death, a coroner's official said Wednesday.

In some instances, the staff members appeared to have printed copies before the document became a public record, Chief Investigator Craig Harvey told the Los Angeles Times.

"There's only one person in the investigation of Mr. Jackson who needed to have a copy of the death certificate, and that was the investigator," Harvey said.

Improper views of the certificate, which is stored in a state-supervised computer system, is a violation of internal rules, not any laws, he said. A coroner's captain issued an e-mail warning to the staff that future abuses of the system could result in disciplinary action.

Harvey also revealed that within two weeks of the entertainer's June 25 death, the certificate had been viewed more than 300 times. The electronic death registration system can be accessed by anyone with a state-issued password, including employees at coroner's offices, funeral homes, hospitals and county and state registrar's offices.

___

Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090723/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_coroner

[samanthajane13]

Officials probe Jackson's doctors in star's death
By THOMAS WATKINS and JUAN A. LOZANO, Associated Press Writers Thomas Watkins And Juan A. Lozano, Associated Press Writers – Thu Jul 23, 6:26 am ET

LOS ANGELES – Investigators looking into the death of pop star Michael Jackson have seized new information to analyze as they narrow their focus in what could become a criminal investigation.

Almost one month after the King of Pop died, federal and local agents on Wednesday raided the Houston clinic of Conrad Murray, the personal physician Jackson hired in May to look after him as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts in London.

Among the items seized were files copied from an office hard drive and 21 documents. Murray's lawyer, Edward Chernoff, said authorities believed the evidence "constituted evidence of the offense of manslaughter." He did not provide further details, and police said they do not consider Murray to be a suspect.

Authorities are investigating several doctors who associated with Jackson to see if they inappropriately provided him with prescription drugs.

In the weeks since he died, rumors about what killed him have been rife. Several members of Jackson's family have said they suspect foul play. Investigators appear to be focusing on a powerful anesthetic, propofol. The drug was found in the Beverly Hills mansion Jackson was renting, according to a person with knowledge of the investigation who is not authorized to speak publicly.

Wednesday's raid of Murray's clinic in a lower-income area of north Houston was the most visible sign yet that Murray remains a central figure in the investigation.

On June 25, Murray found Jackson unconscious in a bedroom of Jackson's rented mansion, his lawyer has said, and tried to revive him and ultimately helped summon paramedics.

Police have twice interviewed Murray, including at the Los Angeles hospital where Jackson was taken and pronounced dead. The coroner's office wanted its own interview, which the lawyer agreed to; it may happen Friday without Murray present, according to Miranda Sevcik, Chernoff's spokeswoman. Chernoff would answer questions on the doctor's behalf.

"Based on Dr. Murray's minute-by-minute and item-by-item description of Michael Jackson's last days, he should not be a target of criminal charges," Chernoff had said in a statement a day before the raid. "Dr. Murray was the last doctor standing when Michael Jackson died, and it seems all the fury is directed toward him."

Murray also has a clinic in Las Vegas, which showed no signs of activity Wednesday.

Also Wednesday, Los Angeles County coroner's officials were piecing together Jackson's medical history from subpoenaed records related to nutritionist Cherilyn Lee's treatment of Jackson, according to Lee's spokeswoman, Belinda Foster.

The registered nurse is cooperating with investigators but required a subpoena because the records were protected by law, Foster said.

The coroner's office did not return calls Wednesday seeking comment.

____

Lozano reported from Houston; contributing to this report were AP Writers Justin Pritchard in Los Angeles, Ken Ritter in Las Vegas and Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch in Los Angeles.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090723/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_doctor

[samanthajane13]

Jackson estate lawyers seek allowance for children

LOS ANGELES – Attorneys handling Michael Jackson's estate say they have asked a judge to approve an allowance for the singer's three children and his mother.

The request came Thursday morning from attorneys for two men who are serving as temporary executors of Jackson's estate. Paul Gordon Hoffman, an attorney representing the co-executors, said a judge will consider the requests Aug. 3.

A similar request was brought for the pop icon's mother, Katherine Jackson, which will also be taken up at next month's hearing. It is still unclear how much the children or their grandmother would receive, but the four are the main beneficiaries of Jackson's estate.

The children are currently being cared for by Katherine Jackson.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090723/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_estate

[samanthajane13]

Michael Jackson's Death Certificate Over-Manhandled
Natalie Finn Natalie Finn – Thu Jul 23, 11:21 am ET

Los Angeles (E! Online) – Let us just say we are shocked—shocked!—by the news that Michael Jackson's death certificate has been improperly accessed, like, 300 times.

To think that the same metropolitan area that is home to people who sold info about Farrah Fawcett's cancer battle to the National Enquirer and poked through Britney Spears' medical history could possibly produce such looky-loos!

Alas, it's true.

The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday that the L.A. County Coroner's Office is investigating a number of security breaches in connection with the ongoing Jackson death probe, as well as system vulnerabilities found in the computers where confidential investigation records are stored.

At least six employees are suspected of needlessly peeking at the King of Pop's death certificate (which, pending the final autopsy report, currently lists the cause as "deferred") and in some cases printing copies of it before it had become public record.

"There's only one person in the investigation of Mr. Jackson who needed to have a copy of the death certificate, and that was the investigator," coroner's office spokesman Craig Harvey told the Times.

In a July 9 email, a coroner's captain advised errant staffers to destroy any copies made of the certificate and to keep their eyes on their own paperwork from that point on, as employees are only supposed to access the Electronic Death Registration System "strictly in the performance of [their] official coroner duties."

Harvey said that no law enforcement agency has been contacted because no laws appear to have been broken, only internal protocol.

Not to mention, once again, the boundaries of good taste.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090723/en_top_eo/135522

[samanthajane13]

Manslaughter investigation targets Jackson doctor
By THOMAS WATKINS, Associated Press Writer Thomas Watkins, Associated Press Writer – 21 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson's personal doctor is the target of the manslaughter investigation into the singer's death, according to court documents filed Thursday, the day after agents seized items from the physician's Houston clinic and a rented storage unit.

A search warrant approved by a Houston judge allowed authorities to seek "property or items constituting evidence of the offense of manslaughter that tend to show that Dr. Conrad Murray committed the said criminal offense."

Murray, 51, was with Jackson when he died and has been a central character in the investigation from the outset. The surprise search of his clinic Wednesday indicated authorities were focusing on him, but the warrant language made it clear he's the target.

Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Officer Bruce Borihanh said he could confirm a search warrant was served but had no other comment. LAPD investigators have interviewed Murray twice but haven't labeled him a suspect.

Murray's lawyer, Edward Chernoff, referred queries Thursday to the statement he made a day earlier in which he confirmed a search warrant had been executed and that none of the items seized had previously been requested by authorities.

The documents filed Thursday detailed items taken when federal drug agents and Los Angeles police descended on Murray's clinic. Among them: 27 tablets of the weight loss drug phentermine, a tablet of the muscle relaxant clonazepam, a forensic image of a hard drive, rolodex business cards and e-mails.

The Jackson family has not made any public statements since the search warrant was executed.

Murray, a cardiologist, is licensed to practice in California, Texas and Nevada, and records show he has had no disciplinary actions taken against him.

He was hired as Jackson's personal physician not long before he died. He was in Jackson's rented Los Angeles mansion when the pop star was found unconscious the morning of June 25 and tried unsuccessfully to revive him.

An official determination of what killed Jackson won't be made until at least next week, when the Los Angeles County coroner expects to have a completed toxicology report.

Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said Thursday he had sought information from "seven or eight" doctors and Murray is the only one he has yet to talk to.

Winter said Chernoff had offered to speak with the coroner Friday but without Murray present.

"We don't want to talk to the attorney, we want to talk to" Murray, Winter said.

Chernoff issued a brief statement in response, saying Winter had not made any requests to interview his client.

Jackson had a long history of prescription drug use and unraveling his complicated medical history is a daunting task for investigators, who have said little publicly about what they have found so far.

Propofol, a powerful anesthetic, has emerged as an important part of the investigation. Doses of it were found in Jackson's mansion, according to a person with knowledge of the investigation who is not authorized to speak publicly.

Propofol was not among the items seized under the search warrant, which was approved Monday by Harris County District Court Judge Shawna L. Reagin. The warrant was under seal when it was executed Wednesday; its contents were revealed Thursday when a list of items seized was filed with the court.

A second search warrant, also executed Wednesday, targeted a storage locker Murray rented about five miles from the north Houston clinic. Los Angeles police officers and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration searched the 10-by-15 foot unit, said Sue Lyon, general manager of West 18th Street Self Storage.

Lyon said she didn't know what was taken, though she did notice authorities gave two itemized sheets of paper to Murray's attorneys who were present.

"It was basically all secretive, and nobody put their nose in nobody's business," Lyon said.

Murray rented the unit April 1, according to Lyon, and while he never visited it personally, others from his clinic did six times — the last time the morning of Jackson's death.

___

Associated Press reporter Justin Pritchard contributed to this story.


]http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090724/ap_on_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_doctor

[samanthajane13]

Michael Jackson called a 'wonderful humanitarian'

VIENNA – Michael Jackson was a "wonderful humanitarian" who considered it important to reach out and help others, his brother said Friday.

Jermaine Jackson also said the King of Pop's "whole existence" was to find the good in everyone and described his unexpected death on June 25 at age 50 as a "tragic loss."

"As much as my brother achieved in the music industry, he was a wonderful human being and a wonderful humanitarian," Jackson said.

"My brother, he was well-versed in just knowing what was most important and that's giving back ... to make the world a much better place."

Jackson said his brother donated the proceeds of many of his concert tours to charity and said there were "pages and pages and pages" filled with examples of his humanitarian work.

Jackson spoke at a news conference in the Austrian capital just hours before he was to attend a gala paying tribute to Michael Jackson's charity efforts.

Others to be honored include sprinter Carl Lewis, whose foundation supports underprivileged children.

Lewis said Michael Jackson had "done so much for children" and would be remembered forever.

Actress Andie MacDowell, who will host the evening event, said she has admired Michael Jackson since she was young.

"I have been a huge fan of Michael Jackson's since I was a child and had posters of all the Jacksons on my wall — I just feel very honored to facilitate and participate at these awards," she said.

_____

On the Net:

Save the World Awards: http://www.savetheworldawards.org/main.asp

[samanthajane13]

Michael Jackson called a 'wonderful humanitarian'

VIENNA – Michael Jackson was a "wonderful humanitarian" who considered it important to reach out and help others, his brother said Friday.

Jermaine Jackson also said the King of Pop's "whole existence" was to find the good in everyone and described his unexpected death on June 25 at age 50 as a "tragic loss."

"As much as my brother achieved in the music industry, he was a wonderful human being and a wonderful humanitarian," Jackson said.

"My brother, he was well-versed in just knowing what was most important and that's giving back ... to make the world a much better place."

Jackson said his brother donated the proceeds of many of his concert tours to charity and said there were "pages and pages and pages" filled with examples of his humanitarian work.

Jackson spoke at a news conference in the Austrian capital just hours before he was to attend a gala paying tribute to Michael Jackson's charity efforts.

Others to be honored include sprinter Carl Lewis, whose foundation supports underprivileged children.

Lewis said Michael Jackson had "done so much for children" and would be remembered forever.

Actress Andie MacDowell, who will host the evening event, said she has admired Michael Jackson since she was young.

"I have been a huge fan of Michael Jackson's since I was a child and had posters of all the Jacksons on my wall — I just feel very honored to facilitate and participate at these awards," she said.

_____

On the Net:

Save the World Awards: http://www.savetheworldawards.org/main.asp

[Jadedblueeyes]

Jaliman didn't know MJ had a spider bite? Hmmm.. So much of his environment and skin conditions remind me of King Henry the 8th. He lived in the lap of luxury to the oomph degree and was so riddled with skin issues. Look at the chair he is sitting in! It's probably worth more than my house. Again the lesson comes: Money does not protect us from suffering, huh? So why does everyone want it? And again, we pity the rich. MJ was a great artist but I'll save my pity for the hungry and for those struggling to feed and clothe their children. His life was one that experienced more food and more clothing then he outlived. The simple things he didn't notice.

No disrespect intended. He is a legend.

May he rest in peace, indeed. :rose:

Well, I think MJ would like it very much if you did save your pity for the needy, the ill, the hungry all across this world. He spent most of his life doing the same, so he would be happy that you think of the less fortunate, like he did. He gave more money to charities than any other entertainer. He is even in the Guinness Book of World Records. This world would be a much better place if all entertainers shared their wealth with the needy children like MJ so willingly did time and time again.

The nurse practitioner that came to Michael's home from January thru April talked about what a wonderful father MJ was and how loving, giving, social and grounded his children are. She said Michael taught them to be appreciative of what they had and to remember the most important thing in life is love. The nurse also said that MJ was the humblest man she had ever known and he loved to give hugs.

My heart goes out to MJ and all others who suffer from Vitilio.:rose: I have seen them in my own hometown and see how self conscious they are and how out of ignorance, people snicker, whisper and point behind their backs. It reminds me of the dark days in our history how some were ostracized because others saw them as different from the norm and they were persecuted for it even though it was no fault of their own.

It is still hard to believe that the world will never see MJ perform again as only he could do. He truly was the world's best entertainer and loved all across the world.

imo

[samanthajane13]

Anna Nicole Doc Expects Drug Cocktail in Michael Jackson's System
Natalie Finn Natalie Finn – Sun Jul 26, 1:04 pm ET

Los Angeles (E! Online) – Even though the toxicology results are due this week, it's not going to be easy to nail a doctor for manslaughter if it was an overdose of propofol that killed Michael Jackson, according to a pathologist all too familiar with the intricacies of toxicology.

"Propofol basically disappears [from the blood] within minutes," says Dr. Joshua Perper, the Broward County, Fla., medical examiner who spent weeks testing samples from Anna Nicole Smith's body before ruling her death the result of a prescription-drug overdose in 2007.

"Like Anna Nicole, my expectation in Jackson's case is that the toxicology would show a combination of drugs, where propofol will be present," the pathologist and author of the upcoming book When Doctors Kill told E! News.

"The problem in finding it in the body will depend on how long [Jackson] lingered before he became comatose. It breaks down very fast and can disappear or burn out in as little as two to four hours."

The longer the King of Pop lived after taking what could have been a fatal dose of propofol, the more likely it is that the evidence faded away.

Propofol can be found in other tissues, but that would make it hard to determine how much he took and whether it proved fatal and would take away a crucial piece of evidence required in prosecuting any doctor for manslaughter, much less murder, Perper said.

"To ask for more time to do testing, it stands to reason the medical examiner didn't have enough toxicology to explain the death from propofol and wants to look for something else, like a combination of drugs," he said, referring to the extra week the L.A. County Coroner's Office is taking before it releases the final autopsy report.

The main culprit in Smith's death, while she had a number of prescription drugs in her system, was the powerful sleep aid chloral hydrate.

Two of Smith's doctors and her companion, Howard K. Stern, have pleaded not guilty to felony charges of facilitating Smith with various substances.

Meanwhile, a family practitioner who has worked with nurse Cherilyn Lee, the nutritionist who says Jackson once asked her for Diprivan (propofol's brand name), tells E! News he immediately thought of Lee's story when he heard of Jackson's death.

"To be honest with you, my first reaction was 'God, I hope he didn't get that Diprivan,' " Dr. Dwight James of Porterville, Calif., said.

James said that Lee called him for more information about propofol when Jackson requested it, and that he told her it was mainly used in hospitals and wasn't the sort of thing he would prescribe a patient to use at home.

"[Lee] communicated to [Jackson] that he didn't want to use the drug because it could kill him," James said. "She took the Physicians' Desk Reference to him—it has all the indications—but he still wasn't convinced."

—Reporting by Art Harris and Lindsay Miller


http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090726/en_top_eo/136022

[samanthajane13]

Experts: Full criminal probe in Jackson case
By LINDA DEUTSCH, AP Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch, Ap Special Correspondent – Fri Jul 24, 9:04 pm ET

LOS ANGELES – The odd array of evidence police collected from Michael Jackson's personal physician's clinic and storage unit shows authorities are trying to follow a trail of drugs and looking into the doctor's record keeping as they attempt to unravel what led to the pop star's death.

Search warrants targeting Dr. Conrad Murray's Houston clinic and his storage unit mean authorities have moved into a full-fledged criminal investigation, looking toward the kind of court case they could build against the physician, legal experts said Friday.

"This is no longer a cause of death investigation," said attorney Mark Geragos, who once represented Jackson. "This is about building a criminal case."

Loyola University law professor Laurie Levenson said she expects to see search warrants served at more places associated with Murray and for investigators to be interviewing his employees.

"I do think they believe there's high suspicion that he may be responsible" for Jackson's death, she said.

Los Angeles police and Drug Enforcement Administration agents executed the warrants Wednesday. The language in the documents said the evidence is being gathered as part of a manslaughter investigation targeting Murray.

Authorities have not publicly termed their investigation criminal and still say Murray is not a suspect.

The items seized included 27 tablets of the weight loss drug phentermine, a tablet of the muscle relaxant clonazepam, business cards, storage receipts, notices from the Internal Revenue Service and computer hard drives.

Authorities also took e-mails from and correspondence addressed to Stacey Howe. Records listed Howe as "administrator" at Murray's Las Vegas business, Global Cardiovascular Associates Inc. Attempts to reach her Friday were unsuccessful.

Murray, 51, was hired as Jackson's personal physician not long before he died. He was in Jackson's rented Los Angeles mansion when the pop star was found unconscious the morning of June 25 and tried unsuccessfully to revive him.

Murray has kept a low profile since Jackson's death. He was interviewed twice by police but has not spoken publicly. Doors to his Las Vegas office were locked Friday with red curtains drawn behind them.

Los Angeles County assistant chief coroner Ed Winter said a final determination on Jackson's cause of death is not expected until the end of next week, when toxicology reports should be finished.

Jackson had a long history of prescription drug use and was under anesthesia for many medical procedures over the years.

Propofol, a powerful anesthetic that should only be used by specially trained medical professionals, has emerged as an important part of the investigation. Doses of it were found in Jackson's mansion, according to a person with knowledge of the investigation who is not authorized to speak publicly.

The search warrants granted permission for authorities to seize items "including but not limited to billing records, medication orders, transport receipts, billing receipts, medical records and computerized medical records."

Geragos said that indicates police are following a trail which involves purchases of drugs by Murray and possible shipment of drugs to Jackson's home.

The documents seized from his clinic included a "suspension notice" from Doctor's Hospital in Houston as well as "papers regarding incomplete chart" at the same hospital. Also on the list was an expired medical board certificate.

"I can hear the prosecution opening statement in this case already," Geragos said. "They're going to talk about a doctor who had privileges suspended at a hospital for poor record keeping, has financial difficulties and now he gets this once in a lifetime opportunity to get a large paycheck and be the live-in doctor to Michael Jackson."

Geragos said he was not implying that Jackson committed suicide but that reckless use of a drug or a combination of drugs may have led to death.

Mike Bullard, chief executive officer of Doctor's Hospital, said Murray was on staff and worked in a cardiac lab. He said because Murray lived in Las Vegas he was at the hospital only a few days a month and last was seen there in April.

Bullard refused to confirm whether Murray had been given a suspension notice. But Bullard said that if a suspension notice is not on file with the state of Texas — and the state has no such record — then such a notice would likely be for a minor infraction like a paperwork mistake.

It's unclear whether the seized IRS notices were related to recent financial troubles at Global Cardiovascular. In a 10-month period ending last fall Murray's business was slapped with more than $400,000 in court judgments: $228,000 to Citicorp Vendor Finance Inc. in November 2007, $71,000 to an education loan company in June 2008 and $135,000 to a leasing company last September.

Murray took a leave from his Nevada practice to accompany Jackson to London for a planned series of 50 concerts. He was to be paid a reported $150,000 per month.

Greg Scott, a former U.S. attorney and district attorney in California, said it will take strong evidence to lead prosecutors to make the leap from finding negligence to finding criminal negligence, the basis of a manslaughter charge. Even if a charge is filed, he said prosecutors won't have an easy time at trial.

"Cases against doctors are extremely difficult," he said. "A jury is being asked to second guess the decisions of a trained professional and we usually don't do that. If a doctor tells us to do something, we do it."

He noted that the standard for conviction is beyond a reasonable doubt and, "If the defense finds even one doctor to testify this was proper treatment, that's reasonable doubt."

___

Associated Press reporters Thomas Watkins in Los Angeles, Ken Ritter in Las Vegas and Arelis Hernandez in Houston, and researcher Barbara Sambriski in New York, contributed to this report.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090725/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_doctor;_ylt=Aj_aukC3jtcgYpvZ3J7 nv5VbIwgF;_ylu=X3oDMTMwa2hjNjFrBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDk wNzI1L3VzX21pY2hhZWxfamFja3Nvbl9kb2N0b3IEcG9zAzI4B HNlYwN5bl9wYWdpbmF0ZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2xpc3QEc2xrA2V4cGV ydHNmdWxsYw--

[samanthajane13]

AP source: Jackson doc gave him drug before death
By THOMAS WATKINS, Associated Press Writer Thomas Watkins, Associated Press Writer – 41 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson's personal doctor administered a powerful anesthetic to help him sleep, and authorities believe the drug is what killed the pop singer, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Monday.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing, said Jackson regularly received propofol to sleep, a practice far outside the drug's intended purpose. On June 25, the day Jackson died, Dr. Conrad Murray gave him the drug sometime after midnight, the official said.

Though toxicology reports are pending, investigators are working under the theory that propofol caused Jackson's heart to stop, the official said.

Murray, 51, has been identified in court papers as the subject of a manslaughter investigation and authorities last week raided his office and a storage unit in Houston. Police say Murray is cooperating and have not labeled him a suspect.

Murray's lawyer, Edward Chernoff, has said the doctor "didn't prescribe or administer anything that should have killed Michael Jackson." When asked Monday about the law enforcement official's statements he said: "We will not be commenting on rumors, innuendo or unnamed sources."

Murray became Jackson's personal physician in May and was to accompany him to London for a series of concerts starting in July. He was staying with Jackson in a rented Los Angeles mansion and, according to Chernoff, found an unconscious Jackson in the pop star's bedroom the morning of June 25. Murray attempted to revive him but could not.

Police searching Jackson's home after his death found propofol and other drugs, an IV line and three tanks of oxygen in Jackson's bedroom, and 15 more oxygen tanks in a security guard's shack.

Propofol can depress breathing and lower heart rates and blood pressure. Because of the risks, propofol is only supposed to be administered in hospitals. Instructions on the drug's package warn that patients must be continuously monitored, and that equipment to maintain breathing, to provide artificial ventilation, and to administer oxygen if needed "must be immediately available."

Jackson had trouble sleeping and the official said he enlisted various doctors to administer propofol, relying on the drug like an alarm clock. He would decide what time he wanted to awaken and at the appointed hour a doctor would stop the intravenous drip that delivered the drug, the official said.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090727/ap_en_ce/us_michael_jackson_investigation

[samanthajane13]

AP source: Michael Jackson's inner sanctum chaotic
By THOMAS WATKINS, Associated Press Writer Thomas Watkins, Associated Press Writer – 1 hr 34 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – With towering ceilings and an elaborate facade, Michael Jackson's rented Beverly Hills mansion was the epitome of opulence.

Inside, on the top floor, the scene was less elegant, according to a law enforcement official.

Clothes and other items were strewn about and handwritten notes stuck on the walls. One read: "children are sweet and innocent." And no one working in the house was allowed upstairs to clean up the mess.

The description of Jackson's private sanctum provides a glimpse into how the pop star was living in the weeks before he died. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing, also told The Associated Press on Monday that Jackson's personal doctor administered a powerful anesthetic to help him sleep, and authorities believe the drug killed the pop singer.

Authorities arrived at the singer's house after his death to find a chaotic scene. The temperature upstairs was stiflingly hot, with gas fireplaces and the heating system on high because Jackson always complained of feeling cold, the official said.

The singer's bedroom was a mess, with items seemingly thrown about and some 20 handwritten notes stuck on the walls.

A porcelain girl doll wearing a dress was found on top of the covers of the bed where he slept, the official said.

The official said Jackson regularly received propofol to sleep, relying on the drug like an alarm clock. A doctor would administer it when he went to sleep, then stop the intravenous drip when he wanted to wake up. On June 25, the day Jackson died, Dr. Conrad Murray gave him the drug through an IV sometime after midnight, the official said.

Murray's lawyer, Edward Chernoff, has said the doctor "didn't prescribe or administer anything that should have killed Michael Jackson." When asked Monday about the law enforcement official's statements he said: "We will not be commenting on rumors, innuendo or unnamed sources."

In a more detailed statement posted online late Monday, Chernoff added that "things tend to shake out when all the facts are made known, and I'm sure that will happen here as well."

Toxicology reports are still pending, but investigators are working under the theory that propofol caused Jackson's heart to stop, the official said. Jackson is believed to have been using the drug for about two years and investigators are trying to determine how many other doctors administered it, the official said.

Murray, 51, has been identified in court papers as the subject of a manslaughter investigation, and authorities last week raided his office and a storage unit in Houston. Police say Murray is cooperating and have not labeled him a suspect.

Using propofol to sleep exceeds the drug's intended purpose. The drug can depress breathing and lower heart rates and blood pressure. Because of the risks, propofol is supposed to be administered only in medical settings by trained personnel.

___

Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Lynn Elber in Tustin, Calif., Marilynn Marchione in Milwaukee, and Justin Pritchard in Los Angeles.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090728/ap_on_re_us/us_michael_jackson_investigation

[samanthajane13]

Agents descend on Vegas home of Jackson doctor
By KEN RITTER and OSKAR GARCIA, Associated Press Writer Ken Ritter And Oskar Garcia, Associated Press Writer – 20 mins ago

LAS VEGAS – Authorities searched the sprawling Las Vegas home and medical office of Michael Jackson's personal doctor Tuesday, seeking documents as part of a manslaughter investigation into the singer's death.

Los Angeles police and federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents entered Dr. Conrad Murray's home in a gated community while others across town searched Murray's medical offices, Global Cardiovascular Associates Inc.

Michael Flanagan, assistant special agent in charge of the Las Vegas DEA office, said the warrants were sealed and he couldn't say what documents agents were seeking. He said he expected the search would last five hours.

It was the second time in less than a week that investigators targeted Murray's property. Last week in Houston authorities searched his clinic and storage. Court records show they were seeking evidence of whether the doctor committed manslaughter.

With toxicology reports pending, investigators are working under the theory that Murray gave Jackson the powerful anesthetic propofol to help him go to sleep, and the drug caused his heart to stop, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. Murray told investigators he administered propofol sometime in the early morning of June 25, the day Jackson died, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.

The official told AP that Murray left the bedroom where Jackson was sedated and returned to find the star unresponsive.

Police have said Murray is cooperating and have not labeled him a suspect.

When authorities arrived Tuesday, Flanagan said the doctor was at his Las Vegas home located on a cul de sac near the 18th hole of a golf course. Murray kept out of sight of neighbors who milled about outside the house and the reporters the residents had invited into the private community.

Flanagan said staff members at Murray's medical office were cooperative.

Murray's lawyer in Houston, Edward Chernoff, has said the doctor "didn't prescribe or administer anything that should have killed Michael Jackson." Late Monday, his office posted a statement online that said, "things tend to shake out when all the facts are made known, and I'm sure that will happen here as well."

On Tuesday, Chernoff's spokeswoman said the lawyer had no immediate comment on the searches.

Jackson is believed to have been using propofol for about two years and investigators are trying to determine how many other doctors administered it. Murray told investigators he had given Jackson the drug several times before, the official said.

Jackson relied on the drug like an alarm clock, the official said, explaining a doctor would administer it when Jackson went to sleep then stop the IV drip when the singer wanted to wake up.

Using propofol to sleep exceeds the drug's intended purpose. The drug can depress breathing and lower heart rates and blood pressure.

Home use of propofol is virtually unheard of. Because of its risks, propofol is supposed to be administered only in medical settings by trained personnel.

Guidelines issued by the American Society of Anesthesiologists say "during the administration of propofol, patients should be monitored without interruption."

Murray, 51, became Jackson's personal physician in May and was to accompany him to London for a series of concerts starting in July.

He was staying with Jackson in the Los Angeles mansion and, according to Chernoff, "happened to find" an unconscious Jackson in the pop star's bedroom the morning of June 25. Murray tried to revive him by compressing his chest with one hand while supporting Jackson's back with the other.

The law enforcement official also provided a glimpse into how the pop star was living in the weeks before he died, describing the room in which Jackson slept in his rented Beverly Hills mansion as outfitted with oxygen tanks and an IV drip.

Police found drugs in the home, including a stash of propofol and other liquid medications such as sedatives big enough to fill two gym bags. The drugs were hidden in a closet.

An IV line and three tanks of oxygen were in the room where Jackson slept and 15 more oxygen tanks were in a security guard's shack, the official said.

___

Associated Press writer Thomas Watkins contributed to this report from Los Angeles.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090728/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_doctor

[samanthajane13]

AP Source: Jackson doc said he'd administered drug
By THOMAS WATKINS, Associated Press Writer Thomas Watkins, Associated Press Writer – Tue Jul 28, 12:55 pm ET

LOS ANGELES – A law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation into Michael Jackson's death says the singer's doctor told investigators he administered the powerful anesthetic that authorities believe killed the pop star.

The official, who requested anonymity because the probe is ongoing, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Dr. Conrad Murray said he gave Jackson propofol (PROH'-puh-fahl) the day he died. Murray said he had administered the drug several times previously to help Jackson sleep.

The official said police found propofol and various sedatives in a walk-in closet in Jackson's room. Propofol is only supposed to be administered in medical settings.

Murray's lawyer has said the doctor didn't prescribe or administer anything that should have killed Jackson.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090728/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_investigation

[samanthajane13]

Lawyers for Jackson's mom seek info from executors
By RYAN NAKASHIMA, Associated Press Writer Ryan Nakashima, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 17 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – The legal team for Michael Jackson's mother has asked a judge for the power to press the special administrators of her son's estate for more information.

Lawyers for Katherine Jackson on Tuesday requested the authority to move ahead and subpoena attorney John Branca and former music executive John McClain. They want to interview the men, who were named in Jackson's will as executors, and dig through their records.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff put off dealing with their request until Monday, when the judge will consider a wide range of matters. They include whether the special administrators will continue their roles, and whether an allowance will be granted to Katherine and Jackson's three children.

Tuesday's filing was meant to expedite the process of obtaining "important personal, business and legal information and documents relating to Michael Jackson" including his deal with concert promoter AEG, according to a written statement from L. Londell McMillan, who is part of Katherine Jackson's legal team.

They're also seeking "life insurance policies, settlements and disputes as well as agreements between the temporary special administrators and Michael Jackson (and others)."

McMillan said they'd requested some of the documents before and had hoped to see them before the Aug. 3 hearing.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090728/ap_en_ce/us_michael_jackson_estate

[samanthajane13]

Agents search Vegas home, office of Jackson doctor
By KEN RITTER and OSKAR GARCIA, Associated Press Writers Ken Ritter And Oskar Garcia, Associated Press Writers – 1 hr 27 mins ago

LAS VEGAS – Federal agents searched the home and office of Michael Jackson's personal physician Tuesday in a widening investigation of whether administering a powerful anesthetic as a sleep aid was so reckless that it constitutes manslaughter.

Such charges against a doctor for the death of a patient are extremely rare. Authorities would have to show there was a reckless action that created a risk of death.

After a three hour-search of Dr. Conrad Murray's sprawling home near the 18th hole of a golf course in a private gated community, Los Angeles police and federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents carried away five or six plastic storage containers and several thick manila envelopes. Across town authorities searched Murray's medical offices, Global Cardiovascular Associates Inc., for nine hours seeking documents. Investigators removed several boxes but declined to describe what they had seized.

Murray's lawyer, Edward Chernoff, issued a statement saying the sealed search warrant "authorized investigators to look for medical records relating to Michael Jackson and all of his reported aliases."

Murray was present during the search of his home and assisted the officers, who seized cell phones and a computer hard drive, Chernoff said.

Though authorities characterize Murray as the target of the investigation, they have stopped short of labeling him a suspect.

Murray told investigators he administered the anesthetic propofol to Jackson the night he died to help him sleep, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. The official told AP that Murray left the bedroom where Jackson was sedated and returned to find the star not breathing. It's unclear how long Murray was out of the room.

The official said investigators are working under the theory that propofol caused Jackson's heart to stop. Toxicology reports that should show what killed Jackson are expected as early as this week.

Propofol typically is used to render patients unconscious for surgery. The drug can depress breathing and lower heart rates and blood pressure.

Home use of propofol is virtually unheard of, and if Murray left Jackson's side he would have violated guidelines for the safe use of the drug drawn up by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Those rules say a physician "should be physically present throughout the sedation and remain immediately available until the patient is medically discharged from the post procedure recovery area."

In considering a manslaughter charge against a doctor, a patient's complicity in taking the risk could reduce the doctor's culpability, said Harland Braun, a prominent Los Angeles defense attorney who has represented doctors in cases involving administering of drugs.

If a doctor is aware of the risk, there might also be an issue of whether the patient knows that risk and decided to take it.

Chernoff has said the doctor "didn't prescribe or administer anything that should have killed Michael Jackson." He declined interview requests Tuesday.

The search of Murray's home and business involved members of the DEA's Los Angeles Tactical Diversion Squad, agency spokesman Jose Martinez said. The team typically looks into cases involving legally prescribed drugs such as narcotic painkillers that are illegally sold or obtained by people not authorized to have them, such as "doctor shoppers" who get medications from several physicians so they can sell the drugs or feed their addiction.

Lt. Greg Strenk of the Los Angeles police robbery and homicide division said outside the medical office that the searches had been completed in Las Vegas but the investigation was ongoing.

The Las Vegas searches were the second time in less than a week that investigators targeted Murray's property. Last week authorities searched his Houston clinic and a storage unit. Court records show they were seeking evidence of whether the doctor committed manslaughter.

Murray, 56, who is licensed in California, Nevada and Texas, became Jackson's personal physician in May and was to accompany him to London for a series of concerts starting in July.

He was staying with Jackson in the entertainer's rented Los Angeles mansion and, according to Chernoff, "happened to find" Jackson unconscious in his bedroom the morning of June 25. Murray tried to revive him by compressing his chest with one hand while supporting Jackson's back with the other.

It took up to a half hour before paramedics were called, Murray's lawyers have said. The paramedics arrived about three minutes later and tried to revive the pop star for another 42 minutes before taking him to nearby UCLA Medical Center, where Jackson was pronounced dead.

Jackson is believed to have been using propofol for about two years and investigators are trying to determine how many other doctors administered it. Murray told investigators he had given Jackson the drug several times before, the law enforcement official told AP.

As investigators try to untangle Jackson's complex medical history they have interviewed at least six doctors who treated him and searched records for transactions involving aliases Jackson may have used to get drugs.

The official said Murray directed investigators to a closet in the room where Jackson slept. In it, they found enough propofol and sedatives to fill two gym bags. The room also contained an IV line and three tanks of oxygen, which would be needed for administration of propofol.

___

Associated Press writers Thomas Watkins and Justin Pritchard in Los Angeles and Juan Lozano in Houston contributed to this story.

(This version CORRECTS Corrects doctor's age in graf 18 to 56, sted 51. Minor edits. Moving on general news and entertainment services. AP Video.)


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090729/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_doctor

[samanthajane13]

Jackson mom's request for estate info rejected
By RYAN NAKASHIMA, Associated Press Writer Ryan Nakashima, Associated Press Writer – 5 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – The legal team for Michael Jackson's mother on Tuesday asked a judge for the power to press the administrators of her son's estate for more information ahead of a key hearing next week, but the judge rebuffed the effort.

Lawyers for Katherine Jackson on Tuesday requested the authority to interview attorney John Branca and former music executive John McClain this Friday, as well as demand they produce business contracts and other documents related to the late pop star.

Her lawyers argued in a court filing that the information was "potentially crucial" to a hearing set for Monday that could determine the permanent representatives of Jackson's estate, which is estimated to be worth more than $500 million.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff put off dealing with their request until Monday, effectively quashing it.

Beckloff may determine at Monday's hearing whether special administrators Branca and McClain will transition from temporary to permanent representatives of the estate, and whether an allowance will be granted to Katherine Jackson and to Jackson's three children.

Jackson's 2002 will puts his assets in a trust that benefits Katherine, his three children and unnamed children's charities.

Tuesday's filing was meant to expedite the process of obtaining "important personal, business and legal information and documents relating to Michael Jackson" including his deal with concert promoter AEG Live, according to a written statement from L. Londell McMillan, who is part of Katherine Jackson's legal team.

They're also seeking "life insurance policies, settlements and disputes, as well as agreements between the temporary special administrators and Michael Jackson (and others)."

McMillan said they'd requested some of the documents earlier and had hoped to see them before the Aug. 3 hearing.

Katherine Jackson's lawyers alleged in filings that Branca and McClain were "intent on keeping her in the dark as much and for as long as possible."

Branca and McClain's legal team responded that the singer's mother had made "voluminous, burdensome and invasive discovery demands" that were impossible to meet in a short time frame.

It added that it could not produce the contract detailing Jackson's comeback tour with promoter AEG Live because of confidentiality provisions, but was willing to share the contract if Katherine Jackson agreed to the provisions. The parties were unable to agree on the terms.

The administrators' legal team also argued that it was unclear why Katherine Jackson was demanding so much information. Her subpoena and deposition notices had "all the earmarks of a protracted and expensive legal battle which does not appear to be justified," the administrators' lawyers said in a filing.

Attorney Howard Weitzman, who represents Branca and McClain, said in a statement issued Tuesday evening that comments McMillan has made on Katherine Jackson's behalf indicate "they want to rewrite Michael's will to make Mrs. Jackson 'Guardian of the Estate' and have her appointed as an Executor and Trustee of Michael Jackson's Estate."

"In his will, Michael was very specific that his mother act as the Guardian of his children and that Mr. Branca and Mr. McClain be the Executors of his Will and Trustees of his trust," Weitzman said.

In response, McMillan referred to Weitzman's statement as "half-truths."

"We accept the will, but Mrs. Jackson has not accepted both executors and trustees, and the law provides Mrs. Jackson legal recourse for removal of unfit fiduciaries," McMillan said.

"For now, we have three questions: Who drafted the will and where is the trust, what happened between 2002 and 2009 among Michael Jackson and the proposed executors, and why would anyone reject Mrs. Katherine Jackson to continue to serve as a trustee for Michael's most important business activities, especially when the will and/or trust allows them to include her?" he said. "This is quite troubling to us, and we shall get to the bottom of it."

__

AP special correspondent Linda Deutsch contributed to this report.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090729/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_estate

[samanthajane13]

Property of Jackson doc searched in investigation
By KEN RITTER and OSKAR GARCIA, Associated Press Writers Ken Ritter And Oskar Garcia, Associated Press Writers – 13 mins ago

LAS VEGAS – For the second time in less than a week, authorities have targeted the property of Michael Jackson's personal doctor in their ongoing investigation into whether he committed manslaughter by administering a powerful anesthetic to help the pop singer sleep.

Federal agents on Tuesday searched Dr. Conrad Murray's home and office in Las Vegas. Last week, authorities searched his clinic and rented storage unit in Houston.

Court records show they were seeking evidence of whether the physician committed manslaughter. Such charges against a doctor for the death of a patient are extremely rare and require authorities to show there was a reckless action that created a risk of death.

Murray told investigators he administered propofol to Jackson the night he died as a sleep aid, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. The official said Murray left the bedroom where Jackson was sedated and returned to find the star not breathing. It's unclear how long Murray was out of the room.

The official said investigators are working under the theory that propofol caused Jackson's heart to stop. Toxicology reports that should show what killed Jackson are expected as early as this week.

Authorities have characterized Murray as the target of the investigation but have stopped short of calling him a suspect.

Murray's attorney, Edward Chernoff, has said the doctor "didn't prescribe or administer anything that should have killed Michael Jackson."

On Tuesday, Los Angeles police and federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents carried away five or six plastic storage containers and several thick manila envelopes after a three hour-search of Murray's sprawling home in a gated Las Vegas community.

Across town, authorities searched his medical offices, Global Cardiovascular Associates Inc., for nine hours seeking documents. Investigators removed several boxes but declined to describe what they had seized.

Chernoff declined interview requests Tuesday but issued a statement saying the sealed search warrant "authorized investigators to look for medical records relating to Michael Jackson and all of his reported aliases."

Chernoff said Murray was present during the search of his home and assisted the officers, who seized cell phones and a computer hard drive.

Last week, federal drug agents and Los Angeles police searched Murray's Houston clinic and a storage locker he rented nearby. They collected an array of items, including 27 tablets of the weight loss drug phentermine, a tablet of the muscle relaxant clonazepam, business cards, notices from the Internal Revenue Service and computer hard drives.

Murray, 56, who is licensed in California, Nevada and Texas, became Jackson's personal physician in May and was to accompany him to London for a series of concerts starting in July.

He was staying with Jackson in the entertainer's rented Los Angeles mansion and, according to Chernoff, "happened to find" Jackson unconscious in his bedroom the morning of June 25. Murray tried to revive him by compressing his chest with one hand while supporting Jackson's back with the other.

It took up to a half hour before paramedics were called, Murray's lawyers have said. The paramedics arrived about three minutes later and tried to revive the pop star for another 42 minutes before taking him to nearby UCLA Medical Center, where Jackson was pronounced dead.

Propofol typically is used to render patients unconscious for surgery. It can depress breathing and lower heart rates and blood pressure.

Home use of propofol is virtually unheard of, and if Murray left Jackson's side, he would have violated guidelines for the safe use of the drug drawn up by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Jackson is believed to have been using propofol for about two years, and investigators are trying to determine how many other doctors administered it. Murray told investigators he had given Jackson the drug several times before, the law enforcement official told AP.

___

Associated Press writers Thomas Watkins and Justin Pritchard in Los Angeles and Juan Lozano in Houston contributed to this story.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090729/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_doctor

[samanthajane13]

Jackson chef recalls doctor's role, final days
By LINDA DEUTSCH, AP Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch, Ap Special Correspondent – 15 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – On the day Michael Jackson died, his personal chef says her first hint of something amiss was when his doctor didn't come downstairs to get the juices and granola he routinely brought the King of Pop for breakfast each morning.

Kai Chase, a professionally trained chef hired by Jackson to maintain a healthy food regimen, recalled the singer's final days in an interview with The Associated Press. She also spoke about the role of his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, who is now the focus of a manslaughter investigation.

Chase said Tuesday that she had gotten used to seeing Murray coming and going from the mansion. The doctor usually arrived about 9 or 9:30 p.m. and would go upstairs to Jackson's room, and she said she would not see him again before she left — sometimes late in the evening — but understood he was staying the night.

In the morning, when she arrived for work, Chase said she would see the doctor coming down the steps carrying oxygen tanks. When Murray didn't come downstairs the morning of June 25, "I thought maybe Mr. Jackson is sleeping late," Chase said.

"I started preparing the lunch and then I looked at my cell phone and it was noon. About 12:05 or 12:10 Dr. Murray runs down the steps and screams, 'Go get Prince!' He's screaming very loud. I run into the den where the kids are playing. Prince (Jackson's oldest son) runs to meet Dr. Murray and from that point on you could feel the energy in the house change.

"I walked into the hall and I saw the children there. The daughter was crying. I saw paramedics running up the stairs."

At that point, Chase said, the small group that was gathered — the children, their nanny, a housekeeper and Chase — held hands and began to pray. As paramedics raced up to the room, Chase recalls, "We were all praying, 'Help Mr. Jackson be O.K.'

"Then everyone was very quiet."

At about 1:30 p.m. she said security guards told her and other staff to leave the property because "Mr. Jackson was being taken to the hospital."

When she came outside, she said, ambulances were in the courtyard and a crowd had gathered.

Chase, 37, who has cooked for other celebrities and comes from a show-business family, was hired by Jackson in March, let go in May, then returned on June 2. She said the pop star's focus was on fresh, healthy food for him and the children.

She said she prepared meals for the family and occasionally for Murray. She said Jackson was in training for his upcoming shows in London and told her: "You have to take care of me."

On most days, she said, Murray would bring Jackson the special fruit juice drinks Chase prepared for him, followed by granola with almond milk. For lunch, Jackson would eat with the children from a menu that included such things as spinach salad and chicken.

Murray sometimes joined them for dinner, which might be a seared ahi tuna. She said the doctor conferred with her about the 50-year-old pop singer's food and made sure that he ate.

The only oddity was the oxygen tanks. Chase said she never asked about the purpose of the oxygen and she saw no sign that Jackson was on drugs or was in failing health.

"Normally in the morning, he would bring oxygen tanks from upstairs downstairs, one in each hand," she said.

Authorities searched Murray's Las Vegas home and medical office Tuesday as part of an investigation that included raids last week of his clinic and storage in Houston.

With toxicology reports pending, investigators are working under the theory that the powerful anesthetic propofol caused Jackson's heart to stop, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. Murray told investigators he regularly administered the drug to help Jackson sleep, and had done so sometime in the early morning of June 25, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.

Propofol is supposed to be administered only in monitored medical settings by trained personnel; the official told AP that Murray left the bedroom and returned to find the star unresponsive. Police have said Murray is cooperating and have not labeled him a suspect, and his lawyer, Edward Chernoff, has said the doctor "didn't prescribe or administer anything that should have killed Michael Jackson."

Like Murray, Chase said she was hired to accompany Jackson to London for his comeback concerts and the request was personally made to her by his 12-year-old son, Prince Michael II.

"Prince said, 'Daddy wants me to tell you he wants you to go to London with us,'" she recalled. "I said, 'Tell your daddy that I'm pleased and honored."

She said she had already filled out paperwork and submitted a copy of her passport to the Jackson staff and expected to leave for London on July 3.

On June 23, she said Jackson told her: "I'm packed and I'm ready to go." Two days later, he was dead.

It was the end of her dream job and an idyllic time in Chase's life, a time that had begun in March with a call from Jackson's assistant, Michael Williams. She was told that "a client" wanted her services as personal chef but she was not told the client was Jackson until she was hired.

"I couldn't believe it," she said. "I asked him if I was on 'Candid Camera.' I said, 'Am I being punked?'"

She said Jackson had seen her resume which included jobs cooking for Macy Gray and Jamie Fox as well as catering a fund raiser for President Barack Obama. She said he also knew she was from a multiracial background and her godfather was Redd Foxx.

But before she started she had to pass muster with three other people: the Jackson children.

"I came to the house and the first people I met were the kids. They started interviewing me," she said. "They told me: 'We're into healthy eating.'"

When they approved her, she went to work and "we developed a really great bond."

Most days, she said, Jackson made a point of having both lunch and dinner with the children, Prince, 11-year-old Paris and 7-year-old Prince Michael II, known as Blanket, and each meal was preceded by Paris saying grace. After weeks of healthy food, she said she wrote Jackson a note with a suggestion:

"I said, 'What about doing comfort-food Saturdays? We could do barbecued chicken and corn on the cob, maybe Mexican food or soul food.'" She said he loved the idea, but as the concerts approached, healthy eating returned full time.

"He said, 'I'm a dancer,' and he wanted food that would not make him cramp up while he was dancing."

She now treasures little notes she received from the children and from Jackson and a present he gave her.

"One day he handed me a little gift bag and said, 'This is for you from me and the children.' He had given me an iPod Touch because the children told him I still had a Walkman. It had the 25th anniversary 'Thriller' album loaded on it."

She said she has visited with the children since Jackson's death and they are doing well. "They have so many cousins to play with."

As for Chase's future, she said Jackson encouraged her to write a cookbook and she has written one tentatively titled, "Fit for a King." It includes recipes she cooked for Jackson and the story of the time she worked for him.

"He was an inspiration to me," she said.

___

On the Net:

http://www.kaichase.com


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090729/ap_en_ce/us_michael_jackson_chef

[samanthajane13]

Nutritionist: Jackson "Didn't Want to Eat Food"...Fried Chicken, Juice and Trail Mix Excepted
Gina Serpe and Whitney English Gina Serpe And Whitney English – 1 hr 38 mins ago

Los Angeles (E! Online) – Move over, Atkins. Step aside, Master Cleanse. We present the Michael Jackson diet.

Just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about the months leading up to the King of Pop's death, out pops former Jackson nutritionist Cherilyn Lee—who, luckily for us, never met a camera she didn't like—to shed some light on the question that's really plaguing the minds of the music legend's fans: Forget the toxicology report. Forget the multiple home raids. What, oh what, did M.J. like to eat?

Take it away, Lee.

"He loved trail mix," she told E! News. "And once a month he had to have fried chicken."

The odd smattering of snack and junk food aside, Lee said Jackson generally subsisted on what was more or less a liquid, juice-based diet. Or at least he did up until she parted ways with the singer in April, at which point he apparently moved on to more substantial fare.

Like granola.

Lee said she first joined forces with Jackson back in January, after a mutual friend asked her to drop in on the pop star's home when one of his children came down with the flu. She quickly took Jackson himself on as a patient.

"He said, 'Well, you know I'm feeling tired,' " she recalled. "'I'm getting ready for the concerts. I would love to have as much energy as possible, so what can I do with my diet and nutrition?' "

Lee quickly put him on a diet of juice and smoothies "to meet the needs of a couple things that were slightly out of bounds" for the singer.

As for why the nutritionist didn't opt for more of a solid meal plan, she said Jackson preferred his meals in liquid form.

"His whole thing was that he didn't really want to eat food."

He did, however, love his "caffeine-laced drinks," which Lee said added to his problem with low blood sugar. And while Jackson may have been food-averse himself, she denies he was underweight or that his preferences ever affected the children.

"They had structure," she said. "They sat down and had dinner together at night. Even though he'd say a lot of times, 'I'm not hungry,' this is what he wanted to do. He was a prime example of a very good father."

Not such a good patient, though.

Lee said it was around April that Jackson began having problems sleeping and started asking her for Diprivan, which she refused him, despite his persistent requests.

"What he tried to reassure me was that 'I will be safe...I will be safe just as long as someone monitors me.'

"He said, 'I'm tired of taking things to try to help me to sleep and I want to go to sleep right away. I don't want to wait for hours. I want to be knocked out.' Those were his words: 'I want to be knocked out and go to sleep.' "


http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090729/en_top_eo/136565

[samanthajane13]

Official: Jackson doctor could face foreclosure
By KEN RITTER, Associated Press Writer Ken Ritter, Associated Press Writer – 1 hr 19 mins ago

LAS VEGAS – Michael Jackson's personal physician is more than $100,000 behind on his mortgage payments and could face foreclosure on the country club home authorities searched in their manslaughter investigation into the singer's death, records show. Dr. Conrad Murray, 56, who has been dogged by money trouble, was racking up the debt when he went to work for Jackson in May.

Authorities are investigating whether the cardiologist administered a powerful anesthetic not normally used outside hospitals to help Jackson sleep.

Documents filed July 23 with the Clark County Recorder show Murray accumulated a debt of more than $100,000 plus penalties since January on a nearly $1.7 million loan on the mansion at the exclusive Red Rock Country Club.

Assessment records show his 5,268-square-foot home near the 18th hole of a golf course has four bedrooms, three fireplaces, a pool and spa. Its original sale price in 2004 was $1.1 million.

Murray's lawyer in Houston, Edward Chernoff, issued a statement acknowledging the cardiologist's home was in "pre-foreclosure" and blaming Murray's financial woes on his inability to make a living "as a result of this investigation."

"His hope is he can forestall foreclosure until he can once again begin working as a doctor," Chernoff said, adding that Murray was not paid for the two months he worked for Michael Jackson and concert promoter AEG.

AEG Live, the promoter of a now-canceled series of London comeback concerts for Jackson, has said the singer insisted the company hire Murray to accompany him to England.

Company president and chief executive Randy Phillips has said AEG advanced Jackson money to pay the doctor and had been negotiating to provide Murray a $150,000 monthly salary.

Mary Hunt, a foreclosure officer handling Murray's case for Stewart Title, said Murray stopped paying his $15,000 a month mortgage in January and could face foreclosure by November.

In addition, Murray's Nevada medical practice has been slapped with more than $400,000 in court judgments since 2008, and he faces at least two other pending cases.

Court records also show Murray was hit last December with a nearly $3,700 judgment for failure to pay child support in San Diego and had his wages garnished for almost $1,500 by a credit card company.

Murray was at Jackson's rented Los Angeles mansion on June 25, the day the singer died. Chernoff has said Murray "happened to find" Jackson unconscious in his bedroom but "didn't prescribe or administer anything that should have killed Michael Jackson."

Toxicology reports by the Los Angeles County coroner are pending, but a law enforcement official has told The Associated Press that investigators are working under the theory that the anesthetic propofol caused Jackson's heart to stop.

Jackson is believed to have been using the powerful drug for about two years, and investigators are trying to determine how many doctors administered it, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.

Warrants served at Murray's offices in Houston and Las Vegas show that Los Angeles police are investigating Jackson's death as a possible manslaughter case.

Murray has not been called a suspect, and authorities say he is cooperating.

Officers also spent nine hours Tuesday searching Murray's medical office, Global Cardiovascular Associates but did not specify what was taken.

Chernoff, through spokeswoman Miranda Sevcik, confirmed a Los Angeles Times report that authorities sought prescriptions "administered, prescribed, obtained, transferred, sold, distributed, and/or concealed" to Jackson or various pseudonyms.

Names in the warrant included Omar Arnold, Paul Farance, Bryan Singleton, Jack London, Jimmy Nicholas, Blanca Nicholas, Roselyn Muhammad, Faheem Muhammad, Frank Tyson, Fernand Diaz, Peter Madonie, Josephine Baker and Kai Chase. It also listed Prince Jackson, the singer's 12-year-old son, as a possible alias.

Sevcik declined additional comment.

A Las Vegas attorney who has represented Murray on business and financial matters said she had no information on the matter.

"I have nothing whatsoever to add or subtract to the ongoing media frenzy," lawyer Puoy Premsrirut said in an e-mail.

___

Associated Press writer Juan Lozano in Houston contributed to this story.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090729/ap_on_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_doctor


Well, there's your motive...$$$

"Give me what I need and you'll have all the money you need..."

Doctor to the stars and making that kind of money...and not even board-certified.

Willing to sell his ethics to keep rolling in the money and moving in those powerful circles.

Now he'll go down in history as the man who killed Michael Jackson by supplying him with prescription drugs.

You're FAMOUS, dude!!

[samanthajane13]

Jackson Autopsy Results...Don't Hold Your Breath
Josh Grossberg and Art Harris Josh Grossberg And Art Harris – Wed Jul 29, 6:01 pm ET

Los Angeles (E! Online) – The world can't wait for the whole Michael Jackson death mystery to be resolved.

But apparently the coroner didn't get the memo.

Just a day after telling E! News that his office was "still shooting for the end of the week" to announce an official cause of death, Los Angeles County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter now says the results won't likely be out until next week.

While Winter did not specifically state a reason for delay, it appears his office is still trying to gather evidence. Earlier today, a subpoena-packing Winter turned up at the Beverly Hills offices of Dr. Lawrence Koplin. Jackson dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein reportedly once performed a procedure on the singer in Koplin's office.

Asked if he had ever seen a case like this before, Winter simply said, "No, I have not."

Authorities are trying to build a manslaughter case against Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, and would like corroboration from the coroner.

While Murray's lawyer has insisted otherwise, investigators with the LAPD and the DEA believe the doctor gave Jackson a lethal dose of the sedative propofol. Detectives have carried out raids on Murray's Las Vegas home and office and his Houston offices and storage facilities.

Capt. John Kades, an investigator with the coroner's office, tells E! News that "every day we get a little closer to the cause of death...[but] nothing has been finalized.

"The bottom line is [Jackson] died back on June 25, and at that time we were estimating four to six weeks before we could determine the cause of death. So we're still within that window," he said.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090729/en_celeb_eo/136601

[samanthajane13]

East German police feared 1988 Jackson concert

BERLIN – Germany's Bild newspaper is reporting that a 1988 Michael Jackson concert in West Berlin prompted security concerns for East Germany's secret police.

The top-selling newspaper published a message from the files of the former Stasi on Thursday. It said East German officials thought the Jackson concert in front of the Reichstag could be used to test the authorities east of the Berlin Wall.

The Stasi wanted to keep people away from East Berlin areas where they could hear Jackson's West Berlin concert. To do that, the Stasi proposed broadcasting the show in a stadium with a two-minute time delay so any "political provocation" could be censored.

The plan never took place. Instead, East German authorities staged a crackdown on Jackson fans in their territory during the concert.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090730/ap_en_ot/eu_germany_stasi_michael_jackson

[samanthajane13]

Lawyer: Announcement pending on Jackson custody
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, AP Music Writer Nekesa Mumbi Moody, Ap Music Writer – 20 mins ago

NEW YORK – The attorney for Michael Jackson's mother says an announcement is imminent on a custody deal regarding the pop icon's two oldest children, but stopped short of saying an agreement had been reached.

L. Londell McMillan says in an interview with The Associated Press that word of an agreement between Katherine Jackson and Deborah Rowe, the biological mother of Prince Michael and Paris-Michael would come sometime Thursday.

McMillan has previously said any agreement will be in the best interests of Jackson's children.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090730/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_custody

[wind149]

Looks like Dr Murray has prison in his future!!! Search warrants found that drug at his home or office and he is in deep doo doo because he did not have the right to practice medicine in CA, he could not even prescribe a laxative and yet, he had ample supplies of that drug and what surgical doctor is also going to be on the hot seat??? And today, Gee, it was announced that MJ was an ADDICT??? YA THINK???? And all these Dr. Feelgood's are going to be rounded up and charged federally as controlled drugs like the one that killed him are mandated under federal jurisdiction and I know this how? I am on Oxy and I know by looking at my bottle and it is people like MJ and these awful doctors that make it harder on people who suffer serious pain like I do to obtain these drugs, I heard a couple of weeks ago they might stop making Vicodin because of all the people that are addicted to it and my brother-in-law has to take it as he has bad chest pains and what would he do? I am just waiting for them to stop making Oxy because that is the other preferred one for all the junkies of the world and what would I do?

I will be dammed if I will suffer because of all these losers and I hold MJ in total contempt for being nothing more at his death than a drug addicted has been pop singer, a child molester and a weirdo!!! I am so glad we are not getting only a a blurb daily and until last night, I had not watched NG at all and haven't watched JVM either, both of them are just swooning over those BOMBSHELLS and they act like they belong on the over of the National Intruder or the Star!!! I could care less about him and these doctors and I hope losing their lucrative careers was worth this JUNKIE!!!! I would not lose my license for any star not even my favorites and one of these idiots would come running all the way from NYC, the minute MJ called him, probably took a private plane and he too was prescribing drugs under aliases and that my friends is against the freaking law!!! Just like with Elvis, no one could say no to this junkie has been too!

And what galls me is now that he is dead, his bank account is once again fat, makes me sick to think anyone would spend money to buy this creep's music. I use a download site to burn music and I opened up my service the other day and normally, if you do not have a account, it is 99 cents a download and now his "tunes" especially Thriller is now $5 a download!!! That is disgusting!!! And now that he is rich, let's see how many of his debts get paid? It was reported at the time he croaked his last, he was $400 million in the hole, today I read he is worth NOW, a cool 2 F*cking billion! Thanks to all the idiots, that before he croaked, no one was buying his tunes, hell, record stores had to dust off what they had in their storerooms and my service was so busy one night, I could not get on for over two hours and I was trying to download at midnight!!!! Makes me puke!!!

[samanthajane13]

Inside the Latest Jackson Raids: Hard Drives, iPhone, Aliases Make the List
Natalie Finn and Lindsay Miller Natalie Finn And Lindsay Miller – 1 hr 32 mins ago

Los Angeles (E! Online) – The aftermath of Michael Jackson's death continues to unfold in black and white.

Having already combed through Dr. Conrad Murray's Houston offices and a public storage space, the Los Angeles Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration assembled a team to tear through Murray's Vegas offices and home.

Authorities were looking for any signs of the anesthetic propofol and pretty much any document, correspondence or electronic record mentioning Jackson or one of 19 aliases, including the name Omar Arnold, a pseudonym the King of Pop had used in the past for medical purposes, and Prince Michael, Jackson's eldest (perhaps) son.

A few hours after executing their search warrants, officials toted away a few plastic bins and some thick manila envelopes. Who knows if among the following items they'll find some answers, too:

According to the search warrants obtained by E! News, from Murray's comfy home in the posh Red Rock Country Club neighborhood, authorities seized:

• Forensic image of a Dell computer hard drive

• Data from a Samsung cell phone

• Data from a BlackBerry

• Apple iPhone

And from his office suite, they grabbed:

• Hard drive from a PC Club desktop computer

• Images of hard drives from the PC Club, two Dells and a Hitachi desktop

• Image of a Kingston Data Traveler flash drive

• Phone message book

• CD marked with the name Omar Arnold

• Green binders containing staff and medical supply records and medical equipment invoices

• Miscellaneous paperwork

The L.A. Times reported yesterday that the Omar Arnold CD contained what a source said were records of an electrocardiogram Murray performed on Jackson when the singer was living in Vegas. Jackson moved there when he first returned to the U.S. after a year spent living overseas following his 2005 child molestation trial.

But regardless of what's on that CD, all these documents and records—from Murray and a host of other doctors around the L.A. area—aren't making the investigation move along any faster, that's for sure.

Craig Harvey, chief investigator for the L.A. County Coroner's Office, told E! News Thursday that the release of Jackson's autopsy results has been delayed because of additional record searches.

"We had to push it back because we've had some additional inquiries that we need to follow up on with medical records," said Harvey, whose office had at one point planned to take the report public on Friday. "We've had to request additional records."

He said that he didn't know what exactly they were waiting on, but that they should have their hands on the rest of the paperwork, some of which dates back six to eight years, by the middle of next week.

"We've gotten some but we're waiting for some of the records to be produced…some of them are in storage," Harvey said. "I don't know which doctor specifically. In some cases the records are beyond what they normally keep on their shelves."

Oh, that's OK, take your time. We're not going anywhere.

—Additional reporting by Whitney English


http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090731/en_top_eo/136911

[samanthajane13]

Warrants for Jackson's doc call singer 'addict'
By THOMAS WATKINS, Associated Press Writer Thomas Watkins, Associated Press Writer – 29 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Investigators referred to Michael Jackson as an "addict" and were seeking evidence related to the powerful anesthetic propofol, according to search warrants released Thursday.

The documents show investigators have cause to believe several California Business and Professions codes had been broken, including "excessive prescribing," a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to 180 days.

Los Angeles police and federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents spent much of Tuesday at the Las Vegas home and business of Dr. Conrad Murray, the focus of a manslaughter investigation. The raids sought evidence supporting that charge, as well as violations code violations, including "prescribing to an addict" and "unprofessional conduct."

The state codes cover all prescribing professionals, including doctors and dentists, and violations could lead to a revoked or suspended license, said Kimberly Kirchmeyer, deputy director of the Medical Board of California. The codes state a physician cannot prescribe drugs to anyone with a chemical dependency or who is using the drugs for non-therapeutic purposes; they define an addict as someone who continues to use a drug despite harm, shows compulsive use or has impaired control over use.

The warrants, which had been sealed when the searches were conducted, also said investigators wanted all documentation relating to the "purchase, transfer, receiving, ordering, delivery and storage of propofol."

A law enforcement official earlier told The Associated Press that on the day Jackson died Murray gave him propofol to help him sleep and that investigators are working under the theory the anesthetic caused Jackson's heart to stop. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.

A cause of death has yet to be announced. The Los Angeles County coroner has twice said toxicology findings on Jackson were imminent but after meeting Thursday with investigators Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter announced an indefinite delay. Winter said further investigation needs to be done; he did not go into detail.

Propofol, dubbed "milk of amnesia," is commonly used for surgeries and is not meant as a sleep agent or to be given in private homes. Because of its potency, only trained anesthesia professionals are supposed to administer it and patients are to be monitored at all times.

Murray, a cardiologist, has spoken to police but not commented publicly since Jackson died June 25. His attorney, Edward Chernoff, did not comment Thursday, but has previously said the doctor did not prescribe anything that "should have" killed Jackson.

Jackson was given anesthesia for numerous medical procedures over the years and had a long history of prescription drug use.

Search warrants issued last week in Houston allowed authorities to search Murray's clinic and a storage unit. They were the first public acknowledgment that investigators consider Jackson's death a possible manslaughter and that Murray is the target of the investigation.

The Las Vegas warrants were far more detailed and authorized authorities to look for medical and other records related to Jackson or any of the apparent 19 aliases he used, including the names Omar Arnold, Josephine Baker, Paul Farance, Jack London and Michael Amir Williams Muhammad.

Among the items seized in the Vegas searches were an iPhone, copies of several computer hard drives, a CD with the name Omar Arnold on it and a binder containing invoices for medical equipment and supplies. No propofol was found.

The warrant also shows investigators are seeking correspondence from seven doctors it names. One, Dr. Allan Metzger of Los Angeles, is an internist and rheumatologist who had a close relationship with Jackson beginning in 2002 and was godfather to one of the singer's children, said his attorney, Harland Braun.

Braun said Jackson invited Metzger to his home April 18. He spent about an hour and a half with him, during which time Jackson asked about sleep medication, particularly propofol.

Metzger told him it was dangerous, could be life threatening and should not be used outside a hospital, and suggested Jackson use some other sleep medication, Braun said.

Metzger's experience echoed Cherilyn Lee, a registered nurse who gave Jackson nutritional counseling earlier this year, who said he complained of insomnia and asked her repeatedly for Diprivan, the brand-name version of propofol. Lee said she also warned him of the drug's dangers and rejected his requests.

___

Associated Press writers Ken Ritter in Las Vegas and Linda Deutsch in Los Angeles contributed to this report.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090731/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_investigation

[samanthajane13]

Jackson kids to live with grandma, visit mother
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – 2 hrs 6 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson's children will live with their grandmother under an agreement reached with the King of Pop's ex-wife that ensures the youngsters won't have to endure a public fight over who raises them.

The agreement announced Thursday preserves Jackson's wishes as spelled out in his 2002 will, and reopens the door to a relationship with Deborah Rowe, the mother of Jackson's two oldest children. Rowe will be allowed to see her children in visits coordinated by a child psychologist.

Rowe will receive no money from the deal, as she had after previous custody arrangements with Jackson.

The agreement ends the possibility of a lengthy and public custody battle between Katherine Jackson and Rowe. It spares the children, who range in age from 7 to 12, from appearing before a judge and declaring who they would prefer to live with.

The announcement also ends weeks of rampant speculation about who would care for the children and Rowe's intentions, which were never officially announced before Thursday.

Michael Jackson, who died June 25 at 50, was the sole parent to his three children. He was married to Rowe for three years, but both had described the relationship as borne out of friendship and that Rowe had given birth to Prince Michael, 12, and Paris-Michael, 11, as a "gift." They divorced after Paris-Michael was born.

His third child, 7-year-old Prince Michael II, known as Blanket, was born to a surrogate and the mother's identity has never been revealed.

In a joint statement, attorneys for both women made clear that the agreement was reached with the children's best interests in mind.

"Mrs. Jackson and the family are pleased this matter is resolved and was handled in a caring, thoughtful and courteous manner by the parties and their representatives," L. Londell McMillan and Diane Goodman, attorneys for Mrs. Jackson, wrote in a statement. "We were all united in our goals to do what is best for Michael's wonderful children, and both Mrs. Jackson and Debbie Rowe were on the exact same page."

Eric M. George, an attorney for Rowe, called the agreement a "dignified outcome." George credited Katherine Jackson's attorneys for their work on the deal, and expressed pride with Rowe for "her integrity and selflessness."

Keeping Mrs. Jackson as the children's guardian should ease the numerous transitions they're undergoing, said Jill Waterman, a UCLA psychologist and adjunct professor.

"They need to be with someone who knows them, cares for them, who they trust, who they have an attachment and a bond with," she said. "They're going to need lots of support."

The use of a child psychologist to coordinate and oversee the visits is a smart move, said Dorian Traube, a professor at the University of Southern California's School of Social Work.

"This is a good model for introducing these kids to a woman that they don't know very well," Traube said.

Waterman said the visits with Rowe will likely start off short, and continue to be supervised until the children feel comfortable with the arrangement.

She said child psychologists are often used in situations where children are being reintroduced to a parent who lost visitation privileges. It's often a temporary arrangement, she said, since the aim is for the children and parents to develop their own relationship.

"The whole point of doing this is to build to a point of autonomy," Traube said.

She said an experienced psychologist will also help the children deal with their father's death, and ensure that Jackson's children, family and Rowe "are comfortable because it is an unusual situation."

The children have been living with their 79-year-old grandmother at the family's home in the San Fernando Valley since their father's death. Despite their untraditional upbringing, they have been described as model children.

Katherine Jackson was perhaps her son's most constant and trusted confidante — by his side through the triumphs and successes of his music career and his downfall after being accused of child molestation.

The singer clearly favored his mother as caretaker for his children, designating her as his top choice in his will. His backup was singer and friend Diana Ross.

Although Jackson's children have grown up without a mother, Jackson adored his.

"Every child thinks their mother is the greatest mother in the world, but we Jacksons never lost that feeling," Jackson wrote in "Moonwalk," his 1988 autobiography. "Because of Katherine's gentleness, warmth and attention, I can't imagine what it's like to grow up without a mother's love."

Jackson was fiercely protective of his children, generally shielding or disguising them in public. Their introduction to the public came during Jackson's memorial service, an event broadcast worldwide. Paris-Michael provided the service's most touching moment when she tearfully eulogized her father as "the best father you could ever imagine."

Rowe, 50, who breeds horses and has a home northeast of Los Angeles, has not been a fixture in the children's lives. She met Jackson when she was a receptionist for celebrity dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein.

Public records show there have been significant gaps in visits between Rowe and her children, but they do not indicate when she last saw them.

In 2001 Rowe wrote of Jackson's parenting when she petitioned to relinquish her parental rights. "Michael has been a wonderful father to the children and I do not wish to share parenting responsibilities with Michael because he is doing so well without me."

At the time, she said she hadn't seen her children in more than a year.

Although much has been made of that decision since Jackson's death, her parental rights were eventually restored and she petitioned for custody after the singer was charged with child molestation in 2003.

Yet she was one of Jackson's strongest witnesses at his 2005 child molestation trial in Santa Barbara.

Rowe described him to jurors during the singer's criminal trial as: "Generous to a fault, good father, great with kids, puts other people ahead of him. Brilliant businessman."

At the time, she testified it had been two-and-a-half years since she saw her children.

Although Rowe never formally petitioned for custody after Jackson's death, the agreement with Katherine Jackson will likely be discussed during a hearing scheduled for Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court. That hearing will now focus more on lingering issues with Jackson's multimillion dollar estate, of which Katherine Jackson has vied for control.

___

Associated Press Music Writer Nekesa Mumbi Moody in New York City contributed to this report.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090730/ap_en_ce/us_michael_jackson_custody

[samanthajane13]

Michael's Mom Gets Custody of Kids; Debbie Rowe Gets Visits, No Cash
Josh Grossberg Josh Grossberg – Thu Jul 30, 4:36 pm ET

Los Angeles (E! Online) – UPDATE: Debbie Rowe's attorney has confirmed a custody deal has been brokered between her and Katherine Jackson, seconding the family's claim that money never entered into their negotiations.

"The parties engaged in a dignified discussion that resulted in a dignified outcome," Eric George said. "The sole consideration between the parties was the best interests of the children.

"I'm proud to have worked with such professionals who represented Ms. Jackson, and I am particularly proud of Deborah for her integrity and selflessness."

Jackson's attorneys echoed the sentiments.

"Mrs. Jackson and the family are pleased this matter is resolved and was handled in a caring, thoughtful and courteous manner by the parties and their representatives," L. Londell McMillan and Diane Goodman said.

"We were all united in our goals to do what is best for Michael's wonderful children, and both Mrs. Jackson and Debbie Rowe were on the exact same page. Accordingly, although important issues had to be resolved, this was no legal contest, but rather simply a process doing the right thing for the right reasons."

________

The kids will be growing up Jackson.

Averting a potentially ugly custody battle, Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, and his ex-wife Debbie Rowe have reached a deal, keeping the King of Pop's three children in the care of the Jackson clan.

Katherine Jackson's attorney, L. Londell McMillan, made the announcement this morning on CBS' Early Show, revealing that after several weeks of negotiations, Rowe (the biological mom of 12-year-old Prince Michael and 11-year-old Paris) agreed to terms that will give the 79-year-old Jackson matriarch full custody in exchange for visitation rights.

McMillian also insisted that Rowe, 50, would not be receiving any financial windfall as part of her decision to give up her parental rights and not challenge the custody arrangement in court.

"It's an agreement...for the best interests of the children. This is not a money deal. There's no situation better for these children than to be raised and reared under the care of Mrs. Jackson," the lawyer said.

The resolution makes good on Jackson's final wishes as stipulated in his will that his mother raise the kids, which includes 7-year-old Prince Michael II (aka "Blanket"), who was born via artificial insemination and whose mother's identity remains unknown. A judge is expected to sign off on the arrangement during a court hearing Monday.

Katherine, with help from eldest daughter Rebbie, has been taking care of the children in the family's Encino, Calif., compound.

(Originally published July 30, 2009, at 5:22 a.m. PT)


http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090730/en_music_eo/136752

[samanthajane13]

Money-troubled doctor found lifeline in Jackson
By KEN RITTER and JUSTIN PRITCHARD, Associated Press Writers Ken Ritter And Justin Pritchard, Associated Press Writers – Fri Jul 31, 6:52 am ET

LOS ANGELES – Dr. Conrad Murray needed a big payday when he became Michael Jackson's personal physician last spring.

The Las Vegas cardiologist owed at least $780,000 for settlements against his business, outstanding mortgage payments on his house, delinquent student loans, child support and credit cards. And that doesn't include the $68,000 the distributor of an energy drink says Murray, a one-time business associate, owes for skipping out on payments.

Court records chronicling Murray's woes in Las Vegas, where authorities searched his home this week as part of their manslaughter investigation into Jackson's death, help explain why — beyond basking in a celebrity's aura — Murray might have jumped at the $150,000-a-month Jackson's promoter was prepared to pay him to keep the star healthy through a series of concerts in London.

Murray hooked on with Jackson in May, as his bleak financial picture threatened to worsen. He already was under court orders to pay more than $363,000 for equipment for his heart clinic and $71,000 in student loans dating to the 1980s, a judgment that hit in April. Two lawsuits claiming he owes $240,000 more for unpaid equipment are pending in Nevada courts.

And Murray had appeared unable or unwilling to settle more modest debts — a nearly $3,700 judgment for not paying child support and two recent credit card company claims totaling $2,600.

Murray's 5,268-square-foot home near the 18th hole of a golf course offers no refuge — he's in "pre-foreclosure" after failing to make payments on his $1.66 million loan, records show. He stopped paying the $15,000-per-month mortgage in December and could lose the home by November, said Mary Hunt, the foreclosure officer handling the case for Stewart Title company.

Authorities investigating Jackson's death at his rented Los Angeles mansion believe Murray gave the star a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol to help him sleep, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. Propofol is commonly used for surgeries and is not meant as a sleep agent or to be given in private homes. Because of its potency, only trained anesthesia professionals are supposed to administer it and patients are to be constantly monitored.

Police have not labeled Murray a suspect but have said in search warrants they are seeking evidence he committed manslaughter and prescribed drugs to "an addict," an apparent reference to Jackson.

Murray, 56, has not spoken publicly since Jackson's June 25 death. His lawyer, Ed Chernoff, has said the doctor did not prescribe anything that "should have" killed Jackson.

Neither Jackson nor AEG Live, the promoter for the London concerts, paid Murray for the two months the doctor worked for the pop star, according to Chernoff.

"Dr. Murray has lost the ability to make a living as a result of this investigation," he said. "His hope is he can forestall foreclosure until he can once again begin working as a doctor."

Murray's financial background could become an important part of the case if prosecutors file charges, said Rebecca Lonergan, a University of Southern California law professor and former federal prosecutor of health care fraud cases.

"It does potentially provide evidence of good motive for financial-based crimes, including prescribing when there is not a medical necessity," she said.

Murray's cresting financial woes fit into a history of money problems. He filed for bankruptcy in California in 1992 and had a string of tax liens from Sacramento and San Bernardino counties as well as Maricopa County, Ariz., between 1993 and 2003.

Several years ago, Murray branched out, striking up a deal with John Thomas, distributor of an energy drink called Pit Bull. Thomas said in 2005 and 2006 Murray had the rights to distribute the drink in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean island nation where Murray lived and worked before coming to the United States in the 1980s to study medicine.

The drink never gained popularity there. Murray paid his bill for a first shipment, then didn't pay for three subsequent shipments, Thomas said.

Though Thomas said Murray owes him $68,000, he remained friendly with the doctor and spoke briefly with him days before Jackson's death, when he invited Murray to the opening of a mixed martial arts gym in Las Vegas. Murray told him he was out of town and wouldn't be able to attend.

"You always think you know a guy," Thomas said. "All the dirt is coming out now."

___

Ritter reported from Las Vegas. Contributing to this report were Associated Press reporters Juan Lozano in Houston, Thomas Watkins in Los Angeles and Tony Fraser in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, and AP Researchers Judith Ausbel and Barbara Sambrinski in New York.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090731/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_doctor

[samanthajane13]

Jackson's personal doctor was in financial trouble
By KEN RITTER and JUSTIN PRITCHARD, Associated Press Writers Ken Ritter And Justin Pritchard, Associated Press Writers – 2 hrs 26 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Dr. Conrad Murray was in dire financial shape when he signed on as Michael Jackson's personal physician earlier this year at $150,000 a month.

The Las Vegas cardiologist owed a total of at least $780,000 in judgments against him and his medical practice, outstanding mortgage payments on his house, delinquent student loans, child support and credit cards.

Court records chronicling Murray's woes in Las Vegas, where authorities searched his home this week as part of a manslaughter investigation into Jackson's death, might help explain why — beyond the chance to get close to a celebrity — Murray seized the chance to keep the pop star healthy through a series of concerts in London.

But more than that, the financial pressures on Murray could help prosecutors establish a motive if he ends up facing charges.

"Here he is, dealing with one of the most famous people in the world. There may have been a great deal of pressure to do what Michael Jackson wanted, give him the drugs he wanted, treat him the way Michael Jackson wanted to be treated, even if it wasn't in keeping with medical protocol," said Steve Cron, a criminal defense attorney and adjunct professor at Pepperdine University's law school.

Authorities investigating Jackson's death at his rented Los Angeles mansion believe Murray gave the star a fatal dose of the powerful anesthetic propofol to help him sleep, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is still going on.

Propofol is commonly used for surgery and is not meant as a sleep agent or to be given in private homes. Because of its potency, only trained anesthesia professionals are supposed to administer it, and patients are supposed to be constantly monitored.

If prosecutors bring charges, Murray's financial trouble "does potentially provide evidence of good motive for financial-based crimes, including prescribing when there is not a medical necessity," said Rebecca Lonergan, a University of Southern California law professor and former federal prosecutor of health care fraud cases.

Murray, 56, has not spoken publicly since Jackson's June 25 death. His lawyer, Edward Chernoff, has said the doctor did not prescribe anything that "should have" killed Jackson.

Murray was hired through Jackson's promoter in May, as his bleak financial picture threatened to worsen. He was under court orders to pay more than $363,000 for equipment for his heart clinic, and was ordered in April to repay $71,000 in student loans dating to the 1980s. Two lawsuits claiming he owes $240,000 more for unpaid equipment are pending in Nevada courts.

Also, Murray's 5,268-square-foot home near the 18th hole of a golf course is in "pre-foreclosure" after he failed to make payments on his $1.66 million loan, records show. He stopped paying the $15,000-per-month mortgage in December and could lose the home by November, said Mary Hunt, the foreclosure officer handling the case.

Neither Jackson nor AEG Live, the promoter for the London concerts that was prepared to pay him $150,000 a month, paid Murray for the two months the doctor worked for the pop star, according to Chernoff.

"Dr. Murray has lost the ability to make a living as a result of this investigation," Chernoff said. "His hope is he can forestall foreclosure until he can once again begin working as a doctor."

Murray's cresting financial woes fit into a history of money problems. He filed for bankruptcy in California in 1992 and had a string of tax liens in California and Arizona between 1993 and 2003. Also, a former business partner in an energy-drink distribution venture claimed Murray owed him $68,000.

John Thomas, distributor of a drink called Pit Bull, said that in 2005 and 2006 Murray had the rights to distribute the product in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean island nation where Murray lived and worked before coming to the United States in the 1980s to study medicine.

The drink never gained popularity there. Murray paid his bill for a first shipment, then didn't pay for three subsequent shipments, Thomas said.

___

Ritter reported from Las Vegas. Contributing to this report were Associated Press reporters Juan Lozano in Houston, Thomas Watkins in Los Angeles and Tony Fraser in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, and AP Researchers Judith Ausuebel and Barbara Sambriski in New York.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090731/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_doctor

[One2Snoop]

Issue of Jackson doctor-shopping for drugs raised again

* Story Highlights
* Coroner's report on what killed Michael Jackson has been delayed indefinitely
* Doctor's attorney says Jackson sought Diprivan, drug suspected in his death
* Coroner, district attorney decide not to release coroner's findings
* Hearing Monday on control of estate, custody of children

updated 1 hour, 23 minutes ago

By Alan Duke
CNN


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- While the coroner's report on what killed Michael Jackson has been delayed indefinitely, new evidence emerged that the singer shopped for a doctor who would give him the drug investigators suspect led to his death.

Dr. Allan Metzger, whose name appeared on a search warrant served this week, refused Jackson's request in April for the anesthetic propofol -- commonly known by the brand name Diprivan, Metzger's attorney said.

Investigators suspect another physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, gave the drug to Jackson in the 24 hours before he died, according to a source, who asked not to be named because the individual was not authorized to speak to the news media.

Metzger, who practices in West Hollywood, California, told Jackson during a visit to his Holmby Hills home that the drug was "dangerous and potentially life-threatening and could not be used outside of a hospital," attorney Harland Braun said.

Metzger's medical records for Jackson, whom he treated until 2003, have been given to the coroner, Braun said.

He said Metzger prescribed drugs for Jackson under the alias Omar Arnold and Michael Jackson, which was not illegal since he used both names together. The doctor did that because he thought it was "his duty to protect the privacy" of his patient, Braun said.

Omar Arnold is one of 19 aliases listed in the warrant used by Los Angeles police and federal drug agents Tuesday to search the Las Vegas, Nevada, office and home of Murray, a Texas-based cardiologist.

The warrant also mentioned Cherilyn Lee, a nurse practitioner who treated Jackson earlier this year. Lee said Jackson begged her for propofol to help him get a good night's sleep. She said she refused, telling the pop star that if he took the medicine, he might never wake up.

The same warrant, signed by a Las Vegas judge, implied that investigators suspected Jackson was a drug addict.

Dr. Deepak Chopra said in a recent interview that when Jackson asked him for a narcotic, he told him absolutely no. "I said to him, 'Michael, you're going to die one day from this,' " Chopra said.

During a world tour in the mid-'90s, sources close to Jackson told CNN, the pop star suffered from insomnia and traveled with an anesthesiologist who would "take him down" at night and then "bring him back up." According to a report on a 2004 Santa Barbara, California, police investigation, security guards in Jackson's inner circle said he traveled the country getting prescriptions from doctors.

The Los Angeles County coroner, who must rule on the cause of Jackson's June 25 death, met Thursday with the Los Angeles District Attorney, who must decide if anyone will be prosecuted for his death.

During the meeting, it was decided that an announcement of the coroner's findings would be delayed indefinitely, according to a source close to the investigation. An official in the coroner's office had previously indicated to reporters that the findings would be made public within days.

Katherine Jackson goes to court Monday

Katherine Jackson's legal battle for some control of her son's estate returns to court Monday in front of the same judge who is expected to award her permanent guardianship of his children.

Jackson's lawyers filed a petition Tuesday accusing the men who now control the estate of being "intent on keeping her in the dark" about deals they've made or are negotiating.

Jackson lawyer Londell McMillan raised questions about "a suspicious circle of relationships" involving John Branca, the singer's longtime personal attorney, and John McClain, a music industry executive and longtime friend -- who were named executors in Jackson's will.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff gave Branca and McClain temporary control of the estate until Monday's hearing.

In the Jackson lawyers' petition, they asked the judge to order Branca, McClain and others to answer questions under oath about their business agreements to determine if they are "fit and able" to administer the estate. They also served the men with a 19-page demand for documents.

Branca has refused to let Katherine Jackson see Michael Jackson's contracts with AEG, the company that was organizing and promoting his planned concerts, unless she agrees to keep them confidential. Branca's lawyer argued in a court filing that he has no choice since the contracts have a provision requiring confidentiality.

Branca's lawyers also argued that Jackson's demand for documents was too broad and burdensome.

"Such measures will not be necessary if Mrs. Jackson is appointed a co-executor of the estate," McMillan said.

McMillan, in an interview with CBS on Thursday, estimated the Jackson estate was worth $2 billion, while the executors have estimated in court that its value is around $500 million.

The will written in 2002 places all of Jackson's assets into a family trust benefiting his mother, his three children and unnamed charities.

The judge is also expected Monday to finalize Katherine Jackson's guardianship of her son's three children. An agreement between Jackson and Debbie Rowe, the mother of the two eldest children, cleared the way for an uncontested custody hearing.

Rowe, who was briefly married to Michael Jackson, agreed not to fight for custody in exchange for visits with the children as recommended by a psychologist.

The agreement does not involve any financial payments to Rowe "apart from the continuation of spousal support payments" that Michael Jackson personally agreed to make to Rowe after their divorce, their lawyers said in a joint statement.

Jackson's children have been living with their paternal grandmother at her Encino, California, home since their father's death.

The eldest child, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., was born in February 1997. A daughter, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, was born the next year. Details of how the children were conceived -- and who was the biological father -- have been closely guarded amid much public speculation.

The couple divorced in 1999 with Rowe giving Jackson full custody while she got an $8.5 million settlement, according to court documents. Jackson later agreed to additional support.

Rowe gave up parental rights to Jackson in 2001, but she changed her mind more than two years later and sought temporary custody of the children. A California appeals court later ruled her rights were improperly terminated, opening the door to a possible custody battle.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/07/31/jackson.coroners.report/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Update via CNN news/Cooper Anderson 10:14 PM (PST) - Release of Jackson Autopsy delayed indefinitely.

[samanthajane13]

By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – 2 hrs 20 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – The handlers of Michael Jackson's probate and guardianship cases have a full slate at a hearing meant to tackle a number of estate and family issues.

At least one major hurdle was cleared last week with a custody agreement between Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, and Deborah Rowe, the biological mother of the singer's two oldest children.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff has deferred hearing arguments or making rulings on several motions brought by attorneys for Katherine Jackson and the two men who have temporary control of the pop icon's financial matters: attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain.

Jackson's estate has been described in court documents as having an estimated value of more than $500 million, but its actual current worth is about $100 million, and could increase in value to $200 million or more with some financial restructuring, according to a person briefed on the matter. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity.

Branca and McClain could leave Monday's hearing with a firmer rein on the estate. Similarly, Katherine Jackson could emerge with guardianship of her three grandchildren, since her agreement with Rowe, which grants the singer's ex-wife visitation rights, means no one is expected to challenge the current arrangement.

Meanwhile, Katherine Jackson said in a recorded phone interview with Geraldo Rivera that she doesn't believe her son died of natural causes. The interview aired Sunday night on "Geraldo at Large" on the Fox News Channel.

"All I know that my son is dead, and I don't think he just died of natural causes or whatever," she said. "He's too young to have that. Something happened. I don't know what it was. And I can't say."

The to-do list for Monday's hearing has grown in recent weeks, with Beckloff deferring decisions on several issues, most of which have to do with Jackson's finances.

Among the issues Beckloff is slated to consider:

• An allowance for Katherine Jackson and her grandchildren. The special administrators of Jackson's estate have asked for monthly stipends for the group, noting that Jackson supported all of them when he was alive. Beckloff delayed considering the payments until Monday, but attorneys on both sides agree they are necessary.

• Decide when Katherine Jackson will become the permanent guardian of her grandchildren, 12-year-old Prince Michael, 10-year-old Paris Michael and 7-year-old Prince Michael II, known as Blanket. No one else has petitioned for custody of the children, and Jackson was her son's first choice named in his 2002 will.

• Whether Katherine Jackson can challenge the men currently administering the son's estate, without actually contesting her son's will. Her attorneys have asked Beckloff to decide whether if they petition to remove Branca and McClain as administrators, they will trigger a no-contest clause in Jackson's trust. Without the protection of Beckloff's ruling, Mrs. Jackson could lose her 40 percent share of Jackson's estate if she mounts a challenge to Branca and McClain's authority.

• Mrs. Jackson's attorneys have expressed concerns about possible conflicts of interests that Branca and McClain may have, and have been seeking greater access to Jackson's records in the form of subpoenas and depositions. They sought that authority last week ahead of Monday's hearing, but were told they would have to wait until that day for a ruling.

• Decide whether Branca and McClain continue administering Jackson's estate. Court filings indicate the pair have already received $5.5 million from a former Jackson financial adviser, later identified as Tohme Tohme. They have also take possession of many of the King of Pop's property, and have said in court filings that they hope to finish several multimillion deals soon.

• Beckloff could be presented with some of those deals. The judge has already approved one that will bring Jackson's 1988 autobiography, "Moonwalk" back to store shelves. The singer left behind several unfinished projects and a trove of unreleased music.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090803/ap_en_ot/us_jackson_estate

[lorettalockhorn]

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1203565168&play=1

Aside: You really have to wonder about the two older children truly not knowing that DR is their mother. And for her to have visitation with the two oldest, but not Blanket has to be a dead giveaway and somewhat an insult to their intelligence. So glad that a counselor will be onboard here. (And if these kids use the internet, it's hard to believe that they haven't read not only the truth, but the harshest of criticisms about their mother.)

[samanthajane13]

I agree, Loretta. But I have a feeling that the children were really very sheltered from the outside world.

Especially after the whole molestation trial.

They probably saw very little TV, and may not have had access to the internet.

I'm sure they've been home schooled and that the family has control over who their friends are and whom they're exposed to socially.

Anywho...


Custody of Jackson children granted to grandmother
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY Anthony Mccartney – 5 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson's mother has gained permanent custody of her late son's children during a hearing Monday that saw a last-minute objection by the pop icon's former dermatologist.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff made a series of key rulings during the morning portion of the Monday hearing, which was to reconvene after a short break. In addition to approving Katherine Jackson's guardianship petition, he also granted monthly stipends to the 79-year-old and the three young grandchildren she is now charged with raising.

The ruling came after a few tense moments in which an attorney for Beverly Hills Dr. Arnold Klein, Michael Jackson's longtime dermatologist, raised nonspecific objections to the custody arrangements. The attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, said they were based on the doctor's long-term relationship with the singer and his children.

"Legally, he is not a presumed parent," Kaplan said. He said Klein, Jackson's longtime dermatologist, had concerns about the children's education and other day-to-day parenting issues.

Beckloff ultimately determined Klein didn't have legal standing to object to the care of Jackson's children, but said he could raise objections later if he wanted to. Klein has repeatedly denied tabloid reports that he is the biological father of Jackson's children, saying last month on "Larry King Live" that "to the best of my knowledge" he is not.

Katherine Jackson's approval as permanent guardian is in accordance with her son's wishes, who named her in a 2002 will as the person he wanted to raise his children, who range in ages from 7 to 12, if he died.

Last week, Katherine Jackson and her son's ex-wife, Deborah Rowe, reached an agreement over custody issues. Rowe never formally petitioned for custody, but will receive some visits with Jackson's two oldest children, to whom she gave birth while the couple was married in the late 1990s.

Rowe did not appear in court Monday.

Katherine Jackson arrived Monday, flanked by her daughters LaToya and Rebbie and son Randy Jackson. Several attorneys representing her were also in court.

Beckloff noted that the singer's two oldest children, Prince Michael and Paris Michael, filed declarations stating their wishes for who would raise them. He did not indicate what they said.

The agenda for Monday's hearing was a long laundry-list of issues for Beckloff to rule on. After a morning recess, the judge was expected to consider whether Katherine Jackson can mount a challenge to two men who have are administering her son's estate, attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain.

The men were named as co-executors of Jackson's 2002 will, and have already received millions of dollars in the singer's money, property and a life insurance payout, court filings show.

It is unclear how much money Katherine Jackson and her grandchildren will receive in allowance from the singer's estate. Beckloff did not state the figures in court and indicated he was likely to seal those details if attorneys asked him to do so.

The proposed figures have been redacted from court filings so far.

Beckloff did trim the amount the three children will receive, saying that there appeared to be some duplication between the expenses Katherine Jackson listed and those listed for the children.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090803/ap_en_ce/us_jackson_estate

[samanthajane13]

Jackson's Mom Breaks Her Silence

Speaking out for the first time since the death of her son, Katherine Jackson says she definitely thinks that there was some sort of foul play involved in Michael Jackson's passing.

In an interview on 'Geraldo at Large,' (via ETOnline), Jackson told Geraldo Rivera that she doesn't believe the King of Pop died naturally. "All I know is that my son is dead, and I don't think he just died of natural causes or whatever. He's too young for that. Something happened, I don't know what it was and I can't say," she said.

Katherine, who is now the primary guardian of Jackson's three children, says that the kids "are doing fine."

She also used her airtime to clear up any doubts about her husband and his parenting abilities, given that Prince Michael, Paris and Prince Michael II now live with them.

"I don't know why they're saying he's not being allowed in the house. My husband's never done nothing of the sort that they trying to say he did 39 years ago. I don't understand that, and I just believe it's something that they cooked up," she said.


http://www.popeater.com/music/article/katherine-jackson-breaks-her-silence/600869?icid=main|htmlws-main|dl2|link7|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeater.com%2Fmus ic%2Farticle%2Fkatherine-jackson-breaks-her-silence%2F600869

[samanthajane13]

Joe Jackson won't help raise son's children
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – 2 hrs 39 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Joe Jackson doesn't plan to help raise Michael Jackson's three children.

The Jackson family patriarch lives in Las Vegas and wrote in a statement filed in a Los Angeles court on Monday that he only occasionally visits the family home in the San Fernando Valley, north of downtown Los Angeles.

"I have had a close family relationship with these grandchildren since their birth," Jackson wrote in the declaration dated July 13. "I do visit the family residence from time to time and will continue to do so, however I will not be involved in raising the children."

His two-page declaration expresses support for his wife, Katherine, who on Monday was granted permanent custody of Michael Jackson's three children.

Joe Jackson wrote that his wife is "a wonderful caretaker and guardian."

A judge on Monday awarded Katherine Jackson a monthly stipend to help upkeep the family's home, where her three grandchildren are staying.

Court records released on Tuesday include forms signed by Jackson's two oldest children, Prince Michael, 12, and Paris-Michael, 11, consenting to their grandmother serving as their guardian. The documents do not include any statements by the children.

Michael Jackson named his mother as the person he wanted to raise his children if he died, according to a 2002 will.

Records filed on Monday also include consent by Jackson's ex-wife, Deborah Rowe, to Katherine Jackson's guardianship of Prince Michael and Paris-Michael, who she gave birth to while married to the King of Pop.

Under an agreement reached last week, Rowe will have some visits with the children that will be supervised by a child psychologist. A summary of the agreement filed with the court states that Rowe doesn't have any parental rights to Jackson's youngest son, Prince Michael II, also known as Blanket.

One of Katherine Jackson's attorneys, Diane Goodman, told a judge on Monday that Blanket, 7, was born to a surrogate who has no parental rights. The surrogate mother has never been identified.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090804/ap_en_ce/us_joe_jackson

[samanthajane13]

Michael Jackson's mom played role in business, too
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY and LINDA DEUTSCH, Associated Press Writers Nekesa Mumbi Moody And Linda Deutsch, Associated Press Writers – 1 hr 43 mins ago

NEW YORK – Entering into a business relationship with Michael Jackson rarely meant a long-lasting partnership. Over time, especially in the waning years of his life, Jackson hired — then fired — a litany of associates, from managers to attorneys to publicists.

Most were dispatched after the relationship soured, and the trust had evaporated.

Perhaps the one exception in his financial life was Jackson's mother, Katherine.

Jackson relied on his 79-year-old mother for more than emotional support: Documents show he put her in the position of trustee on contracts, including his lucrative Sony-ATV catalog, and associates say he also sought her input on other financial matters as he became more wary of those in his business circle.

"Any deal Michael did, he always called his mother up," said Steve Manning, a close friend of the Jackson family. "She was the backbone of his spirit."

"What he trusted was that she would make sure that his wishes were carried out," said Mrs. Jackson's attorney, L. Londell McMillan, who is representing her interests as the singer's estate is sorted out. "He understood that she was the most loyal person in his life. Her loyalty did not stop for Michael with merely personal matters."

But Jackson's last known will, drafted in 2002, left his mother, along with his three children, out of any decision-making role in his estate, leaving her only as a beneficiary.

Attorney John Branca and Jackson's former manager and close friend, John McClain, were named (along with a third party who has since removed himself) as the only people with the authority to guide his business matters after his death.

Mrs. Jackson is trying to change that, seeking to gain some kind of control over her late son's estate. The Jackson matriarch is adamant that she — or even another family member — have a role over Michael Jackson's business legacy, which may be worth more in death than when he was alive. Some estimates have valued his estate at $500 million.

Mrs. Jackson has filed a motion to determine whether contesting the two executors would lead to disinheritance — Jackson's will had a no-contest clause.

"She is concerned about how the trust is going to be managed. She wants to make sure that she has a seat at the table and the family has a seat at the table," said Dean Hansell, an attorney who spoke for Mrs. Jackson in court Monday. "She wants that and she has been coming up against resistance."

But in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, Branca said he is amenable to having Mrs. Jackson, or someone in the family, in a trustee role.

"We are going to have a meaningful conversation with her about having one of her family members become a co-trustee," Branca said. "Our number one priority is to make sure this estate is run effectively."

Throughout the years, Jackson's devotion to his mother has been well-documented, and it was proven again after his death, as he named her in his will as his first choice to raise his three children, and also named her and his kids as the only individuals to inherit his fortune (he also left a portion of his wealth to charity).

Katherine Jackson has not previously been known for her business acumen. It was Joe Jackson who was the manager of his sons as the Jackson 5, and acted as the manager for all of his nine children into their adult years.

But Manning claims it was Katherine, not Joe, who gave Michael Jackson his business sense, which he described as shrewd and fair.

He recalled when Jackson purchased the Beatles catalog, which also included Little Richard's music, he called his mother to ask her opinion on how he should handle Little Richard's situation: the rock legend had for years complained about being unfairly compensated for his publishing rights. His mother advised him to treat Little Richard with respect, and because of that, "(Michael) made sure that Little Richard was compensated fairly."

He also said that when Michael Jackson's MJJ Productions fell on hard times, "Michael made sure with his mother that every employee was paid."

"She is a woman of great faith, and believes if you treat people right, (good) things will come back to you."

Jackson named his mother on at least two trusts — besides the Sony-ATV music catalog, she's a part of his Mijac publishing company — and McMillan said she was active in Jackson's business affairs, even attending depositions in legal cases.

However, a source who asked for anonymity because of the ongoing nature of the situation said those trustee positions did not have decision-making authority.

Whether Mrs. Jackson has the business capacity to deal with Jackson's estate, which is complicated and tangled, is likely to be a key question. She and Joe filed for bankruptcy 10 years ago, listing nearly $24 million in debts that included court judgments, auto loans and credit cards. Court records show the only valuable asset listed was a house in Las Vegas then valued at $290,000.

McMillan said the role of a trustee does not require a person to be a business whiz.

"A trustee is one of trust as opposed to extraordinary skill," he said. "Trustees hire experts to administer business that requires experts."

Manning said Mrs. Jackson is confident that her legal team would do an excellent job with her guidance. He also raised the possibility that one of Jackson's five brothers could have a role in the estate: "That would be the right thing to do, the right thing to happen."

Legally, Mrs. Jackson may not be able to have an official role. Both Branca and Hansell said the addition of Katherine as an executor of the will or a trustee of the trust might raise tax questions because she is a beneficiary.

Branca was Jackson's attorney for many years, working with him during the height of his fame and helping negotiate his deal to buy the Beatles catalog. But they split in 2005 until Branca was brought back shortly before Jackson's death as he prepared for his comeback concerts with the promoter AEG.

McClain has been very close with the family for decades, and was instrumental in building Janet Jackson's career. He also had played key roles in Michael Jackson's career in its later years.

Manning spoke highly of McClain, saying he has been "like a son" to the Jackson parents.

"He's like a confidant," he said. "He was very, very close to the family."

Branca and McClain have control of Jackson's estate until at least Oct. 3. They have already made several deals on behalf of Jackson's estate, including a reissue of his memoir "Moonwalk" and a full-length motion picture filled with footage of his last rehearsals, which requires a judge's approval. In a sign that Katherine Jackson's input is already being considered critical, the judge has scheduled a hearing Monday to see, among other things, whether she has any objections.

But McMillan claims Jackson would have wanted his mother to be part of any dealmaking as well, quoting Jackson's sentiments about his mother from a deposition: "For the past several years I have started using my mother because she is the most trusted person in my life. I trust my mother more than anyone."


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090805/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_mother

[samanthajane13]

Deals could bring more Jackson products
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – 1 hr 35 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson products could start appearing on store shelves, cell phones, even in X-Box add-ons if a judge signs off on a merchandising deal.

The current administrators of the singer's estate have presented several proposed contracts to a probate judge for approval. The agreements offer a taste of how the King of Pop may be sold in the coming months and years.

Trading cards, T-shirts, calendars, lighters, stuffed animals that play Jackson's music and games are among the tangible items being considered. So too are denim products and high-end clothing lines, according to the filings.

But Jackson seems destined to try to conquer the digital domain too. Some of the possible products include cell phone screen savers, X-Box themes, video games and digital tattoos for characters in games such as "Second Life."

The proposed deals are between Jackson's estate, concert promoter AEG Live and Bravado International Group Merchandising Services. The contract calls for Bravado, which is Universal Music Group's retailing arm, to receive worldwide merchandise rights.

AEG Live will retain rights to sell certain merchandise related to Jackson's canceled London performances, the agreements state.

Despite a tainted legacy while he was alive, some believe Jackson will become top The King, Elvis Presley, in annual merchandise sales. Presley's estate $55 million in revenue last year, $14 million of which came from retail sales.

A separate agreement is being pursued between the estate's administrators and Columbia Pictures for a feature length movie based on footage of Jackson's preparations for his 50 comeback concerts in London. The studio paid $60 million for the rights to the project, the contract filed in Los Angeles Superior Court states.

Jackson's estate — which primarily benefits his mother and three children — would receive 90 percent of the profits from the film, according to the agreement.

The agreements with Bravado are more heavily redacted and do not indicate how much the estate would be paid.

A judge has scheduled a hearing for Monday to consider the proposals.

Jackson died June 25 in Los Angeles and his lavish spending had pushed him hundreds of millions of dollars in debt. Attorneys for the current administrators of his estate, attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain, have stated in court records that they believe Jackson's estate is solvent.

One of the men's attorneys, Jeryll S. Cohen, wrote in a court filing on Friday that the merchandising and film and other entertainment agreements are expected to generate "advances in the high eight figures." Negotiations for other deals are also in the works, Cohen wrote.

The administrators have the authority to combat unauthorized merchandise, and the deals provide Bravado with access to the use of Jackson's name, image, symbols, emblems and other trademarks.

Jackson's estate would have input into which products are ultimately manufactured, the proposed agreements state.

An amendment to an agreement between Jackson's estate and AEG Live allows for a traveling exhibit of the performer's memorabilia. Exact details of the exhibit were redacted, but it calls for the displays to be shown only at museums or venues that both sides agree on.

If approved, the agreements would continue a trend that Jackson seemed to be pursuing in his final months — marketing products based on his days of superstar status.

A lawsuit filed in January by "Thriller" director John Landis accused Jackson of trying to turn the groundbreaking 14-minute music video into comic books and video games.

The director also sued over a proposed Broadway show based on "Thriller." Landis owns some of the creative rights to the project and didn't grant approval to the ventures Jackson was apparently pursuing.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090805/ap_en_ce/us_jackson_merchandising

[samanthajane13]

Court filings detail Michael Jackson film
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – 2 hrs 56 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Coming soon to a theater near you (if a judge agrees): a full-length motion picture filled with footage of Michael Jackson's last rehearsals.

The movie would come with all the elements of a major studio release: product tie-ins, merchandising and even a director's cut and special editions.

But that's only if a Los Angeles probate judge approves the deal by Monday. The judge has scheduled a hearing for Monday to see if Jackson's mother, Katherine, has any objections.

A redacted agreement filed on Friday and released on Tuesday details the film project. The agreement is between concert promoter AEG Live, one of Jackson's companies, Columbia Pictures and others.

It was part of more than 500 pages of documents related to Jackson's estate case filed since Friday that were made publicly available on Tuesday.

Last month, AEG President and CEO Randy Phillips revealed that the company had more than 100 hours of footage of preparations for Jackson's series of 50 comeback concerts scheduled for London's O2 Arena.

He predicted the deal could generate much-needed money for Jackson's debt-ridden estate. The proposed contract offers a glimpse at the possible film. Some of the footage that could be used would be clips meant to be broadcast during Jackson's shows.

"If we all do our jobs right, we could probably raise hundreds of millions of dollars just on the stuff we have worldwide and then the estate could eradicate its debt," Phillips said in early July.

The contract states Columbia Pictures paid $60 million for rights to the project.

The deal was negotiated by two men who are administering Jackson's estate, longtime attorney John Branca and music executive and Jackson family friend John McClain.

It calls for Jackson's company to receive 90 percent of the film's profits, with the remainder going to AEG Live. Jackson's stake would move into a private trust the singer ordered established, of which his mother and three children are slated to receive a combined 80 percent share. The remainder is designated for unspecified charities.

The contract notes that Branca and McClain may produce one or more tribute concerts to the King of Pop, and sets out terms so that its broadcast doesn't conflict with the film. The contract doesn't state which network, if any, has been selected to air the tribute. A possible date for the concert's airing has been redacted.

If its creation is approved, the movie will have to meet the standards for a PG rating and not run any longer than 150 minutes, the contract states.

It also states that the movie can't include any footage that is considered to paint Jackson in a bad light. The contract also allows Columbia to work with companies on promotional tie-ins for the films, but even that has limits. Prohibited tie-in products include "alcohol, cleaning products, firearms, gambling, personal hygiene products, pharmaceuticals," as well as those with religious, political or tobacco ties.

Jackson's company would be also be able to block the creation of a new product marketing the film — the example of a "happy meal toy" is given — according to the contract.

The deadline for the judge's approval isn't the only tight timeline the project faces. According to the contract, Columbia must screen the movie for Jackson's representatives no later than Oct. 2.

(This version CORRECTS attorney's last name in graf 10. )


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090805/ap_en_mu/us_jackson_feature_film

[BeastofBears]

Apparently the family isn't happy with the autopsy results which show no murder, so they are getting a 3rd autopsy. And will go to a 4th or 5th until they get the results they are looking for: murder, rather than negligence.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08052009/news/nationalnews/jackos_ma_cries_murder__183037.htm

[samanthajane13]

Jackson show insurance excluded 'illicit' drug use
By RYAN NAKASHIMA, AP Business Writer Ryan Nakashima, Ap Business Writer – Sat Aug 8, 4:03 am ET

LOS ANGELES – A concert promoter's insurance on Michael Jackson's London shows has provisions that may deny a multimillion dollar payout if the pop star was found to have illegally possessed drugs or was involved in the "illicit taking of drugs."

The policy, a copy of which was provided Friday to The Associated Press, covers cancellations resulting from death, but its provisions will hinge on the results of an autopsy that has been delayed twice.

Jackson's doctor administered multiple sedatives along with the powerful anesthetic propofol, a potentially lethal combination, hours before the singer died June 25, a law enforcement official who requested anonymity because the death investigation is ongoing told the AP.

It was not immediately clear whether any medications Jackson was taking would negate a payout up to $17.5 million, which would ultimately benefit his estate.

The insurance policy, covering the first 13 shows of the 50-show run, was taken out by Jackson and concert promoter AEG Live in April. Such a policy and its provisions are considered standard for events on the scale of the one for which Jackson was preparing.

A copy of the insurance policy also showed that it had several clauses that would prevent a payout, including if the singer concealed information or acted carelessly to increase the risk of a no-show.

A claim could take months to resolve through a settlement or in court, and either route could be delayed as police investigate a manslaughter charge.

A New York doctor with no connection to AEG Live conducted a medical exam of Jackson in Los Angeles in February. AEG Live Chief Executive Randy Phillips said he was told by the insurance underwriter that Jackson passed "with flying colors." The exam results were shown to the insurers, but not to AEG Live.

AEG Live and the special administrators of Jackson's estate have been moving quickly to cut business deals that will help the concert promoter recoup the more than $30 million it is currently owed by his estate. An insurance payout would go a long way to reducing the estate's obligation to AEG Live.

The promoter is also in line to quickly cover its costs if a $60 million payment from Sony Corp.'s movie division to distribute a film based on rehearsal footage is approved by a court Monday.

Also in the works for court approval is a merchandising deal with Bravado, a unit of Vivendi SA's Universal Music Group, which had signed a deal with AEG Live in July and has been selling Jackson goods online since then.

The estate is in line to receive 90 percent of the proceeds from the business deals after AEG Live's initial costs have been covered, according to documents filed in court this week.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090808/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_insurance

[samanthajane13]

Judge approves Jackson collectors' items
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, Associated Press Writer Anthony Mccartney, Associated Press Writer – Fri Aug 7, 8:43 pm ET

LOS ANGELES – The King of Pop is coming to calendars and collectors' coin cases after a judge approved several deals involving the singer's estate on Friday.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff signed off on agreements for Jackson-themed items including calendars, school supplies, posters and a commemorative coin. He also granted authority so that reprints of Jackson's autobiography "Moonwalk" can be sold in China, Korea and several Eastern European countries.

Beckloff also agreed to allow Jackson's estate to partner with Apple's iTunes to sell songs and videos of Jermaine Jackson's performance of the Charlie Chaplain song "Smile" at the pop singer's public memorial.

The deals were presented to the judge by the current administrators of Jackson's estate, attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain. Financial details of the agreements were not disclosed.

They offer a hint at Jackson's post-death marketability, and a pending deal may bring even more Jackson-themed merchandise to store shelves and electronics.

Beckloff has scheduled a hearing on Monday to decide whether to approve other deals involving Jackson, including a movie project that would feature the singer's final rehearsals and preparations for a series of comeback concerts in London.

Columbia Pictures has agreed to pay $60 million for the rights to footage shot for Jackson's "This is It" concerts, but the deal must be approved by Monday. The extra time was granted to give the singer's mother, Katherine Jackson, time to consider the proposed contracts and voice any opposition to them.

Beckloff is also considering a deal between the estate and merchandiser Bravado for worldwide distribution rights to several Jackson-themed products, including trading cards, apparel, lighters, stuffed animals that play Jackson's music and digital apparel and even tattoos for online games such as "Second Life."

The deals remain an important piece of the Jackson's financial puzzle and could offset potential losses by concert promoter AEG Live, which spent more than $30 million organizing the singer's 50-show comeback in London. A copy of an insurance policy covering the first 13 of Jackson's shows states it did not cover cancellations if the singer was found to have illegally possessed drugs or was involved in the "illicit taking of drugs."

Authorities are focusing on drugs administered to Jackson in the hours before his death, according to law enforcement officials not authorized to speak publicly. It remains unclear whether the drugs given to Jackson would nullify the policy, which could pay out up to $17.5 million.

An attorney for Branca and McClain stated in a court filing earlier this week that the deals are expected to bring Jackson's estate tens of millions of dollars.

Jackson died June 25 in Los Angeles and was heavily in debt. His music returned to the top of the charts in the weeks after his death, and attorneys for the current administrators of his estate have said they are hoping to quickly approve several deals to maximize profits from interest in Jackson's life.

Jackson's assets are being placed into a private trust. His three children and Katherine Jackson, who is their guardian, are slated to receive 80 percent of the superstar's estate, with the rest going to unnamed charities.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090808/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_estate

[samanthajane13]

Promoter: Jackson tribute to be televised globally

VIENNA – The Austrian promoter helping to organize next month's tribute to Michael Jackson in Vienna says the three-hour show will be televised live to a global audience.

Georg Kindel says organizers are still negotiating with networks on rights to broadcast the show, which will be held on the grounds of Vienna's stately Schoenbrunn Palace.

Kindel told The Associated Press that Jackson's brother Jermaine expects 1 billion people to watch worldwide.

He said Tuesday the tribute will feature "some of the biggest artists of our time" performing 15 to 20 of Jackson's greatest hits.

Kindel said the event will be held in the second half of September, and that the date and lineup will be announced soon.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090811/ap_en_ot/eu_austria_jackson_tribute

[samanthajane13]

2 months on, no final word on Jackson's burial
By JOHN ROGERS, Associated Press Writer John Rogers, Associated Press Writer – 47 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – He spent the last few years of his life on a globe-trotting odyssey, and now in death Michael Jackson still seems unable to find a permanent home.

On the certificate recording Jackson's June 25 death, the entertainer's body is listed as being at Los Angeles' Forest Lawn Memorial Park, but that location is listed as temporary. Nearly two months after his demise, no amended death certificate has been filed with Los Angeles County.

With the announcement Monday that the county coroner's office had completed its autopsy of Jackson, coupled with reports that investigators had returned a portion of Jackson's brain to his family, rumors of where his final resting place might be swirled across the Internet. But the people who know exactly where he is and where he might be going aren't saying.

Forest Lawn spokesman Bill Martin declined to say if Jackson's body would be laid to rest permanently at the cemetery or if it is still there, citing the family's request for privacy. A family spokesman Jesse Derris, said the family had no statement to make.

In an interview broadcast Friday with CNN's Larry King, Jackson's older brother Jermaine said he would like to see his sibling laid to rest at Neverland Ranch, the bucolic estate in central California's wine country that the entertainer bought in 1988 and turned into his personal Peter Pan-like wonderland. But Jermaine Jackson said it would be up to his mother, Katherine, to make the final decision.

Although it's rare for someone's remains not to be promptly buried or entombed, it's not unheard of. The body of one of Jackson's musical heroes, James Brown, remained unburied for two months after his 2006 death while people fought over control of his estate.

Elvis Presley, whose daughter was once married to Jackson, was entombed at a Memphis, Tennessee, cemetery for nearly two months after his death in August 1977, then moved to a garden at his Graceland mansion. The Forest Hill cemetery says on its Web site the temporary arrangement was made while Graceland was being prepared for Presley's burial.

For Jackson to be buried on private property like Neverland his family would have to get approval from both state and local authorities. Before local officials would sign off they likely would want to schedule public hearings, said Nicole Koon, deputy communications director for Santa Barbara County.

"Certainly there would be a review process that would be triggered when and if that permit request comes through to the county," she said, adding no such request had been made.

During the nearly 20 years he lived at Neverland, Jackson turned its rolling hills and verdant pastures into a children's paradise, complete with bumper car rides, a Ferris wheel, a train modeled after the one at Disneyland and a zoo filled with tigers, elephants, orangutans and a giraffe.

He regularly opened the estate to children by the hundreds, many of them from local schools, until he was arrested in 2004 and charged with molesting a 13-year-old boy.

After being acquitted in 2005, Jackson abandoned Neverland, taking his three children with him on an international journey, living for a time in Bahrain and then Las Vegas. More recently he shuttled to London, where he was to launch a 50-show run of concerts in July that were to mark his return to the public eye and, he hoped, restore his image as the King of Pop.

He was living in a rented mansion in Los Angeles and rehearsing for the shows when he died at age 50.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090811/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_burial

[samanthajane13]

Jackson film greenlit; merchandise gets a yellow
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – Mon Aug 10, 8:51 pm ET

LOS ANGELES – A judge greenlit a major Michael Jackson movie deal Monday, and the film is scheduled to be in theaters later this year. The accompanying Michael Jackson merchandise will have to wait — for now.

The film, crafted from hundreds of hours of behind-the-scenes and rehearsal footage shot in Los Angeles weeks before Jackson was to kick off his 50 "This is It" concerts in London, will also feature interviews with Jackson's friends and collaborators. Portions of the movie will be shown in 3-D.

"People who have seen this footage are astounded by the amazing quality of Michael Jackson's performance," said Michael Lynton, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. "This historic recording of the last time he sang and danced on stage shows the legendary artist in an incredibly powerful way, with crystal clear images and sound."

Fans will have to wait a bit longer before official Jackson merchandise hits store shelves or a museum exhibit of the singer's memorabilia is displayed.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff delayed approving a pair of lucrative contracts after attorneys for Jackson's mother, Katherine, raised a series of objections. Attorneys spent hours trying to work out a deal, but Beckloff ultimately delayed a ruling and appointed an independent attorney to represent Jackson's three children in estate matters.

It is unclear how much the deals are worth, but attorneys for the companies advocating them said the delay could cost Jackson's heirs a substantial amount of money. Katherine Jackson and her grandchildren are set to receive a combined 80 percent of the pop superstar's estate.

The estate will grow richer with a deal Beckloff approved between Jackson's estate, concert promoter AEG Live and Columbia Pictures, which is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Under the terms of the proposed contract, the film, slated to arrive in theaters on Oct. 30, will have to be screened for Jackson's estate and cannot include any footage that puts the superstar in a bad light.

Burt Levitch, an attorney for Katherine Jackson, expressed concerns that the film will feature Jacksons' three children, but an attorney for AEG Live denied the youngsters were included in the footage.

Columbia Pictures paid $60 million for rights to the film, and the contract states Jackson's estate is slated to receive 90 percent of its profits.

Jackson died on June 25, days before he was set to embark to England for his comeback shows.

Beckloff had until Monday to approve the film and allowed Jackson's mother, Katherine, to review the contracts and raise any objections. Katherine Jackson did not object to the film, but her attorneys have raised questions about other agreements concerning AEG Live and merchandiser Bravado. The estate wants to enter into agreements with the two companies for a museum show of Jackson memorabilia and merchandising.

The memorabilia show would be on display in three cities which have not yet been announced.

A proposed agreement calls for Bravado to receive worldwide rights to Jackson merchandise, including items such as trading cards, apparel and cell phone themes.

Levitch, an attorney for Katherine Jackson, said he has raised several issues with the proposed agreements. He said the he was "not sure (AEG) would have been the first choice" to put on the museum tour.

Katherine Jackson's attorneys have frequently cited possible investigations into AEG's conduct and conflict of interests during court hearings.

Attorneys for the promoter and the current administrators of Jackson's estate say they are unaware of any investigation by police or government regulators. Kathy Jorrie, an attorney for AEG, said the company would comply with any investigative inquiries.

Katherine Jackson's attorneys argued Monday that the singer's estate should own the footage and have control over who uses it after the movie deal is complete.

"Under no circumstances would AEG agree to such a thing," Jorrie said.

As part of agreements pending before the judge, AEG would have rights to use the footage indefinitely.

Howard Weitzman, an attorney representing the estate's current administrators, said some of Katherine Jackson's suggestions are "not acceptable." He said the contracts were aggressively negotiated and there was little room to strike a better deal.

"We feel that we're being second-guessed," Weitzman said. "I'm not sure why."


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090811/ap_en_ot/us_jackson_movie

[samanthajane13]

DEA raids Beverly Hills pharmacy in Jackson probe

LOS ANGELES – Federal drug agents have raided a Beverly Hills pharmacy as part of the ongoing investigation into Michael Jackson's death.

Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman Jose Martinez says agents were serving a warrant Friday at the Mickey Fine Pharmacy & Grill, seeking evidence of improper dispensing of controlled substances.

The pharmacy sued Jackson in January of 2007, claiming the singer owed more than $100,000 for prescription drugs over the previous two years. The matter was quickly resolved, and Jackson's spokeswoman at the time said it was related to the administration of the singer's finances.

Friday's raid comes a week after authorities raided a Nevada pharmacy where Dr. Conrad Murray, the doctor who was with Jackson when he died, bought the anesthetic propofol.

Authorities have said Murray administered the drug to Jackson in the hours before his death and is the focus of a manslaughter investigation. No charges have been filed and the cause of Jackson's death has not been made public.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090821/ap_en_ce/us_michael_jackson_investigation

[samanthajane13]

Judge approves Michael Jackson memorabilia deal
By LINDA DEUTSCH, AP Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch, Ap Special Correspondent – 1 hr 12 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – A judge has approved a deal between Michael Jackson's estate and concert promoter AEG Live to exhibit the King of Pop's memorabilia, over the objections of the singer's mother.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff approved the deal after an evidentiary hearing Friday.

The three-city exhibit is expected to earn Jackson's estate up to $6 million. Promoters plan to open it around the Oct. 28 release of a film using footage of the singer's final rehearsals for his comeback concerts.

Attorneys for Katherine Jackson had tried to block the deal, arguing it should have been competitively bid. They've also said the estate should have a larger cut of the proceeds than the 50-50 split negotiated with AEG.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090821/ap_en_ot/us_jackson_estate

[samanthajane13]

Nephew: Michael joined family weeks before death
By LINDA DEUTSCH, AP Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch, Ap Special Correspondent – Fri Aug 21, 9:55 pm ET

LOS ANGELES – A nephew of Michael Jackson says his uncle joined a large family dinner a few weeks before he died, and talked openly about his creative plans beyond the 50-date concert stint in London.

Jackson gathered with about 50 members of his family for dinner at an Indian restaurant a few weeks before he died, Taj Jackson, the 36-year-old son of Tito Jackson, said outside a courtroom during a hearing Friday.

That night was the last time he saw his uncle, who "was just enjoying being with the family." He said they spoke only of the future.

"He had his next chapter mapped out," Taj Jackson said. "He wanted to do this (tour) and get on to the next chapter. The last words he said to me were, 'We're gong to do film after this.'" He said Jackson was interested in directing.

Taj Jackson said he was one of the family members who argued against burying the singer at his Neverland estate because after his trial on child molestation charges, Jackson came to hate the place. He remembered spending idyllic times there as a child, but after the trial, "it destroyed the magic."

"Neverland was never an option to us," he said. "It brought so much pain to him."

Taj said that in his last years, Jackson had few people he could trust and sometimes turned to his nephew for assistance.

"He really had an innocent heart," he said, "and that was something people took advantage of."

Taj Jackson took the stand Friday at hearing to determine whether a proposed deal to display his uncle's memorabilia could go forward between the estate and concert promoter AEG live. His testimony was meant to bolster his grandmother's opposition to the deal, but a judge approved it later Friday.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090822/ap_en_mu/us_jackson_family_dinner

[old_soul]

Apparently the family isn't happy with the autopsy results which show no murder, so they are getting a 3rd autopsy. And will go to a 4th or 5th until they get the results they are looking for: murder, rather than negligence.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08052009/news/nationalnews/jackos_ma_cries_murder__183037.htm

I know you and many others agree....It's just wrong, wrong, wrong, all this crap.
Prolly cause of psychological reeasons, he was scared schitless to do this humongous tour, and it added to his insomnia. I myself honestly feel that the treatment he got when younger (don't forget not only from his father, but brothers as well) made him separate himself from the males in his family' when he broke off from them, but someone should have intervened waaaay back. Especially dear mama who allowed his scumbag father to do what he did to many, if not all of his children. I have no respect for her. She was the key to his salvation.
Now they are all trying to have their say especially big mama, while his remains are in deep freeze. :rolleyes:

Bury him, and let this tortured soul rest in peace. Good Lord.
Just imagine when they finally release his autopsy report! :eek:
They are and will be benefiting BIG TIME from the memorabilia stuff thats being sold like hotcakes! They deserve nothing, that's why MJ didn't leave 'em ANYTHING!

[BeastofBears]

I know you and many others agree....It's just wrong, wrong, wrong, all this crap.
Prolly cause of psychological reeasons, he was scared schitless to do this humongous tour, and it added to his insomnia. I myself honestly feel that the treatment he got when younger (don't forget not only from his father, but brothers as well) made him separate himself from the males in his family' when he broke off from them, but someone should have intervened waaaay back. Especially dear mama who allowed his scumbag father to do what he did to many, if not all of his children. I have no respect for her. She was the key to his salvation.
Now they are all trying to have their say especially big mama, while his remains are in deep freeze. :rolleyes:

Bury him, and let this tortured soul rest in peace. Good Lord.
Just imagine when they finally release his autopsy report! :eek:
They are and will be benefiting BIG TIME from the memorabilia stuff thats being sold like hotcakes! They deserve nothing, that's why MJ didn't leave 'em ANYTHING!

Between the family and now "friends" making claims on the children, it's no wonder he was the way he was. It's clear he was completely alone.

As an aside, there's a lesson here from MJ and Anna Nicole: Reason #437 not to do drugs: no one will be able to tell if someone murders you.

imo.

[Nawny]

I know you and many others agree....It's just wrong, wrong, wrong, all this crap.
Prolly cause of psychological reeasons, he was scared schitless to do this humongous tour, and it added to his insomnia. I myself honestly feel that the treatment he got when younger (don't forget not only from his father, but brothers as well) made him separate himself from the males in his family' when he broke off from them, but someone should have intervened waaaay back. Especially dear mama who allowed his scumbag father to do what he did to many, if not all of his children. I have no respect for her. She was the key to his salvation.Now they are all trying to have their say especially big mama, while his remains are in deep freeze. :rolleyes:

Bury him, and let this tortured soul rest in peace. Good Lord.
Just imagine when they finally release his autopsy report! :eek:
They are and will be benefiting BIG TIME from the memorabilia stuff thats being sold like hotcakes! They deserve nothing, that's why MJ didn't leave 'em ANYTHING!

o_s you're like a breath of fresh air around here! You shoot from the hip like Liberty Valance! ITA with this post. Yep! "The sins of the mothers"

MJ's life is so clear to me it should have a serial number and should be a text book case in medical school. Psychiatry 101.. the famous child in a huge family syndrome. FCIHFS. . . Sadly money didn't protect him from suffering. It doesn't protect anyone from anything.

Which deadly sin is GREED?

[samanthajane13]

Michael Jackson's mother praises Vienna tribute

VIENNA – The King of Pop's mother said in a letter made public Monday that next month's global tribute for Michael Jackson in Vienna is "a wonderful idea" and an event that her son would have loved.

The Sept. 26 concert — being planned by Jackson's brother Jermaine — will take place in front of a 17th-century palace in the Austrian capital. The performers haven't been announced, but the event is expected to draw thousands of people.

"An event of this dimension not only keeps Michael's spirit alive, more than that: It gives millions of fans the opportunity to experience his music and celebrate the life of my son," Katherine Jackson wrote. "I am sure Michael would love it."

The hand-signed letter is dated Thursday and was made public by the Austrian event promoters, World Awards Media GmbH.

Michael Jackson died aged 50 on June 25. Event promoter Georg Kindel has said the tribute originally was planned for London's Wembley Stadium on Aug. 29, which would have been Jackson's 51st birthday, but that Jermaine Jackson decided instead on Vienna.

In the letter, Katherine Jackson said she immediately considered Jermaine's plan — announced several weeks after he visited Vienna to receive an award in his brother's honor — "a wonderful idea."

"I fully support Jermaine's endeavors to spread Michael's important message of making a better world for us all," she wrote.

Jermaine has said the Austrian capital was chosen as the venue because his brother "loved castles."

Jackson's mother also reached out to fans, saying she was "overwhelmed by the worldwide love and support that my beloved son Michael has received over the past month."

Last week, fans swamped the Web site offering tribute tickets.

____

On the Net:

http://www.tribute2009.com/


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090824/ap_en_ce/eu_austria_jackson_tribute

[samanthajane13]

Michael Jackson's mother praises Vienna tribute

VIENNA – The King of Pop's mother said in a letter made public Monday that next month's global tribute for Michael Jackson in Vienna is "a wonderful idea" and an event that her son would have loved.

The Sept. 26 concert — being planned by Jackson's brother Jermaine — will take place in front of a 17th-century palace in the Austrian capital. The performers haven't been announced, but the event is expected to draw thousands of people.

"An event of this dimension not only keeps Michael's spirit alive, more than that: It gives millions of fans the opportunity to experience his music and celebrate the life of my son," Katherine Jackson wrote. "I am sure Michael would love it."

The hand-signed letter is dated Thursday and was made public by the Austrian event promoters, World Awards Media GmbH.

Michael Jackson died aged 50 on June 25. Event promoter Georg Kindel has said the tribute originally was planned for London's Wembley Stadium on Aug. 29, which would have been Jackson's 51st birthday, but that Jermaine Jackson decided instead on Vienna.

In the letter, Katherine Jackson said she immediately considered Jermaine's plan — announced several weeks after he visited Vienna to receive an award in his brother's honor — "a wonderful idea."

"I fully support Jermaine's endeavors to spread Michael's important message of making a better world for us all," she wrote.

Jermaine has said the Austrian capital was chosen as the venue because his brother "loved castles."

Jackson's mother also reached out to fans, saying she was "overwhelmed by the worldwide love and support that my beloved son Michael has received over the past month."

Last week, fans swamped the Web site offering tribute tickets.

____

On the Net:

http://www.tribute2009.com/


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090824/ap_en_ce/eu_austria_jackson_tribute

[samanthajane13]

A&E confirms Jacksons special will become a series

NEW YORK – A&E says its previously announced documentary about members of the Jackson family will be expanded into a reality series.

A&E's official word came only after "Entertainment Tonight" declared the Jackson series was a go.

But beyond acknowledging plans for a series, A&E furnished no details. No premiere date or number of episodes has been specified.

The original special focused on brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson as they prepared for a concert tour.

A&E spokesman Dan Silberman says initial filming wrapped before Michael Jackson's death, but he didn't participate in the show.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090825/ap_en_tv/us_tv_jacksons_show

[samanthajane13]

Jackson dermatologist won't file in guardianship

LOS ANGELES – A lawyer for Michael Jackson's former dermatologist says he now has no plans to petition a court for a role in the lives of the singer's three children.

Mark Vincent Kaplan says Dr. Arnold Klein is satisfied now that an attorney has been appointed to oversee the the children's interests.

Kaplan surprised many during a court hearing earlier this month by saying Klein wanted to be involved in the children's lives. A judge ruled that Klein didn't have legal standing to intervene, but told the doctor he could file a motion later if he still had concerns.

Kaplan says the doctor wanted to be sure Jackson's children did not have a show-business upbringing and were afforded a formal education — things Jackson told Klein he wanted for his children.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090827/ap_en_ce/us_michael_jackson_dermatologist

[Marian Paroo]

There are already people out there saying he's alive.:tongue:

[samanthajane13]

Spike Lee throws Jackson birthday bash in Brooklyn
NEW YORK – Thousands of Michael Jackson fans are dancing the rain away in a Brooklyn park at a celebration hosted by filmmaker Spike Lee.

The party marks what would have been the 51st birthday of the late pop star.

After a slow start amid heavy rain, a sizable crowd turned out at Brooklyn's Prospect Park to listen to a DJ spin Jackson's hits.

Many showed up wearing fedoras and T-shirts with Jackson's image. A few wore white gloves.

Lee directed two music videos for Jackson in 1996.

He told reporters, "I was just like everyone else. I loved his talent."

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

NEW YORK (AP) — Filmmaker Spike Lee is throwing Michael Jackson a birthday party.

The party will be held in a Brooklyn park Saturday on what would have been the 51st birthday of the late pop star.

Organizers say the party will go on despite heavy rain and possible thunderstorms.

They expect thousands to gather on a 15-acre lawn in Brooklyn's Prospect Park. The party officially begins at noon and ends at 5 p.m.

In 1996, Lee directed two music videos for Jackson's song, "They Don't Care About Us."


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090829/ap_on_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_tribute

[samanthajane13]

Thousands attend Jackson birthday bash in New York
By SUZANNE MA, Associated Press Writer Suzanne Ma, Associated Press Writer – Sat Aug 29, 9:07 pm ET

NEW YORK – Thousands of Michael Jackson fans danced the rain away in a Brooklyn park on Saturday at a party hosted by filmmaker Spike Lee, marking what would have been the 51st birthday of the late pop star.

Crowds of partygoers streamed into Prospect Park late Saturday afternoon, many wearing fedoras, sporting white gloves and showing off other Jackson-esque outfits. DJs spun Jackson's hits one after the other as people danced and sang along. Dozens of hawkers wandered through the crowd with T-shirts, buttons, posters and homemade memorabilia.

"I was just like everyone else. I loved his talent," said Lee, who directed two music videos for Jackson in 1996. He also reminisced how Jackson had visited him in his home in Brooklyn to talk about their music video collaboration.

The day was also designated Michael "King of Pop" Jackson Memorial Day by Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz.

"We all know Michael Jackson had fans around the world, but we all know the best fans come from Brooklyn," Markowitz boasted to a roaring crowd that grew as heavy rain in the morning lightened to a drizzle by mid-afternoon.

Edna Robles of Brooklyn was on her feet all afternoon. In a red baseball cap and flip flops, she closed her eyes and swung her hips, pivoting in the grass and mud to the beats of Jackson's hit "Thriller."

"It could be thundering, I don't care," she said. "I watched him through the years and I think he's the best. I love him."

The event, originally planned as a block-party-style gathering for 2,000 in Brooklyn's Fort Greene Park, was moved to Prospect Park to accommodate a bigger crowd.

Peter Brodie and his wife, Corrine Rodriguez, brought their daughters, 3-month-old Astrid and 2 1/2-year-old Makeda, to the party. Rodriguez danced with Makeda to "Beat It" while Brodie swayed side to side as he held Astrid in his arms.

"I grew up listening to Michael Jackson. I was 9 years old and he opened up a whole new world of music and dancing to me," said Brodie, who said it was a shame that such a spirited celebration of Jackson's music came only after his death.

Aubrey Harris, a 45-year-old from New York, was clutching a stack of homemade portraits he made of Jackson.

"I'm spreading the memory of Michael Jackson," said Harris, who cut out Jackson's image from posters and created 19 collages decorated with paint and glitter. "I'm keeping it in the forefront of people's minds."

By mid-afternoon, he had already sold 10 portraits for $15 each.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090830/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_tribute

[samanthajane13]

Did Mexico beat it? Fans go for 'Thriller' record
By ISTRA PACHECO, Associated Press Writer Istra Pacheco, Associated Press Writer – Sun Aug 30, 3:12 am ET

MEXICO CITY – They say they beat it. Thousands of Mexicans claimed they broke the record for most people dancing to "Thriller" simultaneously in one place on Saturday, which would have been Michael Jackson's 51st birthday.

"We did it!" organizer Javier Hildago shouted to thousands of people wearing black fedoras, white gloves, aviator shades and ghoulish face paint, breathless after trying to recreate the groundbreaking 1983 video.

Did they? The Guinness Book of World Records will decide in a week.

The current record was set in May by a group of 242 College of William & Mary students who performed the routine in Williamsburg, Virginia, according to Guinness.

Hildago claimed 12,937 people danced Saturday in front of Mexico City's Monument of the Revolution, led by a Michael Jackson impersonator wearing a red-and-gold sequined jacket.

But Guinness must certify whether all those people really performed the entire, intricate routine. The impersonator, who goes by the name Hector Jackson, and most of those in front of a huge crowd of onlookers certainly looked pretty good.

"More people responded than we even imagined!" Hector Jackson said. "Mexico gave the best tribute in the world to Michael Jackson."

Some of those who took part were born more than two decades after "Thriller" was released.

Guillermo Rodriguez, 2, wore a wig of dreadlocks, a black fedora and a white glove as he practiced the moves minutes before the event, holding up a cell phone that blared a recording of the song into his ear.

His father, Guillermo Rodriguez Sr., is not a huge fan himself. But he said his son has become mesmerized by the Jackson videos that Mexican television have often played since the pop icon died June 25.

"Michael Jack!" the toddler screeched, pointing a chubby, un-gloved finger at a Jackson T-shirt held up by a nearby hawker.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090830/ap_en_mu/lt_mexico_record__thriller

[samanthajane13]

Judge says Jackson's estate can pay for funeral
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – Wed Sep 2, 1:32 pm ET

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson's estate will pay what are being called "extraordinary" expenses for the pop singer's funeral, attorneys and a judge said Wednesday.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff authorized the current administrators of Jackson's estate to pay for Jackson's funeral and interment, which are scheduled for Thursday evening.

Attorneys for Jackson's mother, Katherine, had asked the judge to sign off on the expenses, which have not been disclosed.

No one contested who would pay the costs, but Beckloff said he had concerns about whether Jackson's estate could afford it.

Jeryll Cohen, an attorney for the administrators of Jackson's estate, said the costs will be paid. She said the debt-ridden estate has enough cash to pay for the funeral.

"The expenses are extraordinary, however, Michael Jackson was extraordinary," Cohen said.

Few details about the service have been disclosed. Cohen said during the hearing that part of the reason it was so expensive was because 12 burial spaces were being bought.

Beckloff said normally, costs of a funeral would be paid by the estate after the service. But Jackson's family couldn't afford to pay the costs upfront and wait for reimbursement.

Jackson is scheduled to be interred in a mausoleum at Forest Lawn Glendale, which is about eight miles north of downtown Los Angeles. He will be placed in the Great Mausoleum, where he'll join Hollywood legends such as Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, W.C. Fields and Red Skelton, as well as "The Last Supper Window," a life-size stained glass recreation of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090902/ap_en_ot/us_jackson_estate

[samanthajane13]

Star-filled mausoleum awaits Michael Jackson
By LYNN ELBER, AP Entertainment Writer Lynn Elber, Ap Entertainment Writer – Thu Sep 3, 6:28 am ET

GLENDALE, Calif. – One month after a lavish public memorial for Michael Jackson, the pop singer's family prepared to inter him privately Thursday in a mausoleum filled with legendary entertainers.

On Wednesday, a judge said Jackson's estate will bear the funeral costs, which were characterized by an attorney as "extraordinary." It was disclosed in court that 12 burial spaces were being purchased at Forest Lawn Glendale, about eight miles north of downtown Los Angeles, but no details were offered on how they would be used.

Jackson will rest in the cemetery's Great Mausoleum with Hollywood stars including Clark Gable, Jean Harlow and W.C. Fields.

Jackson's funeral won't end the legal drama over his drug-induced death at age 50, which authorities have labeled a homicide. No criminal charges have been filed over his June 25 death, which came on the cusp of London concerts meant to restore Jackson to his once-incandescent stardom.

Last week, coroner's officials said they believed Jackson's death was homicide, and his death certificate has been amended to reflect that. It cites "injection by another" as the fatal injury.

Investigators have said a mix of the powerful anesthetic propofol and another sedative killed the pop singer. The new record lists "acute propofol intoxication" as the main cause of death and "benzodiazepine effect" as another significant contributor.

The certificate does not mention Dr. Conrad Murray, who was Jackson's personal physician. He told detectives that he gave the singer a series of sedatives and propofol to try to help him sleep.

The coroner's determination of homicide makes it easier for prosecutors to seek criminal charges, but does not necessarily mean a crime was committed.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090903/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_funeral

[samanthajane13]

Guest: Many wept during Jackson's funeral
By LINDA DEUTSCH, AP Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch, Ap Special Correspondent – Fri Sep 4, 5:20 am ET

GLENDALE, California – Paris Jackson wept as she stepped into the mausoleum where her father, Michael, was to be entombed. Katherine Jackson, overcome by sorrow, turned back when she was faced with her son's final resting place.

On a sultry Thursday evening, amid a sea of white flowers and with a bejeweled crown placed atop his casket by his children, the King of Pop was given an intimate, private version of the lavish public memorial held shortly after his death in June.

The funeral at Glendale Memorial Park was simple but touching, according to one guest. The person, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the day, said Gladys Knight's performance of the hymn "Our Father" (The Lord's Prayer) soared in the vast mausoleum and moved many to tears.

When it was over, many of the 200 mourners hugged each other. Among them were Elizabeth Taylor, Jackson's ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley, Barry Bonds and Macaulay Culkin.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, who gave a eulogy at the public event and at Thursday's service, also extolled Knight's earlier performance of "His Eye is on the Sparrow."

"Gladys Knight sang her heart out. Now we prepare to lay him to rest," Sharpton posted on his Twitter account during the service that was held outside and then within the marble mausoleum.

The mourners followed the crowned, lushly flower-draped casket as Jackson's five brothers — each wearing a bright red tie and a single crystal-studded glove — carried it into the mausoleum. The 11-year-old Paris cried as the group entered the imposing building and was comforted by her aunt, LaToya.

Paris and brothers Prince Michael, 12, and Prince Michael II, 7, known as Blanket, began the service by placing the crown on their father's golden casket. They were composed through most of the hour-and-a-half ceremony.

As it ended, Katherine Jackson appeared extremely weary and had to be helped to her car, according to the guest. Earlier, she had a difficult time going into the mausoleum; she was overcome, turned back, and it wasn't clear if she went in at all, the guest said.

The Jackson family's tardy arrival delayed the service for nearly two hours; no explanation was given to mourners. The invitation notice indicated the service would begin promptly at 7 p.m.; it began closer to 8:30.

The 77-year-old Taylor and others were left waiting in the late summer heat, with the temperature stuck at 90 degrees just before sunset, and some mourners fanned themselves with programs for the service. As darkness fell, police escorted the family's motorcade of 31 cars, including Rolls-Royces and Cadillacs, from their compound in Encino to Forest Lawn, about a 20-minute journey, with the hearse bearing Jackson's body at the end.

About 250 seats were arranged for mourners over artificial turf laid roadside at the mausoleum, and a vivid orange moon, a mark of the devastating wildfire about 10 miles (16 kilometers) distant, hung over the cemetery.

There were two oversized portraits of a youthful, vibrant Jackson mounted next to the casket amid displays of white lilies and roses. At Jackson's lavish public memorial, red roses covered his casket.

A large, blimp-like inflated light, the type used in film and television production, and a boom camera hovered over the seating area placed in front of the elaborate marble mausoleum. The equipment raised the possibility that the footage would be used for the Jackson concert documentary "This Is It," or perhaps the Jackson brothers' upcoming reality show.

More than 400 media credentials were issued to reporters and film crews who remained at a distance from the service and behind barricades. The few clusters of fans who gathered around the secure perimeter that encircled the cemetery entrance struggled to see.

Maria Martinez, 25, a fan from Riverside, California, who was joined by a dozen other Jackson admirers at a gas station near the security perimeter, gave a handful of pink flowers she had picked at a nearby park to a man with an invitation driving into the funeral.

"Can you please put these flowers on his grave?" she told him. "They were small and ugly, but I did that with my heart. I'm not going to be able to get close, so this is as close as I could get to him."

The man consented, adding, "God bless."

Glendale police said all went smoothly and there were no arrests.

Jackson will share eternity at Forest Lawn with the likes of Clark Gable, Jean Harlow and W.C. Fields, entombed alongside them in the mausoleum that will be all but off-limits to adoring fans who might otherwise turn the pop star's grave into a shrine.

The closest the public will be able to get to Jackson's vault is a portion of the mausoleum that displays "The Last Supper Window," a life-size stained-glass re-creation of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece. Several 10-minute presentations about the window are held regularly 365 days a year, but most of the building is restricted.

The Jackson family had booked an Italian restaurant in Pasadena for a gathering Thursday night, and family members and guests were seen coming and going late into the night.

"I feel like I watched Michael finally given some peace and I made a commitment to make sure his legacy and what he stood for lives on," Sharpton said outside the restaurant around midnight. "So at one level we're relieved; another level we're obligated."

The ceremony ends months of speculation that the singer's body would be buried at Neverland Ranch, in part to make the property a Graceland-style attraction. An amended copy of Jackson's death certificate was filed Thursday in Los Angeles County to reflect Forest Lawn as his final resting place.

In court on Wednesday, it was disclosed that 12 burial spaces were being purchased by Jackson's estate at Forest Lawn Glendale, about eight miles (13 kilometers) north of downtown Los Angeles, but no details were offered on how they would be used.

The King of Pop died a drug-induced death June 25 at age 50 as he was about to embark on a comeback attempt. The coroner's office has labeled the death a homicide, and Jackson's death certificate lists "injection by another" as the cause.

Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson's personal physician, told detectives he gave the singer a series of sedatives and the powerful anesthetic propofol to help him sleep. But prosecutors are still investigating, and no charges have been filed.

___

AP writers Derrik J. Lang, Anthony McCartney, Sue Manning, Sandy Cohen and Ryan Pearson and APTV reporter John Mone contributed to this report.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090904/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_funeral

[samanthajane13]

Jackson tomb remains a mystery at LA-area cemetery
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – 2 hrs 17 mins ago

GLENDALE, Calif. – The massive marble and concrete Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park was slightly accessible by the public before Michael Jackson was entombed somewhere in its maze of floors and hallways.

Tell the entrance guard you were there to see the "Last Supper" stained-glass window show, and you were allowed to roam a portion of the catacombs for about 10 minutes before anyone hassled you.

But those open sections are only a fraction of the sprawling building that rises many stories and plunges deep underground.

So wherein lies the King of Pop in the monolith? That may be a secret for the ages.

On Friday, a tourist family asked a guard whether the superstar's tomb was private. The guard said it was.

"Private ... forever?" one of them asked.

"Private forever." he said.

No fans, no paparazzi, and so far no one trying too hard to steal a glimpse of the vault containing Jackson's golden casket.

The exact location may forever remain unknown to all but a select few: A guest who attended the Jackson ceremony told The Associated Press the casket had not been put into the vault by the time mourners left.

The guest spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the day.

Under Friday's hot midday sun, a woman with a camera was denied entry to the mausoleum. Guards shooed away a radio reporter who tried to go inside then began interviewing people outside.

The funeral began Thursday night nearly two hours after its scheduled 7 p.m. time. Some 200 mourners, including 77-year-old Elizabeth Taylor and other celebrities associated with Jackson, showed up promptly, only to wait at the outdoor seating area, under a withering late-summer sun that pushed temperatures to 90 degrees even as it was going down.

The ceremony began with remarks and song after the family arrived to fill the front five rows of white folding chairs.

Mourners then followed Jackson's brothers as they carried the casket into the mausoleum. The singer's daughter, 11-year-old Paris, cried and was comforted by her aunt, LaToya.

Paris and brothers Prince Michael, 12, and Prince Michael II, 7, known as Blanket, began the service by placing a bejeweled crown on their father's casket. They were composed through most of the 90-minute ceremony, the guest said.

Once inside, Gladys Knight performed the hymn "Our Father" (The Lord's Prayer) and moved many to tears, according to the guest. When it was over, many of the 200 mourners hugged each other. Among them were Taylor, Jackson's ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley, Barry Bonds and Macaulay Culkin.

As it ended, Katherine Jackson appeared extremely weary and had to be helped to her car, according to the guest. Earlier, she had a difficult time going into the mausoleum; she was overcome and turned back, making it unclear if she went in at all, the guest said.

More than 400 media credentials were issued to reporters and film crews who were kept behind barricades. The few clusters of fans who gathered around the secure perimeter encircling the cemetery entrance struggled to see.

Glendale police said all went smoothly and there were no arrests.

Jackson will share eternity at Forest Lawn with the likes of Clark Gable, Jean Harlow and W.C. Fields, entombed alongside them in the Great Mausoleum. The level of security and secrecy about the location of Jackson's vault all but guaranteed it won't be turned into a shrine or tourist stop.

The entombment also ends months of speculation that the singer's body would be buried at Neverland Ranch, in part to make the property a Graceland-style attraction.

The King of Pop died a drug-induced death June 25 at age 50 as he was about to embark on a comeback attempt. The coroner's office has labeled the death a homicide, and Jackson's death certificate lists "injection by another" as the cause.

Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson's personal physician, told detectives he gave the singer a series of sedatives and the powerful anesthetic propofol to help him sleep. Prosecutors are still investigating, and no charges have been filed.

___

Associated Press Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch and AP Writers Derrik J. Lang, Sue Manning, Sandy Cohen and Ryan Pearson contributed to this report.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090904/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_funeral

[samanthajane13]

Jackson tribute in Vienna: A thriller gone bad?
By WILLIAM J. KOLE, Associated Press Writer William J. Kole, Associated Press Writer – 29 mins ago

VIENNA – It was supposed to be a thriller. Now it just looks bad.

Jermaine Jackson promised some of the planet's biggest stars would take the stage in front of a 17th-century palace in Vienna for what's been billed as the major global tribute to Michael Jackson.

So far, though, he hasn't delivered top acts like Madonna for the Sept. 26 outdoor concert. And two of the supposedly confirmed headliners announced this week — Mary J. Blige and Chris Brown — apparently are out.

Blige's publicist says she has another commitment. A person close to the situation told The Associated Press in Los Angeles that Brown won't perform either and a spokeswoman for Natalie Cole suggested she, too, is iffy.

That leaves a smattering of B-list artists such as Sister Sledge, Akon and German boy band US5 — and unhappy fans who paid up to $745 for VIP seats have a stern message for organizers still scrambling for talent: Don't stop 'til you get enough.

"The lineup announced so far really disappoints me," said Dieter Kircher, 36, of Vienna, who shelled out $91 on a standing-room ticket to the event outside Vienna's former imperial Schoenbrunn Palace. "I can only hope some real stars will come."

Austrian media ran withering headlines Thursday about the much-hyped tribute to the King of Pop, who died June 25 in Los Angeles, denouncing it as a flop.

"Chaos and cancellations," the daily Heute said. Public broadcaster ORF called the lineup a "farce" and a "debacle."

"Right now, the list of 'stars' probably wouldn't even fill the Vienna Stadthalle," an arena in the Austrian capital that draws top acts, ORF said.

Jermaine Jackson told reporters in Berlin on Thursday that he spoke with Blige and Brown, and that Blige said she wanted to take part but was committed to a Gucci fashion show engagement in Milan. Michael "meant so much to her," he said.

He said Stevie Wonder was trying to work out a way to perform despite a full schedule.

Brown, who is serving five years' probation for beating his former girlfriend, Rihanna, would need a judge's permission for any international travel, a Los Angeles court spokeswoman said Wednesday. No motion to do so has been filed, and the person with knowledge of the singer's situation said none would be filed.

On Wednesday, in London, Jermaine Jackson also said he hoped R. Kelly would sign on. Tribute promoter Georg Kindel would neither confirm nor deny a possible Kelly appearance.

Jackson and Kindel plan to hold a news conference in Vienna sometime next week to announce further details about the lineup.

Kindel said earlier this week that up to two dozen artists were expected to perform some of Michael Jackson's greatest hits — including "Thriller," "Billie Jean," "Black or White" and "Bad" — on a large stage with a crown on its roof to be erected on the palace grounds. He said 65,000 fans were expected.

Over the course of the evening, Jermaine will sing a virtual duet with his late brother, probably with video of Michael to be projected onto nearby walls, organizers said. In that respect, Kindel said Thursday, "the star of the event is Michael Jackson."

But the hype that has surrounded the event since it was unveiled led many fans to believe that superstars of Madonna's or U2's caliber would appear. When tickets went on sale online last month, the Web sites offering them went down for hours because of a crush of interest.

Kindel defended the lineup so far. "If someone wins nine Grammy Awards, is that a top star?" he asked. "Who is A-list? Who is B-list? Who is a star? Everyone has his own musical tastes."

Jermaine Jackson has said he's negotiating with broadcasters for licensing rights to a global tribute telecast that would air the concert live to 1 billion fans worldwide, but he hasn't said whether an agreement has been reached.

Members of the late pop star's family and his children are expected to attend. Organizers sought to refute published reports suggesting Jackson relatives are unhappy about the Vienna tribute and don't plan to come — they screened a video Thursday in Berlin in which Jackson's mother, Katherine, said she fully supports the event.

"I'm sure the show is going to be fantastic and I'm looking forward to seeing you there," she said.

Jermaine Jackson has said that Vienna — a surprise venue — was chosen because his brother "loved castles," and because Jermaine was impressed with how a smaller tribute held in July outside a mothballed nuclear power plant was organized.

The city of Vienna, which considers the tribute a potentially huge tourism boost, has pledged up to ⁈0 ($870,000) to help underwrite the cost of diverting traffic, providing security and producing a promotional video.

Deputy mayor Renate Brauner told the Austria Press Agency on Thursday that it's not too late to put the brakes on that spending. But Brauner said she hopes the tribute preparations regain momentum.

"As a fan of Michael Jackson, it would make me happy if some big names came," she said.

___

AP Entertainment Writer Anthony McCartney in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

___

On the Net:

Vienna tribute site, http://www.tribute2009.com


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090910/ap_en_mu/eu_jackson_tribute

[samanthajane13]

Judge allows Jackson estate challenge
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – Fri Sep 18, 7:40 pm ET

LOS ANGELES – A judge has ruled that Michael Jackson's mother can challenge the men currently administering her son's estate without losing her substantial stake.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff's ruling, released Friday, clears the way for Katherine Jackson to challenge whether attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain are best-suited to handle the singer's estate, which has been estimated to be worth more than $500 million.

Attorneys for Katherine Jackson had asked Beckloff to decide whether she could challenge the administrators without invoking a "no contest" clause that would cause her to lose her 40 percent share of the singer's estate.

Beckloff ruled that such a challenge would not be a cause for Katherine Jackson to be disinherited. Most of Katherine Jackson's arguments for why the motion should be approved have been sealed, but Beckloff noted in his ruling that they raised several issues, including whether Michael Jackson was under "undue influence" when he signed his 2002 will.

Her attorneys did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment on Friday. Katherine Jackson could argue that the men are unfit to serve, or that her son was under undue influence.

Attorneys for Branca and McClain did not challenge Katherine Jackson's petition for a ruling. If her attorneys opt to formally challenge the authority of one or both of the men, then Beckloff will convene a hearing and hear testimony.

Branca and McClain already have brokered several deals that have earned the singer's estate tens of millions of dollars. Katherine Jackson's attorneys have not objected to most of them, although they raised concerns about a deal involving concert promoter AEG Live for a memorabilia exhibit.

Beckloff ruled over Katherine Jackson's objections that the exhibit of her son's items — including some of his possessions from Neverland Ranch — could go forward.

It was revealed this week that Katherine Jackson is receiving more than $26,000 per month from her son's estate, as well as another $60,000 per month to care for her three grandchildren. Michael Jackson designated his mother as his choice to care for his children, who range in ages from 7 to 12.

Beckloff granted her permanent guardianship of the children in early August.

The money is being used to pay for a variety of living expenses and for staff to take care of the children.

While Jackson's music has sold briskly since his June 25 death and a movie based on his final concert rehearsals is due to be released in October, Jackson died heavily in debt. A former hairdresser and law firm filed creditor's claims against the singer's estate this week, totaling more $243,000.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090918/ap_en_mu/us_jackson_estate

[samanthajane13]

Atty: Ruling clears way for Jackson estate deal
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – Sat Sep 19, 4:59 am ET

LOS ANGELES – Katherine Jackson's attorney says a judge's ruling that she can challenge the administrators of her son's estate could result in a deal that will determine control of the singer's gargantuan assets.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff determined in a ruling released Friday that Michael Jackson's mother can argue against keeping the men currently administering her son's estate without being disinherited.

Jackson's mother had sought a favorable ruling from Beckloff that she could contest the authority of attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain to guide the pop singer's fortune. The men were named executors of the estate, which could be worth more than $500 million, in Michael Jackson's 2002 will.

Beckloff's ruling clears the way for further arguments and possibly a hearing on whether the men were best suited to control the Jackson's considerable estate. The pair have already brokered deals for a movie, books, museum show and various memorabilia that are expected to generate tens of millions of dollars.

Katherine Jackson's legal team, however, has sought to challenge one or both of the men's authority. A key roadblock was whether a challenge would be deemed a contest to Michael Jackson's will. A provision of the singer's private trust — which calls for his mother to receive 40 percent of his assets — calls for anyone that challenges the will to be disinherited.

"We now hope to resolve the outstanding administration matter, without further costly litigation, in the best interests of the beneficiaries which are Mrs. Jackson and her grandchildren," Katherine Jackson's attorney, L. Londell McMillan wrote in a written statement after Beckloff's ruling.

He noted that although Katherine Jackson was pleased with the ruling, she continues to mourn her son, who was interred earlier this month at a private cemetery in Glendale, Calif.

Most of Katherine Jackson's arguments for why she should be allowed to challenge Branca and McClain's authority have been sealed, but Beckloff noted in his ruling that they raised several issues, including whether Michael Jackson was under "undue influence" when he signed his 2002 will.

Katherine Jackson's attorneys may challenge Branca or McClain's fitness as administrators of the estate, or they may seek a member of Jackson's family or trusted adviser to become a co-administrator. Katherine Jackson's attorneys have noted that her son chose to have three men serve as executors of his estate, although one dropped out after the singer's will was signed.

Attorneys for Branca and McClain did not challenge Katherine Jackson's petition for a ruling. If her attorneys were to opt to formally challenge the authority of one or both of the men, then Beckloff would convene a hearing and hear testimony.

Katherine Jackson's attorneys have not objected to most of the deals Branca and McClain have negotiated to date, although they raised concerns about a deal involving concert promoter AEG Live for a memorabilia exhibit. Other deals include a $60 million agreement with Columbia Pictures to create a movie using footage of Jackson's final rehearsals for a series of London comeback concerts. The film will be released in theaters for a limited time beginning in late October, and the agreement allows special additions to be produced for DVD sales.

Beckloff ruled over Katherine Jackson's objections that the exhibit of her son's items — including some of his possessions from Neverland Ranch — could go forward.

Michael Jackson's music and merchandise has sold briskly since his death on June 25.

The singer died in considerable debt, a fact underscored by creditor's claims that continued to be filed in his estate case. This week, two claims filed by Jackson's former hairdresser and a law firm totaled more than $243,000, and the singer was involved in several pending civil lawsuits when he died.

Attorneys for Branca and McClain have repeatedly said they consider Jackson's estate solvent. Experts predict that it could eventually grow to be worth more than another music superstar who died unexpectedly — Elvis Presley.

Katherine Jackson and her three grandchildren are the only three people named to receive money from the estate. They stand to receive a combined 80 percent stake of the singer's estate; the remaining share is slated to go to unnamed charities.

The estate is currently paying more than $86,000 a month to support Jackson's mother and children, who range in ages from 7 to 12. Katherine Jackson has been named the permanent guardian of the children as was called for in the 2002 will.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090919/ap_en_mu/us_jackson_estate

[samanthajane13]

NEW YORK – The first posthumous release of a new Michael Jackson song, "This Is It," is scheduled for Oct. 12.

Sony Music Entertainment offered few details about the song, except to say it includes backing vocals by Jackson's brothers. Two weeks later, Sony is releasing a two-disc set to coincide with the movie that shows scenes of Jackson rehearsing for his series of London concerts. Jackson died before publicly stepping back on stage.

The album includes some of Jackson's greatest hits as they appeared on previous albums. The second disc features previously unreleased versions of Jackson songs and a spoken-word poem from Jackson called "Planet Earth."


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090923/ap_en_ot/us_music_jackson_song

[samanthajane13]

Jackson fans line up for 'This Is It' tickets
By DERRIK J. LANG, AP Entertainment Writer Derrik J. Lang, Ap Entertainment Writer – 16 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Sally Rubio and dozens of Michael Jackson fans were among the first to line up for "This Is It" tickets.

The winding queue for tickets to the first public screenings of the documentary opened late Thursday afternoon in the courtyard outside the Nokia Theatre at the L.A. Live complex in downtown Los Angeles. The film features a behind-the-scenes look at Jackson preparing for the series of London shows he was rehearsing for before he died June 25.

"I've never done something like this in my life," said Rubio, 53, "but M.J. is worth it."

Tickets for the advance shows aren't scheduled to go on sale until early Sunday morning, meaning Rubio and her fellow devotees may spend days in line. The first 500 fans in line have been promised commemorative lenticular tickets designed by Jackson for the London concerts at the O2 Arena, another reason Rubio was motivated to wait in line for over 48 hours.

"I heard they are very beautiful," she said.

A total of 3,000 movie tickets will be available for the early Oct. 27 shows at L.A. Live's new Regal Cinemas Stadium 14, marking the movie theater's grand opening. It's the only screening location offering the advance shows and commemorative tickets. "This Is It" will begin its limited, two-week run at movie theaters nationwide on Oct. 28.

The Sony Pictures film, crafted from hundred hours of rehearsal footage, is directed by longtime Jackson collaborator Kenny Ortega, the "High School Musical" director who had been working with Jackson on the "This Is It" concerts. The movie will feature Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show as well as interviews with his friends and family.

Several of the fans who arrived when the line opened Friday brought chairs — one per person — and umbrellas for the long wait ahead of them. AEG, which operates the L.A. Live complex and organized the Jackson concerts, said that no tents, alcohol, cooking or boom boxes were permitted in line. Onsite monitors would issue passes for restroom and food breaks.

"It was a last-minute decision," said Trudy Miles, who was waiting in line with her daughters. "We were getting ready to go to the park, and my daughter texted me and told me the tickets were going on sell today. We were going to see it at the theater near our house, but we thought this would be special, so we loaded up the car with stuff and came down here."

___

On the Net:

http://www.lalive.com/

http://www.thisisit-movie.com/


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090925/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_movie_tickets

[samanthajane13]

AEG president: Jackson movie should clear co. name
By MICHAEL CIDONI, Associated Press Writer Michael Cidoni, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 27 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – As dozens of buoyant Michael Jackson fans queued up in the Nokia Plaza to be among the first to see their idol's last performance, others watching the scene expressed mixed emotions.

Tim Leiweke, president of AEG, which bankrolled Jackson's "This is It" tour and is a key player in the film, recalled the moment he got the news of Jackson's death. "Well, at first it lets all the air out of you, and you sit here and you're stunned at how quickly it happened and occurred. You're in denial. You can't believe it. You're looking around, saying, 'What happened?"

Zip ahead some three months, to Thursday afternoon — about an hour before the opening of the nearly two-and-a-half day waiting line for advance tickets to "Michael Jackson's 'This is It'" concert documentary. Leiweke reunited with musicians, singers and dancers from the tour in a press conference held in the plaza, which is directly across the street from the Staples Center, the site of Jackson's rehearsals, the last of which took place just hours before his death June 25.

"It's mixed feelings, first of all, to see these guys again, and to be in this space," noted singer Darryl Phinnessee. "You know, we finished rehearsing at quarter to midnight the night before Michael died, and he was energetic and up and doing his thing, as you'll see in the movie."

Crafted from hundred hours of rehearsal footage, "This is It" is directed by longtime Jackson collaborator Kenny Ortega, who had been working with Jackson on the concerts.

"You see the music, the studios, the rehearsals, the dancers, the auditions, the costumes," Leiweke said. "You see all of the behind-the-scenes, and then you finally see the last few days of the dress rehearsals, and you begin to see the genius of Michael: the dancing, the singing, the choreography, and his concept of creating a one-time performance that no one would ever forget."

Leiweke said the movie also will provide proof that AEG had Jackson's well-being in mind.

"I think we still are hurt," Leiweke said. "Some of the things that people have said about us, which are so untrue, this movie's going to restore his legacy, and prove that we, in fact, gave Michael a second chance here. And an opportunity to make the kind of comeback he was dreaming of. And that we created an environment for him that was probably the best environment that the guy had the last 10 or 15 years of his life. And I'm very proud of the way we treated Michael, and very proud of the partnership that we had with him. And this movie is an opportunity to celebrate that, and we could get past all of the gossip and all of the innuendo."

"This is It" is set to open in cinemas worldwide Oct. 28.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090925/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_movie_aeg

[samanthajane13]

'Michael Jackson Tapes' details star's obsessions
By VICTOR EPSTEIN, Associated Press Writer Victor Epstein, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 48 mins ago

ENGLEWOOD, N.J. – A new book by Michael Jackson's former adviser says the pop superstar feared the ravages of old age and appeared to be abusing prescription drugs and cosmetic surgery nearly a decade before his death.

"The Michael Jackson Tapes" don't break much new ground, but author Shmuley Boteach (SMOO'-lee BOH'-tek) provides firsthand detail in Jackson's voice about the excesses and obsessions the world glimpsed through the entertainer's public facade.

Boteach says the book is based on 30 hours of taped interviews with the entertainer. In it, Jackson is portrayed as an aging superstar, addicted to fame and drugs, who lacks the willpower to make changes needed to give his life new meaning.

Jackson died June 25. His death is being treated as a homicide.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090925/ap_en_ce/us_michael_jackson_tapes

[samanthajane13]

Jackson sneak peek screenings sell out in 2 hours

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson is still playing to sellout crowds.

Advance screenings to the music documentary "Michael Jackson: This Is It" sold out within two hours early Sunday as fans who began lining up three days earlier snapped up all 3,000 tickets to the Los Angeles shows.

The documentary opens nationwide Oct. 28, but fans will get a sneak peek the night before in screenings at the new Regal Cinemas Stadium 14. For the theater's grand opening, the cinema will show "This Is It" on all 14 screens that night.

Directed by longtime Jackson collaborator Kenny Ortega, "This Is It" draws on hundreds of hours of footage as Jackson prepared for a series of London concerts for which he was rehearsing before his death on June 25.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090928/ap_en_ot/us_film_michael_jackson

[samanthajane13]

Jackson estate sues foundation over name
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – 14 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson's estate on Tuesday sued a foundation that bears the name of one of his most famous songs, "Heal the World."

The federal court lawsuit claims the Heal the World Foundation is improperly using trademarks and Web sites to create the impression they were approved by Jackson to solicit donations.

The current administrators of Jackson's estate — attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain — have a probate court's authority to protect Jackson's image and likeness and prevent sales of unauthorized merchandise. They have negotiated deals for official Jackson merchandise, including a coffee table book, trading cards and calendars.

The lawsuit claims the Heal the World Foundation had no relationship with Jackson or his family.

After-hours phone messages left for the foundation and an attorney were not immediately returned.

The suit claims Jackson created a charity based on his hit "Heal the World" in 1992, but it dissolved a decade later. "Defendants' acts of infringement and unfair competition have been committed with the intent to cause confusion, mistake and to deceive," the lawsuit claims.

The current Heal the World Foundation was formed in 2008 and trademarked its name. The lawsuit claims the foundation has sought trademarks for terms associated with Jackson, such as "Thriller," "Neverland" and "King of Pop."

Jackson's estate has applied for trademarks of similar terms.

The foundation's Web site includes photos of Jackson and describes itself as a "universal charity organization designed to improve the condition of all mankind."

In August, the foundation filed a notice of its intent to use Jackson's name and sell merchandise in the singer's estate case.

The lawsuit claims trademark infringement and unfair competition, and seeks a cancellation of a trademark for Jackson's initials that the foundation has already received.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090930/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_foundation_lawsuit

[Jadedblueeyes]

http://www.okmagazine.com/2009/10/coroner-michael-jackson-was-in-good-health/#

Coroner: Michael Jackson was in Good Health

Rumors swirled that the rigor of rehearsals for his 50-date “This Is It” concert in London effectively killed an ailing Michael Jackson. On the contrary, the music legend’s autopsy report shows that he was in normal health for a man of his age and he died without any illegal drugs in his system.

The Associated Press claims that the report could be a tool for prosecutors building a case against Michael’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, who told police he administered a powerful anesthetic to the singer shortly before he died.

The coroner ruled that Michael’s death at age 50 on June 25 was caused by acute intoxication of the anesthetic propofol with other sedatives a contributing factor. The coroner found the propofol was administered without any medical need and that recommended resuscitation equipment was missing.

Despite rumors that Michael was skeletal when he died, the Los Angeles County coroner reveals that, at 136 pounds, he was a normal weight for a man of 5 ft. 9 inches. His heart was strong and his kidneys and most other major organs were normal.

The singer had a few health issues including arthritis in his lower spine and some fingers, and mild plaque buildup in his leg arteries. He also had inflamed lungs which may have left him short of breath, but wouldn’t have contributed to his death.

Murray’s attorney, Edward Chernoff, told the AP he was anxious to see the full autopsy results and would not comment until he had done so. He added that he stood by his original statement that Murray did not administer anything that ‘’should have” killed Jackson.

The report reveals that he had a variety of scars— possibly from cosmetic surgery — on his face, neck, shoulder, arms and abdomen.

And the star, who never appeared in public without flowing locks or a hat, was balding on the front of his head, his remaining hair is described as short and tightly curled. The coroner found depigmentation of his skin around his chest, abdomen, face and arms.



RIP! Michael...:rose:

[Jadedblueeyes]

http://www.tmz.com/#ixzz0SqpReW8D

Jackson Doc Had Propofol Sent To GF's Place
Posted Oct 3rd 2009 7:30AM by TMZ Staff

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Dr. Conrad Murray had a Las Vegas pharmacy send a steady supply of Propofol to his girlfriend's Santa Monica apartment -- the apartment where he was living.

Our sources tell us Dr. Murray had Applied Pharmacy send Propofol by Fed Ex to the address of Nicole Alvarez, the mother of the doctor's 7th child.

We've also confirmed with our law enforcement sources in the weeks preceding Jackson's death Dr. Murray was living at Alverez's home during the days ... and only went to Jackson's home at night when he administered drugs to the singer.

Our sources say they have traced some but not all of the Propofol bottles found in Jackson's home after he died, to Applied Pharmacy.

Alvarez has been uncooperative with law enforcement and was forced to appear before the L.A. County Grand Jury last month to testify.

[samanthajane13]

Judge empowers Jackson executors to handle debts
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – 51 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson's three children seem to be adjusting well to being raised by their grandmother, a judge said.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff said Friday he was "very pleased" with the contents of a probate investigator's report detailing how the children are adjusting roughly three months after their father's death.

"It looks like the children are really doing wonderfully with their grandmother guardian," Beckloff said in brief comments on the report during a hearing Friday.

Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and Prince II, 7, have been in Katherine Jackson's care since their father died in late June. Beckloff appointed Katherine Jackson as the children's permanent guardian in August and asked for an update on their conditions.

In his 2002 will, Michael Jackson designated his mother as his choice to care for his children if he died.

Beckloff sealed the report on the children and said he sees no need to get future updates.

Jackson's estate is paying a $60,000 per month stipend to care for and protect the youngsters.

Beckloff also increased the powers of two men currently administering Michael Jackson's estate, a move made in part because of the singer's substantial debts.

Beckloff gave attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain general powers over Jackson's estate, which allow them to consider creditors' claims. They can also enter into business deals that aren't opposed by Katherine Jackson without Beckloff's approval, and they can begin to represent the estate in several court cases pending against the singer when he died.

The judge made the ruling over the objections of Katherine Jackson's attorney.

Numerous people have already filed claims against the pop singer's estate for unpaid bills. They include a stylist, security providers and Jackson's criminal defense attorneys who won his acquittal against child molestation charges.

Until Friday, no one could accept or reject creditor's claims against Jackson, who died with an estimated $400 million in debt.

Paul Gordon Hoffman, an attorney for Branca and McClain, said there are several people who haven't filed claims against the estate because there was technically no one to accept them.

Burt Levitch, an attorney for Katherine Jackson, declined to comment on the ruling. Levitch said Jackson's mother is still hoping that a settlement will add a Jackson family member to the team administering the singer's estate, which is expected to be worth more than $500 million.

Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson attended Friday's hearing but did not speak during or after the proceedings.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091003/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_guardianship

[samanthajane13]

Records: Jackson's funeral cost nearly $1 million
By LINDA DEUTSCH, AP Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch, Ap Special Correspondent – 47 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson's private family funeral was fit for a king and had a price tag to match: roughly $1 million, according to court documents released Tuesday.

Although Jackson died in June and had a large public tribute at the Staples Center in Los Angeles in July, the private family funeral held Sept. 3 appeared to have been arranged with urgency.

Legal requests for payments filed with estate administrators by attorneys for Michael Jackson's mother only three days before the scheduled burial noted that if payment was not received by the funeral home and the Glendale Police Department by Sept. 1, "the funeral will not proceed."

The lawyers warned that such a development would cause Katherine Jackson and the family "public embarrassment and added grief, along with the daunting task of having to make new arrangements."

There was no indication of resistance by the administrators, who approved payment of all expenses and reimbursement of Michael Jackson's sister Janet for an advance payment to Forest Lawn-Glendale of $49,000.

The final tally of costs included $855,730 to Forest Lawn for cemetery and funeral charges including the purchase of other plots within the same mausoleum that houses Jackson's body.

Also listed were: $35,000 for burial garments; $1,975 for wardrobe for the family; $2,000 for usher costumes; $3,682 for framing of a photograph of Jackson next to the casket; $959 for embroidery; $11,716 for invitations and programs; $16,000 for flowers; $30,000 for cars and security; and $15,000 for a funeral designer. There was also a charge of $21,455 for the "funeral repast" at a restaurant after the ceremony.

During the period that the family waited to bury Jackson, they were charged $5,000 a month for holding the remains in a temporary vault.

The documents showed that his mother, brother Randy and sister Janet were involved in the planning and were mindful that the media would be covering the funeral, although media were not allowed inside the ceremony.

"Mrs. Jackson and her family wish to honor her son by a funeral that seeks to offer solace to his multitude of fans and by which the family also may be comforted," the attorneys said. The costs were substantial but "entirely commensurate with the decedent's worldwide status as an entertainer and the world's grief over his death."

Mrs. Jackson's attorneys were granted the request for $1 million. The administrators noted this was in addition to the costs of the Staples Center tribute, which was approved by the court as part of the agreement with entertainment group AEG.

Outside court on Tuesday, lawyer Howard Weitzman, who represents the administrators, said: "I would have done it less expensively. But it was Michael Jackson, who was larger than life. There's no reason he should not have a funeral that's larger than life."


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091111/ap_en_ce/us_jackson_funeral_expenses

[samanthajane13]

Michael Jackson estate administrators seek payment
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – 42 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – The administrators of Michael Jackson's estate and a cadre of attorneys are seeking millions for managing the King of Pop's affairs after death, court documents filed Tuesday show.

It's unclear how much exactly will be paid out.

The administrators of Jackson's estate, attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain, are seeking five percent of money the estate has earned so far.

The administrators and attorneys have not been paid since Jackson's death on June 25, the filings state.

The estate may have earned $100 million or more with the sale of rights to the concert film "This Is It," new music releases and merchandising agreements.

But Jackson's estate also faces significant debt and a lawsuit cites at least 10 lawsuits that are still pending. They include suits over the rights to "Thriller," Jackson's iconic song and music video directed by John Landis, and lawsuits filed by former associates.

The filings state that a detailed accounting of the estate's earnings is not ready, but attorneys have filed some financial records for the judge to review.

Many experts believe that Jackson's estate earnings could eclipse those of another famous, and profitable, music icon — Elvis Presley.

"Unlike the typical estate, the operation of Michael Jackson's estate is more akin to the operation of a multimillion dollar business enterprise," attorney Jeryll S. Cohen wrote in a filing.

She wrote that many of the attorneys working the case have spent up to 14 hours a day on the case, and that not approving the fees soon will create a financial hardship.

Branca is asking the five percent be paid to his firm. The filing states he is not asking for a personal fee for administration of the estate.

Payments would also go to a variety of firms, including one representing the interests of Jackson's children.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff has scheduled a hearing for Jan. 4 to decide how much can be paid out.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091216/ap_en_ot/us_jackson_estate

[samanthajane13]

Compensation approved for Jackson estate admins
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – 1 hr 44 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Two men administering Michael Jackson's estate will receive a total of 10 percent of the its profits minus several sizable assets, a judge agreed Wednesday.

Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff approved the compensation for attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain, who have been administering the singer's estate since shortly after his death on June 25.

Branca and McClain will each receive five percent of the estate's profits, minus earnings from the recent "This Is It" movie and Jackson's interest in lucrative Sony-ATV music catalog.

Beckloff approved the arrangement after discussing it with various attorneys representing Branca, McClain, Jackson's children and the singer's mother, Katherine Jackson.

None raised any objections to the arrangement.

Howard Weitzman, an attorney for Branca and McClain, said the men would be fairly compensated but likely receive less money than if they received guideline amounts for administering Jackson's estate, which has an estimated value of more than $500 million.

"They will be fairly compensated," Weitzman said.

Katherine Jackson's attorney, Adam Streisand, agreed.

"I think that this is very reasonable," he said. "There is an incentive for the executors to grow the business and that will, of course, affect their compensation."

Weitzman noted that Branca represented Michael Jackson throughout his life and that McClain is a childhood friend of the singer.

Beckloff is retaining some oversight over the payments and scheduled a progress report for September. But he expressed faith in Branca's leadership of the estate. The judge recalled a hearing last year in which Branca testified by phone about his business connections and a deal Jackson merchandise and a memorabilia exhibition.

"I found him extraordinarily impressive," Beckloff said, noting that's not a distinction he normally draws about people from a phone conversation.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100203/ap_en_mu/us_jackson_estate