InnocentMichael

Nipsey Russell, who played the Tin Man alongside Diana Ross and Michael Jackson in "The Wiz" as part of a decades-long career in stage, television and film, has died. He was 80.

The actor, who had been suffering from cancer, died Sunday afternoon at Lenox Hill Hospital, said his longtime manager Joseph Rapp.

Born in Atlanta, Russell launched his television career as Officer Anderson in the 1961 television series "Car 54, Where are You?" He also appeared in the 1994 film version.

He became a fixture on popular television game and talk shows, where he was welcomed for his poetic delivery that earned him the moniker the "poet laureate of television." He also took his signature four-line poetry on the road for readings and performances.

Russell also appeared in the films "Nemo" in 1984, "Wildcats" in 1986 and "Posse" in 1993.

He settled in New York after graduating from the University of Cincinnati and serving as an Army captain in Europe during World War II, Rapp said.

Russell never married. "He always said, 'I have trouble living with myself, how could I live with anyone else,'" Rapp said. "But he was a wonderful guy, very quiet, never bragged."

Source: Associated Press 

MICHAEL JACKSON will reportedly step out of hiding in the Middle East next week to record his charity single THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART in Britain. The THRILLER singer has been residing in Bahrain with his friend PRINCE ABDULLA since he was acquitted of child molestation charges in a Santa Maria, California, court in June (05). Earlier this month (SEP05), Jackson announced his plans to enlist celebrity friends, including JAY-Z, JAMES BROWN, MARIAH CAREY and MARY J BLIGE, to record a charity song, with proceeds going to the victims of Hurricane Katrina (29AUG05) on America's Gulf Coast. British newspaper The Sun claims Jackson is flying to London next week to begin the recording process. A source says, "Michael has been working on the lyrics since the hurricane happened and wants to release it in the next fortnight. "He can't wait to visit London. He's always had incredible support from fans in England and he admires some of the top producers based there." Source: Contact Music / Sun

Cash it in, 50 Cent. Shrivel up, Slim Shady. Michael Jackson may be ready to rap. Having once anointed himself the King of Pop, the singer now wants to reinvent himself as a booty-chasing hip-hopper, we hear. The move toward a harder-edged sound is said to be part of a plan to put his child-molestation trial behind him. "Soon you will see him surrounded by all kinds of beautiful women," says "Alien Rock" author Michael Luckman, who's tapped into the Jackson camp. He's already trying to surround himself with Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige and other bona fide hip-hop stars, whom Jackson's rep says have promised to perform on his hurricane relief single, "From the Bottom of My Heart." "Despite everything, Michael still commands a great deal of respect from younger artists he influenced," says another source. Andre Van Pier thinks he has just the outfit for a Vegas show Jackson is said to be hatching. Van Pier, who created costumes for several Jackson videos, envisions the Gloved One as a "Space Warrior," complete with Roman legion helmet and illuminated white leather jumpsuit. "I want to transform Michael [into] a man with power on a level that we've never seen before," says Van Pier. Source: NY Post

Pop star Lionel Richie said Wednesday he would team up with Michael Jackson on a song to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, if he could just get in touch with him. The two stars famously co-wrote “We Are the World,” in the 1980s, a project that ultimately garnered more than $50 million for African famine relief. Featuring artists such as Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Bob Dylan, the charity song won the Grammy award for best song of the year. Jackson has recently said he is working on another charity song to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Richie did not say whether he has spoken to Jackson specifically about the Katrina project, but did say he is interested in the project. “We would do it, but what we would want to know right now is who is running it,” Richie said. Jackson has been staying overseas since he was cleared of molestation charges earlier in the summer. Jackson’s extended stay in the Middle East, and Richie’s hectic schedule, has made communication between the two musicians difficult, Richie said. Outside a conference supporting minority business in Montgomery, Richie confirmed the two pop stars have been playing “phone tag” recently. He also said a number of factors must be overcome before such a project could materialize. “If you know anything about Lionel Richie, if you know anything about Michael Jackson, if you know anything about all of us as artists, we can’t run it,” Richie said. “Because we are in every part of the world. Somebody has to be the point person, and we need to find out who that point person is.” Gathering all the talent to one central location to do the song will be a major obstacle to overcome, Richie said. The “We Are the World” project was centered around the American Music Awards, Richie said, because all the artists “had a reason to be in town.” “This project may be a monster. It’s not that it can’t be done . . . but we need one galvanizing point where everyone can come together,” Richie said. Source: MA

In his first interview since being cleared of child-molestation charges, Michael Jackson said he's hard at work on his Hurricane Katrina benefit song, "From the Bottom of My Heart," and that he's feeling well after several health scares during the trial. Jackson told The Associated Press during the brief interview that he's "moving full speed ahead" on the single. But unlike "We Are the World" — the 1985 charity hit co-written by Jackson that quickly drew participation from such heavy hitters as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Willie Nelson, Billy Joel and Paul Simon — so far, no artists have confirmed participation in the recording of the single to aid victims of the August 29 disaster. "I'm constantly working on it," Jackson said of the song, which he first announced on September 6. At the time, Jackson said in a statement that he had written the song and intended to contact artists within days and record it within two weeks. Spokespeople for R. Kelly, Jay-Z, Ciara, Wyclef Jean, Mariah Carey and Lauryn Hill said those artists have been contacted but have not yet agreed to participate. Missy Elliott's rep said she and Jackson are in discussions about the song but have not yet reached any agreement. Spokespeople for Lenny Kravitz, James Brown, Yolanda Adams, Babyface and the O'Jays could not be reached by press time. Jackson's spokesperson, Raymone Bain — who last week confirmed the participation of Brown, Jay-Z, Blige, Elliott, Kravitz, Kelly, Snoop and Ciara — could not be reached for comment. Four years ago, Jackson announced plans for a benefit song for the victims of the September 11 terror attacks. "What More Can I Give" featured vocals by Ricky Martin, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan and Reba McEntire (see " 'NSYNC Join Jackson's Charity Single; Mariah, Celine Sing In Spanish"). The song was shelved and never officially saw the light of day. Source: MTV

Pop star Michael Jackson has broken his silence on his child abuse trial, describing it as "the hardest thing I've ever done in my life". The singer has not spoken publicly since sending a message to fans in June, shortly after being cleared of molesting a young boy. In a brief interview with the Associated Press news agency, he said he was still "resting and recovering". The star is staying in Bahrain and said he was "feeling good". He added he was "moving full speed ahead" with plans to record a charity single for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. 'Constantly working' Jackson's spokeswoman has said Mariah Carey, James Brown and Snoop Dogg are among the big names set to appear on the song, although the line-up has not been finalised. "I'm constantly working on it," Jackson told the Associated Press. He travelled to Bahrain shortly after the verdict and was recently photographed smiling in Dubai. The star's 19-month legal ordeal ended in June when he was found not guilty on 10 charges of plying a teenage boy with alcohol and abusing him. He made several trips to hospital during and after the trial, complaining of "flu-like symptoms", dehydration and back problems. In June, he told fans: "Your ever-present love held me, dried my tears, and carried me through." Source: BBC

In his first talk with a reporter since the end of his criminal trial, pop superstar Michael Jackson said Saturday he is "moving full speed ahead" on plans to record a song for the benefit of Hurricane Katrina victims and feels that his creative juices are flowing again. In a telephone call to The Associated Press, Jackson said the trial was "the hardest thing I've ever done in my life" and that he and his children were still in Bahrain "resting and recovering" from the ordeal. Jackson said he has been at work on the charity song, tentatively titled, "From the Bottom of My Heart." "I'm constantly working on it," he said. Also on the line was Raymone K. Bain, Jackson's spokeswoman. She said the call would not be a full- fledged interview, and that Jackson just wanted to make contact to express his thanks for what he said was the AP's fair coverage of his trial. Jackson has been staying in Bahrain as the guest of Prince Abdulla, the son of the king of Bahrain. Of his friend Prince Abdulla, he said, "He's the very best, amazing, so kind." Asked about his health, Jackson said, "I'm feeling good." The singer had said during his trial that he was plagued by back problems. Jackson was acquitted of child molestation in June after a five-month trial in Santa Maria, Calif. He has not appeared in public since and has spent much of his time in Bahrain. Jackson wants the charity anthem to follow the success of the 1984 worldwide hit "We Are the World," which he co-wrote to benefit African starvation victims. Bain has said many artists have agreed to join the project, but the lineup hasn't been finalized. Source: AP...

Michael Jackson's publicist says eight performers so far have agreed to join a song to benefit Hurricane Katrina victims. Raymone K. Bain said artists who will appear on Jackson's song, tentatively titled "From the Bottom of My Heart," include James Brown, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Lenny Kravitz, R. Kelly, Snoop Dogg and Ciara. But representatives for some of the artists said it was premature to say their clients were committed to the charity single, which hopes to duplicate the 1984 worldwide hit "We Are the World," which Jackson co-wrote to benefit African starvation victims. Representatives for Snoop Dogg said he would take part. But Jay-Z's publicist, Jana Fleishman, said the rapper had "been approached, but Jay told me directly he is not yet confirmed to be on that song." Several other publicists said their clients were in talks and had yet to confirm. Bain, however, insisted during a telephone interview Wednesday that Jackson had personally contacted all the artists himself. She said Jackson will record the tune on 2 Seas Records, the label owned by Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, son of the king of Bahrain. Jackson, who was acquitted after a grueling child molestation trial four months ago, has been a guest of Sheik Abdulla for the past several weeks. To confirm her account, Bain handed the phone to Sheik Abdulla, who said that he and Jackson had had talked to each artist personally. "He made every single call himself," the sheik said. Following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Jackson tried unsuccessfully to put together a benefit song called "What More Can I Give." For now, Bain said, the Katrina relief song is "a work in progress," with a time, date and place of recording yet to be scheduled. Source: Yahoo

Whilst Michael Jackson enlists various stars to appear on his forthcoming single, a spokesperson for R&B star Wyclef Jean confirmed that he will be taking part in the recording of the song, "From the Bottom of My Heart,". Source: Rolling Stone

R&B superstar Usher is calling on Madonna and Michael Jackson to join the line-up for his upcoming Hurricane Katrina benefit concert in Houston, Texas. The Yeah! Hitmaker admits he has already been in negotiations with Jackson about the odd couple doing "something together", but he refuses to confirm that will be a duet onstage on October 2. He says: "We haven't spoken but our people have been speaking." Source: IR

Washington, D.C. - Michael Jackson is pleased to announce that Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, R. Kelly, Wyclef Jean, Lenny Kravitz, Lauren Hill, Mary J. Blidge, Yolanda Adams, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, James Brown, Snoop Dogg , the O’Jays, and Ciara, are among the artists joining in his hurricane relief song, where all proceeds will be donated to victims of Hurricane Katrina. As previously announced, the working title of the song is, “From the Bottom of My Heart,” which will be released on 2 Seas Records, owned by Prince Abdullah Hamad Alkhalifa of Bahrain. This project is in response to the widespread devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, and because of the human suffering taking place in the Gulf Region of his country. Mr. Jackson is continuing to reach out to artists who would like to work with him in this project, which he humbly hopes will make a tremendous difference to all individuals who have been affected by this tragedy. All inquiries regarding Mr. Jackson's Katrina relief effort, and artist participation should be addressed to Mr. Jackson's publicist and Executive coordinator, Raymone K. Bain. Source:MJJSOURCE..

Blender magazine have circulated a list of Top 500 songs which features Michael's Billie Jean at the number one spot. The list, titled The 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born only features songs released since 1980 and was created to rival Rolling Stone magazine's similar list after Blender complained about the amount of older songs in their particular selection, according to the New York Times. Source:MJNI..

"We Are the World" is one of the most successful charity singles ever. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie, who joined an all-star lineup including Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper and Stevie Wonder, the 1985 recording raised $64 million to benefit famine victims in Ethiopia. Twenty years later, the suffering is happening across three Gulf states, and Jackson, who is spending time in the Persian Gulf kingdom of Bahrain, after beating a child molestation rap in a courthouse not far from his Neverland Valley Ranch in Los Olivos, is trying to put together another star-studded charity single, "From the Bottom of My Heart," to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. But is the self-proclaimed King of Pop's career strong enough to get others to sign on for a project billed as "From the Gulf to the Gulf?" Ken Kragen, Ritchie's former manager and the man responsible for making "We Are the World" -- a multiartist recording, told me he's not so sure. "Lionel Ritchie used to say, ÔYou are who you hug,' " Kragen said. "I think there's a great reluctance to hug Michael." "From the Bottom of My Heart" is the latest charity recording Jackson has proposed. In 2001, he got BeyoncŽ, Mariah Carey and Ricky Martin, among others, to help out on a track called "What More Can I Give" to benefit survivors and families of those killed on Sept. 11, 2001. While raising some money, it was not without controversy. First, Sony dropped its backing when it was revealed that the track was produced by gay porn director F. Marc Schaffel, who testified at the child molestation trial. Then, when Jackson finally got the record released via the Internet in October 2003, he was accused of diverting some of the funds from its sale to the Church of Scientology. Last week, the singer posted plans for the new project on his Web site, www.mjjsource.com. "It pains me to watch the human suffering taking place in the Gulf region of my country," Jackson wrote. "I will be reaching out to others within the music industry to join me in helping to bring relief and hope to these resilient people who have lost everything." The track, to be released on 2 Seas Records, a label owned by Prince Abdulla Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain, will apparently be recorded within two weeks, with all proceeds going to the hurricane victims, Jackson said. Kragen, who has managed musical acts spanning many genres -- from the late Harry Chapin to Trisha Yearwood -- and organized "Hands Across America," the 1986 fundraiser for the homeless in the United States, said shifts in musical tastes, a business climate that makes such albums more difficult to put together and a queasiness about the singer's personal life may keep some of the very people who could make Jackson's proposal a success from taking part. "He was vitally important to ÔWe Are the World,' but I think he might be the wrong person now," Kragen said. "I don't see the rockers and rappers lining up behind Michael." Things were different in 1985. "We Are the World" was the musical end of a project initiated by Harry Belafonte called USA For Africa. Jackson and Ritchie wrote the song, but it was Kragen, who managed Ritchie at the time, who urged them to bring others in to perform, just as Midge Ure (Ultravox) and Bob Geldof (Boomtown Rats) did the previous year for the original African famine relief song, Band-Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" "When we were doing ÔWe Are The World,' the rockers didn't want to stand on the stage next to the nonrockers," Kragen recalled. "And they would have left the project except Springsteen said, ÔI came out here to help people,' so they figured if he was on stage, then, hey, I could look OK up there, too." A charity single for hurricane victims is a noble idea, but in light of how things have changed for Jackson in the past 20 years, and given the near cold shoulder he got from entertainers during the lurid trial, I wonder who would think they look OK standing next to the King of Pop now. Source: News Press

One of the two jurors who went on a media blitz last month alleging that they were pressured into voting not guilty to acquit Michael Jackson on child molestation charges is now suing to get out of a book deal. Ray Hultman and his wife Darlene wants to break their publishing contract with Larry Garrison, owner of the Lake Sherwood-based SilverCreek Entertainment, stating that they did not know what they were doing when they signed the pact. Hultman is also suing Stacy Brown, former Jackson Family pal and co-author of another book written with Bob Jones, alleging that he is the source of plagiarizing material for the book proposal from an article written by Maureen Orth for Vanity Fair. Hultman, 62, along with 81 year-old Jackson juror Eleanor Cook, went on a media promotion junket to hock upcoming books. Both jurors told stories of alleged jury tampering, rule breaking and that they were pressured into acquitting Jackson. Both have since claimed that they believe Jackson to be guilty of molesting a 13 year old boy in 2003. Hultman's suit is seeking unspecified damages for mental and emotional stress and claims that his reputation and deal was damaged by the alleged act committed by Brown. Furthermore, Hultman's attorney Santa Barbara lawyer James Nichols Jr., wrote in the lawsuit that his client should be released from the contract because California law barred him from capitalizing on his jury service until 90 days after the verdict. Brown called Hultman's actions 'laughable' and went on to say, "I think this is another attempt for Ray to keep himself in the media. No one is interested in his book. He was badly misguided. He'd be better off riding into the sunset and getting on with his life." Hultman signed two contracts with Garrison, one giving him 50% of book sales and another one that combined his contract with Cook's only giving him a 25% cut. Garrison would receive 50% in any case. Neither Hultman or Garrison was available to comment on this court filing. Source: Santa Maria Times

Michael Jackson announced yesterday that he has written a Katrina benefit anthem titled "From the Bottom of My Heart." Jackson says he'll record it for the label owned by his friend Sheikh Abdulla Hamad Al Khalifa, son of Bahrain's king. He hopes that the song will "rekindle the success of 'We Are the World." You have to hope that it will at least fare better than his 9/11 tribute, "What More Can I Give," which was shelved by Sony Music after it emerged that the song's producer, Marc Schaffel, also made gay porn. Still, there's the question of exactly which stars will want to team up with Jackson after his child-molestation trial. But Michael is undeterred. "He's in the process of making these calls now," says a Jackson assistant. With Ben Widdicombe, Jo Piazza and Chris Rovzar. Source: NY Daily

Michael Jackson to Record Hurricane Relief Song Fundraising Project titled: “From the Gulf to the Gulf” Within 24 hours, Mr. Jackson will be reaching out to other recording superstars asking that they join him in this project to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina Washington, D.C. ……. In response to the widespread devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, Recording Superstar Michael Jackson has been moved to pen a song, with the working title, “From the Bottom of My Heart.” Hoping to rekindle the success of “We Are the World,” which he wrote and produced, and which raised millions of dollars for aid to Africa, Mr. Jackson will be enlisting, within the next 24 hours, the involvement of other recording superstars to join him in this project. It is his intention to record this record within the next two weeks. “It pains me to watch the human suffering taking place in the Gulf Region of my country,” says Mr. Jackson. “My heart and prayers go out to every individual who has had to endure the pain and suffering caused by this tragedy. I will be reaching out to others within the music industry, to join me in helping to bring relief and hope to these resilient people who have lost everything.” The song will be recorded on 2 Seas Records, a label owned by Prince Abdulla Hamad Alkhalifa of Bahrain. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Further details will follow. Source: Raymone K. Bain

Kanye West, who was recently named the hottest number one star of the year, just might try and help resurrect Michael Jackson’s' career. In an interview with Sirius Satellite Radio, Kanye was asked about a very important phone call from one King Of Pop. "He called and asked you to produce and album for him? What's going on with that?" "Actually he has, I am just trying to figure out the time. It's a time thing, but I definitely want to do something. I may not have enough time to do the entire album all the way through. I am definitely gonna do some joints." Kanye West. For more details on Sirius Radio go to: http://www.sirius.com Source:MJSTAR...

Michael Jackson's visit to Dubai has been a smash hit with the world's media who have delighted in reporting on his fun-in-the-sun holiday. Newspapers and websites from New York to New Delhi have given the megastar's sightseeing trip top billing. Dozens of papers have printed the pictures of a smiling Jackson posing with Bahrain's Shaikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and top UAE rally driver, Mohammad Ben Sulayem. The media frenzy has been particularly strong since it is one of Jackson's first public appearances since he was cleared of child abuse charges in the United States almost three months ago. Britain's Daily Mail commented on how happy Jackson looked as he visited the offices of developer Nakheel and saw The World and The Palm projects. "Wearing a bright blue shirt, his black trilby set at a jaunty angle, he looked a picture of health and happiness, every inch the star of old," wrote reporter Richard Simpson. The San Jose Mercury News told readers that Jackson had enjoyed a meal of buffalo wings at the Hard Rock Café in Dubai. Like the Daily Mail, the Mercury noted how happy and carefree Jackson was during his trip. "The king of pop appeared at ease during his visit to the Arabian Gulf country," the paper reported. Jackson, 47, flew into Dubai from Bahrain on August 20 and has been touring the city with Ben Sulayem, a multiple Middle East rally champion, and Shaikh Abdullah, son of the King of Bahrain. After taking a boat trip to The World and The Palm projects, Jackson is thought to be thinking about following in the footsteps of countless other celebrities and buying property in Dubai. During his visit, he has chatted to fans, posed for photographs and struck those accompanying him with his easy-going and happy demeanour. The BBC in London contrasted Jackson's "smiling" appearance in Dubai with his rather frail look of recent months. Entertainment website E Online praised Jackson's "snappy" dress sense during his visit and even speculated on what flavour buffalo wings he chose: Classic Rock (with medium dipping sauce), Tangy Bar-B-Que or Heavy Metal (hot). The Indianapolis Star described Jackson's trip as "a thriller" for Dubai while New York-based Newsday said Jackson was "relaxed and friendly". South Africa's Daily News said Jackson was "reportedly thrilled" by the amazing sights he has seen in Dubai, while Al Bawaba in Jordan said the city made "a big impression" on the singer. Other newspapers in India, Ireland and Lebanon have also written about the pop star's trip and there are more than 200 news reports on websites alone. SOurce:MJSTAR...

A Personal Message from La Toya Jackson I would like to give all of you heartfelt thanks for your continued voices of encouragement and for your amazing support of Michael during the trying days that now, thankfully, lie behind us. Thank you so very much! It has meant a great deal to me, to Michael and to our whole family. It is truly wonderful to have such amazing and loyal fans! This is a very big victory for Michael and we are all very proud that he has been completely and totally vindicated in court, as we were certain he would be. I am pleased to tell you that he is finally getting some rest and is regaining his appetite as well. The end of the trial and the 'not guilty' verdicts on all counts, clearing Michael of all charges, mean that he can now concentrate on the future and his art. He will be beginning a brand new chapter in the Michael Jackson LEGEND. This means that I am not the only person 'Startin' Over' - Michael is now STARTING OVER as well. As a matter of fact, this will be a brand new beginning for all of us. Thank you! Lots of Love Source: Latoya Online

Michael Jackson feels "vindicated" by the charges against his accuser's mother. Janet Arvizo is alleged to have collected £10,000 in welfare payments and not told officials she had just won £80,000 in a lawsuit settlement. Sexual molestation claims by her son Gavin, 15, sparked the Jackson trial, which ended in the singer's acquittal in June. Yesterday, the superstar's lawyer, Brian Oxman, said: "Michael feels vindicated by this. "We do not wish this woman any ill will but we wanted to vindicate Michael and we have done." Oxman investigated Arvizo's finances to prepare the singer's defence case. After the trial finished, Oxman handed over his records to authorities. The attorney subpoenaed hundreds of bank account records and welfare records. The fraud charges against Arvizo, 37, cover a time she was claiming that Michael Jackson was holding her family against their will. Oxman added: "The existence of fraud at the same time that Michael Jackson was supposedly holding these people captive shows this was impossible." At Jackson's trial, Arvizo refused to testify about the welfare matter. The jury said afterwards that one reason for their decision was partly because they distrusted the boy's mother. Source:MJSTAR..

Michael Jackson has sailed around The World -- man-made islands in the shape of a world map -- on a trip to the Gulf emirate of Dubai where he is reportedly eyeing property, local newspapers said Monday. The superstar has secretly been in Dubai since August 20, arriving from the small Gulf kingdom of Bahrain where he has been staying since being acquitted of child molestation trial in the United States. Braving the summer heat, Jackson wore his signature black hat and sunglasses as he cruised in the hot waters off the coast of Dubai around The World and other palm tree-shaped islands. The papers published pictures of the self-styled King of Pop touring the city with Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, son of Bahrain's king, and UAE champion rally driver Mohamad bin Sulayem. "Why would one go around these top-of-the-shelf properties unless one had at least a fleeting interest in acquiring some? This is the million dollar question thats doing the rounds of the city," said the Khaleej Times. Source: AFP

Dubai, August 29: Dubai has made a big impression on Michael Jackson who was thrilled by the development he saw, and the hospitality he experienced, during his first visit to the Emirate. The pop superstar has just spent a week exploring the sights of Dubai in the company of H.H.Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamed Al Khalifa, son of the King of Bahrain. Top Arab motor sport personality Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who escorted Jackson and Sheikh Abdullah around his home city, said: “Michael had a wonderful time and he was surprised and impressed by what he found in Dubai.” “He had heard that some amazing developments are taking place here, but he was still astonished to see the scale of the expansion and particular projects like The World and The Palm Jumeirah.” The pop world’s most famous entertainer, who has been staying in Bahrain as a guest of Sheikh Abdullah, chatted happily with delighted staff at the offices of major developer Nakheel before taking a boat trip to see how The World and The Palm have emerged as internationally recognised landmarks. “He was incredibly polite and pleasant with everyone he met,” said Sulayem, the 14-times Middle East rally champion and organiser of the UAE Desert Challenge, the world championship motor sport event. “Michael is very special for many reasons. We all know about his music and his incredible career, but not many people realise what a genuinely nice person he is.” “He has achieved so much and is such a unique entertainer, but one of his greatest gifts is that he is an extremely warm and friendly individual who quickly puts you at ease when you meet him.” Source:DAIJIWORLD

Jackson's lead defense attorney, Tom Mesereau said Jackson had been informed of the charges. "I have always maintained that the case against Michael Jackson was a fraud and a disgrace and these charges confirm that," Mesereau said. "We brought this information to District Attorney Sneddon early on in the case hoping that he would dismiss the charges against Michael Jackson," he said. "Unfortunately he was stubborn and denied our request." According to court documents the investigation was prompted by a tip from a private investigator in February 2005, after jury selection began in the Jackson trial. But Gibbons said her office did not pursue the case because of the Jackson case. "We have a whole division devoted to filing these types of cases," Gibbons said. "(Someone) may say $18,000 is not a lot of money, but this is the taxpayers' money and it's supposed to go to people who can't afford to care for themselves or their children." Source: Reuters

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The mother of the teenage boy who accused Michael Jackson of sex abuse was charged with welfare fraud on Tuesday by prosecutors who said she lied about her finances when she applied for public assistance. The woman, who was called a liar and a welfare cheat by Jackson's attorneys as they successfully defended the pop star at his child molestation trial this summer, faces arrest if she fails to surrender by September 7, prosecutors said. "These charges are the result of a very careful investigation of allegations that she basically lied to receive aid," Los Angeles County District Attorney's spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons said. "We felt the evidence was sufficient to file these counts. The charges stem from information the woman provided to welfare officials and do not relate to her testimony at the Jackson trial, which ended when the 46-year-old entertainer was cleared by a jury in June. The mother of three could face more than five years in prison if she is convicted on all five counts of perjury and seeking aid by misrepresentation. William Dickerman, an attorney who represented the woman at the time her son made the accusations against Jackson in 2003, could not immediately be reached for comment. The mother of three was called to the witness stand in that case by Santa Barbara County prosecutors, but refused to testify about her finances or welfare applications on the grounds that doing so could incriminate her. Prosecutors say the mother of three, whose name has been withheld by most U.S. news organisations to protect her son's identity, defrauded the welfare system out of more than $18,000 by lying about her assets. Court documents filed with the charges say the investigation was prompted by a tip from a private investigator in February 2005, shortly after jury selection began in the Jackson trial. But Gibbons said her office did not pursue the case because of her involvement in that matter. "We have a whole division devoted to filing these types of cases," Gibbons said. "(Someone) may say $18,000 is not a lot of money, but this is the taxpayers' money and it's supposed to go to people who can't afford to care for themselves or their children." Source:Yahoo News..

Michael Jackson was here yesterday for a lunch at the Burj Al Arab along with a Bahraini delegation. Security was tight at the Burj where he stayed in the Royal suite with a retinue of his own personal bodyguards at hand, and a ring of the local police securing the outer perimeter of the hotel. Media was denied access to the VIP guest and it was not known whether Jackson stayed the night at the hotel, or had left for destinations unknown sometime during the evening. The pop star has been reported to be in Bahrain ever since he arrived alone in the kingdom aboard a private jet earlier last month after being acquitted of child molestation charges in the US. It is believed that Jackson owns a property in the Kingdom. He was reported to have been 'staying with a Bahraini VIP', a member of the royal family of Bahrain, whose guest he was. And quite in keeping with his lifestyle in the US, the self-confessed 'King of Pop' had been staying out of sight ever since arriving in Bahrain, which gave Jackson the 'privacy' that he craves for. More so after the high-profile child molestation case that threatened to send him to jail for a long spell. State-run television and radio in Bahrain had made no mention of Jackson's presence in the kingdom, and fans, even if they craved for a sight of the 'moon-walking' pop star, couldn't get a glimpse of him because there was just no way to know where exactly he was holed up. Source: Khalee Times

The Essential Michael Jackson HH (Epic/Sony) THE dust has settled, the media continues with its daily routine, but Michael Jackson will probably never again experience the adulation he did through the 1970s, 80s and even 90s. His recent child molestation trial (or circus) is indication of how quick cynics are to act and how merciless they can be. Don't attempt to stand out of the spotlight, we number greatly! While this may seem inconceivable today, it's true; we've forgotten what a talent the gloved one was and how much entertainment he provided us through the years. Everyone has their favourite MJ era, be it the Off the Wall period, the Thriller days or the Bad age, but when you listen to this double CD, it's so apparent that this musical icon was well beyond those three albums. This double disc of MJ hits hopefully will set the record straight and remind us all what MJ's contribution to the world of pop was (and is). The songs on the CDs are chronologically listed, starting with his Jackson 5 hits and then moving along to his years as a solo artiste. When you listen to Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller, Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Dirty Diana and Smooth Criminal (just to mention a few), you'll realise he remains one of the most inimitable artistes of all time. All the albums are well-represented, even the later ones – there are decent servings from Dangerous, HIStory and Invincible, too. It's all good here; almost every Jackson hit you can think of is on this one. This really is the best MJ collection to date and will serve as a one-stop compilation of the man's classics. For many of us, Michael Jackson will always be the greatest thing we ever experienced in our lifetime. – N. RAMA LOHAN

Michael Jackson, who had missed two court appearances in a sexual assault lawsuit, avoided arrest on Wednesday by sending an attorney to a hearing in New Orleans, a judge said. U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon slapped Jackson with a $10,000 fine for missing two previous summonses. The singer's lawyer, Charles Gay, told a hearing that clerical errors prevented Jackson from responding to the notices. "Somehow the order did not get conveyed to the right people," Gay told the court. Fallon said he would have ordered Jackson's arrest and possibly a default judgment in the plaintiff's favor had Gay not attended the hearing on Wednesday. The plaintiff is asking for unspecified damages. The plaintiff sued last November, saying he was lured into Jackson's limousine during the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans and sexually assaulted. The assaults continued over eight days as the pair traveled to California, the suit alleges. The plaintiff said he was drugged, cut with a razor blade and bitten. The man waited to sue because the memories were repressed until news coverage of the child molestation charges against Jackson in California revived them, the suit said. In that case, a jury acquitted Jackson in June of molesting a 13-year-old boy in 2003. Gay told Reuters he believes the suit is invalid because of a one-year statute of limitations. The plaintiff's attorneys argue the one-year window opened only when the man, who was 18 at the time of the alleged attack, remembered it in 2003. Gay promised a vigorous defense. Fallon set a September 7 hearing to schedule a trial in the New Orleans case. Source: Reuters

Michael Jackson is so keen on settling in Bahrain that he has opened a bank account to complete the residence formalities that require a deposit in a Bahrain bank, sources close to the superstar told Gulf News. The action complements the earlier move of purchasing a plot to build a mansion and two adjacent luxury villas to host relatives and friends. "Michael is fond of Bahrain and he has been contemplating the idea of settling here shortly after his arrival for vacation. His three children have helped him make the residence decision after they told him often that they felt happy and secure and that they enjoyed the easygoing life in Bahrain where they do not have to face pushy crowds," the sources said. Jackson has been on the island since late June when he came to recuperate after a four-month trial on child molestation, conspiracy and alcohol charges. A California jury on June 13 exonerated him of all charges "Michael really loves the serene environment in Bahrain. He does not watch much television, and spends a lot of his time reading books and magazines. He selects his own books," the sources said. "He also enjoys being with his children." His sister Janet is expected to make a visit to Bahrain next month. "All his siblings are curious to see how relaxed Michael is in Bahrain's calm and tranquil environment," the sources said. Jackson has been guaranteed absolute privacy since his arrival on the island and has not spoken to the media. He has appeared twice in public. The sources denied reports that the King of Pop was moving with a heavy entourage and that he was driving a flashy red Ferrari. "We saw the report from a Western network. This is exactly what is resented: baseless gossip that is not in any way related to the truth. He has a limited entourage, and he moves in his Rolls Royce," the sources said. Source: Gulf News

Paul McCartney has slammed rumors he will take advantage of Michael Jackson's financial troubles to make a low offer for The Beatles song rights - because he will get them anyway. Reports of Jackson's dwindling financial prospects prompted speculation McCartney would buy back rights to his classic songs like Yesterday, but the rocker revealed a legality means the songs will soon be his anyway. And the superstar stresses his one time feud with Jackson is over because he is too happy to be angry with the fallen pop king. He says, "I don't think so. I've had people talk to me who are more concerned for me than I am about it. But the interesting thing is, there are actually things in the whole deal that actually revert to me anyway. "There are years approaching, there are dates approaching, that we never thought would approach, where things revert to me. So really, it's a waiting game rather than a big proactive buying game. "Which suits my personality: just hang on, be patient, it's cool. Don't get your knickers in a twist." Source: World News Network

No one's home at Neverland. Michael Jackson's 2,700-acre ranch and amusement park is empty of visitors, sources tell me. The once populated theme park has come to a standstill. Gone are the celebrities, the fans and the children's groups that used to come through on a steady basis. Jackson, of course, is in Bahrain, with no plans to return anytime soon. Up at the ranch, though, it's just the remaining employees who come and go on a daily basis. Their estimated number is down to around 50, down from a high of 120 in Jackson's heyday. Several employees quit during the last few weeks of the trial this spring. No family members are at Neverland, either. As I reported earlier this week, Jackson's protégé, Omer Bhatti, 20, has joined him in Bahrain as his assistant. Among the remaining Neverland employees is a new head of security. His name, ironically, is Bashir, same as the man whose documentary had a role in Jackson's trial. This Bashir, whose last name is Muhammad, is said to be a member of the Nation of Islam. He is not too popular among the staff, from what I'm told. Said one longtime staffer: "He thinks he knows everything and likes to stick his nose in where it's not wanted. At first he thought he was going to come in and clean house, but he's calmed down since then." Neverland regulars do not have any idea when their master may return from Bahrain. In the meantime, some repairs are going forward. But Neverland, according to my sources, is in bad shape, and really not spiffy enough to entertain anyone. One of the trains still doesn't work, for example. "We're all just waiting to see what happens," says one of the dwindled staff. Source: Roger Friedman / Fox News

According to several reports pop star Michael Jackson wants to sell his story about the molestation trial to the American version of Britain's OK! Magazine. Jackson had agreed to talk about this experience in an interview that will cost the OK! magazine $2 million. But apparently, Jackson wants his money before the interview, and the magazine wants the story before giving the money. A source told the website: "He won't sign until he gets the money and OK! won't give him the money until he signs. We thought it was a done deal, but at the last minute there were problems." Michael Jackson is not the only one who wants to sell his story. Two jurors from the trial announced yesterday they still believe the pop star is "guilty as sin" and plan to write a book about their deliberations. Source: Various

Michael Jackson's lawyer, Tom Mesereau, has hit out at the media, while praising the jury nearly two months after the singer was acquitted of child abuse charges. "I truly believe the media thought they could spin their way to a verdict," Tom Mesereau told more than 350 people at the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association's annual conference. "We lost the battle of spin, but we won the battle in the courtroom." Mesereau criticised cable news networks, saying they are often ill-informed and wrong in their assumptions. He singled out Court TV, which he said hit the "bottom of the barrel" in terms of its credibility. Mesereau, who refused to speak publicly during the trial because of a gag order, said he wrote the network president a letter demanding that Court TV staff members stop bothering his defence team. Despite the media circus, he said jurors made the right decision: "Our juries are stronger than the media," he said. "That is why the media is wrong so often in high-profile trials."

Michael Jackson has made only two public appearances since he arrived in Bahrain about five weeks ago, sources close to the King of Pop told Gulf News yesterday. Jackson has purchased two large villas in a highly-select location and a large plot of land to build a mansion. "Once he went to the country's largest toy store and the second time he went to a mall in the outskirts of Manama. On both occasions, he was recognised by customers and visitors who sought to approach him for autographs and pictures," the sources said. According to sources, during both trips he was wearing his regular clothes and did not seek to hide from the people. He was not moving incognito disguising himself in the traditional Gulf clothes and head-dress in order to avoid people, as reported by some media. Jackson was accompanied by his two sons, Prince Michael I and Prince Michael II, and daughter, Paris, who are staying with him on the island. His entourage includes the children's nannies and security staff. The sources confirmed that Jackson has purchased two large villas in a highly-select location and a large plot of land to build a mansion. The moves confirm the California-based star's desire to make Bahrain his new home. "Michael's family is genuinely eager to come here and share serene times with him. They are looking forward to visiting Bahrain. His sister Janet will be here soon, maybe before the end of the summer, for a big family reunion," the sources said. "She was scheduled to come in July as part of a trip that would have taken her to Bahrain and to Berlin, but her tight schedule and her involvement in her new studio album with Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam forced her to put off the visit until maybe next month." Michael Jackson, 46, arrived in Manama two weeks after he was acquitted on June 13 of molestation and conspiracy charges in Santa Maria, California, where if convicted, he faced nearly 20 years in prison. The Thriller star is guaranteed absolute privacy on the island where he is said to be relaxing and recuperating from the case which had taken a heavy toll on his physical, mental and emotional health. His brother, Jermaine, a regular visitor, told the press earlier in the year that "Michael would be happy and at peace" in Bahrain and that he would come to the island straight after the acquittal. "He really wants to live here for some time. He thinks that it is a great place to be in," Jermaine said last April. "The villas will be used by the superstar until his larger home is completed. The two adjacent villas will be the temporary home of the superstar in Bahrain where he is very welcome. They will also be used to accommodate relatives and visitors until his mansion is ready," the sources said, describing recent German newspaper reports that Jackson would move to Berlin as mere speculation. "He is in love with Bahrain and lives in a very serene and peaceful setting." Several German newspapers had reported Jackson was planning to move to Berlin because he was fond of Berlin's zoo, the beauty of nearby Potsdam and supportive European fans. Source: Gulf News

MICHAEL Jackson has sold his first post-trial story to the new, U.S. version of Britain's OK! magazine for a whopping $2 million, sources say. Michael Jackson, now living in Bahrain with his three remarkably light-skinned children, has given an exclusive interview and pictorial to the just-launched weekly that makes no bones about paying celebs for interviews and pictures. But because negotiations took so long, the Jackson cover will run after OK!'s inaugural Jessica Simpson cover, set to hit local newsstands today. One source said, "Michael Jackson was given full approval over the interview, and the questions are very softball. He got to tell his side of the story the way he wanted to." The Jackson issue is to run next week. Source: NY Post

If Michael Jackson took Jermaine Dupri's advice, he'd be on TV flaunting his acquittal instead of retreating from the public eye. "I was him, I would have gone on `TRL' immediately and said look, `Everybody who wanna say something about me, good, y'all could say whatever y'all wanna say, there's nothing you can say about me at this point, no more than what just happened," said Dupri, who is based in Atlanta and is dating Jackson's sister Janet. Jackson was acquitted in June on child molestation charges. While other scandal-plagued stars have launched the comeback route with a teary-eyed interview with Oprah Winfrey or Barbara Walters, Dupri scoffed at the suggestion that Jackson should be remorseful. "He don't have to do that, because he didn't do nothing wrong. Everybody else did something wrong but him. What did he do wrong? Why should he come back and cry?" Dupri asked. And though some have doubted whether the pop star could make a successful comeback, Dupri says Jackson has a magical quality that will always keep people interested. "If Michael Jackson came in this room right now, there would be no one in this room who could not stop looking at him. As long as you've got that power, you're never damaged," Dupri told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "He has that power over anybody. If people can't stop looking at you, you're so interesting to people, there's no way you can be damaged." Source: Associated Press

JENNIFER LOPEZ's ex-husband CRIS JUDD is begging MICHAEL JACKSON to undertake another tour - because he wants to dance for him again. The choreographer, who was a staunch supporter of the King of Pop throughout his child molestation trial earlier this year (05), was one of Jackson's dancers on his last tour and would drop everything if his pal hit the road again. Judd, who is currently revamping a topless revue in Las Vegas, Nevada, says, "I had been dancing for a few years when I got the call to tour with Michael. It was a wonderful experience. I'd love to do it again." But Judd, who met Lopez when he was booked to dance in one of her videos and became her choreographer, fears the trial may have taken too much out the reclusive superstar. He adds, "I know the trial must have taken a lot out of Michael but I think he can bounce back. I haven't spoken to him since the trouble broke but I'd love to meet up with him again. I always knew he was innocent." Source: Contact Music

Michael Jackson fans and foes are getting their fill of the behind the scenes madness of the international superstar, straight from the mouth of Bob Jones, his public relations chief for more than 16 years. The tell-all book “Michael Jackson: The Man Behind the Mask” (Select Books, Inc.) hit shelves in June. Jones, who sparked Jackson’s title of King of Pop, was one of the veterans of the Mijac entourage, and left the camp without signing a confidentiality agreement. Which subsequently means, details and intriguing information about a number of guarded facts including the three high-profile accusations of child molestation, Jackson’s alleged sabotage scheme against his family, and the insinuation of Jackson’s dislike for black people, are throughout the book's pages. Whether or not you cheered for his acquittal, winced at his appearance, or bought his greatest hits release, Jones’ “Man Behind the Mask” boasts much more of the inside story of the rumors, ugliness and mystery surrounding Michael Jackson. “He is – a man behind the mask,” Jones said, explaining the concept behind the book’s title. “I think many of the things that are revealed in that book, the public certainly wasn’t aware of. They were aware that he was bizarre and that he wanted to be bizarre, and referred to as bizarre.” But, Jones told EUR’s Lee Bailey that the mask goes even deeper. “They weren’t aware of how far this mind operated and manipulated,” he continued. “He was one of the great manipulators of all time. You’ve got to give him credit for that.” Perhaps we can now. Still, many are not so quick to swallow the stories wholeheartedly. The tales of voodoo, manipulation, and frivolous spending don’t go down that easy for some critics and Jackson fans. After all, Jones authored the book after being released from Jackson’s employ and the book was released during the height of the Jackson child molestation case. However, Jones only responds, “I have no reason to lie.” Nonetheless, Jones has been continuously accused of playing the disgruntled employee out to make a buck off of Jackson, since his dismissal. “[Michael Jackson] has a reputation for throwing rocks and hiding behind others,” Jones revealed. “He never wants to be thought of as the bad guy. I really don’t know [how the discharge] happened as it did. I do know that during the last year of my employment, continuously they did mail me confidentiality agreements, which I just put to the side. I had been told ‘don’t dare sign that. If you do, you’re signing a death warrant.’ You were going to be let go – once they got your [agreement] where you could not say anything where if you did they could sue you and collect from you.” While Jones dodged confidentiality agreements, the day came when he received his final paycheck and was later sent a note. “A messenger arrived with an envelope which said, ‘Your services have been appreciated, we’re going in a different direction, we no longer need you, good luck in your future. It was superimposed, but it was [Michael’s] signature. It was a bit shocking,” Jones stated. However, turns out that Jones did write the book for money, just not in the scheming, backlash sense he’s been accused of. Jones confessed that having no income posed a problem: “When you’re just dumped with no income, why not write a book? Other people have written books and they had confidentiality agreements. A lot of them talked and did interviews with the tabloids. I decided to put my down in a book. It gave me more control over what was in there and what was said.” Jones confessed that the book does not include all the details or all the stories experienced in his life with Mikey. “I think I was very kind.” While the focus of the book is, in general, how Jackson is actually very shrewd and manipulative; that his outer image of a befallen victim is just that – an image. But Jones uncovers that Jackson is hardly the victim, particularly in regard to the child molestation allegations. Furthermore, in the book Jones alludes to Jackson’s disdain for black people, including his family, as well as illusions of grandeur. “He’s brilliant, career-wise. What entertainer do you know, or have you seen – particularly Afro-American, although I don’t know if he really considers himself Afro-American, that has gone as far as he had? His whole life is tied up into figuring, ‘What’s the next step to keep me the biggest thing in the world?’ That’s how he thinks. For instance, as soon as the first allegations came down, he wanted to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth. [Through] Pepsi Cola, he gave $400,000 to the Prince’s Trust to get the Prince and Princess Di to come to the show – you make a donation and they will come to the show. He is so enthralled with royalty. For instance, I didn’t know he was doing that Bashir interview, his attorneys didn’t know he was doing the Bashir interview, but Bashir had interviewed Princess Di and (Michael) felt he was royalty too… He wanted to sit up there on the top of his throne. As a matter of fact he has a throne in his house. And in his bedroom, he has a picture of the Last Supper with his face in there as Jesus Christ.” That interview turned out to be a big mistake as it played a major role in sparking the Jackson trial. When asked how he continued to work with Jackson, knowing everything he’s claimed in the book, Jones referred to his attempts to steer Jackson in the right direction. “I tried on many occasions my damnedest to try to talk to him. I’ve tried to get him to deal more on a reality basis. But let’s face it; [I] was handling the biggest star in the world. Where else do you go after that?” And in regard to the alleged inappropriate relationships with young boys, Jones claims no culpability. “There were parents there. Every situation that I speak of, the parents were there with those kids. If you notice, none of them were African-American, but the parents were there. The mother, the daddy, a sister, a tutor were all there on the tour. What do you say, when you see a parent allow their child to lock up with a man in room, nightly and they don’t question it? Who am I?” The book also reveals Jackson’s sabotage of his sibling’s careers. That part of the book, Jones says, was authored by the co-writer Stacy Brown, who was very close to Rebe [Jackson] and her husband. “I never experienced him turning them down,” Jones said, “but I know they couldn’t reach him. If my mother were alive today, there is no way that she could not reach me on the telephone. His mother had to go through secretaries. She did not have a direct phone number to him.” Given the image of Jackson familyhood, this seems incredible, but Jones even explains that the 1991 Jermaine Jackson hit “Word to the Badd” was merely Jermaine’s attempt to communicate with Michael. “According to my co-writer, that was done when Jermaine could not reach him on the phone.” Still, in the grand tradition of forgiveness, the family rallied behind Michael during his trial. “I would imagine that it’s part of the show,” Jones said and added that Michael is clearly and financially the Jackson head of household, but that the family has done nothing to get out from under him. “The Man Behind the Mask” also brings to light Jackson’s issues of self-hatred and its connection to black culture, but Jones stops short of calling Jackson prejudiced against his own race. “It could be a self-hate thing. It is very limited, the amount of black people in any position of significance. Up at Neverland, it was practically all white,” Jones described. “He has a special name for the average everyday black person – Splaboos. He would say to his security man, ‘Look at those Splaboos over there.’” Jones also described an incident where Michael met the pop and R&B employees at Sony. Apparently, after the white people got to go in and meet the star, Jackson’s handlers said there was no more time. However, Jones claims to have made sure that the black employees got to visit with Jackson with reluctance from his entourage. In another instance, Jones had to insist that BET be given a Jackson video the same time it was given to MTV. In addition to cultural denials from the King of Pop, child molestation allegations, and familial sabotage, and manipulative methods, the book also touches on the singer’s habit of frivolous spending, his false Vitiligo skin disease claims, and voodoo curses on Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen (of DreamWorks SKG). But in the end, Jones says that while Jackson’s career is not over, his infamy is connected to a certain degree of insanity. “I don’t think his career is over. He can play ‘Vegas and things like that, but I think the legacy that he wanted to create – to be the biggest and baddest thing to come along – I don’t think will ever exist. (People) will always remember him and the little boy. And because of his attitude and the way he comes forth with people, I think every time the name comes up, he will be remembered as the master manipulator. Look at late night TV – Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel. Every night they got a joke. He’s become a joke. And above all, he didn’t want that,” Jones says. “He’s different. He’s bizarre. He likes the word ‘bizarre.’ It keeps people talking about him. Of his career with the superstar, Jones called it ‘a good ride.’ But admits that he too, is mesmerized by the talent and superstardom of Michael Jackson. He says that even knowing what he knows now, he can’t say he'd walk away from the opportunity to spend almost 20 years with one of the biggest entertainers in the world. “I would think a little closer, though” he said. “Michael Jackson: The Man Behind The Mask” is available at booksellers nationwide including Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Source: Eurweb

Rap newcomer THE GAME would be thrilled to sell just a quarter of records his hero MICHAEL JACKSON has in his career. The protege of DR DRE is stunned by Jackson's success, and admits he could never hope to come close to his 45 million career album sales. The Game - real name JAYCEON TAYLOR - says, "45 million? Goddamm, how the f**k do you do that? "What a mother f**ker. That's crazy. Ten million would be great. That's good for a rapper." Source: Contact Music

Michael Jackson may very well be a free man today thanks to Scott Ross, a private investigator who many believe found information that led Jackson to beat the charges of molestation. "My focus was very specific," Ross said. "It was to develop information on the accuser's mother." And after Ross put the accuser's mother in his cross hairs, he found that, "Lying, cheating and stealing seemed to be a way of life for her." Ross has a history turning the tables in high-profile cases. He was the guy who exposed the sordid past of Bonnie Lee Bakley in the Robert Blake case. Attorney Tom Mesereau had a blunt directive for Ross. "He said, 'You need to do to the accuser's mother what you did to Bonnie Lee Bakley,'" Ross revealed. And to do that, Ross needed his own Deep Throat. But unlike Watergate, we don't have to wait years to learn his identify. "The accuser's father was fully aware of and knew that these allegations were not true," Ross said. The father turned Ross on to celebrities like Chris Tucker. Ross got the reluctant actor to spill the beans. "Mr. Tucker, of all witnesses, was the first person to say to me, 'I don't really care that it's Michael Jackson. This is wrong. Someone is being falsely accused.'" Ross said. Ross also became privy to other witnesses like Jay Leno. As it turns out, the defense had no idea Leno was even involved until the prosecution handed over an audio tape of an interview with Leno that sheriffs had secretly recorded. "These people had to turn over the material to us, and that's how Jay Leno became a witness." Ross told us. Actor Macaulay Culkin proved to be even better for Jackson. And Ross said that contrary to media reports, Culkin was an easy witness. "Macaulay Culkin was never not going to testify," Ross insisted. "It was never an issue." But some witnesses weren't always available, like comedy shop owner Jamie Masada. So Ross showed up at Masada's press conference, cleverly blended in with the press corps, even asking questions, and then slapped him with a subpoena. When the trial got underway, Ross was in a unique position to observe Michael Jackson. He said the King of Pop became the king of Post-It notes. "He would grab Post-Its, write something down, " Ross revealed. "I don't know if he's writing a song or thinking about music or putting himself in another place." And as for those who consider Michael Jackson a "freak", Ross says they've got it all wrong. "I've been involved in hundreds of cases," Ross said. "He is one of three people who have thanked me. He doesn't sound like freak to me; he sounds like decent human being." Source:CJ..

Michael Jackson went to hospital suffering from dehydration and weight loss after jurors acquitted the singer of child molestation last month, his lawyer said on Tuesday. "Michael Jackson was ill from time to time. In fact, people didn't realise he actually entered the hospital after the verdict," Jackson's lawyer Tom Mesereau told BBC radio in an interview. "He was dehydrated, he had lost a tremendous amount of weight, he was having trouble keeping food down, he was terrified about what was going happen to his children and he had a recurring back problem," he added. The child star turned superstar, whose "Thriller" album made him one of the world's best known entertainers, was visibly weak at the end of his four-month trial and his family said he had gone to bed after the verdict. Mesereau said he had not spoken to Jackson in the last few weeks although the two had been in touch after the trial. Jackson was acquitted last month of molesting a 13-year-old boy in 2003 as well as plying him with alcohol and conspiring to abduct the boy. The singer faced nearly 20 years in prison if convicted. Although cleared, music industry experts have questioned how the formerly unstoppable superstar can rebuild his career and work his way out of deep debt. Mesereau insisted Jackson would not settle out of court if further allegations were made against him. "I am concerned because he is a perpetual target. There still is a perception among some people that he ... doesn't want to go to court and will settle," said Mesereau. "We will be fighting any of these suits all the way if they happen." Jackson's success as a pop singer had faded even before the trial as he became more reclusive and the media turned its attention to his dramatic physical changes and eccentric lifestyle. Mesereau said he hoped nobody entered Jackson's home to spend the night to avoid future false claims. "I advised Mr Jackson not to let any families in his home again," said the lawyer. Source: Reuters

Michael Jackson Live In Concert In Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour [DVD] is now available to buy online through the official online Sony Music Store. DVD features live footage from Michael Jackson's performance in Bucharest during the Dangerous Tour. Playlist: 1. Jam 2. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 3. Human Nature 4. Smooth Criminal 5. I Just Can't Stop Loving You 6. She's Out Of My Life 7. I Want You Back 8. I'll Be There 9. Thriller 10. Billie Jean 11. Working Day And Night 12. Beat It 13. Will You Be There 14. Black Or White 15. Heal The World 16. Man In The Mirror Source:Sony Music..

Jackson to get property back: A judge has ordered that Michael Jackson's confiscated property must be returned. Investigating authorities seized many items including magazines, books and computers in preparation for the trial which saw Jackson acquitted of ten counts of child molestation. Judge Rodney Melville, who handled the star's case, told District Attorney Tom Sneddon yesterday: "Anything you have seized that was not brought to court and was not contraband, should be returned to Mr. Jackson." Source:PV4MJJ.COM

Dear Friends and Fans, On behalf of Mr. Michael Jackson, MJJsource would like to extend Michael's sincere regrets that he will be unable to attend the Victory/Birthday Party, hosted by his father, Mr. Joseph Jackson, to take place in Berlin this coming weekend. However, Michael would like to wish his father a very heartfelt 'Happy Birthday' and he hopes that everyone attending the event has a truly wonderful time. As always, he extends his love and deepest appreciation to all of his fans and celebrates with everyone in his heart. Source: MJJsource

Michael Jackson wants to move to Berlin because he has fallen in love with the city, his father Joe told Germany’s Bild newspaper on Thursday. The mass-circulation paper and several German dailies said the US pop star, who dangled his baby from the railing of a fourth-floor hotel window on a 2002 visit, was fond of Berlin’s zoo, the beauty of nearby Potsdam and supportive European fans. “Michael Jackson is going to become a Berliner!” Bild wrote on top of its front page. “His father is already looking for a house. The King of Pop wants to move to Berlin -- his father tells Bild in an interview.” Joe Jackson told a news conference in Berlin on Wednesday he planned to celebrate his 76th birthday in the German capital on Friday with several of his children and 1,000 fans. He said he hoped Michael would come but was uncertain if he would attend. Another German newspaper, Die Welt, quoted an adviser named Shawn Andrews as saying Jackson definitely wanted to move to Europe because he felt he was being poorly treated at home and that he was also suffering from the after-effects of his trial. “Michael wants to move to Europe,” Andrews said. “He is positive about that. He feels at home in Berlin. “No one in Germany ever let him down during the trial,” he said. “Michael himself can’t explain why he’s fallen so deeply in love with Berlin.” Source: reuters

Berlin - Michael Jackson's father has confirmed that the best-known family in pop music will hold a party in Berlin on Friday but said he was uncertain whether Jackson himself would attend. Joseph Jackson told a press conference in the German capital on Wednesday that his sons and daughters including Michael's sister Janet, a global star in her own right, will come to the event in a Berlin hotel. He said the party was to celebrate his 76th birthday and also to thank Michael's European fans for their support during his trial in the Californian town of Santa Maria which ended last month in his acquittal on all charges including sexually abusing a young boy. "We have a lot of fans in Europe. They were in Santa Maria to support the family," said Joseph at the Estrel hotel where the party will take place. "It's about the European fans, those who care about the family." Speculation over whether Michael will attend But Joseph refused to be drawn on whether Michael would be making one of his rare appearances since the trial ended in mid-June. "We don't know yet exactly if he will be here or not," he said. "He is recovering from the trial." Ute Jacobs, the manager of the hotel, said it was "70% sure" Michael would make an appearance at the party. The Jackson family have reserved the 250 square metre presidential suite of the hotel in the unfashionable Berlin suburb of Neukoelln. The hotel specialises in package deals which include performances by show business impersonators. There will also be a party in the hotel's adjoining convention centre for around 1 000 Michael Jackson fans, organisers confirmed. It was in Berlin three years ago that Jackson infamously dangled his nine-month-old baby from the window of an upper storey window of a luxury hotel. Source:MJSTAR..

Looking at the two-disc, 38-track "Essential Michael Jackson" collection, there is one thing that is noticeably absent: a modern picture of the King of Pop. You'll see shots of the young Michael, you'll see him all throughout the '80s and '90s, with his slow descent into physical oddity, but what you will not see is Jacko in his current form: sans nose, gaunt and freakish, wearing a surgeon's mask and sitting in front of a jury of his peers. In addition to glossing over the fact that Jackson now looks like an alien, this greatest-hits CD holds another dubious distinction: It is one of the few albums ever released in support of a jury's verdict. It's a good thing for him that he was tried in California; otherwise, his next release could have been a cover of "Jailhouse Rock." No matter what Jackson does with the rest of his life, he will no longer be judged merely by his musical acumen. When he sings the lyric, "You know I'm bad/I'm bad - you know it," in the back of your mind you're wondering if that would have been admissible in court. And that's unfortunate, because for all of his eccentricities, Jackson really is a talented artist, which everybody knew already. From his Motown upbringing as a child with The Jackson 5 and huge hits like "I Want You Back" and "ABC," to his middle years where he would produce mini-movies for his songs, like he did for "Thriller," and was knocking out hit after hit with "Bad," "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Man in the Mirror" and "Smooth Criminal." His later works fail to have the lasting appeal of his earlier songs, with tracks like "Black or White" seeming more the punch line for a tired joke. But during those golden years, Jackson was the biggest thing in music - almost like a small, waifish musical god who was unable of doing anything besides producing hits. For that, he should be fondly remembered. Source:MJSTAR..

'Miss Cast Away': You Know It's Bad By Jen Chaney washingtonpost.com Staff Writer Tuesday, July 19, 2005; 12:00 AM "Miss Cast Away and the Island Girls" (Not rated; List price: $19.95) Release Date: July 26 In the more than two years I have spent reviewing DVDs for washingtonpost.com, I've certainly received my share of offbeat box sets and lame collections. The first two seasons of "Punky Brewster." Numerous Lifetime Original Movies. Almost any film starring Vin Diesel. But nothing prepared me for the beyond-bizarre DVD that recently arrived from the independent home video distributor Vanguard Cinema: "Miss Cast Away and the Island Girls," a schlocky comedy starring Eric Roberts, Evan Marriott (aka Joe Millionaire) and ... Michael Jackson. Yes, in the upper right-hand corner of the DVD's case, surrounded by beams of angelic light, lies the face of Mr. Thriller himself, promoting what Vanguard touts as "the first new Michael Jackson DVD in the retail marketplace since closure of the recent trial events." Normally I don't review straight-to-video titles, mainly because there are so many other high-profile (and typically more worthwhile) DVDs on the market. But this one seemed so out there (Evan Marriott and Michael Jackson??), so deserving of a place in the "Mystery Science Theater 3000" Hall of Fame, that I felt compelled to watch. When the train looks this crazy, you can't help but board. As expected, the 90-minute movie was terrible -- a disjointed mishmash of Zucker Brothers-style comedy and fantasy-adventure. The convoluted plot focuses on a batch of beauty pageant contestants who crash land on a deserted island that happens to house Noah's Ark and a huge wild boar named Jurassic Pork. Their mission -- along with that of their co-pilots, played by Roberts and Charlie Schlatter of TV's now-defunct "Diagnosis Murder" -- is to escape the island and stop the ark from sailing and creating a "Perfect Storm" that will somehow cause the Earth to be taken over by apes. And who is their spiritual adviser in this quest? That's right, Michael Jackson, who plays a secret agent commissioned by the pope to appear as an Obi-Wan Kenobi-esque hologram -- stay with me, people, I swear I'm not making this up -- and help the castaways save the planet. Of course, Jackson's role is a parody of his cameo in "Men in Black II." Indeed, when the movie isn't making lame, satirical references to other films -- including "Catch Me If You Can," "Miss Congeniality" and "Planet of the Apes" -- it employs amateurish special effects that would get laughed out of an episode of "Lost." Heck, they wouldn't even pass muster on "Land of the Lost." As for Jackson, he appears in the movie for a grand total of two minutes. Yet he does the most convincing acting job of the entire cast, which, of course, isn't saying much. The only reason to watch "Miss Cast Away" is for those surreal Jackson scenes, which don't come until 55 minutes into the movie. Fans of shlock cinema, the curious and the vaguely masochistic should definitely not buy this piece of tropical-island trash, but check it out on Netflix, fast-forward to the King of Pop portions and immediately send it back. In fairness, "Miss Cast Away" deserves a tiny (very tiny) bit of credit for not taking itself too seriously. The same can't be said of the DVD's extras, which include a few chintzy featurettes, all of which are rolled into one 25-minute documentary called "The Making of 'Miss Cast Away.'" The highlight is the "Top Secret Visit to Neverland Ranch" hosted by director Bryan Michael Stoller, a longtime friend of Jackson's and author of the book "Filmmaking for Dummies," which, come to think of it, wouldn't have been a bad title for this movie. The nearly seven-minute doc serves up behind-the-scenes footage of Jackson shooting his brief scenes in the library of his Santa Barbara County estate, accompanied by unintentionally hilarious comments from Stoller. While describing his working relationship with Jackson, the director notes, "It was important for him to understand the part, to know why he was saying certain lines and what had happened [in the movie] before." All of which gives the impression that maybe Jackson had no idea what he was getting himself into when he agreed to appear in this picture. If that's true, then Jackson just might be the least crazy passenger on the crazy, tacky train that is "Miss Cast Away." Most Absurd Bonus Point: A featurette on the film's special effects, which plays more like a gag reel than a window into the filmmakers' technical wizardry. Source: Washington Post

Michael Jackson biographer Stacy Brown is urging the pop superstar's family to continue their suicide vigil on him - because he's convinced the King Of Pop is keen to die. Both Jackson's father Joe and brother Jermaine have expressed their concerns about the pop star's failing health and pressures he faced during his four month child molestation trial earlier this year (05). But Brown, who penned new expose Michael Jackson: The Man Behind The Mask with the singer's former sidekick Bob Jones, fears the superstar is still at risk. The writer says, "I don't think Michael Jackson will be alive in 10 years time. It's amazing to me that what happened to Elvis (Presley) hasn't happened to him. "He lives on the edge. He's bound to crash and burn. He's 87 pounds and six foot tall - that's unhealthy." But Brown doesn't think Jackson has the courage to take his own life in the conventional sense. He adds, "I don't think he has it in him to take his own life. I don't see him putting a gun to his head. It'll be an accidental overdose - something like that. "It's the most tragic story in pop music history - and he's not dead yet." Source: World Entertainment News Network

Apparently, Live 8 organizers and not only, are urging pop singer Michael Jackson to donate profits from the Beatles songs performed at Live 8. Michael, who has recently been acquitted of child molestation charges, owns the rights to most of the Beatles' songs. All the songs performed by Paul McCartney at the Live 8 concert earlier this month, "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", "Get Back", "Drive My Car", "Helter Skelter", "The Long And Winding Road" and "Hey Jude" belong to Jackson now and the experts assess the profit made by Michael after the concert is huge. It is believed that if Michael keeps the money, he could clear his vast debts. An insider told Breakingnews.ie: "Even though the profits could be huge for Jackson, we hope he could give the money to Live 8." HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo declared they registered a massive increase sales after the Live 8 concerts, the record stores being assailed by hundreds of fans. Sales increase at HMV between Sunday June 26 and Sunday July 3 for Beatles were 1 – 71%. Source:MJSTAR..

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Following the terrorist attacks in London on Thursday, it is with deep regret that we have had to postpone this weekend’s Michael Jackson VICTORY party.

The party WILL now take place on SATURDAY 23rd JULY at the same venue.

We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause you, but we trust that you understand the grave situation that has taken place in London, and the problems it may cause with travel over the next couple of days. At this time our thoughts are very much with the friends and families of those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.

INNOCENT - THE MICHAEL JACKSON VICTORY CELEBRATION
Saturday 23rd July 1:00pm - 6:00pm
Hammersmith Palais, London, England

NEW ALBUM
Fans will have the chance to win copies of the new compilation album The Essential Michael Jackson.

LIVE ON STAGE
See NAVI - The world's number one look-alike
PATRICK ALAN and his amazing band
THE MJ EXPERIENCE - a fantastic MJ tribute act

VIDEO SHOW
Watch Captain Eo and other rare footage on a state of the art super-large video screen.

BOOK SIGNING
Adrian Grant will be signing copies of the NEW 'Visual Documentary'.

THE M-FACTOR
Can you sing like Michael? We doubt it, but hey why not give it a try and take part in our great M-FACTOR competition. You will be competing live on stage against other fans, and our panel of judges will vote for their favourite singer. Don't worry, Simon Cowell won't be there.

VENUE
The 'VICTORY' party will be held at the world famous Hammersmith Palais (home of the original MJ Days started in 1991). Le Palais has the most amazing sound and lighting system, which is just awesome for blasting out Michael's hit songs. With a large dance floor, super stage and incredible video wall. Le Palais - with its Moroccan themed bars and dressings, is the perfect venue in which to celebrate!

Advance tickets are FREE
(£5 entrance without a reservation)

MJWorld 

This summer is turning out to be a scorcher in the literary world… especially given the fact that two celebrity tell-all books just popped up at retail outlets last week, authored by “in-the-know” confidants of Black America’s rich and scandalous. First up is the hotly anticipated tome, “Michael Jackson: The Man Behind The Mask” (SelectBooks, $21.95), which has created pandemonium in media outlets across the globe with salacious stories about the recently acquitted King Of Pop. But, what makes this book even more of an item is the fact that it was written by Mr. Jackson’s long-time image builder Bob Jones –who up until recently—may have been one of the most respected public relations practitioners in the music business. Now that’s a story! “What do you mean what was the motivation for me to pen this book project?,” was the way Mr. Jones defensively responded to the first question during an candid conversation with “The RU Report” this week. “First of all,” he continued, “I didn’t have a confidentiality agreement. And after working 16 and a half years and being let go without any notice or vacation pay, or nothing of that nature, I decided that I would write a book and tell a side that the public didn’t know.” “Man Behind the Mask,” which reportedly sold upwards to 25,000 copies since going on sale last week, provides an insider’s account behind the rumors, accusations, bedlam and mystery surrounding the beleaguered entertainment legend. Most likely the closest readers can get, the book is the story from Mr. Jackson’s own former flack—a man who has been by his side for the last 34 years. “What was my reason to defend him anymore?,” the sixty-something year old Fort Worth Texas native asked regarding the rationale for penning the expose. “I had been as loyal as you could be… Loyalty goes both ways.” Mr. Jones, a legend in his own right, has quite a history himself. He helped guide Mr. Jackson’s public relations image for more than three decades. The former journalist-cum-Motown Records staffer told us that he’s the one that christened the musician as “The King Of Pop.” He served Executive Vice President of Mr. Jackson’s entertainment company, MJJ. Having worked with him both as a solo artist and as a member of the Jackson 5, Mr. Jones has been the most visible and well-known representative for the superstar throughout his career. Because of their long-standing relationship, Mr. Jones is in the unique position of being able to offer a comprehensively revealing look behind the scenes and into the truth of what goes on in and around the infamous Neverland ranch. Source:MJSTAR..

Queen have beaten The Beatles to become the most successful music act in UK album chart history, according to Guinness World Records. The King Of Pop Michael Jackson made it into the top 10: 1. Queen (1,322 weeks) 2. The Beatles (1,293 weeks) 3. Elvis Presley (1,280 weeks) 4. U2 (1,150 weeks) 5. Dire Straits (1,136 weeks) 6. Simon and Garfunkel (1,114 weeks) 7. Madonna (1,032 weeks) 8. David Bowie (1,005 weeks) 9. Elton John (989 weeks) 10. Michael Jackson (966 weeks) Source: Guinness World Records

Grammy Award-winning singer Luther Vandross died yesterday, his publicist said. Vandross, 54, died at 1:47 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, N.J., hospital spokesman Rob Cavanaugh said. He did not release the cause of death. Vandross, a New Yorker known as one of the top male vocalists of the modern age, suffered a stroke in April 2003 that left him in a coma for almost two months. Health problems ran in his family — Vandross also battled weight problems while suffering from diabetes and hypertension. He stopped making public appearances after the stroke but managed to continue his recording career and picked up four Grammys in 2004. Still in a wheelchair, he sent a videotaped message of thanks. Vandross became a household name in the '90s with his ballad hit single "Here and Now," but he'd been a cult hit in R&B circles for almost 20 years before that. He was discovered by David Bowie, who heard Vandross singing along to his hit "Young Americans." From there, Vandross went on to write songs for Bowie and the Broadway musical "The Wiz" and sang backup for Chaka Khan, Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand, among others. He put out several platinum albums in the '80s, but it wasn't until "Here and Now" was released in 1990 that he became a mainstream star. Vandross was a four-time Grammy award winner for Best Male R&B Performance. His final album, "Dance With My Father," was released just after his stroke. He never married, saying his busy lifestyle made marriage difficult. His two sisters and brother died before him. Source:New York Post...

Joseph Jackson, father of Michael Jackson, will celebrate his birthday with a long weekend celebration in Germany. Day 1: Friday - July 22nd 2005 A once in a life time celebration. The Patriach of the First Family of Music invites his close Friends, those who have inspired him and those who he continues toinspire, Fans around the world to join him in celebrating his Birthday celebrations at this Years Joseph Jackson day. Featuring Bands discovered by Mr. Joseph Jackson with Guests from various record companies, tv show producers, Business Enterpreneurs, commedians and hypnotists from around, the world July 22nd will be a night to remember. Live Entertainment, Drinks, Cocktails and snacks served Day 2: Saturday July 23rd 2005 Private Function for Specific Guests - Total 300 Day 3: Sunday July 24th 2005 V.I.P After Show Yacht around Berlin - Live Music Private Dinner Undisclosed location. The whole event will be filmed for T.V Source: Joe Jackson Management