MJ's 'This is It' DVD set for January release

UPDATE 11/30/09: The Michael Jackson documentary "This is It" will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray January 26th. The doc has rung up $71 million in domestic box office sales to date. The January release will include several mini-docs on MJ and special features, including two versions each of the music videos "Smooth Criminal" and "Thriller."


UPDATE: 11/27/09 Skip to the two minute mark on the Youtube video above and listen to Jermaine claim that the father of the child from the 1993 MJ molestation case recently committed suicide because he couldn't bear the guilt of his "false allegations." He also says that the supposed victim is coming around now and saying that Michael never in fact touched him.

TMZ reports that there is no evidence that the victim said such a thing, and right now this is just an internet rumor.
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UPDATE: 11/25/09: The Jackson clan got together for an early Thanksgiving dinner yesterday in LA. MJ's big brother Jermaine said despite the legal disputes between his parents over Michael's estate, and the managers and agents that try to tear them apart," the fam is sticking together, according to CNN.

Jackson mom, Katherine, dropped her legal battle with the men listed in Michael's will to manage his estate. Apparently Joe was in the middle of beginning his own claims to the estate and things got ugly.

None-the-less, Jermaine said the family will "pull together" and "find strength within each other." He also said that Michael's kids are "doing well" and "getting a chance to travel."
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Dr. Murray Under Investigation in Texas

UPDATE 11/23/09:Michael Jackson's former physician Conrad Murray is under investigation in LA and now in Houston, Texas too. The doctor re-openned his practice today, but, according to TMZ, the Texas Medical Board is working with the DEA on Dr. Conrad Murray's case.
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Michael Breaks Record for Most AMA Wins

UPDATE 11/23/09: The late pop legend Michael Jackson won four American Music Awards last night for 'Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist,' 'Favorite Male Pop/Rock Artist,' and two awards for his 'Number Ones' album from 2003. Even after his passing, MJ is still making history, breaking the record for the most AMA's ever won. His brother Jermaine accepted the awards on behalf of the Jackson family. ________________________________________________________________________

MJ's Doctor Re-Open's Practice

UPDATE 11/23/09:Michael Jackson's Doctor, Conrad Murray, currently under investigation for homicide in connection with MJ's death, has re-opened his practice at the Armstrong Clinic, in Houston where he previously practiced medicine before becoming Jackson's personal physician in April 2009. According to CNN, Conrad spoke to the congregation at his home church, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Houston saying, "I, with my companion, was only trying to help my fellow man, but it appears I was at the wrong place at the wrong time."

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UPDATE 11/22/09: Michael's Jackson's illustrious rhinestone-studded glove was auctioned off for a whopping $420,000 this Saturday November 21, 2009 along with more than eighty other MJ items. The auction, which was held at the Hard Rock Cafe in NYC's Time's Square, earned $2 million, far surpassing expectations for $120,000. The collectibles sold, which included the Handwritten lyrics to 'Beat It," were from over 30 fans and friends of MJ who contacted Julien's Auctions about seeling their items, according to CNN.

Jackson gave his iconic glove to then fellow Motown artist Walter "Clyde" Orange at the "Motown 25" show in 1983, the night he first moonwalked across the stage in front of an audience. The high grossing item was purchased my Hoffman Ma--a buyer in China--for the Pote 16 Resort in Macau.

Other items sold were artworks by MJ, the fedora Jackson wore to the 1995 MTV Music Awards, the black jacket from Bad World Tour and the mold used to fit the pop king with fangs in the "Thriller" music video.
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MJ'S Doc's Investigation to Carry Over to 2010
UPDATE 11/22/09:Although officials had hoped to wrap up the investigation of Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray before the holidays, the LAPD is now saying they will need a few more months before they decide to charge Murray with homicide or not, according to People.

The coroner did rule Jackson's June 25th a homicide when lethal levels of Propofol were found in his body, and Murray admits to giving MJ Propofol.The investigation will determine if Murray is solely responsible and whether he was acting negligently.
Recently released documents reveal that Jackson may have been seeing multiple doctors.

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MJ's Glove and Other Memorabilia Up For Auction
UPDATE 11/21/09: Michael Jackson's famous rhinestone-studded glove that he wore in 1983 when he did his first moonwalk across the stage on a Motown 25th-anniversary TV special, is being auctioned today at NYC's Hard Rock Cafe. After the Motown performance, MJ gave the glove to Walter "Clyde" Orange, of the Commodores.

The glove and other Jackson items are part of a music memorabilia auction being held by Julien's Auctions. The glove's pre-auction estimate is between $40,000 and $60,000.

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UPDATE 11/20/09: Apparently the company that installed TV systems at Neverland is suing MJ for not paying. According to TMZ, Video & Audio Center filed a creditor's claim that alleges that Jackson paid only $25,000 of the $109, 504.85 owed for jobs done in 2003 and 2004.  VAC says they already won a judgement for the rest of the money in 2007.  Now they want $128,482.77.
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Jackson's Doctor Search Warrant Unsealed

UPDATE 11/20/09:The search warrant issued to Applied Pharmacy Services in Las Vegas, the company whom LAPD believe sent MJ's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, the Propofol that killed his pop king patient, was unsealed, said TMZ. When officials searched Murray's home, they found a receipt from Applied Pharmacy for 4 100 ml containers of Propofil, 3 containers of benzos and Flumazenil, an antidote to benzo. According to the affidavit, Dr. Murray, who's bag contained Propofol at the scene of MJ's death, said Michael had also been seen by doctors Arnold Klein and Allan Metzger. Furthermore, the document states that Michael's nanny corroborated Murray's reference to Dr. Klein and said Jackson had last been treated by Dr. Larry Kolin.
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Dad of MJ Molestation Accuser Commits Suicide

UPDATE 11/17/09: An unexpected connection to Michael Jackson: the father of a boy who claimed Michael Jackson molested him in 1994 allegedly committed suicide in his Jersey City home. Police say Evan Chandler shot himself in the head, according to WPIX. ____________________________________________________________________________

Janet Jackson: MJ's Doctor Is To Blame For Death

UPDATE 11/16/09: In an interview to air this Wednesday on ABC, Janet Jackson finally speaks about the death of her brother and his doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, who had been feeding him the anesthetic Propofol, reports TMZ.

"He was the one that was administering ... I think he is responsible."

In related news, Dr. Murray is scheduled to appear in court today to reduce his child support commitment because he has been unable to work since MJ's death.

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MJ Case Lags Due To Past LAPD Mistakes Like OJ

UPDATE 11/14/09: The question, "Was Michael Jackson's death a homicide?" still has not been answered. Law enforcers are being extra careful in the MJ investigation to avoid past mistakes made in other major cases, like ex-footballer OJ Simpson and Italian-American actor Robert Blake, according to TMZ.

Authorities are also trying to make sure that Applied Pharmacy in Las Vegas was the only company that sent Dr. Conrad Murray the Propofol, as lethal levels of the anaesthetic were found in the deceased pop-king's system.

While they would like the investigation to finish before Christmas, LAPD does not know when it will end but ensure that there are no complications.

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MJ's Former Manager Wants Major Bucks

UPDATE 11/13/09: MJ's former manager Dr. Tohme filed a creditor's claim yesterday against his former client's estate disputing factors in the sale of Neverland Ranch in '08. According to TMZ, Tohme said he's owed a fee for helping Michael find a company to purchase Neverland and save it from foreclosure as per an agreement with Michael.  Tohme also claims the deceased pop star agreed to giving him 15 percent of his "gross compensation within the entertainment industry."  He's asking for some $2.3 million. ____________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE 11/13/09: Michael Jackson's film 'This Is It' has earned more than $200 Million to date, grossing $61 million in the US and $140 million in other parts of the world, with Japan bringing in $27.2 million.

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MJ's Funeral Expenses Total $1 Million

UPDATE: 11/11/09: The Los Angeles Times reports that the funeral for the King of Pop cost approximately $1 million. Court documents released on Tuesday reveal that his suit cost $35,000, security costs for the event ran to $30,000, invitations were $11,716, flowers were $16,000 and a funeral planner cost $15,000. Post-ceremony dinner for friends and family totaled $21,455.

A crypt at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, cost $590,000.
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Joe Jackson Denied In Court

UPDATE: 11/11/09: Joe Jackson's fight for more say in his son's estate yesterday was denied. Record executive John McClain and attorney John Branca now have full control of Michael Jackson's estate. They can decide how the singer's music and likeness are licensed, promoted and packaged.

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The Jackson Family Fight over Michael's Estate In Court

UPDATE 11/10/09: This morning Katherine Jackson dropped her challenge of the two men MJ named as executors of his will, but Joe Jackson did not agree and continues his challenge, as well as petitioning for a monthly allowance from his son's estate.

Katherine Jackson's lawyer told the judge, "Mrs. Jackson feels it's high time that the fighting end and [everyone] work together in the best interests of the legacy of Michael Jackson and his children."

Katherine Jackson objected to Joe Jackson's legal standing to wage his own challenge of the executors, as he was not named as a beneficiary of the will.

Until now, the Jacksons have presented a united public front in the battle over who controls the pop star's estate.

Joe Jackson's lawyer claims there is no legal rift between the parents, only that the father will be "taking the lead" in the estate challenge.

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Joe Jackson Wants a Monthly Allowance From MJ's Estate

UPDATE 11/6/09: Joe Jackson, who was not named in his son's will, is petitioning for the estate to pay him a monthly allowance. The amount he is asking for is not yet known.

The pop star left his money to his mother Katherine and his three children. They receive a court-ordered allowance of $86,000 a month as well as maintenance of the home. Joe and Katherine are still married, but live separately.

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British Creditor Looking to Collect for "Work in Relation to the Sale of Neverland" 

UPDATE 11/4/09: A British law firm, Atkins Thomson Solicitors, is asking for the $209,204.36 it is owed by MJ's estate for work involving the "sale of Neverland."

There had been rumors that Jackson put the ranch up for sale, but nothing ever came from it.

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Latest Creditor Also Co-owner of Unreleased MJ Recordings

UPDATE 11/2/09 : Talk about keeping Michael Jackson's music and legacy alive.

The latest creditors to come forward staking their claim against the King of Pop's estate is Audio 4 Video Digital (A4V Digital, Inc.) seeks $736,502.59, according to TMZ.com.

Apparently the company had been working with the singer for years before his death and shortly before and are one of the co-owners along with the estate of the copyright for his last recordings. Additionally, they have an archive of unreleased music in their possession.

Sounds like they hit the jacko-pot.--KNB
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"This Is It" to Remain in Theaters Until Thanksgiving

UPDATE 11/2/09 : Michael Jackson's docufilm has proven to be the gift that keeps on giving. This weekend movie grossed $101 million worldwide in its first five days of release. The film, which was oringally only slated for a two-week release, is now expected to stay in theaters through Thanksgiving weekend. Directed by Kenny Ortega ("High School Musical"), the concert earned $2.2 million on opening night, surprising even Sony. "The numbers are incredible, and we got some of the highest exit polls we've ever seen," Sony worldwide president of distribution Rory Bruer said. "It goes far beyond being a concert movie. Kenny Ortega created a film that is compelling and exciting and an incredible tribute to the King of Pop."--KNB _______________________________________________________________________________

"This Is it" Tops Box Office

UPDATE 10/30/09: The Wednesday release of Michael Jackson's docufilm "This Is It" grossed $7.4 million in the United States, $12.7 million overseas for a whopping total of  $20.1 nationwide and it's only Friday, according to the Associated Press.

The film has surpassed the $1.5 million gross for "Paranormal Activity," which was last weekend's No. 1 film in theaters.

"This Is It" brought in $1.9 million in Great Britain, $1.4 million France, $1.2 million in Japan and $1.1 million in Germany. The film debuted in 99 countries Wednesday and expanded to 10 more Thursday.--KNB

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Jackson's Doctor May Face Time Over Late Child Support

UPDATE 10/9/09: Dr. Conrad Murray, the doctor who was last with Michael Jackson and will likely be charged in the King of Pop's death, could face arrest and may lose his medical license after missing a hearing to explain late child support payments, the Las Vegas district attorney said Thursday. According to MSNBC.com, Clark County District Attorney David Roger said that a district judge could greenlight an arrest warrant Murray that's recommended by a family court hearing master within 10 days. Roger says Murray, who owes $13,000 in unpaid child support to a California woman, can object to the warrant before a judge approves it.

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Michael Jackson "Healthy" Autopsy Reveals

UPDATE 10/3/09: Contrary to his outside appearance, Michael Jackson was a healthy man of 50, when he died in July, according to the Associated Press. At 136 lbs., the pop legend had a strong heart with no plaque and his major organs were in good shape. He did have arthritis in his lower back and lungs that were chronically inflamed, before his death of a drug overdose, which has been ruled a homicide.

"His overall health was fine. The results are within normal limits," said Dr. Zeev Kain, who examined the autopsy.

In other news of his death, Los Angeles officers discovered Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray had the drug Propofol, which killed Jackson, sent to his girlfriend's house by Fed Ex in Santa Monica. The drug was sent from a Las Vegas pharmacy, as detectives continue to track down Murray's prescriptions, which were administered to Jackson. -CJ

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Michael Jackson Called Madonna a Witch

UPDATE 10/2/09: Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, a close friend and spiritual guide to the late Michael Jackson, just released a book, "The Michael Jackson Tapes," where the tragic icon reveals intimate details about various relationships. The 299-page book is a rare look into the life of the super star. Boteach, who recorded Jackson from 2000 to 2001, discusses everything with the pop star from Jackson's relationships with women to his protectiveness of his sister Janet to his dislike of singer Madonna.

In the book Jackson calls Madonna a "witch," after explaining she said mean things about him in the press. He talks about a particular date he had with Madonna. The two were at a restaurant when several excited children asked for their autographs, but in true Madonna form, she tells the children to go away.

"Don't ever talk to children like that,'' Jackson recalls in the book. She said, "Shut up." I said you shut up." That's how we were. Then we went out again and went to the Academy Awards. She is not a nice person. I have to say it. She is not a nice person."

Jackson later adds, "I think she likes shock value and she knows how to push buttons on people. I think she was sincerely in love with me and I was not in love with her. She did a lot crazy things and that's how that went. I knew we had nothing in common. But I am sure that having a baby has to change you. I don't know how much she has changed but I am pretty sure she is a better person."--TR

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MJ Tapes Reveal Singer's Past Loves, Childhood Hurts and Adult Needs

UPDATE 9/30/09: Fame might not always guarantee anonymity, but MJ was able to wield the power of mystery despite growing up in the public eye.

The late pop phenom recorded nearly 30 hours of personal thoughts to N friend and spiritual adviser, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, between August 2000 and April 200, according to CNN.com.

Boteach's discussions with MJ be the focus of a new book, "The Michael Jackson Tapes: A Tragic Icon Reveals His Soul in Intimate Conversation." In a Monday night interview with CNN's Larry King Boteach depicted the pop star as a lonely, injured soul who craved adoration and love but was too damaged to find it.

Despite Madonna heartfelt words for MJ during MTV 'sVMA awards tribute to the singer, he thought Madonna was a "nasty witch" and "not a nice person." He also said that he stayed up all night "singing and spinning around in his room" after her Met Brook Shields and she asked him to dance and they exchanged numbers at an industry event as well as the fact that he questioned women's alterior motive because of his fame except for ex-wife Lisa Presley who was independently wealthy.

The recordings also reveal MJ's conflicted relationship with his father Joe whom he loathed for his strict and often harsh discipline and also respected for being instrumental in making him the great entertainer the world had grown to love and remained hopeful that they would repair their relationship eventually.

Although Boteach and MJ became distant, the rabbi says he had a lot of respect for the singer and the lessons they both learned during their time together.

"The way I feel right now. I could cry right now listening to his voice again. You know ... Michael was trying to share with the world that our culture thinks somehow that fame and fortune are an acceptable substitute for love and affection," Boteach said. "But Michael discovered that these are empty gifts that leave you bereft."--KNB

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MJ Boots Help Raise Millions For HIV/AIDS Research

UPDATE 9/30/09: The King of Pop's boot might not have been made for walking, but they sure came in handy in helping his baby sis Janet Jackson to raise $1.1 million for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), according to "The Associated Press."

MJ planned to rock the 3,000 multicolored Swarovski bead-laden, Giuseppe Zanotti kickers during his opening night show of his scheduled 50-showconcert tour in London and they were bought for $14,650 at a charity dinner held on Monday as part of Milan Fashion Week.Donatella Versace, models Alek Wek and Linda Evangelista as well as rapper Kanye West were on hand to lend their support.

"I'd just like to thank everyone here in the global fashion community who've done so much to help amfAR and to support HIV/AIDS research," Janet Jackson told celebrity diners, who paid anywhere from $2,200 to $11,500 each for dinner tickets. "When this terrible pandemic began everyone ... who was infected died of AIDS. Today with your help millions of people are living with HIV."      

West lost a bidding war to Diesel designer Renzo Rosso for a  custom black leather jacket designed by the Canadian twin designers Dean and Dan Caten of the DSquared2 for a whopping $52,740, the highest price paid for any of the auctioned items.--KNB

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MJ Estate Sues Heal the World Foundation

UPDATE 9/29/09: The Heal the World Foundation's got MJ's estate on their back.

In a lawsuit filed by the estate's special administrators, John Branca and John McClain, the foundation has not received permission to use Jackson'sname and likeness and along with other related entities have made six registered trademarks and are looking to acquire an additional 41 with a connection to the late pop star.

The legal papers acknowledge Jackson founded his own Heal the World Foundation in 1992 but it has no connection to the defendants.

The suit alleges the defendants cybersquatted various domain names, including "mjaid.net," "healthworldfoundation.net," and "mjquotes.net."--KNB

 

MJ Concert Movie "This Is It" Sells Out

UPDATE 9/29/09: Some say that one's celebrity amplifies in death.

The King of Pop has proven this to be true after 3,000 advanced tickets for the Los Angeles screening sold out within two hours early Sunday, according to The Associated Press.

One the eve of the October 28 nationwide release, moviegoers will fill the new Regal Cinemas Stadium 14 in Los Angeles to watch behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage of MJ with his band and dancers.

On October 12, the first title-track single from the soundtrack will be released and the two-disc album on October 27, the same day of the film's worldwide release.

The two-week run on  October 28 will be preceded by the worldwide release on October 27 in Los Angeles, New York, Rio de Janeiro, London, Berlin and Seoul, and all will coordinate screenings three hours after the premiere at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Satellite transmissions of Hollywood stars' red-carpet arrivals will be broadcast to the other cities.--KNB

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Michael Jackson Tapes Reveal the Depth of His Fear for His Father

UPDATE 9/26/09: Michael Jackson's spiritual adviser Rabbi Shmuley Boteach has released excerpts to CNN.com from tapes of 30 hours of interviews he had with Jackson nine years ago that he intends to turn into a book. "The Michael Jackson Tapes" reveal the late star's troubled relationship and fear as an adult of his father, his love for Brooke Shields, his fear of growing old and so much more about the trials of his life.

"His celebrity had created a degree of isolation where he could not simply feel comfortable around other people," says Boteach to NBC. "He thought that everybody wanted something from him. He felt that he was trapped in this cocoon of fame and that there was some exploitative relationship with virtually everyone that he met."

For complete experts from the tape, visit our friends at CNN.com.--QS

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Security Firm Wants Estate to Pay Up

UPDATE 9/24/09: Steven Echols of DBA Security Measures has filed legal papers claiming that Michael Jackson owes them $261,169, according to TMZ.com

The Las Vegas-based firm states in legal documents that they provided 24-hour security for Jackson and his kids in 2008 at $25 an hour and invoiced a bill up to $119,000 in September 2008 and in October the bill was $99,000.--KNB
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MJ and  Brothers to Release Song

UPDATE 9/24/09: Michael Jackson may be gone, but that won't stop the music.

On October 12, Sony Music Entertainment will release a new M.J. song entitled "This Is It" with backup vocals courtesy of the remaining Jackson brothers.

According to Billboard.com, the single is part of a two-disc album of music inspired by the upcoming film, "Michael Jackson's This Is It," which chronicles the final weeks of rehearsals for what was supposed to be M.J.'s comeback concert series in England. The album is scheduled for release October 26. The film, which will be distributed by Sony Pictures, and is directed by Jackson's creative partner, Kenny Ortega, will hit the screens October 28, in a limited two-week engagement. Tickets go on sale September 27. For more information, visit www.thisisit-move.com.--Jeannine Amber

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Footage from MJ's "This Is It" Tour

UPDATE 9/19/09: Additional clips have been released on YouTube of Michael Jackson during his rehearsals, which will also be footage used in the "This Is It" tour.

The singer does a run of his classic "Human Nature" and at times appears to do a new hand gesture  that he's never done before.--KNB

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Katherine Jacksons Up for the Challenge

UPDATE 9/18/09: Katherine Jackson doesn't have to worry about losing her inheritance.

The probate judge in the MJ estate case says that the late singer's mom doesn't have to worry about jeopardizing her position as a beneficiary of MJ's will if she chooses to challenge special adminstrators, according to TMZ.com

Ms. Jackson, who's set to get 40% of the estate's net value, can now safely go toe-to-toe with John Branca and John McCain without  disturbing the MJ will's "no contest" clause.

Katherine has objected to the special administrators based on the belief that there was some sort of "undue influence" imposed on M.J.--KNB

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Man Claims MJ Stole Herpes Cure

UPDATE 9/18/09: Just when you didn't think the claims against MJ couldn't get any more bizarre.

Eric Bonner filed a suite in LA County Superior Court is claiming that he entrusted the late King of Pop with his formulas for "herpes cure, acne cures and arthritis cures" but that he shared them with some dude named Kevin Trudeau, a defendant who allegedly stole them.

Additionally he states in his suit that "someone from the Jackson family came by my house and shot a 22 pistol in the air. They turned around in a neighbor's driveway and drove away."

Bonner also says Jackson stole nine copyrights and the idea for an automobile insurance policy that "would revolutionize insurance for cars in America."--KNB

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MJ Film To Exonerate AEG

UPDATE 9/18/09: The Jackson family is not celebrating the October 28 release of the "This Is It" concert film produced by Sony, which is comprised of 100 hours of rehearsal footage and directed by MJ's tour director, Kenny Ortega. MJ's relatives fear that the film will be used as a ploy to get AEG Live off the hook about pushing the star to do more shows than he was physically cable of doing, according to the New York Post.

Although its release has been approved by the estate and court judge the family is leery that it will be edited to only show the best of his practices to support AEG's intent calim that  MJ was not exploited but in "really good shape."

In July Joe Jackson said: "Michael told me himself that he agreed to 10 shows. But they went and added all these other shows. I was worried about his health."

However, Ortega insists that the pop star was "beaming with gladness" and "in really good shape" the eve before his death.

Randy Phillips, AEG Live president and CEO, has also gone on record that MJ was in great shape and agreed to add 40 more shows rounding the total to 50.--KNB

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MJ Hairstylist Cashing In

UPDATE 9/18/09: Talk about a priceless crown of glory

Hairstylist Lynda Parrish wants to collect  $212,000 from MJ's estate claiming that she did worked on the coiffs of Jackson and others in his entrourage for which her fees are $1500 per day for the King of Pop and $1000 for others. 

That's some mane attraction.--KNB

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Estate To Produce Film Soundtrack

UPDATE 9/17/09: According to TMZ.com, MJ's estate lawyers were granted permission by a probate judge to strike a deal with Sony Music to produce and distribute the soundtrack album for the film "This Is It." --KNB

 

Estate Lawyers Settle Music Lawsuit

UPDATE 9/17/09: MJ's lawyers asked probate judge to give them their blessing to settle a tmusic lawsuit filed against the late singer, according to TMZ.com

Syl Johnson filed the suit in a Northern Illnois federal court in Northern Illinois against MJ and 11 other defendants, which include Dr. Dre, Will smith and the estate of Tupac Shakur, who unlawfully reproduced one of his recordings.

All defendants involved including Jackson have settled for a total of  $150,000 of which MJ owed $12,500. --KNB

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MJ's Mom and Kids Financially Secure

UPDATE 9/17/09: When it comes to taking care of Michael Jackson's family, no dollar amount is too great for his mom,  Katherine, or his surviving three children.

According to estate documents Katherine Jackson receives a monthly allowance of $26,804, while the kids collectively receive $60,000 per month.

It is also stated that "...the Estate assets consist of real and personal property exceeding $500 million and that the Estate is solvent."

As long as the estate is not probated MJ's mom and children will continue to receive an allowance and chances are it could take as long as a couple of years before the estate is.--KNB

New MJ Photo Book to Hit Shelves

UPDATE 9/16/09: Photographer Todd Gray will release a collection of 100 mostly never-before-seen images of the late King of Pop in his new book, "Michael Jackson: Before He Was King."  Gray documents MJ during his heyday from 1974 to 1983 and will present his work to the world on November 6, 2009.--KNB

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LAPD to Present MJ Homicide Case to D.A.

UPDATE 9/16/09: In three to four weeks, the LA. County District Attorney will hear details of the Michael Jackson homicide case, according to TMZ.com.

Dr. Conrad Murray still remains the target of the investigation and LAPD dectectives will compile an analysis based on the opinions of several medical experts who will weigh in on Dr. Murray's care of the late singer in two to three weeks.

The detectives will need an additional week to gather the evidence before presenting to the D.A. and MJ's doctor will not be arrested unless there is a formal charge.

However, the case has not been so open and shut because MJ was taking various medications despite the fact that it was determined that Propofol was the direct cause of Jackson's death.--KNB

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Michael's Kids Treated to His 3-D Film

UPDATE 9/15/09: During a trip to Disneyland in California, Michael Jackson's kids Michael Jr., Paris and Prince saw their late dad's 3-D film "Captain EO," according to TMZ. The 17-minute movie shows their dad as a superhero ready to save the world and hasn't been shown at the park since 1998. Just as quick as the movie went up in place of "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience," it was gone and fans will have to catch the video online. --CJ

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Patients Fear Propol

UPDATE 9/15/09: There's a new drug problem in the U.S.-- Propofol.

Ever since MJ's homicide was a ruled a result of Propofol, doctors have had a difficult time convinving patients that it's safe to be put under with the anesthetic. Some patients have  rerfused despite medical professionals's reassurance that the drug is not harmful when administered properly.--KNB

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ESSENCE.com Exclusive: Previously Unknown MJ Novel Materializes

UPDATE 9/14/09: ESSENCE.com has learned exclusively that a novel written by the "King of Pop" himself is currently being shopped around to New York publishers, according to a source in the industry.

The illustrated novel depicts a rock star at the height of his success who becomes disillusioned with money and fame and obsesses about death.

According to the source, the book mirrors Michael Jackson's own rise to superstardom and self-imposed seclusion, reflecting an inner torment and struggle with personal demons.

Working with a collaborator, the source confirmed, Jackson conceptualized the story line, characters and even the illustrations.

The book is expected to sell in the six figures.--Christine M. Gordon

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MJ Tribute Concert Postponed

UPDATE 9/10/09: Fans who planned to attend the tribute concert in Vienna still have another year to plan ahead, according to TMZ.com.

The concert has been pushed back until 2010, and chances are that the lack of talent on the bill helped in making that decision. However, the event's promoter, Georg Kindel, chalks it up to scheduling conflicts with the performers and that the new location will be London.

Despite Jermaine Jackson's claim that entertainers such as Chris Brown, Mary J. Blige and Natalie Cole would all be gracing the stage in honor of his late brother, each singer denied their involvement.  Jermaine posted an apology and explanation on the Jermaine Jackson and World Tribute Productions site,  stating that "instead of eight weeks we now have eight months to prepare and some of the stars who would not have been able to participate in the Vienna concert, but expressed their wish to participate in this event at the renowned Wembley Stadium in London in June 2010."--KNB

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Janet Jackson Remembers MJ

UPDATE 9/10/09: Janet Jackson admits she hasn't watched television or read a newspaper in the two months since her brother Michael's sudden death on June 25, according to Harper's Bazaar.      

In her first interview since her brother's passing, Janet reveals that her therapy has been working on a new album and book, which chronicles her binge eating--a habit she's adopted again since coping with MJ's death.

In a new interview with Harpers Bazaar, her first since Michael's passing, the singer/actress opens up about her relationship with Michael and their last day together, and how she's coped by immersing herself in a new album and book.

I can be an emotional eater," she says, "Of late, I have been doing that, yes. It started when I was very little. My brothers were gone on tour a lot and I would miss them so much."

But she was always given the huge responsibility of looking after her brother whenever her mom left the house when she was only 14 years old.

"I would shop for him. I washed his clothes and cleaned his room," she said. "When mother would go out of town, she'd say, 'I'm leaving you in charge. Take care of Michael.'"       

She also reveals that their last meeting was a month before his death where they shared some hearty laughs.    

"The last time we were together, he'd laugh so hard, he'd just start crying." --KNB

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Natalie Cole Won't Be Performing at MJ Tribute Concert

UPDATE 9/10/09: Three must be the charm or possibly major harm for the upcoming Vienna tribute concert that Jermaine Jackson is hosting.

Natalie Cole is the latest singer to say that she will not be performing in Vienna with Jermaine Jackson and friends. Instead she'll be in Memphis with the Dalai Lama  around the same time.

Chris Brown and Mary J. Blige also set the record straight that they won't be involved.--KNB

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Movers Begin Packing MJ's Belongings

UPDATE 9/10/09: MJ's Holmby Hills mansion that he rented was infiltrated by a moving company who quickly began gathering and packaging  the late King of Pop's valuables.

Two trucks were on hand to move his cars and the other simply his personal property.
Earlier this month, a bunch of property was removed from Michael's Las Vegas home including three Rolls Royce cars.--KNB

 

Katherine Jackson Saves Wrong Date

UPDATE 9/10/08: After reports that Michael Jackson's mom did not support the concert that his brother, Jermaine, announced would be a tribute concert in Vienna, Ms. Jackson says that she will be there for the event. The only problem is the concert is scheduled for the 26 but she announces that it will be held on the 29.--KNB

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MJ's Family Concerned About Estate Charity Donations

UPDATE 9/10/09: The Jackson family isn't too keen about sharing 20 percent of Michael's estate with charities, according to TMZ.com.

Although no charities have been chosen and no donations will be made for at least one to two years, the family has expressed concern. However, until the value of the estate can be determined no funds will be given to any charities which will be selected by three people--Katherine Jackson and executors John Branca and John McClain.--KNB

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The Jackson Family Has Lawsuit Options

UPDATE 9/9/09: Jackson family members are lining up for their chance at a wrongful death lawsuit against Dr. Conrad Murray, according to TMZ.com.

The Jacksons could sue for the financial loss since MJ's death since he is no longer alive to provide support for them, but the problem is that his death might be considered more profitable.

The King of Pop's death has proven to be an economic gain with all the merchanidising, film, music and concert deals that are begin discussed and implemented. So even if lawyers proved Dr. Murray and others were at fault the point might be moot.

The other option is to sue for loss of companionship and love, but the state of California only allows a maximum award of up to $250,000 for a malpractice lawsuit. However, if they can prove that his death was a result of malice (that's proof of "despicable conduct") by the defendants or a felony homicide conviction is handed down they'll receive punitive dmages as long as they are related t economic or non-economic losses.  More oftent than not punitives are limited to nine times those damagesso this might not be an easy battle.--KNB

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MJ's Kids Remain Home Schooled

UPDATE 9/9/09: The Jackson family has decided to keep Michael Jackson's three surviving children in the school that they are most familiar with, according to TMZ.com.

Michael Jr., Paris and Prince will continue to be home schooled by the same tutors they had when their dad was live and will not attend Buckley, the school that Tito's three kids attend.

And their relatives are doing all they can to maintain some normalcy in their new school environment despite them having been uprooted from Hombly Hills to Encino.

The kids will enjoy P.E. time as well as a lunch hour where they can spend time in the school yard, complete with a volleyball court,an occasionally take a field trip.--KNB

Janet Jackson to Join MJ Tribute During This Year's Video Music Awards

UPDATE 9/09/09: Janet Jackson will open this weekend's 2009 MTV Video Music Awards with a musical tribute to her late brother Michael, MTV announced yesterday.  Janet, a nine-time Moonman winner herself, will honor her beloved brother in a "special appearance" that will a look back over his life and career. According to TMZ, the performance will also feature more than 20 backup dancers and choreography from some of the biggest names in the dance world.

The VMAs will air live this Sunday, September 13, from New York's Radio City Music Hall.--BB

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Chris Brown Not Performing at Austian MJ Concert Tribute

UPDATE 9/08/09: Despite Jermaine Jackson's announcement, Chris Brown will not be performing at the tribute concert he planned in Vienna on September 26, according to E! News.

"Chris is not confirmed to perform or participate in any capacity for this show," the publicist for Brown's label tells E! News.--KNB

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The Jacksons Aren't Supporting Tribute Concert in Vienna

UPDATE 9/8/09: Apparently Jermaine was flying solo when he made the announcement that there would be a tribute concert in his late brother MJ's honor to be held in Vienna.

Allegedly Katherine and other family members are not happy about his decision and felt as if their mom was badgered into proclaiming her support for the September 26 event in hopes to improve Jermaine's image since he'd been concerned about the negative press he'd received of late, according to TMZ.com.

Allegedly none of Jermaine's siblings will be attending the concert in such a far away land that holds no special connection to their brother. In one family member's eyes it's simply "the Jermaine Jackson Show," because he's doing what's best for him and not the family.--KNB

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Chris Brown to Perfom At Austrian  MJ Concert Tribute

UPDATE 9/8/09: Jermaine Jackson reportedly wants Chris Brown to pay homage to his late baby bro, MJ.

"Michael was his idol and he (Brown) dedicated his first No 1 hit in the U.S. to Michael. Chris is a very, very talented artist," Jermaine said during a press conference.

This kind of global exposure is just what the singer needs to reconnect with a worldwide audience after staying off the music scene for the last seven months. CNN plans to beam the concert around the world. 

Jermaine is believed to be returning the favor by lending his support to Brown, who stood by Jackson when he was at a crossroads in his career by performing "Thriller" for the King of Pop at the 2006 World Music Awards when Jackson was barely able to sing a few lines of "We Are The World."

At least 25 artists are expected to perform including Madonna, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Jermaine and other music industry elite that will draw at least 65,000 people in Vienna, where Jermaine says his brother would appreciate because he "loved castles."

More names will be revealed later this week in London and Berlin.--KNB

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MJ Finally Receives His Crown

UPDATE 9/4/09: Michael Jackson was finally laid to rest at 9:43 P.M PST in The Great Mausoleum at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Six large bouquets of white lilies and white roses, along with green topiaries adorned the stage while nearly 200 family and close friends  were in attendance. MJ's brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy Jackson served as the pallbearers.

A crown was placed on MJ's coffin by his children to signify the final resting place of the King of Pop while Pastor Lucius Smith delivered the opening prayer and Gladys Knight belted "His Eye Is on the Sparrow." Songwriter Clifton Davis sang The Jackson 5 song "Never Can Say Goodbye," which he wrote for the group.

After his father, Joseph Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, close friends and family members made remarks, the Jackson brothers carried Michael's casket into The Great Mausoleum, followed by guests. 

Other notable attendees included Chris Tucker, Miko Brando, Macaulay Culkin, Corey Feldman, Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Mila Kunis, Thomas Mesereau, Kenny Ortega, Suzanne de Passe, Lisa Marie Presley, Teddy Riley, and Elizabeth Taylor. See photos of family and friends arriving.--KNB

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Family and Friends Say Last Goodbye

UPDATE 9/3/09:The Jackson family as well as friends and loved ones gathered at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, to say their last goodbye to Michael Jackson.

Although the Jackson family arrived more than an hour late the ceremony, MJ's celeb friends such as Chris Tucker, Gladys Knight who performed, Reverend Al Sharpton as well as McCauley Culkin, Elizabeth Taylor and others.--ZH

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Oprah Honors MJ In One-Hour Special

UPDATE 9/3/09: Oprah Winfrey will devote an entire episode of her talk show to the King of Pop, according to a Harpo Productions press release.

Scheduled to air on September 16, the show will include clips as well as never-before-heard personal details from Winfrey's 1993 interview with MJ.

The first week of Oprah's 24th season is sure to garner high ratings with Whitney Houston kicking it off on Sept. 14.--KNB

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Jackson Family Seizes Control of Media

UPDATED 9/3/09: Although media will not be allowed inside the burial, the Jackson family will permit a limted video pool that will allow videographers to catch footage of the arrival of mourners, which will run from 6 to 8 P.M. PST, and be transmitted by KABC.

As far as photos the family has chosen AFP, AP, EPA, Getty and Reuters photo wires who will provide images to media outlets for free. --KNB

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Estate May Pay for Burial

UPDATE 9/02/09: Katherine Jackson filed legal papers asking the judge in the Jackson probate case to have the estate pay for the burial, according to TMZ.com.

Sources tell the Web site that lawyers for the estate will neither support nor oppose the motion --but rather they will leave it to the judge. A hearing is set for today at 9:30 A.M. PST. The burial is set for Thursday.--ZH

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Death Video Was a Hoax

UPDATE 9/01/09: A video produced by a German television station showing Michael Jackson leaping out of a coroner's van was indeed a hoax, according to CNN. The video posted on YouTube, last Thursday, by a user named "michaeljacksonhoax" under the title "Michael Jackson alive?! Seen coming out of coroner's van!" has received over 1 million views. Heike Schultz, a spokesperson for RTL, the leading private broadcaster in Germany said the video was made to show how easy it is to spread rumors online. Before the video was distributed, the station sent out a press release alerting media that the video was a fake.--Nazenet Habtezghi

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Coroner: It Was Homicide

UPDATE 8/28/09: The L.A. County coroner has ruled that Michael Jackson's death was a homicide, according to CNN. The coroner concluded that Jackson died from "acute propofol intoxication," a statement from the coroner's office said." Other conditions contributing to death: benzodiazepine effect," the statement said. What does this mean? It will likely be only a matter of time before someone is arrested and charged, and fingers point to Jackson's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, the focus of a manslaughter investigation.--ZH

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Michael Jackson's Family Tell Cops About Drugs

UPDATE 8/27/09: The search for answers in The King of Pop's death continue. A search warrant served at Michael Jackson's house the day after he died says family members told investigators they had found heroin in the singer's room. But tests later showed the substance wasn't heroin, a person with knowledge of the results told The Associated Press. The warrant unsealed Thursday showed that various drugs, including marijuana, the generic form of Valium and other sedatives were found in the singer's rented mansion. A detective also indicated that Jackson's body showed signs of injections. However, A second warrant served on the car of Dr. Conrad Murray, the focus of a manslaughter investigation, turned up some documents but no additional drugs.

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Michael Jackson Burial Fees Triple

UPDATE 8/27/09: For the rich and famous, death can sometimes come at a high cost.

In Michael Jackson's case, his burial at the Forest Lawn Masoleum will cost him triple the original price of $50,000 because the family changed it from a weekend date (Saturday, August 29) to a week day (Thursday, Sept. 3), according to Glendale police.

Ninety percent of the burial fees are allotted to police ensuring street closures, security and perimeter control. There will be a police chopper keeping the cemetery under surveillance from the sky so MJ's adoring fans and the public don't stand a chance of getting even a glimpse of the intimate ceremony.

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Authorities Say Dr. Murray's Story Isn't Adding Up

UPDATE 8/26/09: Although there were other drugs present in MJ's system, it wasn't enough to kill him but a lethal dose of the powerful anesthetic propofol did.

Despite Dr. Conrad Murray's account that he only administered  5O milligrams of propofol for six weeks before reducing it to 25 milligrams for fear that MJ might become addicted to it, authorities say that it would take at least 400 millligrams--16 times the amount he allegedly gave him--to put someone of Jackson's body size to sleep for eight hours. Law enforcements aren't convinced that Dr. Murray is telling the truth especially since MJ had developed a higher level of tolerance for the powerful anesthetic.--KNB

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MJ's Time of Death Still a Mystery

UPDATE 8/26/09: Despite the timeline Dr. Murray gave LAPD when he was interviewed, no one really knows what time MJ died, according to TMZ.com.

it's been difficult to pinpoint a time of death because rigor mortis sets in after three hours. However, if it has not set in, a dead body's temperature is the only other way to reach an approximation of the time of death. Unfortunately, paramedics were too busy performing CPR on MJ to get an accurate read on his temperature, which had been in a sweltering room. After death, the body's temperature adjusts to that of the environment and if Michael was in a room of 100 degrees that's what his temperature would be.

Law enforcements still believe Dr. Murray's account was "scripted" and conflicting in the times he gave, so MJ could have been dead a lot longer than we think.--KNB

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MJ Nurse Never Administered Lethal Drugs

UPDATE: 8/26/09: MJ's nurse says she wasn't among those who fed the pop star drug cocktails, according to TMZ.com.

Cherilyn Lee says she only gives people "nutritional cocktails" and that Dr. Murray made assumptions when her name was dropped in the law enforcement documents and that she never administered propofol or diprivan to MJ.

This past April, Lee said she saw the singer and that there were "no injection marks" on his body. Dr. Murray began working for MJ in May. Law enforcement sources say Jackson had many injection sights at the time of his death.

However, Lee admits that she gave MJ a "nutritional IV" of "basically vitamin C" and that "Mr. Jackson had very small veins." --KNB

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Several Doctors and Drug Cocktails Caused MJ's Death?

UPDATE 8/25/09: Court documents obtained by the LAPD police investigation surrounding Michael Jackson's death delivers a blow-by-blow account of the singer's final hours with Dr. Murray, according to CNN.com. See the timeline below:

At about 1:30 A.M., Murray gave Jackson 10 mg of valium.

At about 2 A.M., he injected Jackson with 2 mg of the anti-anxiety drug Ativan.

At about 3 A.M., Murray then administered 2 mg of the sedative Versed.

At about 5 A.M., he administered another 2 mg of Ativan.

At about 7:30 A.M., Murray gave Jackson yet another 2 mg of Versed while monitoring him with a device that measured the oxygen saturation of his blood.

At about 10:40 A.M., "after repeated demands/requests from Jackson," Murray administered 25 mg of propofol, the document said.

According to the affidavit, after Jackson finally drifted off to sleep and Murray says he continued to monitor him for another ten minutes before leaving the room for two minutes to use the restroom only to return and discover the pop star wasn't breathing. Unfortunately, CPR did not revive him and Murray made three different phone calls within a 47-minute span (11:18 A.M. to 12:05 P.M.) but didn't reveal this to anyone when he was first interviewed.

Chernoff denied the timeline referenced in the affidavit, but he did admit to staff at the University of California at Los Angeles Medical Center, where Jackson's body was taken, wthat he gave Jackson flumazenil to counteract the Ativan.

Still Murray is among five other doctors and a nurse practitioner who treated MJ.

Athough authorities believe that the drug cocktail contributed to MJ's death, they say it cannot be determined if a single night or prolonged use played a integral part or if one doctor or several over a period of time is responsible for this tragedy.

Murray says that MJ called Propofol his "milk" and that he certainly wasn't the only doctor who had given the powerful anesthetic to him, but the singer refused to tell him all the drugs that he had taken given to him by other doctors except that they weren't helping him sleep.

Still his Murray's lawyer Ed Chernoff says that the documented reports are not completely accurate.

"Much of what was in the search warrant affidavit is factual. However, unfortunately, much is police theory. Most egregiously, the timeline reported by law enforcement was not obtained through interviews with Dr. Murray, as was implied by the affidavit," the statement said. "Dr. Murray simply never told investigators that he found Michael Jackson at 11:00 A.M. not breathing. He also never said that he waited a mere 10 minutes before leaving to make several phone calls. In fact, Dr. Murray never said that he left Michael Jackson's room to make phone calls at all."--KNB

The DEA still has not been able to find any proof that Dr. Murray purchased or ordered propofol under his license.--KNB

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MJ's Net Worth

UPDATE 8/25/09: According to TMZ.com, financial documents have been uncovered that prove that there was a drastic difference in the King of Pop's billion dollar net worth versus his hard cash flow .

Jackson's net worth was estimated at $1,360,839,979 on July 31, 2007. Although it's a grip the majority of that fortune, $1,150,000,000, to be exact, is The Beatles catalog, which is part of the the Sony-ATV Publishing Trust.

However, his bank account there was $668, 215 in cash. Additional assets still leave MJ worth $1.3 billion. Below is a listing of his assets:

Real property: $73,475,000 (Neverland valued at $66,875,000, Encino Home valued at $6,600,000)
Restricted cash: $10,696,764 (this is a cash reserve to pay interest on loans)
Media Archival materials: $20,000,000
MJ Publishing Trust: $85,000,000
Professional equipment: $1,000,000
Automobiles, antiques, collectibles & other personal property: $20,000,000

Combined total assets: $1,360,839,979.

When it comes to the most vaulable property, Neverland is the big winner at $323,000,000. The finanical documents describe it as "Notes payable to Fortress are collateralized by Mr. Jackson's interest in the Sony-ATV Publishing Trust and a partial security interest in the Los Olivos, California (Neverland) property. Additionally, as of March 31, 2007, the bank holds restricted cash in the approximate amount of $7,803,621. With other liabilities, the sum comes to $331,000,000."--KNB

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Jackson Case Doctor Calls On President

UPDATE 8/25/09: With the reports of Michael Jackson's doctors administering medications to the pop star all willy nilly, Dr. Susan Essien Etok, one of the doctors working on the pop star's death investigation with the LAPD, has addressed her concerns in a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to ensure that obtaining "controlled medication" become a lot more difficult.

Dr. Etok, who claims MJ asked her to supply him with drugs for £500,000, also asks the President in a letter to consider "harsher punitive measures" for "unethical doctors" who willingly administer drugs for the right price.

However, Etok makes it clear that "no individual doctor is responsible for Michael's death," before comparing his untimely death to such legends as Elvis Presley, Heath Ledger and Anna Nicole Smith, who all passed from mixing drugs in their systems.--KNB
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Dr. Murray's Attorney Says Homicide Is Police Theory

UPDATE 8/25/09: According to Dr. Conrad Murray's lawyer, Ed Chernoff, the details that were recounted by authorities surrounding the day of MJ's death are not entirely true.

In an issued statement Chernoff states:

"Much of what was in the search warrant affidavit is factual. However, unfortunately, much is police theory. Most egregiously, the timeline reported by law enforcement was not obtained through interviews with Dr. Murray, as was implied by the affidavit. Dr. Murray simply never told investigators that he found Michael Jackson at 11:00 A.M. not breathing. He also never said that he waited a mere ten minutes before leaving to make several phone calls. In fact, Dr. Murray never said that he left Michael Jackson's room to make phone calls at all."--KNB

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MJ's Doc Self-Described Drugs

UPDATE 8/25/09: Michael Jackson's friend and doctor, Dr. Arnold Klein, wrote dozens of prescriptions for powerful controlled substances for himself, according to a search warrant obtained by TMZ.com.

Last week, the DEA obtained a search warrant for Beverly Hills' Mickey Fine Pharmacy. It's the same pharmacy that Dr. Klein  used to fill prescriptions for Michael Jackson under aliases.

For nearly three months, from March 2006 to May 2009, Dr. Klein self-prescribed 27 times, according to the affidavit submitted for the search warrant. The prescriptions include "the medications hydrocodone (Vicodin), modafinil (Provigil), diazepam (Valium), and injectable midazolam (Versed). However California law states "No person shall prescribe, administer, or furnish a controlled substance for himself."

Whether or not the medications were for the doctor's personal use or MJ's is unknown, but Dr. Klein's lawyer told the DEA that his client "has never self-prescribed."--KNB

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MJ TV Tribute Planned

UPDATE 8/24/09: Katherine Jackson has asked Michael Jackson's former manager Ron Weisner to produce the made-for-television "Michael Jackson: The Tribute" in Vienna, Austria, on September 26, according to TMZ.com.

Weisner expects 100,000 people to attend and has invited A-list performers to pariticipate, but the lineup has not been confirmed.

Although the Jackson family appeared to be at odds about the TV show, Katherine is now on board so Weisner has moved forward with the planning.--KNB

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The Jacksons Respond to Findings

UPDATE 8/24/09: After news was released that Michael Jackson's death was ruled a homicide, a spokesperson for the publicist released the following statement of behalf of his family:

The Jackson family has full confidence in the legal process and commends the ongoing efforts of the L.a. county Coroner, The L.A. District Attorney and the L.A. Police Department.

The family look forward to the day that justice can be served.--KNB

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MJ Death Ruled a Homicide

UPDATE 8/24/09: Just one day shy of the two-month anniversary of Michael Jackson's sudden death, a search warrant affidavit confirms that the singer died from a lethal dose of propofol, according to the L.A. Times.

For six weeks, Dr. Cornad Murray administered 50 milligrams of the drug nightly through an IV to help MJ deal with his insomnia, but reduced the dosage to 25 mg. for fear that the singer might have become addicted in that short span of time.

At 1:30 A.M., on the morning of Jackson's death, Dr. Murray gave him three different drugs. First valium followed by an IV injection of the anit-anxiety drug lorazepam, and finally the sedative midazolam. But upon MJ's insistence, Murray gave him an additional 25 mg of propofol.

This all falls in line with what cops discovered once they arrived to Jackson's house where  they found eight bottles of propofol along with valium, tamsulosin, lorazepam, temazepam, clonazepam, trazodone and tizanidine, along with the propofol. All of which were prescribed by Dr. Murray, Dr. Arnold Klein and Dr. Allan Metzger.

Cops say that Dr. Murray reportedly told them that he left the room to call his Houston office and family members and when he returned MJ wasn't breathing.

Oddly enough, Dr. Murray refused to sign the death certificate at the UCLA Medical center, according to the warrant.--KNB

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Company Tries to Wig-gle MJ's Mane

UPDATE 8/24/09: Everyone wants a piece of the beloved Gloved One.

R.H. Smith & Sons, a company that has specialized in the production of  ornate powdered wigs for English solicitors and barristers for more than a century, is fighting to protect their exclusive rights to market MJ wigs, costumes and accessories by suing Rubie's Costume Company that makes the same exclusive claim, according to TMZ.com.

However, R.H. Smith & Sons is licensed under MJ Licensing LLC and filed a lawsuit in a New York federal court  and is asking for an injunction prohibiting the costume company from pushing MJ products and sending out e-mail blasts claiming they are the true Big Wigs.--KNB

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More Creditors File Claims

UPDATE 8/24/09: The law firm of Ayscough & Marar claims they were hired by MJ in 2005 to work on the child molestation trial, but the pop star never paid them their $200,000 fee.

Now, four years later, a new creditor's claim filed with the probate court. The firm is asking for $31,757.97 for an unspecified bill.--KNB

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MJ Rehearsal Film to Have Two-Week Limited Run

UPDATE 8/22/09: A Michael Jackson film built around rehearsal footage left behind after his death will be released in a limited two-week theatrical engagement worldwide, according to the Associated Press.

Distributor Sony announced that the release date for "Michael Jackson: This Is It" has been moved up to October 28, two days earlier than previously announced. Tickets go on sale September 27.

The studio also announced longtime Jackson collaborator Kenny Ortega is directing "This Is It," which offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Jackson preparing for a series of London shows he was rehearsing when he died June 25.

Ortega had been working with Jackson on the "This Is It" concert tour. His other credits include the "High School Musical" movies and an upcoming remake of "Footloose."--ZH

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Michael Jackson Burial Date Moved to September 3

UPDATE 8/22/09: After reports that Michael Jackson would be buried on August 29, which would have been his 51st birthday, the burial date has now been moved to September 3, according to CNN.

The private ceremony will still take place at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, according to a statement from Ken Sunshine, Jackson's spokesman.

No reason was given for the change in date.

The ceremony "will be limited to family and close friends," the statement said.--ZH

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New Jersey Company Sues MJ

UPDATE 8/21/09: The Michael Jackson saga continues.

Yesterday, a federal judge agreed to a a civil action lawsuit against Jackson, his manager and concert promoter by The New Jersey-based AllGood Entertainment. 

The $40 million lawsuit claims Jackson agreed to do reunion concerts with his family but renegged and signed another deal for London concerts.

AllGood was given the greenlight only if they amend the lawsuit to name Jackson's estate as a defendant.

Ira Meyerowitz who is represented AG hope his clients can cash in on a portion of the   $60 million the estate made by selling rehearsal footage for the London concerts to Columbia Pictures. --KNB

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Beverly Hills Pharmacy Raided

UPDATE 8/21/09: LAPD is leaving no stone unturned.

Law enforcement is raiding Mickey fine Pharmacy in Beverly Hills where Michael Jackson was a regular. They are hoping to find evidence of "improper dispensing of controlled substances," in connection with the death of Michael Jackson, according to TMZ.com.

Dr. Arnold Klein along with others who treated MJ used it often and the pop star filled prescriptions for Dererol and several other drugs at Mickey's.

In 2007, MJ was sued by Mickey Fine's for non-payment of more than a $100,000. Evenutally the case was settled.--KNB

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AEG Hearing Resumes

UPDATE 8/21/09: It was a big reunion for all involved in today's hearing surrounding the AEG deal for merchandising Michael Jackson memorabilia.

Today, lawyers for all sides including AEG, the coadminstrators, Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson's three kids were present in court. "American Idol's" Randy Jackson was allegedly scheduled to testify about a pending deal with AEG to complete a MJ memorabilia tour, but at the last minute the estate attorney informed the court that he would not be attending.

As previously reported, Katherine Jackson didn't want to move forward until she had her financial advisors look over the documents and had to be granted permission by the court to disclose the confidential documents to parties outside of her attorneys earlier this week. MJ's family members believe that AEG is getting too much money for the tour and wants the deal reevaluated.

Howeve,r Leonard Rowe, who was to serve as her expert witness did not testify causing an upset with AEG because he was granted full disclosure to the confidential documents and those documents have not yet been returned.

The courtroom was closed until after they've heard the  testimony of John Branca, the entertainment lawyer who's responsible for filing MJ's final will, via phone.--KNB

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MJ Movie Debuts Two Days Early

UPDATE 8/21/09: The concert movie, "Michael Jackson: This Is It," which has rehearsal footage of the King of Pop preparing for his London "This Is It" tour will be released on October 28 rather than October 30.

Although tickets go on sale nearly a month before its opening on September 27, it will only be in theaters for two weeks.--KNB

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Katherine Jackson Wants Sound Financial Advice

UPDATE 8/20/09: Katherine Jackson doesn't make a critical move without deferring to her fiancial advisors

Today her lawyers, who are the only ones allowed to view the  confidential AEG memorabilia deal, asked the court to grant her financial advisors permission to review it.

Perhaps, the worst fears of the special administrators might just be realized since AEG is threatening to pull out of the deal because they think people are quickly losing interest in buying MJ memorabilia. Burt Levitch, Katherine's lawyer believes AEG is trying to call their bluff to expedite the deal.--KNB

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MJ Burial Postponed

UPDATE 8/20/09: The Jackson family says that there are things they need to get in order before laying MJ to rest in the private Mausoleum on what would have been his 51st birthday.

It will be held on, August 31st instead of August 29.--KNB

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A&E Gives Thumbs Up to Jackson Reality Show

UPDATE 8/20/09: The legacy of Michael Jackson lives on as his brothers and the cable network A&E have come to terms on a Jackson family reality series, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The show will feature several members of the Jackson clan coming to terms with their most famous sibling's sudden death. The pilot has already been shot and other episodes are currently being filmed. The one-hour pilot will debut on A&E within the month.--WLW

Will you be watching the Jackson's new reality show?

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 Find out all the details.