I have been asked about the Hayvenhurst home ownership in a previous post.
The Hayvenhurst estate is still jointly owned by the Michael Jackson Estate and LaToya Jackson. As well they jointly own the other Encino home.
As an interesting tidbit: both properties are under rebilding at the moment (Hayvenhurst estate applied for rebuilding on March 3, 2010; Encino estate applied on August 10, 2010). Both properties will be developed with an ultra-modern heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system amongst others.
Neverland is still owned by Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC.
According to the documents all property taxes are paid, and no intention for selling them.
3/14/2011
3/13/2011
Jackson Family Businesses
Following the recent months' continous feud between the Jackson family and the Michael Jackson Estate, I have made some researches on how the family operates on business levels.
The key person in the family is MJ's mother, Katherine Jackson who resides on the Encino compound jointly owned by LaToya and the MJ Estate. MJ's father, Joe Jackson rents a condo in Las Vegas. The connection between the two is Henry M. Lowell.
Lowell is an old friend and business partner of the family. I have found some ventures he launched with Joe in the early 90's, their most recent one has been establised late last year under "Falcon Hawk Entertainment LLC". However none of these businesses produced any serious money.
Katherine along with some other family members owns Unique Wood Designs Inc., the company that holds the ownership of the Gary family home. The company is operated by Lowell as well.
Katherine and Joe with some other individuals established the Jackson Family Charitable Foundation and the Jackson Development & Marketing Corporation. According to a document sent from the family to Gary's major:
"The Jackson Family Foundation, a not for profit organization, was established by Joseph and Katherine Jackson for the purpose of developing the Jackson Family Museum and Michael Jackson Performing Arts & Culture Center and Concert Hall, and Michael Jackson Memorial Pavilion to be built in the birthplace of the Jackson musical family; Gary, Indiana. In addition, Simon Sahouri as the president of the Jackson Family Foundation and the Jackson Development and Marketing Corporation is to spearhead the entire projects.
The Jackson Development and Marketing Corporation has been created as a for profit company to develop and operate the project. It will be responsible for the overall development, management, and general operations of the entire Jackson Family Center. The Jackson Family Foundation will manage and facilitate the philanthropic work of the foundation."
Lowell was the key instrument in getting together the Jacksons, Howard Mann and Melissa Johnson.
Another name that often pops up in the Jackson family business is Simon Sahouri, Joe's financial advisor from Las Vegas.
The key person in the family is MJ's mother, Katherine Jackson who resides on the Encino compound jointly owned by LaToya and the MJ Estate. MJ's father, Joe Jackson rents a condo in Las Vegas. The connection between the two is Henry M. Lowell.
Lowell is an old friend and business partner of the family. I have found some ventures he launched with Joe in the early 90's, their most recent one has been establised late last year under "Falcon Hawk Entertainment LLC". However none of these businesses produced any serious money.
Katherine along with some other family members owns Unique Wood Designs Inc., the company that holds the ownership of the Gary family home. The company is operated by Lowell as well.
Katherine and Joe with some other individuals established the Jackson Family Charitable Foundation and the Jackson Development & Marketing Corporation. According to a document sent from the family to Gary's major:
"The Jackson Family Foundation, a not for profit organization, was established by Joseph and Katherine Jackson for the purpose of developing the Jackson Family Museum and Michael Jackson Performing Arts & Culture Center and Concert Hall, and Michael Jackson Memorial Pavilion to be built in the birthplace of the Jackson musical family; Gary, Indiana. In addition, Simon Sahouri as the president of the Jackson Family Foundation and the Jackson Development and Marketing Corporation is to spearhead the entire projects.
The Jackson Development and Marketing Corporation has been created as a for profit company to develop and operate the project. It will be responsible for the overall development, management, and general operations of the entire Jackson Family Center. The Jackson Family Foundation will manage and facilitate the philanthropic work of the foundation."
Lowell was the key instrument in getting together the Jacksons, Howard Mann and Melissa Johnson.
Another name that often pops up in the Jackson family business is Simon Sahouri, Joe's financial advisor from Las Vegas.
3/12/2011
Fake Heal The World Foundation Items and Donations
In the Michael Jackson Estate vs. Melissa Johnson case the MJ Estate claims that Johnson used her fake Heal The World Foundation and MJ's name to gain money.
Below I send some websites where you can see yourself how Johnson misleads people to collect money:
http://shop.cafepress.com/heal%2520the%2520world%2520foundation
http://www.cafepress.co.uk/Admin_CP17577349.490010150
http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=32861&name=&id=32861&status=102&categoryId=619&type=NONPROFIT&itemId=&pageSize=10&pageIndex=1&sortOrder=-4
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160513694933
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160513396892
Below I send some websites where you can see yourself how Johnson misleads people to collect money:
http://shop.cafepress.com/heal%2520the%2520world%2520foundation
http://www.cafepress.co.uk/Admin_CP17577349.490010150
http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=32861&name=&id=32861&status=102&categoryId=619&type=NONPROFIT&itemId=&pageSize=10&pageIndex=1&sortOrder=-4
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160513694933
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160513396892
AllGood Entertainment vs. Michael Jackson Estate - Updates
New information in the above titled case:
- AGE had a March 8, 2011 deadline to properly file their appeal. If they don't do so, the case will be dismissed. They missed the deadline again by not submitting the appeal in the proper form. Therefore the court allowed them 2 more days to file the documents, that they missed as well. It seems but still not confirmed that the case will be dismissed early next week.
- AGE had a March 8, 2011 deadline to properly file their appeal. If they don't do so, the case will be dismissed. They missed the deadline again by not submitting the appeal in the proper form. Therefore the court allowed them 2 more days to file the documents, that they missed as well. It seems but still not confirmed that the case will be dismissed early next week.
3/10/2011
Michael Jackson Estate vs. Melissa Johnson - Updates
More updates in the above titled case:
- A trial date has been appointed for April 19, 2011.
- The witness list has been filed. You haven't seen all these names on one page yet: Melissa Johnson, Melvin Wilson (officer for Johnson), Evan Spiegel (former MJ attorney), Mark Harrison (former MJ attorney), Michael Kane (accountant for the MJ Estate and MJ), Howard Mann, Evvy Tavasci (former MJ assistant), John Branca, Karen Langford (MJ Estate attorney), Fekix Sebacius (Bravado representative), Kristen Fancher (MJ Estate attorney), Brian Oxman, Raymone Bain, Van Alexander, Grace Rwamba, John Grant (domain name specialist), Katherine Jackson, John McClain, Stuart Backermann, Frank DiLeo, etc.
Just by looking at this list we can say that this will a final, big breakdown of all the dirty people in MJ's world.
- Johnson's attorney filed an objection against the MJ Estate's supplemental document, claiming that Johnson is entitled for all the copyrights and running her fake charity because MJ in his life didn't have problems with her work.
- Almost 2.000 items has been filed with the court as evidences.
If this case will really go on trial, that will be a hard but fast win for the MJ Estate.
- A trial date has been appointed for April 19, 2011.
- The witness list has been filed. You haven't seen all these names on one page yet: Melissa Johnson, Melvin Wilson (officer for Johnson), Evan Spiegel (former MJ attorney), Mark Harrison (former MJ attorney), Michael Kane (accountant for the MJ Estate and MJ), Howard Mann, Evvy Tavasci (former MJ assistant), John Branca, Karen Langford (MJ Estate attorney), Fekix Sebacius (Bravado representative), Kristen Fancher (MJ Estate attorney), Brian Oxman, Raymone Bain, Van Alexander, Grace Rwamba, John Grant (domain name specialist), Katherine Jackson, John McClain, Stuart Backermann, Frank DiLeo, etc.
Just by looking at this list we can say that this will a final, big breakdown of all the dirty people in MJ's world.
- Johnson's attorney filed an objection against the MJ Estate's supplemental document, claiming that Johnson is entitled for all the copyrights and running her fake charity because MJ in his life didn't have problems with her work.
- Almost 2.000 items has been filed with the court as evidences.
If this case will really go on trial, that will be a hard but fast win for the MJ Estate.
3/06/2011
VintagePopMedia.com Has Been Removed
Howard Mann's company website has been removed recently. Under VintagePopMedia.com an empty page appears for now.
As I have reported about previously, the Michael Jackson Estate claimed in their case that VintagePopMedia.com has an image on it's home page thar infriges MJ's copyrights. Mann in his answere said that the dance move in the logo wasn't invented by MJ.
Even if VintagePopMedia.com will be back online, it say a lot how JacksonSecretVault.com has been changed in the past weeks.
As I have reported about previously, the Michael Jackson Estate claimed in their case that VintagePopMedia.com has an image on it's home page thar infriges MJ's copyrights. Mann in his answere said that the dance move in the logo wasn't invented by MJ.
Even if VintagePopMedia.com will be back online, it say a lot how JacksonSecretVault.com has been changed in the past weeks.
Michael Jackson Estate On Probate Court - Updated
I have reported about a March 15, 2011 hearing regarding the sale of a real property owned by the MJ Estate.
Until now it wasn't clear what this motion is about. On March 2, 2011 an objection has been filed by Genevieve Jackson, Randy Jackson Jr., Donte Jackson and Alejandra Jackson. So this motion might be about the eviction of Alejandra and her co. from the Hayvenhurst family home. And/or the offer made to her by the MJ Estate to move them into the other Encino house the Estate owns.
Until now it wasn't clear what this motion is about. On March 2, 2011 an objection has been filed by Genevieve Jackson, Randy Jackson Jr., Donte Jackson and Alejandra Jackson. So this motion might be about the eviction of Alejandra and her co. from the Hayvenhurst family home. And/or the offer made to her by the MJ Estate to move them into the other Encino house the Estate owns.
3/05/2011
Michael Jackson Estate vs. Melissa Johnson - Updates II.
More updates from the above titled case:
- On March 1, 2011 John Branca and Melissa Johnson sat down to settle the case, unsuccessfully. It means that the case will go on trial most likely.
- In a new deposition Johnson describes the story of getting in touch with the Jacksons. She claims that Katherine and Joe's manager, Henry Lowell reached out to her, started the discussions and finally introduced her to Mann.
- Johnson organised a meeting about HTWF on November 19, 2010. She got Katherine and Joe there and they decided on to merge Johnson's fake charity, and MJ's real foundation that she took over fraudently. As well they agreed on include Katherine and Joe in the board of directors. On the very same meeting they agreed on the HTWF and Vintage Pop licensing agreement.
In my opinion Johnson once might have been a great fan of MJ. But over the years something went wrong. Bothering MJ's team with expired domain names tells a lot, but that was just the beginning, and now we can see that her mental conditions dropped even more. Because of her colorful imagination she feels entitled to committing frauds and misleading people. The questions is, how big part of her motivation comes from financial issues?
If her case goes on trial, it will break down immediaetly. This whole circus is just about the American justice system, where the MJ Estate has to fight against these cases as well.
- On March 1, 2011 John Branca and Melissa Johnson sat down to settle the case, unsuccessfully. It means that the case will go on trial most likely.
- In a new deposition Johnson describes the story of getting in touch with the Jacksons. She claims that Katherine and Joe's manager, Henry Lowell reached out to her, started the discussions and finally introduced her to Mann.
- Johnson organised a meeting about HTWF on November 19, 2010. She got Katherine and Joe there and they decided on to merge Johnson's fake charity, and MJ's real foundation that she took over fraudently. As well they agreed on include Katherine and Joe in the board of directors. On the very same meeting they agreed on the HTWF and Vintage Pop licensing agreement.
In my opinion Johnson once might have been a great fan of MJ. But over the years something went wrong. Bothering MJ's team with expired domain names tells a lot, but that was just the beginning, and now we can see that her mental conditions dropped even more. Because of her colorful imagination she feels entitled to committing frauds and misleading people. The questions is, how big part of her motivation comes from financial issues?
If her case goes on trial, it will break down immediaetly. This whole circus is just about the American justice system, where the MJ Estate has to fight against these cases as well.
Michael Jackson Estate vs. Melissa Johnson - Updates
The recent updates in the above titled case:
- The MJ Estate filed a supplement with more allegations against Johnson. Amongst others they claim that Johnson contacted Jackson family members for supporting the fake Heal The World Foundation. Some family members even have been appointed as board members for HTWF.
- The MJ Estate claims that Johnson lied to many of the authorities, fraudently revived MJ's original HTWF saying that she has been asked by MJ to do so (according to the papers the foundation has been suspended due to non-payment of fees). Then she merged MJ's foundation with her fake one and appointed herself as the president of the survival foundation.
- The MJ Estate claims that on or around July, 2010 Johnson contacted someone around the family, and through him was able to reach Katherine and Joe Jackson, as well MJ's kids. They all have been involved with the fake foundation.
- Johnson's claims are relaying on a letter from Brian Oxman recollecting a conversation from 2005 saying: "This letter will confirm that in February, 2005, Mr. Michael Jackson instructed me to inform you that he approved of your proposals regarding Heal the World Foundation and requested that you act on behalf of the Foundation to preserve and protect it and its trademarks. Mr. Jackson instructed me to inform you to keep the Foundation active, work on behalf of the Foundation to promote its purposes and goals, run the Foundation’s operations, and revive its corporate status.”
The problem is that Oxman wasn't MJ's attorney (represented Joe at the time), and the letter itself didn't empower Johnson to take over HTWF.
- In December, 2010 Johnson entered into a licencing agreement with Mann despite the court order that prohibited her from using anything related to MJ. Even her agreement with Mann said that the two won't do anything until the case will be closed down. Opposite to this Mann organised an event in December where he mentioned HTWF as well used MJ's name, and did so continually since then together with Johnson.
- The MJ Estate claimed that Johnson and Mann continually misled the public in the appearances and interviews.
- Johnson claims in her deposition that MJ appointed her as a director of HTWF, but she never saw the actual document of this.
- All the above mentioned claims can be proved through various depositions from the past 2 months.
- A tidbit: In it's first 3 years MJ spent $21 million through HTWF.
More to come tomorrow...
- The MJ Estate filed a supplement with more allegations against Johnson. Amongst others they claim that Johnson contacted Jackson family members for supporting the fake Heal The World Foundation. Some family members even have been appointed as board members for HTWF.
- The MJ Estate claims that Johnson lied to many of the authorities, fraudently revived MJ's original HTWF saying that she has been asked by MJ to do so (according to the papers the foundation has been suspended due to non-payment of fees). Then she merged MJ's foundation with her fake one and appointed herself as the president of the survival foundation.
- The MJ Estate claims that on or around July, 2010 Johnson contacted someone around the family, and through him was able to reach Katherine and Joe Jackson, as well MJ's kids. They all have been involved with the fake foundation.
- Johnson's claims are relaying on a letter from Brian Oxman recollecting a conversation from 2005 saying: "This letter will confirm that in February, 2005, Mr. Michael Jackson instructed me to inform you that he approved of your proposals regarding Heal the World Foundation and requested that you act on behalf of the Foundation to preserve and protect it and its trademarks. Mr. Jackson instructed me to inform you to keep the Foundation active, work on behalf of the Foundation to promote its purposes and goals, run the Foundation’s operations, and revive its corporate status.”
The problem is that Oxman wasn't MJ's attorney (represented Joe at the time), and the letter itself didn't empower Johnson to take over HTWF.
- In December, 2010 Johnson entered into a licencing agreement with Mann despite the court order that prohibited her from using anything related to MJ. Even her agreement with Mann said that the two won't do anything until the case will be closed down. Opposite to this Mann organised an event in December where he mentioned HTWF as well used MJ's name, and did so continually since then together with Johnson.
- The MJ Estate claimed that Johnson and Mann continually misled the public in the appearances and interviews.
- Johnson claims in her deposition that MJ appointed her as a director of HTWF, but she never saw the actual document of this.
- All the above mentioned claims can be proved through various depositions from the past 2 months.
- A tidbit: In it's first 3 years MJ spent $21 million through HTWF.
More to come tomorrow...
3/02/2011
Michael Jackson Estate vs. Howard Mann - Updates
Howard Mann's lawyers responded to the Michael Jackson Estate's claims in the above titled case. Below you may read of some interesting points:
- Mann didn't infringe the This Is It copyrights, because it has been posted on a social media website (note: JacksonSecretVaults.com has not been marked as a social media website until the lawsuit has been filed. As well the image has been put into the website's layout, what's been owned by Mann's Canadian company).
- Mann claims that he is entitled to use the MJ drawings in Katherine Jackson's book, because he has a licence agreement from the material's co-owner.
- Mann refers on more points to the 2005 court order regarding the memorablia, and says that MJ even lost his property rights, interests and titles.
- Mann says that the pose in the Vintage Pop Media logo hasn't been invented by MJ, but it has been on for decades before him (note: this is a very weak excusion, who wouldn't think of MJ looking at the logo?).
- Mann claims that Katherine thanked for the MJ Estate in her book, because she thanked them for letting her preserving MJ's memories. And not for acting as MJ's Estate endorsed the book. (note: should I say anything?).
- Mann claims that MJ and Janet had ownerships in Jackson Communications Inc., the company that caused Henry Vaccaro's take over the family memorablia.
- Mann claims that the original Jackson family restaurant network was intended to be named as "Jackson Street".
- Mann confirms that Vaccaro is a member of Vintage Pop Media LLC, that currently owns the memorablia. He defines himself as a consultant of Vaccaro and business partner of Katherine.
- According to the documents MJ first wanted to get back his items in May, 2002. Two years later MJ's lawyers even started to threaten Vaccaro, because of exploiting his items.
- Mann claims that the MJ Estate or Sony might have violate their copyrights with releasing the Destiny song in 2009 (note: when did they get ahold of the copyrights of this song?).
- Mann claims on many points that MJ had the chance to remove his personal items from the collection, but refused to do so (note: then Mann's lawyers filed a 2002 court paper that clearly states: MJ's lawyers didn't know that any of his personal property left in the collection, and if anyone could sell them).
- Mann didn't infringe the This Is It copyrights, because it has been posted on a social media website (note: JacksonSecretVaults.com has not been marked as a social media website until the lawsuit has been filed. As well the image has been put into the website's layout, what's been owned by Mann's Canadian company).
- Mann claims that he is entitled to use the MJ drawings in Katherine Jackson's book, because he has a licence agreement from the material's co-owner.
- Mann refers on more points to the 2005 court order regarding the memorablia, and says that MJ even lost his property rights, interests and titles.
- Mann says that the pose in the Vintage Pop Media logo hasn't been invented by MJ, but it has been on for decades before him (note: this is a very weak excusion, who wouldn't think of MJ looking at the logo?).
- Mann claims that Katherine thanked for the MJ Estate in her book, because she thanked them for letting her preserving MJ's memories. And not for acting as MJ's Estate endorsed the book. (note: should I say anything?).
- Mann claims that MJ and Janet had ownerships in Jackson Communications Inc., the company that caused Henry Vaccaro's take over the family memorablia.
- Mann claims that the original Jackson family restaurant network was intended to be named as "Jackson Street".
- Mann confirms that Vaccaro is a member of Vintage Pop Media LLC, that currently owns the memorablia. He defines himself as a consultant of Vaccaro and business partner of Katherine.
- According to the documents MJ first wanted to get back his items in May, 2002. Two years later MJ's lawyers even started to threaten Vaccaro, because of exploiting his items.
- Mann claims that the MJ Estate or Sony might have violate their copyrights with releasing the Destiny song in 2009 (note: when did they get ahold of the copyrights of this song?).
- Mann claims on many points that MJ had the chance to remove his personal items from the collection, but refused to do so (note: then Mann's lawyers filed a 2002 court paper that clearly states: MJ's lawyers didn't know that any of his personal property left in the collection, and if anyone could sell them).
2/26/2011
Unreleased Songs - Updates
I have reported about some new MJ songs weeks before that has been recently leaked to the internet.
Below I have collected the still unreleased song names that I know of, as well added some new titles. These songs can be expected to release soon.
[NEW] Burn 2 Nite (Created in 2007 with Edward Cascio)
[NEW] Keep Your Head Up (Created in 2007 with Edward Cascio)
For The World (Created in 2009 with Theron Femster)
Beatbox 2010 (Created in 2009 with Michael Durham)
Shut Up And Dance (Created in 2009 with Michael Durham)
If You've Got It, Bring It (Video material)
A Place With No Name (Created in 2008 with Dr. Freeze)
All In Your Name (Created in 2003 with Barry Gibb)
I Was The Loser (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Adore You (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Boy No (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Changes (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Days In Gloucestershire (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Don't Be Messin' (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
I Am A Loser (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Innocent Man (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Jungle (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Just Remember (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Light The Way (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Neverland Landing (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Pray For Peace (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Rocker (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Thank Heaven (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
World Of Candy (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
11pm (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Bottom Of My Heart (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Butter Funk (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Children's Hour (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Green Hornet Groove (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
I Love You More (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
King Tutankhamun (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Lovin You (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Pajamas (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Photographs (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Photographs 2 (Instrumental) (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Pray For Peace (Instrumental) (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Shut Up And Dance (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
That (Instrumental) (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Think Twice (Instrumental) (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Walk Away (Instrumental) (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
You Are There (Instrumental) (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
MJ / BB Orchestral Idea #1. (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
MJ / BB Orchestral Idea #3. (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
MJ / BB Orchestral Idea #2. (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Brad Loop 3700 (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Brad Loop 3.3.7 MJ (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Michael's Affirmation (Instrumental) (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Doing Dirty (Created in Victory era)
Man In Black (Created in Dangerous era)
Verdict (Created in Dangerous era)
Remember This Night (Created in Thriller era)
She Got It (Created in Dangerous era)
Seven Digits (Created in Dangerous era)
Who Do You Know (Created in Thriller era)
Michaelmania
Pressure (Created in Dangerous era)
Just Feel It (Created in Victory era)
The Pain (Created in Invinclible era)
The World Is No Church (Created in Invincible era)
Seduction (Created in Invincible era)
Below I have collected the still unreleased song names that I know of, as well added some new titles. These songs can be expected to release soon.
[NEW] Burn 2 Nite (Created in 2007 with Edward Cascio)
[NEW] Keep Your Head Up (Created in 2007 with Edward Cascio)
For The World (Created in 2009 with Theron Femster)
Beatbox 2010 (Created in 2009 with Michael Durham)
Shut Up And Dance (Created in 2009 with Michael Durham)
If You've Got It, Bring It (Video material)
A Place With No Name (Created in 2008 with Dr. Freeze)
All In Your Name (Created in 2003 with Barry Gibb)
I Was The Loser (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Adore You (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Boy No (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Changes (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Days In Gloucestershire (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Don't Be Messin' (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
I Am A Loser (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Innocent Man (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Jungle (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Just Remember (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Light The Way (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Neverland Landing (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Pray For Peace (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Rocker (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Thank Heaven (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
World Of Candy (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
11pm (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Bottom Of My Heart (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Butter Funk (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Children's Hour (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Green Hornet Groove (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
I Love You More (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
King Tutankhamun (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Lovin You (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Pajamas (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Photographs (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Photographs 2 (Instrumental) (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Pray For Peace (Instrumental) (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Shut Up And Dance (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
That (Instrumental) (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Think Twice (Instrumental) (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Walk Away (Instrumental) (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
You Are There (Instrumental) (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
MJ / BB Orchestral Idea #1. (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
MJ / BB Orchestral Idea #3. (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
MJ / BB Orchestral Idea #2. (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Brad Loop 3700 (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Brad Loop 3.3.7 MJ (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Michael's Affirmation (Instrumental) (Created in 2008-2009 with Bradley Buxler and Michar Durham)
Doing Dirty (Created in Victory era)
Man In Black (Created in Dangerous era)
Verdict (Created in Dangerous era)
Remember This Night (Created in Thriller era)
She Got It (Created in Dangerous era)
Seven Digits (Created in Dangerous era)
Who Do You Know (Created in Thriller era)
Michaelmania
Pressure (Created in Dangerous era)
Just Feel It (Created in Victory era)
The Pain (Created in Invinclible era)
The World Is No Church (Created in Invincible era)
Seduction (Created in Invincible era)
Business Entities - Updates
I have found many websites using my list of the business entities controlled by the Michael Jackson Estate. Below you may see an updated overview of these active companies controlled by the MJ Estate.
MJ's intellectual properties are well controlled but divided into too many companies.
100% ownership:
The Michael Jackson Company LLC (Active in Delaware; Owns some intellectual property since 2006)
MJJ Productions Inc. (Active both in Delaware and California; Owns some intellectual property since 1979; MJ's production company between 1979-2006)
MJJ Ventures (Active in California; Owns some intellectual property related to short films since 1991)
Optimum productions Inc. (Active in California; Owns intellectual property related to short films since 1983)
MJJ Artistic Inc. (Active in California; Owns some intellectual property since 1990)
Nation Comics Inc. (Active in California; Owns some intellectial property since 1991)
Invincible Tours Inc. (Active in California; Controlled MJ's planned 2002 tour since 2001)
Triumph International Inc. (Active in Delaware and California; Owns most of the intellectual property related to MJ since 1982)
Triumph Multimedia Inc. (Active in California; Owns some intellectual property since 1993)
MJ-ATV Publishing Trust (Active in Delaware; Controls MJ's part in Sony/ATV since 1999)
MJ Publishing LLC (Active in Delaware; Controls MJ's own music catalog and master recordings since 1998, aka. MiJac Music)
New Horizon Trust I. II. and III. (Active in Delaware; Holds publishing rights against debts)
Go For Your Dream Foundation (Active in California; Controls MJ's previous foundation since 2003)
50% partnerships:
SEE Virtual World MJ LLC (Active in California; Controls the joint venture on PlanetMichael.com project since 2009)
SEE Virtual World MJ Operations LLC (Active in California; Controls the joint venture on PlanetMichael.com project since 2010)
Cirque Jackson I.P. LLC (Active in Delaware; Controls the joint venture with Cirque De Soleil on the MJ shows since 2010)
Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC (Active in Delaware and California; Controls the joint venture with Sony since 1995)
Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC (Active in California; Controls MJ's Neverland Ranch with Colony Capital since 2008)
MJJ Records LLC (Active in Delaware and California; Owns master records and intellectual property to MJ's MJJ Music label recordings with Sony)
World Events LLC (Active in Delaware; Owns intellectual property to the 2001 MJ concerts with David Gest)
MJ Licensing LLC (Active in Delaware; Owns some intellectual property in Europe since 2003 with Dieter Wiesner)
Questionable companies:
MJJ Kingdom LLC (Active in Delaware and California; It's profile is unknown, created in the Tohme Tohme era in 2008)
Jackson International LLC (Active in California; MJ's previous investment company since 1998, it's function is unknown)
MJ's intellectual properties are well controlled but divided into too many companies.
100% ownership:
The Michael Jackson Company LLC (Active in Delaware; Owns some intellectual property since 2006)
MJJ Productions Inc. (Active both in Delaware and California; Owns some intellectual property since 1979; MJ's production company between 1979-2006)
MJJ Ventures (Active in California; Owns some intellectual property related to short films since 1991)
Optimum productions Inc. (Active in California; Owns intellectual property related to short films since 1983)
MJJ Artistic Inc. (Active in California; Owns some intellectual property since 1990)
Nation Comics Inc. (Active in California; Owns some intellectial property since 1991)
Invincible Tours Inc. (Active in California; Controlled MJ's planned 2002 tour since 2001)
Triumph International Inc. (Active in Delaware and California; Owns most of the intellectual property related to MJ since 1982)
Triumph Multimedia Inc. (Active in California; Owns some intellectual property since 1993)
MJ-ATV Publishing Trust (Active in Delaware; Controls MJ's part in Sony/ATV since 1999)
MJ Publishing LLC (Active in Delaware; Controls MJ's own music catalog and master recordings since 1998, aka. MiJac Music)
New Horizon Trust I. II. and III. (Active in Delaware; Holds publishing rights against debts)
Go For Your Dream Foundation (Active in California; Controls MJ's previous foundation since 2003)
50% partnerships:
SEE Virtual World MJ LLC (Active in California; Controls the joint venture on PlanetMichael.com project since 2009)
SEE Virtual World MJ Operations LLC (Active in California; Controls the joint venture on PlanetMichael.com project since 2010)
Cirque Jackson I.P. LLC (Active in Delaware; Controls the joint venture with Cirque De Soleil on the MJ shows since 2010)
Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC (Active in Delaware and California; Controls the joint venture with Sony since 1995)
Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC (Active in California; Controls MJ's Neverland Ranch with Colony Capital since 2008)
MJJ Records LLC (Active in Delaware and California; Owns master records and intellectual property to MJ's MJJ Music label recordings with Sony)
World Events LLC (Active in Delaware; Owns intellectual property to the 2001 MJ concerts with David Gest)
MJ Licensing LLC (Active in Delaware; Owns some intellectual property in Europe since 2003 with Dieter Wiesner)
Questionable companies:
MJJ Kingdom LLC (Active in Delaware and California; It's profile is unknown, created in the Tohme Tohme era in 2008)
Jackson International LLC (Active in California; MJ's previous investment company since 1998, it's function is unknown)
Legal Cases - Updates
Without any doubts the biggest challenge for the Michael Jackson Estate in legal terms is the Howard Mann and Melissa Johnson duo, and keeping MJ's trademarks, copyrights and legacy controlled. If these individuals will be able to avoid any punishment, then they will be free to sell off MJ's name for whatever reasons, but most importantly: in the same cheap and amateur way they did in the past.
Othe cases includes mostly debates over money issues and some lunatics.
The MJ Estate has the following known legal cases:
- The Michael Jackson Estate on probate court:
On March 15, 2011 the court will hold a hearing regarding the sale of a real property (this might be related to Alejandra Jackson's removal from the Hayvenhurst property). No other important hearings.
No updated information on the creditor claims.
- Michael Jackson Estate vs. Melissa Johnson: No updates in the case since my last report. Johnson has been denied to use any of the MJ trademarks, while Howard Mann has been deposited on February 16, 2011.
- Michael Jackson Estate vs. Howard Mann: No updates in the case since my last report.
- John Landis vs. Michael Jackson: Landis sued MJ on unpaid royalty fees. The case will go on trial this October.
- Ola Ray vs. Michael Jackson: Similarly to Landis Ray is suing for unpaid royalty fees as well. The case will go on trial this November.
- Nederlander Presentation vs. Michael Jackson: Nederlander sued MJ due to a failed musical that the star agreed on. The case will go on trial this November.
- Seven Echols vs. Michael Jackson Estate: Echol claims that he hasn't been paid for his services rendered to MJ. The case will go on trial this June.
- First Commemorative Mint Inc. vs. Triumph International Inc.: No important updates in the case since my last update.
- AllGood Entertainment vs. Michael Jackson: AGE filed for an appeal on September 17, 2010, but they missed a deadline to file the required papers until January 28, 2011. If they won't send the papers until March 8, 2011 the case will be dismissed. AGE sued MJ due to a failed concert that neither MJ or any of his representatives agreed to.
- Jose Freddie Vallejos vs. Michael Jackson Estate: The MJ Estate has been sued along with the city of Los Angeles due to the high costs of MJ's funeral in the summer of 2009. Some of the parties might be dismissed this March.
- Richard Lapointe vs. Julien Entertainment: The MJ Estate is a defendant in the case. Lapointe is suing them for a failed auction where he bought some MJ related merchandises. The case will go on trial this March.
- Bravado International Group Merchandising: The company that bought the licenses to sell MJ related merchandises still have plenty of ongoing cases due to copyright infrigment on the MJ trademarks.
- MJ Publishing Trust: MJP is taking part in plenty of suits along with BMI due to copyright infrigments on MJ's music.
- Citadel Ltd. vs. Frank DiLeo: DiLeo has been sued over a failed MJ concert in Tobago. Neither any of the defendants answered the case so the Judge ruled a default entry against DiLeo and his partners. It means that they will have to pay at least $300.000 to this company. MJ has nothing to do with this case.
Othe cases includes mostly debates over money issues and some lunatics.
The MJ Estate has the following known legal cases:
- The Michael Jackson Estate on probate court:
On March 15, 2011 the court will hold a hearing regarding the sale of a real property (this might be related to Alejandra Jackson's removal from the Hayvenhurst property). No other important hearings.
No updated information on the creditor claims.
- Michael Jackson Estate vs. Melissa Johnson: No updates in the case since my last report. Johnson has been denied to use any of the MJ trademarks, while Howard Mann has been deposited on February 16, 2011.
- Michael Jackson Estate vs. Howard Mann: No updates in the case since my last report.
- John Landis vs. Michael Jackson: Landis sued MJ on unpaid royalty fees. The case will go on trial this October.
- Ola Ray vs. Michael Jackson: Similarly to Landis Ray is suing for unpaid royalty fees as well. The case will go on trial this November.
- Nederlander Presentation vs. Michael Jackson: Nederlander sued MJ due to a failed musical that the star agreed on. The case will go on trial this November.
- Seven Echols vs. Michael Jackson Estate: Echol claims that he hasn't been paid for his services rendered to MJ. The case will go on trial this June.
- First Commemorative Mint Inc. vs. Triumph International Inc.: No important updates in the case since my last update.
- AllGood Entertainment vs. Michael Jackson: AGE filed for an appeal on September 17, 2010, but they missed a deadline to file the required papers until January 28, 2011. If they won't send the papers until March 8, 2011 the case will be dismissed. AGE sued MJ due to a failed concert that neither MJ or any of his representatives agreed to.
- Jose Freddie Vallejos vs. Michael Jackson Estate: The MJ Estate has been sued along with the city of Los Angeles due to the high costs of MJ's funeral in the summer of 2009. Some of the parties might be dismissed this March.
- Richard Lapointe vs. Julien Entertainment: The MJ Estate is a defendant in the case. Lapointe is suing them for a failed auction where he bought some MJ related merchandises. The case will go on trial this March.
- Bravado International Group Merchandising: The company that bought the licenses to sell MJ related merchandises still have plenty of ongoing cases due to copyright infrigment on the MJ trademarks.
- MJ Publishing Trust: MJP is taking part in plenty of suits along with BMI due to copyright infrigments on MJ's music.
- Citadel Ltd. vs. Frank DiLeo: DiLeo has been sued over a failed MJ concert in Tobago. Neither any of the defendants answered the case so the Judge ruled a default entry against DiLeo and his partners. It means that they will have to pay at least $300.000 to this company. MJ has nothing to do with this case.
2/19/2011
New Case Over MJ Photos
A new case has been filed in Las Vegas over several MJ images taken by Kyle Arbuckle. And allegedly stolen by another news outlet.
The famous pictures has been taken on January 28, 2008 in the Luxor Hotel at Las Vegas. Arbuckle claims that he has been misleaded by a reporter from Splash News, who watermarked and distributed the photos by not paying Arbuckle.
Arbuckle wants to get $150.000 from Splash.
The famous pictures has been taken on January 28, 2008 in the Luxor Hotel at Las Vegas. Arbuckle claims that he has been misleaded by a reporter from Splash News, who watermarked and distributed the photos by not paying Arbuckle.
Arbuckle wants to get $150.000 from Splash.
Behind the Scenes of the New MJ Game
Here you can find pictures and videos of the making of "The Michael Jackson Experience" game from UbiSoft:
http://www.kanangart.com
Interviews, dance lessons and more...
http://www.kanangart.com
Interviews, dance lessons and more...
MJ Merchandise from Zara
I just found a website claiming that Triumph International Inc. granted rights to Zara through Bravado to sell MJ merchandise.
Some screenshots can be found here:
Tidbit
Did you know that MJJ Productions Inc is a founder member of MusiCares, the Grammy organisation's foundation?
MJJP supported the foundation with $50.000 in 2009.
MJJP supported the foundation with $50.000 in 2009.
2/14/2011
Interview with Henry Vaccaro
After years of blogging about him, I got the chance to make an interview with Henry Vaccaro, the former owner of the biggest Jackson Family memorablia. A story from the man who's life was hardly affected by the Jackson's and the collection.
Below you may read the whole material (leave your comments to Mr. Vaccaro by clicking on the Comments link under):
Q: As it's well known amongst the fans you get ahold of the Jackson Family memorablia on a bankrupcy court, as a result of a failed business venture with the family. What was your first feeling when you realised that you own the biggest Jackson Family memorablia on the world?
A: I was totally shocked when we started unpacking two 65 feet trailers of memorabilia. It took several months to unpack and catalog, I was amazed at the amount of very personal items that the Jackson's had stored in that warehouse. In fact I felt that I violated this family. Some of the items included bank account deposit books, personal letters, legal documents, divorce papers, birth certificates, school records, personal family photos, etc. No one including me should have another family's very personal property. I never wanted this property only my money. I lost the Kramer Guitar Co. which in 1988 was the most popular guitar in the US with sales of $18 million dollars as the Jackson's defaulted on the purchase contract. I personally flew to California to met Tito where I offered to give everything back. I suggested we all go on a TV show make up with his family, and I would give everything back for nothing, I would in turn get my money from the sponsor. His lawyer refused.
Q: What were your initial plans with the memorablia? And what could you realise over the years?
A: My initial plans were to sell the collection in its entirety as I felt it would bring the most money. At first I thought it was worth several million dollars but only got bogus offers.
Q: Is it close to the truth that you didn't do much with the items over the years from a business point of view?
A: After not being able to get real offers, as you may recall Michael's value was at it's lowest in those years because of his legal problems, I then decided to do a Pay Per View web site displaying the collection. In 2005 Michael sued me, my son, Vintage Pop, and MichaelJacksonSecretVault.com for One Hundred Million Dollars, hired a high power law firm and shut down the web site. I won the suite as it was dismissed with prejudice.
Q: According to the media reports you have added some more Michael Jackson items to the collection in 2007 bought on a Las Vegas auction. What was your motivation with that move?
A: Not true, I sold the entire collection to a public corporation, called Universal Express they held the Las Vegas auction which I attended when I saw the bid's so low on what I knew were very valuable items I bought some back. The problem is the owner of Universal Express turned out to be a con artist, and was thrown in jail by the Security Exchange Commission. The SEC appointed a Receiver and Universal Express was liquidated. I was never paid. I filled suit against the Auction House, Universal Express, and the Receiver. A settlement was reached the terms of which can not be disclosed by court order. However I was allowed to recover all the unsold items.
Q: Did you buy or add other items to the collection over the years?
A: No.
Q: As the media reported you are on court with a man named Benson Hopp, because he and his partners stoled some items from the collection. Could you get back those items? Did any memorablia disappear over the years?
A: Some of the item that I was to get back were stored in a warehouse in Las Vegas these were the unsold auction items. When I went to the warehouse over 116 items of Michael's were stolen and sold to Benson Hopp who in turn consigned them to Heritage Auction Co. We put Heritage on notice that the items were stolen we are now in court in Dallas, I believe that all items will be returned to me. I am sure many items have disappeared over the years.
Q: What was the most serious and the weirdest offer you got regarding the collection over the years?
A: The most serious offer came from Howard Mann, I must have entertained hundreds of offers some from Europe some from the Far East. I even hired several agents over the years one who claimed to have a $40,000,000 offer other in the $20,000,000 range. You name them I met with them.
Q: According to some sources you have sold the items recently to Howard Mann. Is it true? Did you keep any of the items?
A: Yes the entire collection was sold to Howard Mann. I kept some of the items.
Q: Do you have any connection with Mr. Mann and any of his entities? Mann created companies with names that are very similar to yours. As well he is using the same lawyer as you did.
A: Yes my family and I own a small percentage of the new entities in California. These entities have the same name to allow them protection under the dismissal of Michael Jackson 2005 law suite which was dismissed with prejudice. That means you cannot be sued again for the same thing. Edgar Pease is a fine lawyer he did represent me in the 2005 lawsuit. He knows all the facts that is probably why Howard Mann hired him.
Q: What do you think about the recent court case between the Michael Jackson Estate and Mr. Mann?
A: I think the lawsuit will be dismissed by the court.
Q: How do you feel about the things said or written about you in the media or on the fan forums?
A: Sometimes the nasty comments get to me but i'm sure the fan's are acting out of their love for Michael. Nothing that I did was personal it was only business. I would like to ask the fans what they would do if in my shoes. The year is 1991, I was a major developer and general contractor in my home state of New Jersey, I was 51 years old. My father died in 1959 at age 51, I was 19, I quit college and started a construction business from scratch, worked 7 days a week built the business to one of the largest construction firms in the state, building schools, hospitals, Hi-Rise apartments, and hotels. In 1985, I formed a joint venture to develop my home town of Asbury Park NJ. The value of that project was $1 Billion Dollars. The economy went bad in late 80's. My joint venture partner went bankrupt and took me with him. I owned a 256 room hotel in Asbury Park, Johnny Cash, my closest friend was one of my partners, the hotel then failed and went bankrupt. These events forced me into personal bankruptcy and I lost everything, including my Home, three Motels, Office Building, hotel,and a 12 building Industrial Park all toll assets of over $80 million, everything I worked my whole life for was gone. The only thing my family had left was H.V.V. Corp which owned Kramer Guitar Co as the stock was owned by my son and daughter and not subject to my personal bankruptcy. Going back to 1976 I was the original investor in Kramer Guitar Co I eventually became Chairman of the Board. Kramer grew so fast that by the late 80's it was the hottest guitar in the country, played and endorsed by Eddie Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Hank Williams Jr, Twisted Sister on and on. We made a custom guitar for Tito Jackson and Kramer was used on The Victory Tour. In 1989 Kramer was sold to a investment group they defaulted on a bank loan and H.V.V. corp purchased the assets from the bank, and tried to revitalize the Kramer Brand. However a dispute with the bank over the ownership of some trademarks forced H.V.V. corp into a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. In 1991, while in Bankruptcy H.V.V. won it's suit against the bank and was then approached by the Jackson Family through their newly established corporation called Jackson Communications Inc. to purchase,and fund the Plan of Reorganization for H.V.V.corp. which would lead to J.C.I. owning Kramer. Part of the deal was that I would sit on the Advisory Board of Directors of J.C.I. In 1992 I attended a Board meeting lasting 4 days held at the family home, Havenhurst, in Encino. I met the entire family except Michael. That Plan of Reorganization was approved by the Court. J.C.I. made the first payment and then defaulted and made no other payments. The Court converted H.V.V. to a Chapter 7 and sold the assets at auction I got NOTHING. I am now completely broke. So I filed suite against J.C.I. and was awarded a judgment of $1.4 million J.C.I. claimed they had no assets, the Federal Judge allowed me to pierce the corporate vail and personal judgments were entered against all stockholders that could be served. We could never serve Michael, Janet or Jackie, my lawyer was not concerned as he figured we could easily collect $1.4 million from the rest of the family. After losing everything in a personal bankruptcy and then getting screwed out of the last thing your family own's meaning the Guitar Company is a bitter pill to swallow. So I fought Back. Like any reasonable person in my shoes would have done, nothing personal just business.
Q: Did you ever meet with Michael Jackson? What do you think about him?
A: No I never met Michael but I feel like I know him from seeing many of his personal effects. You could tell how talented he was just by some of his writings and drawings which I had the privilege to see and touch.I wish that I could have met him because I believe that we could have resolved our problems. Instead this team of lawyers got involved and really came after me .I must tell you this, that by 1993 I was so broke that at the deposition of Joe Jackson I offered to settle my $1.4 million dollar judgment for a quick payment of $100 thousand dollars. The family lawyer say's "I'm here to make sure that you get nothing". That attitude is what kept me going...
(leave your comments to Mr. Vaccaro by clicking on the Comments link under)
Below you may read the whole material (leave your comments to Mr. Vaccaro by clicking on the Comments link under):
Q: As it's well known amongst the fans you get ahold of the Jackson Family memorablia on a bankrupcy court, as a result of a failed business venture with the family. What was your first feeling when you realised that you own the biggest Jackson Family memorablia on the world?
A: I was totally shocked when we started unpacking two 65 feet trailers of memorabilia. It took several months to unpack and catalog, I was amazed at the amount of very personal items that the Jackson's had stored in that warehouse. In fact I felt that I violated this family. Some of the items included bank account deposit books, personal letters, legal documents, divorce papers, birth certificates, school records, personal family photos, etc. No one including me should have another family's very personal property. I never wanted this property only my money. I lost the Kramer Guitar Co. which in 1988 was the most popular guitar in the US with sales of $18 million dollars as the Jackson's defaulted on the purchase contract. I personally flew to California to met Tito where I offered to give everything back. I suggested we all go on a TV show make up with his family, and I would give everything back for nothing, I would in turn get my money from the sponsor. His lawyer refused.
Q: What were your initial plans with the memorablia? And what could you realise over the years?
A: My initial plans were to sell the collection in its entirety as I felt it would bring the most money. At first I thought it was worth several million dollars but only got bogus offers.
Q: Is it close to the truth that you didn't do much with the items over the years from a business point of view?
A: After not being able to get real offers, as you may recall Michael's value was at it's lowest in those years because of his legal problems, I then decided to do a Pay Per View web site displaying the collection. In 2005 Michael sued me, my son, Vintage Pop, and MichaelJacksonSecretVault.com for One Hundred Million Dollars, hired a high power law firm and shut down the web site. I won the suite as it was dismissed with prejudice.
Q: According to the media reports you have added some more Michael Jackson items to the collection in 2007 bought on a Las Vegas auction. What was your motivation with that move?
A: Not true, I sold the entire collection to a public corporation, called Universal Express they held the Las Vegas auction which I attended when I saw the bid's so low on what I knew were very valuable items I bought some back. The problem is the owner of Universal Express turned out to be a con artist, and was thrown in jail by the Security Exchange Commission. The SEC appointed a Receiver and Universal Express was liquidated. I was never paid. I filled suit against the Auction House, Universal Express, and the Receiver. A settlement was reached the terms of which can not be disclosed by court order. However I was allowed to recover all the unsold items.
Q: Did you buy or add other items to the collection over the years?
A: No.
Q: As the media reported you are on court with a man named Benson Hopp, because he and his partners stoled some items from the collection. Could you get back those items? Did any memorablia disappear over the years?
A: Some of the item that I was to get back were stored in a warehouse in Las Vegas these were the unsold auction items. When I went to the warehouse over 116 items of Michael's were stolen and sold to Benson Hopp who in turn consigned them to Heritage Auction Co. We put Heritage on notice that the items were stolen we are now in court in Dallas, I believe that all items will be returned to me. I am sure many items have disappeared over the years.
Q: What was the most serious and the weirdest offer you got regarding the collection over the years?
A: The most serious offer came from Howard Mann, I must have entertained hundreds of offers some from Europe some from the Far East. I even hired several agents over the years one who claimed to have a $40,000,000 offer other in the $20,000,000 range. You name them I met with them.
Q: According to some sources you have sold the items recently to Howard Mann. Is it true? Did you keep any of the items?
A: Yes the entire collection was sold to Howard Mann. I kept some of the items.
Q: Do you have any connection with Mr. Mann and any of his entities? Mann created companies with names that are very similar to yours. As well he is using the same lawyer as you did.
A: Yes my family and I own a small percentage of the new entities in California. These entities have the same name to allow them protection under the dismissal of Michael Jackson 2005 law suite which was dismissed with prejudice. That means you cannot be sued again for the same thing. Edgar Pease is a fine lawyer he did represent me in the 2005 lawsuit. He knows all the facts that is probably why Howard Mann hired him.
Q: What do you think about the recent court case between the Michael Jackson Estate and Mr. Mann?
A: I think the lawsuit will be dismissed by the court.
Q: How do you feel about the things said or written about you in the media or on the fan forums?
A: Sometimes the nasty comments get to me but i'm sure the fan's are acting out of their love for Michael. Nothing that I did was personal it was only business. I would like to ask the fans what they would do if in my shoes. The year is 1991, I was a major developer and general contractor in my home state of New Jersey, I was 51 years old. My father died in 1959 at age 51, I was 19, I quit college and started a construction business from scratch, worked 7 days a week built the business to one of the largest construction firms in the state, building schools, hospitals, Hi-Rise apartments, and hotels. In 1985, I formed a joint venture to develop my home town of Asbury Park NJ. The value of that project was $1 Billion Dollars. The economy went bad in late 80's. My joint venture partner went bankrupt and took me with him. I owned a 256 room hotel in Asbury Park, Johnny Cash, my closest friend was one of my partners, the hotel then failed and went bankrupt. These events forced me into personal bankruptcy and I lost everything, including my Home, three Motels, Office Building, hotel,and a 12 building Industrial Park all toll assets of over $80 million, everything I worked my whole life for was gone. The only thing my family had left was H.V.V. Corp which owned Kramer Guitar Co as the stock was owned by my son and daughter and not subject to my personal bankruptcy. Going back to 1976 I was the original investor in Kramer Guitar Co I eventually became Chairman of the Board. Kramer grew so fast that by the late 80's it was the hottest guitar in the country, played and endorsed by Eddie Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Hank Williams Jr, Twisted Sister on and on. We made a custom guitar for Tito Jackson and Kramer was used on The Victory Tour. In 1989 Kramer was sold to a investment group they defaulted on a bank loan and H.V.V. corp purchased the assets from the bank, and tried to revitalize the Kramer Brand. However a dispute with the bank over the ownership of some trademarks forced H.V.V. corp into a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. In 1991, while in Bankruptcy H.V.V. won it's suit against the bank and was then approached by the Jackson Family through their newly established corporation called Jackson Communications Inc. to purchase,and fund the Plan of Reorganization for H.V.V.corp. which would lead to J.C.I. owning Kramer. Part of the deal was that I would sit on the Advisory Board of Directors of J.C.I. In 1992 I attended a Board meeting lasting 4 days held at the family home, Havenhurst, in Encino. I met the entire family except Michael. That Plan of Reorganization was approved by the Court. J.C.I. made the first payment and then defaulted and made no other payments. The Court converted H.V.V. to a Chapter 7 and sold the assets at auction I got NOTHING. I am now completely broke. So I filed suite against J.C.I. and was awarded a judgment of $1.4 million J.C.I. claimed they had no assets, the Federal Judge allowed me to pierce the corporate vail and personal judgments were entered against all stockholders that could be served. We could never serve Michael, Janet or Jackie, my lawyer was not concerned as he figured we could easily collect $1.4 million from the rest of the family. After losing everything in a personal bankruptcy and then getting screwed out of the last thing your family own's meaning the Guitar Company is a bitter pill to swallow. So I fought Back. Like any reasonable person in my shoes would have done, nothing personal just business.
Q: Did you ever meet with Michael Jackson? What do you think about him?
A: No I never met Michael but I feel like I know him from seeing many of his personal effects. You could tell how talented he was just by some of his writings and drawings which I had the privilege to see and touch.I wish that I could have met him because I believe that we could have resolved our problems. Instead this team of lawyers got involved and really came after me .I must tell you this, that by 1993 I was so broke that at the deposition of Joe Jackson I offered to settle my $1.4 million dollar judgment for a quick payment of $100 thousand dollars. The family lawyer say's "I'm here to make sure that you get nothing". That attitude is what kept me going...
(leave your comments to Mr. Vaccaro by clicking on the Comments link under)
2/09/2011
Melissa Johnson Case Updates
Some updates from the above titled case:
- The MJ Estate wanted to deposit Howard Mann in the case. Who first asked for a change in the date, and later cancelled it through his councel saying "the plaintiffs wouldn't need him". Now the court ordered that Mann has to appear for a deposition no later than February 28th, 2011.
- The MJ Estate asked for a premilnary injuction, and the Judge granted it. From now on Melissa Johnson or any of her related companies can not use MJ's likenes and any of his trademarks. The only thing they can keep for now is the Heal The World name. This is a serious damage both for Johnson and Mann (the later paid huge money for the non-existing rights).
- The MJ Estate wanted to deposit Howard Mann in the case. Who first asked for a change in the date, and later cancelled it through his councel saying "the plaintiffs wouldn't need him". Now the court ordered that Mann has to appear for a deposition no later than February 28th, 2011.
- The MJ Estate asked for a premilnary injuction, and the Judge granted it. From now on Melissa Johnson or any of her related companies can not use MJ's likenes and any of his trademarks. The only thing they can keep for now is the Heal The World name. This is a serious damage both for Johnson and Mann (the later paid huge money for the non-existing rights).
2/06/2011
More Cheaters
I have previously reported about the Michael Jackson Asian Rights Co. (MJAR), a company set up by an "almost business partner" of MJ. The company similarly to Vintage Pop Media LLC claims that they have the rights to use MJ's likeness to sell merchandises. On their website they list some of the trademarks they think they own: "Michael Jackson", "Michael J. Jackson", "Michael Joseph Jackson", "MJ", "MJJ". They even created a logo claiming they got the rights from MJ himself (http://mjfc.jp/information/mj%E3%83%AD%E3%82%B4s.jpg)
MJAR recently updated their websites with two new mobile developments. As well they sent out a press release about a new Thriller doll (http://www.goodsmile.info/product/en/3037/figma+Michael+Jackson.html)
Contrary to what MJAR claims, according to the Japanese Trademark Office the only MJ trademark registered so far is owned by the MJ Estate (some recently registered claims haven't been accepted yet).
As a tidbit: Melissa Johnson's trademark claims have been rejected in Australia, UK and Germany recently.
MJAR recently updated their websites with two new mobile developments. As well they sent out a press release about a new Thriller doll (http://www.goodsmile.info/product/en/3037/figma+Michael+Jackson.html)
Contrary to what MJAR claims, according to the Japanese Trademark Office the only MJ trademark registered so far is owned by the MJ Estate (some recently registered claims haven't been accepted yet).
As a tidbit: Melissa Johnson's trademark claims have been rejected in Australia, UK and Germany recently.
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