Celebrity
News
| Showbiz 2009-07-02 12:00:00 |
|
Concert promoter wants Jackson answers
Randy Phillips, CEO of AEG Live, who were staging his 'This Is It' 50-date London residency, wants to see the results of medical checks taken by the 'Thriller' star - who died of a suspected cardiac arrest last Thursday (25.06.09).
Michael was passed fit to perform and then died suddenly, amid rumours of a painkiller addiction.
Randy said: ’Maybe they didn't do a good enough job. We want answers. We have poured millions of cash into Michael's comeback.
’All the tests pointed to him being in fine physical shape. It's a complete mystery. The insurance company had an independent physician fly out from New York and give him a five-hour exam.
’We were told he passed with flying colours. Now I would like to see the results. If he was taking that amount of prescription drugs, wouldn't that have been picked up in a blood test?’
It is believed that the stringent medical included over 50 different checks and tests. As a result of Michael being passed fit, AEG Live secured insurance cover for the first 22 concerts but were unable to convince insurers to cover the full 50 shows at a cost of Ł300 million.
The promoters now face multi-million pound payouts to ticket-holders.
Randy added: ’We must know the results. I don't know what our legal rights are.’
Randy also spoke about his final conversation with the singer, at rehearsals the night before he died.
He told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: ’He did a three-hour rehearsal and we all finished up at 12.30am on Thursday morning. He was really excited.
’He was super-charged and did a group hug with the director Kenny Ortega and his manager. He was like a kid in the candy store - he was so up for it.
’I walked him out to the car and he put his arm around me and, speaking softly like he always does, he said to me, 'Do you know what - we are here, we are going to make it. I love you for doing this and now I know I can do it.' ’
Meanwhile, it has been claimed ABBA are set to perform at some of Michael's O2 arena concert dates.
The quartet have so far resisted offers to reform following their split in 1983, but AEG Live are hoping to get them to sign up to take on several of the vacant dates.
David Campbell, chief executive of AEG Europe, said: ’There's a little foursome out in Sweden we keep talking to.’
A source close to the 'Super Trooper' hitmakers warned a comeback would be tricky.
The insider said: ’There are millions on the table. But there are many hurdles to overcome.’
© BANG Media International Showbiz 2009-07-02 12:00:00 |
|
Jackson won't have Neverland burial
The singer's family were reportedly hoping to lay the star to rest at his beloved ranch but are now scrambling to find a new location amid fears it would be illegal to bury Michael at his former home.
California's health and safety laws prohibit the burying of bodies outside designated cemeteries. The family has been unable to obtain the residential exemption required to bury the star on private property.
A spokesman for Colony Capital, the investment company that purchased Neverland in May 2008, said: ’We applied for the exemption but couldn't get it in time.’
The Jackson family has released a statement confirming they have ruled out a Neverland memorial.
It read: ’Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland.
’Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly.’
Previous reports claimed Michael - who died last week after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest - would make his final journey from Los Angeles to Neverland today (02.07.09) in a white horse-drawn carriage.
It was claimed he would then be placed in a glass coffin so fans could pay their respects ahead of a burial on the grounds of the Santa Barbara ranch on Sunday (05.07.09).
Santa Barbara police had already been preparing crowd control and security plans for the memorial, and workmen have spent the past few days sprucing up the abandoned property.
Yesterday (01.07.09), a truck was seen delivering hundreds of portable toilets.
It is believed Michael's body is being held at Los Angeles' Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills, where his grandmother was buried in 1990.
Many believe Michael will be laid to rest there, alongside celebrities including Bette Davis, Lucille Ball, Liberace and David Carradine, who died in Thailand last month.
Insiders claim a public memorial will be held at the Staples Center sports arena in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning (07.07.09).
Unlike the planned Neverland ceremony, the body will not be present.
A spokesman for AEG Live, which owns the venue, said: ’At this time, nothing is scheduled, nothing is planned.’
Michael spent the last night of his life at the Staples Center, rehearsing for his upcoming London residency until midnight on June 24.
A private ceremony for family and close friends may also take place at Neverland after the funeral.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Gary, Indiana, where Michael was born, wants the singer's body to be buried in his home town.
No matter where the funeral is held, Michael's beloved chimpanzee Bubbles will not attend.
Instead, the animal will spend the day listening to ’calming flute music’ at the animal sanctuary in Wauchula, Florida, where he was moved when he became ’too aggressive’ to live with the star.
A Centre For Great Apes spokesman said: ’It is sad for Bubbles but it is better that he stays here. We have not said anything to Bubble about Michael's death.
’There has been no invitation for him to attend the funeral. Maybe we'll mark the occasion another way.’
Michael rescued Bubbles from a cancer research centre in 1985. The pair lived together for years, even dressing in matching outfits.
© BANG Media International Showbiz 2009-07-02 12:00:00 |
|
Michael Jackson's 'wife' makes demands
Nona Jackson, who claims to have had 15 children with the late pop star, has filed a 93 page claim to Michael's estate.
She states in the claim: ’All my husband's properties, monies and assets must be transferred to me immediately.
’My husband's body must be returned to the coroner's body or the mortuary immediately (sic).’
In another part of her claim, Nona states: ’Though he died to this earth, he lives with my father, Satan the Devil Khalid Lucifer.’
A Los Angles judge has refused her request.
Following Michael's death from a suspected cardiac arrest last week, Nona posted a message online, saying: ’I have become a widow, I have paid ultimately for loving Michael Jackson but it is all I have to give him, the gift of eternity. He had to be loved even once in this lifetime and I have done that. I too can die in peace some day.’
Last year, Nona filed for a restraining order against Michael's ex-wife Debbie Rowe, saying she made it hard to concentrate when she attended award shows with the star.
She also claimed to be the real mother of Jackson's three children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and Prince Michael II, seven.
Nona - full name Nona Paris Lola Ankhesenamun Jackson - has previously made claims about Jackson in court in 2006 and again in 2007, although none had sufficient evidence to back them up.
Speaking last year, another judge said: ’I feel her evidence fails to establish any genetic relationship.’
© BANG Media International Showbiz 2009-07-02 12:00:00 |
|
Diana Ross named guardian in Jackson will
The pop legend - who died last Thursday (25.06.09) after a suspected cardiac arrest - stated in his will he wanted the singer to care for Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II if his elderly mother Katherine couldn't do it.
The will - which was drawn up in July 2002 - read: ’If any of my children are minors at the time of my death, I nominate my mother, Katherine Jackson, as guardian of the persons and estates of such minor children.
’If Katherine Jackson fails to survive me, or is unable or unwilling to act as a guardian, I nominate Diana Ross as guardian of the persons and estates of such minor children.’
Michael and Diana were very close and the Motown star was a huge influence on the 'Thriller' singer's career.
After his death Diana, 65, said: ’I can't stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am praying for his kids and family.’
In the will - which valued Michael's estate at $500 million - the 50-year-old star specifically cut ex-wife Debbie Rowe, mother of his two eldest children, out of any share of his cash or possessions.
In the five-page document, which was filed yesterday (01.07.09) at a Los Angeles court, Michael states: ’I declare that I am not married. My marriage has been dissolved. Â
’I have intentionally omitted to provide for my former wife, Deborah Jean Rowe Jackson.’ Â
Although there was no mention of his father Joe Jackson he wasn't intentionally omitted.
The will leaves Michael's entire estate to the Michael Jackson Family Trust, which provides for his children and mother and supports charities.
As well as remaining in temporary control of his estate, Katherine has also been granted limited control of 2,000 items from Michael's Neverland ranch until the next court hearing on Monday (06.07.09).
The items in question had been set to go up for auction earlier this year by Michael's lawyer John Branca and John McClain, a music executive and a family friend but the sale was stopped after Michael sued.
Yesterday Branca asked the judge to immediately remove Katherine as Special Administrator of Michael's estate and also accused her legal representatives of intentionally misleading the court about the existence of a will.
He claims he showed Katherine her son's will on June 29 but her lawyers filed her petition to be put in charge of the estate along with the claim that Michael died without a will.
There are also claims a second will exists but they have been denied.
© BANG Media International Showbiz 2009-07-02 12:00:00 |
|
Jackson death investigated by drug agency
The DEA - which looks at cases involving prescription drug use - is helping the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) with their ongoing inquiry into the pop singer's death.
A statement issued by the DEA said: ’We routinely offer assistance to any agency regarding the Federal Controlled Substance act, however at this time we have nothing further to comment about the death of Michael Jackson.’
Unnamed prescription medications have reportedly been taken from Michael's Los Angeles home following his death from a suspected cardiac arrest last Thursday (25.06.09).
It has been claimed the singer was taking up to seven different prescription medications, possibly including Propofol, a sedative so strong it is used to put people to sleep before surgery.
The LAPD is said to be attempting to speak to several doctors believed to have written prescriptions for the late King of Pop, which the DEA is helping them with.
It is claimed Michael used several aliases to gain various prescriptions, including Omar Arnold and Jack London.
Gossip website TMZ reports: ’Jackson also used the name of one of his bodyguards, as well as the name of the office manager for one of his doctors.
’The DEA, which is joining to assist the LAPD in its investigation of several doctors who prescribed drugs to Jackson, will be hunting down these names and others.’
Police have reportedly impounded a car from outside Michael's Holmby Hills home as part of the case, although it is unknown who it belonged to.
Last week, police seized a vehicle belonging to Michael's personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray - who was with him when he died and administered CPR - from outside the star's property.
Michael's unofficial biographer Ian Halperin is set to release a new book called 'Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson' about the pop star.
The tome will examine the singer's alleged use of prescription drugs and links to Scientology.
Vice president and publisher of Simon Spotlight Entertainment, Jennifer Bergstrom, said: ’If you think you know everything there is to know about Michael Jackson you're wrong. Ian has uncovered startling new information that will make this book the definitive biography of the most iconic performer of our time.’
Meanwhile, Grace Rwaramba - the nanny who looked after Michael's three children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II - has denied reports she used to pump the singer's stomach, claiming she never gave the interview which has been widely reported.
She said in a statement: ’I am shocked, hurt and deeply saddened by recent statements the press has attributed to me, in particular, the outrageous and patently false claim that I 'routinely pumped his stomach after he had ingested a dangerous combination of drugs'. I don't even know how to pump a stomach!!
’The statements attributed to me confirm the worst in human tendencies to sensationalise tragedy and smear reputations for profit.’
© BANG Media International Showbiz 2009-07-02 08:00:00 |
|
Self-conscious Johnny Depp
The 'Public Enemies' star - widely considered to be one of Hollywood's hottest men - avoids examining his appearance and even hates seeing his movies.
He said: ’If I can avoid the mirror when I brush my teeth in the morning I will. I find security and safety in the most profound degree of ignorance. If you can just stay ignorant about just about anything you will be OK. Just keep walking forward.
’It is OK to notice things, but to judge things will bog you down, so I don't like to watch myself in movies.
’I don't like to be aware of the product, I like the process. That is not my fault. I didn't do it. I was there but I didn't do it.’
Johnny also claims the secret to maintaining his good looks is staying at home and abstaining from cigarettes and alcohol.
The 46-year-old star joked to BANG Showbiz: ’I would say the way I look is down to clean living. Most definitely. If you can avoid wine I would do it. And liquor definitely. Most definitely don't smoke - anything. ’Stay in your room and watch reality television. That is how I do it.’
© BANG Media International Showbiz 2009-07-02 08:00:00 |
|
Renee Zellweger's flirty date
The Oscar-winning actress and Bradley Cooper - who reportedly began dating the former 'Friends' star last month - were seen flirting during dinner at exclusive New York restaurant Antonucci.
An onlooker told America's OK! magazine: ’He pulled her chair out for her when she sat down and he kissed her on the hand. If they're just friends, they were being awfully affectionate!
’Throughout the dinner they were playful and flirty. She played with her hair a lot, and she would often touch his arm when she was making a point about something.
’At one point, he seemed to want to whisper something to her as if it were a secret. He spoke into her ear and then they both started giggling.’
Renee surprised her dinner companion by secretly paying the bill before he had a chance to.
The source added: ’She told him she wanted to buy him dinner to pay him back for something. And when he opened the bill, it already had her card in it!’
Last month, it was claimed Jennifer was taking her relationship with Bradley slowly after many of her previous relationships ended badly.
A source said: ’They're both sticking their toes in the water. She's moving at a snail's pace about all this. It's not a romance yet, but they are interested in each other.’
© BANG Media International Showbiz 2009-07-02 08:00:00 |
|
Michael Jackson's designer dream
The 50-year-old pop legend - who died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest last Thursday (25.06.09) - was in the process of designing a collection with French fashion guru Christian Audigier when he passed away.
Referring to the comeback shows Michael was due to perform in London this month, Christian explained to BANG Showbiz: ’I was working on merchandising with him and launching a new line of clothes, which was actually Michael's dream.
’A month-and-a-half ago I had a dinner at his house and he was in perfect shape and was really happy and excited to be coming to London and what has happened since then has been very sad.’
The US-based designer - who launched his new range of champagne and fine wines in London last night (01.07.09) and is known for his Von Dutch and Ed Hardy collections - added Michael was planning to bring some of his own distinctive style to the range.
He explained: ’It was based on various types of merchandising on different products, also accessories. What he wanted from me was the T-shirts and the hoodies and the caps. And it was very kind of royalist - kind of a mix of the real Michael Jackson and his alter-ego as the King of Pop.’
© BANG Media International Showbiz 2009-07-02 08:00:00 |
|
Shia LaBeouf wants more from Megan
The Hollywood actor admits he has a huge crush on his 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' co-star and is upset she only wants to be friends.
He said: ’I understand the introspection that way, we have been working with each other for years now. She is a very attractive girl and I am a red blooded 23-year-old. I get it. It makes sense to me but it is just a professional relationship regardless of what my wishes and hopes would be.’
Megan - who is believed to have rekindled her romance with Brian Austin Green - is a huge fan of Shia but only sees him as a brother.
She added to FOX News: ’We have just a real good natural chemistry. I enjoy the s**t out of him, I enjoy his personality a lot. He is absurdly witty, I love him to death and we sort of have like a natural banter, brother-sister relationship that we both enjoy.’
© BANG Media International Showbiz 2009-07-02 08:00:00 |
|
Kelly Rowland 'not ready' for dad reunion
The 28-year-old singer - who has not seen her dad since she was seven - has refuted reports she is tracking him down, claiming she couldn't cope with the emotional upheaval at the moment.
She told Britain's Heat Radio: ’I don't know who started that story! I haven't actually. I feel like I'm not really ready for that yet, I've enough going on in my life to really open that up. Maybe later on in about 16 or 17 months. I told myself I'd work for 16 long months and then I'd take a vacation or a break, but now is not that time for me.’
Kelly and her mother Doris Rowland Garrison left the family home because her father was ’drunk and aggressive’.
The 'When Love Takes Over' singer has previously insisted she will meet up with him at some point in her life, adding she has no idea if he is even still alive.
She said: ’I don't know where he is but I hope he's not dead. That would break my heart. I remember my dad being drunk and aggressive towards my mom but not me. It took courage for her to get away.
’I don't know if he knows who I am or what I've done. He must be hiding under a rock if he doesn't.’
© BANG Media International Showbiz 2009-07-01 12:00:00 |
|
Michael Jackson will return to Neverland
The pop icon - who died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles home last week - is expected to make his final journey to his former home in a white horse-drawn carriage.
Once there, the body will reportedly be placed in a glass coffin so fans can say their final farewells before Jackson is buried in the grounds of his favourite home on Sunday (05.07.09).
Millions of people are expected to line the streets of Los Angeles to watch the procession - featuring a 30-car motorcade - make its way to the ranch in Santa Barbara County.
An insider said: ’The family want to give him a really special send off. Michael always said Neverland kept him young. It seems fitting. On Sunday there will be a memorial service for his family and close friends to mourn in private. Details for the funeral are still being finalised.’
However, the Jackson family's lawyer Brian Oxman claims they are not even sure whether they will be able to hold memorial services at Neverland.
He said: ’They want something there, but logistical problems are enormous. It's very premature to say for sure whether services will actually be held at the ranch. It could be held in Los Angeles.’
Michael's brothers Jackie, Jermaine and Tito were seen visiting Neverland last weekend and since then, delivery trucks have been dropping off piles of boxes every day.
A police spokesman has also indicated the family has been in touch to arrange security and crowd control at Neverland.
Santa Barbara Sheriff's department spokesman Butch Arnoldi said: ’Our guys are meeting as we speak with the California Highway Patrol to discuss the security issues. Our role will primarily be traffic, but also crowd control.
’We will also be making sure there is no trespassing on neighbouring ranches and stuff like that. We would be stationed on the perimeter of the house. The actual roadway will be the responsibility of the highway patrol.’
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones, who helped launch Michael's career, won't be attending his funeral.
He said: ’I won't go to any more funerals as long as I live. I can't handle it. There will be a lot written about what came next in Michael's life, but for me all of that is just noise.
’I promise you in 50, 75, 100 years, what will be remembered is the music. It's no accident that almost three decades later, no matter where I go in the world, in every club and karaoke bar, like clockwork, you hear 'Billie Jean', 'Beat It', 'Wanna Be Starting Something', 'Rock With You' and 'Thriller'.’
Michael bought Neverland in 1988, and turned the lavish estate into a fairground with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, bumper cars and zoo.
He was forced to leave the property in 2005 after years of decadent living and expensive court cases left him on the brink of bankruptcy.
© BANG Media International |
|
|
|
|
 |
|