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Tag: Michael Jackson (1-7 of 7)

May 9 2013 08:50 AM ET

Former defender of Michael Jackson reverses his story, now claims sexual abuse

A choreographer and television personality who was a key witness in Michael Jackson’s successful defense against child molestation charges is seeking permission to file a claim against the singer’s estate alleging the pop superstar sexually abused him as a child, court records and an attorney said.

Wade Robson was abused by Jackson during a seven-year period, the choreographer’s attorney, Henry Gradstein, wrote in a statement Wednesday. The attorney said Robson, 30, suffered a breakdown last year but has not stated how much his client is seeking to recoup from Jackson’s estate if a judge permits him to pursue his abuse allegations.

Details on Robson’s accusations were filed under seal. READ FULL STORY »

Apr 29 2013 07:00 PM ET

Defense makes opening statement in Michael Jackson wrongful-death lawsuit

by Associated Press

Tags: Lawsuits, Legal, Michael Jackson, Music

An attorney for concert giant AEG Live says the company could not have known while promoting comeback concerts that Michael Jackson was using an anesthetic that killed him.

Lawyer Marvin S. Putnam addressed jurors on Monday in opening statements of the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Jackson’s mother against AEG.

He says the company didn’t have access to information shared between Jackson and his doctors.

Putnam’s remarks came after Katherine Jackson’s attorney played a song Jackson recorded for his children and detailed the singer’s struggles with addiction throughout his life.

Her lawsuit accuses AEG of failing to properly investigate the doctor who cared for Jackson and was later convicted of causing Jackson’s death with a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol.

Putnam called Jackson an addict and said the company shouldn’t be held responsible for his death.

Feb 26 2013 09:25 AM ET

Judge opens the door for Michael Jackson lawsuit to go to trial

by Associated Press

Tags: Lawsuits, Michael Jackson, music, Music

A jury should decide whether the promoter of Michael Jackson’s final concerts negligently hired and supervised the physician convicted of causing the singer’s death, a judge tentatively ruled Monday.

If the ruling stands, it will allow the case by Jackson’s mother, Katherine, to go forward and present the theory that concert giant AEG Live controlled the physician who gave the superstar a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol.

Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos’ tentative ruling however eliminates some of Katherine Jackson’s claims and an attorney for AEG predicted the company would win at trial. READ FULL STORY »

Aug 22 2012 03:21 PM ET

Michael Jackson's nephew appointed co-guardian of children

by Associated Press

Tags: Michael Jackson

A judge has appointed Michael Jackson’s nephew to share guardianship responsibilities for the singer’s three children.

Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff during a hearing Wednesday named TJ Jackson as a co-guardian of the children who range in age from 10 to 15.

TJ Jackson will share responsibilities with Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine, who has cared for the children since the singer’s death three years ago.

TJ Jackson is the son of Tito Jackson and performs with his brothers in the band 3T. According to court filings, he has remained close to his cousins, Prince, Paris and Blanket, since their father’s death.

He was appointed a temporary guardian last month when Katherine Jackson was absent for several days and out of communication.

Jul 26 2012 10:14 AM ET

Katherine Jackson back home after judge removed her as guardian of Michael's children

by Associated Press

Tags: Katherine Jackson, Legal, Michael Jackson

Katherine Jackson is apparently back home, reuniting with Michael Jackson’s children after a judge temporarily took away her guardianship because of her days-long absence from them.

Paris Jackson tweeted early Thursday morning: “grandma’s here! (hash)thankyougod.” Katherine Jackson’s son Marlon also posted a note on Twitter saying his mother had returned, adding she looked and sound great.

On Wednesday, judge removed her as guardian temporarily and named her grandson Tito Joe “TJ” Jackson as temporary caretaker of the late legend’s three minor children amid a bitter family dispute over Michael Jackson’s estate. READ FULL STORY »

Jul 24 2012 10:54 AM ET

Police investigate family disturbance at Katherine Jackson's home

by Associated Press

Tags: Michael Jackson

Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies are investigating a family disturbance and possible battery at the home of Michael Jackson’s mother. Sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore says no one was arrested after deputies were called to Katherine Jackson’s home around 1:10 p.m. Monday. He says deputies determined there was a physical altercation between two people and the case remains under investigation as a possible battery. Whitmore declined to say who was involved or whether the incident included Jackson’s three young children, who live with their grandmother in Calabasas, Calif.

The incident is the latest drama for the Jackson family. A relative reported Katherine Jackson missing Saturday, but authorities located her with other family members in Arizona. Whitmore says the case of Katherine Jackson’s reported disappearance has been closed.

Jul 22 2012 02:21 PM ET

Katherine Jackson believed to be safe after missing person report

by Keith Staskiewicz

Tags: Michael Jackson

Authorities believe that Katherine Jackson, the 82-year-old mother of Michael Jackson, is safe with family in Arizona after another family member filed a missing person report Saturday night, reports The Washington Post. Her granddaughter, Paris Jackson, had also expressed worry, tweeting, “Yes, my grandmother is missing. I haven’t spoken with her in a week I want her home now.”

This comes amid an extended familial squabble over control of Michael Jackson’s estate, and only days after it was revealed that some of Katherine’s children had written a letter to the estate’s executors claiming the pop superstar’s will had been falsified and that Katherine Jackson was in ill health. The family’s in-fighting and posturing has made headlines multiple times since Michael Jackson’s 2009 death.