Untouchable

by Randall Sullivan

  Jacksons’ “foul play” allegations (see Chapter 25 notes); Tohme eliminated as target, realization Murray would likely be unable to pay: confidential inside sources; process by which Joe (“Michael was driven hard”) and La Toya made their case in the media, and were joined by Jermaine: “The Michael Jackson Conspiracy”/Tru TV. La Toya quoting Paris/“working him”: to Britain’s Channel 4 via Daily Telegraph. Eventually, of course, the Jackson’s arrived at the realization that AEG was the only really viable target. I don’t mean to suggest that Katherine Jackson’s lawsuit against AEG isn’t valid—the more I’ve learned about it the more I think there is a case to answer. Basic outline of claim eventually filed against AEG: “Michael Jackson Overexerted Himself ”/ABC. Evolution of AEG self-presentation/portrayal of in media: see LA Times online June 25 (“in the lurch”), “counts cost” /the Times of London June 26; full refunds to ticket holders June 29: Daily Mail, LA Times; “Jackson death may prove boon” July 3 Lee; souvenir ticket: digitalspy.com July 3; “Promoter’s Show Must Go On”/Billboard July 11. Lee’s article was the first to report that between sales of the souvenir tickets, insurance claims and the sale of the “This Is It” rehearsal footage AEG could actually profit. Sony/$50 million for footage/possible televised tribute: Lee July 20, see also Denver Business Journal. Again, though, Yazmeen’s reporting was the best in terms of the background on the AllGood situation and the truth about how Frank Dileo had positioned himself (and been positioned later by the estate). I give Dennis Hawk credit for telling me months in advance that the AllGood lawsuit would be dismissed, and on exactly what grounds; he was right on every point. The contrast of Hollyscoop’s “Michael Jackson Estate Hit” article announcing the lawsuit and the headline on the Associated Press article reporting the suit’s dismissal demonstrate how effective the estate was in framing this as a personal attack on MJ. Randy Phillips/“corporate villains”: Siklos/Fortune (see Chapter 1 notes). “I saw a guy”: Dileo in “Final Days Timeline”/ abcnews.go.com. “Couldn’t wait to get to London,” “accident”: Ortega to Lang/The Wrap. “I don’t think everybody contributed”: Ortega to McLean/the Times of London.

  I’m sure AEG had good reasons other than securing his support for hiring Ortega as the director of the This Is It film, but I don’t think anybody close to the situation doubts this was a consideration. “Surprisingly spry”: Lang. Wiesner/Tohme quotes: Wiesner, Tohme. Tohme attitude toward Jacksons, estate, Dileo: Tohme. Dileo at Beverly Hilton for most of the first two years after MJ’s death: multiple sources, including Friedman; estate paying for it: Tohme, Mann (who had several conversations with Dileo while both staying there), numerous confidential sources; the estate’s own accounting shows payments to Dileo for services and to cover his expenses, but is no more specific than that. Phillips supporting story that Dileo was MJ’s manager: Tohme inference from This Is It credits and other things he was learning. AEG office, company car to Grammys: Tohme, confidential sources. I was told by an editor at Rolling Stone that Phillips referred to Tohme as MJ’s manager when interviewed for both the May 24 and June 29 stories. It’s clear from the Knopper article that the magazine—or at least the writer—understood that Tohme was MJ’s manager right up to his death. Phillips sending Tohme to address media on day of MJ’s death as MJ’s manager: video footage; Ron Williams also told me that the AEG execs told him Tohme was MJ’s manager. When I asked about all of this almost two years later, though, Phillips wouldn’t talk about it, except for “There was a great deal of confusion”: Phillips e-mail to me.

  COURT FILES

  Criminal

  LASC SA073164.

  Criminal Investigation

  USDC-CA 09MJ1897.

  Civil

  BP 117321 (Los Angeles Superior Court) “Petition for Letters of Special Administration” submitted by John Branca and John McClain, July 1, 2009.

  BP 117321 (Los Angeles Superior Court) “Ex Parte Application to Vacate the Court’s Order Appointing Katherine Jackson as Special Administrator” submitted by John Branca and John McClain, July 1, 2009.

  BP 117321 “Opposition to (1) the Branca and Mclain Petition for Letters of Administration, and (2) Motion to Vacate the Order Appointing her as Special Administrator” submitted by Katherine Jackson, July 1, 2009.

  BP 117321 (Los Angeles Superior Court) Joseph Jackson’s Objection to Appointment of John Branca and John McClain as Executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson, November 9, 2009 (hereafter cited as LASC BP 117321 11/9/09).

  LASC BC445597.

  2:11-ap-02407-RN 6/27/11.

  2:11-ap-02407-RN 8/3/11.

  DOCUMENTS

  Autopsy 6/25/09.

  Certificate of Death, 7/7/09.

  State of California, County of Los Angeles, “Search Warrant and Affadavit (Det. Orlando Martinez).” August 24, 2009.

  Phillips to Sullivan, 4/4/11.

  WILL AND TRUST

  Arango, Tim, and Ben Sisario. “Despite a Will, Jackson Left a Tangled Estate.” New York Times, July 6, 2009.

  Bronstad, Amanda. “Lawyers Abound at Probate Hearing on Michael Jackson’s Estate.” law.com, July 8, 2009 (I).

  Deutsch, Linda. “Jackson Had Long History with Estate Administrator.” Associated Press, August 14, 2009.

  “Executors Named by Michael Jackson File Last Will in Los Angeles County Superior Court.” July 1, 2009. (Sitrick and Co. attachment to will) (PR).

  Garber, Julie. “Michael Jackson’s Will vs. the Michael Jackson Family Trust.” about.com, July 6, 2009 (I).

  Gardner, David. “Will Diana Ross Care for Michael Jackson’s Three Children?” Daily Mail, July 2, 2009.

  “Howard Weitzman.” kwikalaw.com (PR).

  “John McClain Interscope!” lalate.com, July 1, 2009 (I) (hereafter cited as “McClain Interscope”).

  Mayoras, Danielle, and Andrew Mayoras. “The Crazy Claims of the Michael Jackson Estate.” probatelawyerblog.com, April 18, 2010 (I) (hereafter cited as Mayoras, “Estate Deal”).

  ——— and ———. “Katherine Jackson’s Shocking Change of Heart.” probatelawyerblog.com, November 12, 2009 (I) (hereafter cited as Mayoras and Mayoras, “Change of Heart”).

  ——— and ———. “Michael Jackson’s Estate Teaches Important Planning Lessons.” trialandheirs, April 26, 2011 (I) (hereafter cited as Mayoras and Mayoras, “Planning Lessons”).

  ——— and ———. “Michael Jackson’s Mother Won’t Administer His Estate.” probatelawyerblog.com, July 7, 2009 (I).

  ——— and ———. “New Evidence Coming in the Michael Jackson Estate Case.” trialandheirs.com, October 26, 2009 (I) (hereafter cited as Mayoras and Mayoras, “New Evidence”).

  ——— and ———. “New Jackson Estate Deal Reported.” probatelawyerblog.com, November 23, 2009 (I) (hereafter cited as Mayoras and Mayoras, “Estate Deal”).

  McCartney, Anthony. “Michael Jackson’s Will Cuts Out Ex-Wife Deborah Rowe.” Associated Press, July 1, 2009.

  Nolan, Hamilton. “Mike Sitrick: Ninja Master of the Dark Art of Spin.” Gawker.com, July 9, 2008 (I).

  Ryan, Harriet. “Michael Jackson Will Surfaces.” Los Angeles Times, July 1, 2009.

  Ryan, Harriet, and Victoria Kim. “Michael Jackson Estate: Mother Loses Control, but Retains a Say in Major Decisions.” Los Angeles Times, July 7, 2009.

  CUSTODY/DEBBIE ROWE/ARNOLD KLEIN

  “Arnold Klein: Not Michael Jackson Sperm Donor ‘to the Best of My Knowledge.’” Us Weekly, July 8, 2009.

  “Debbie Rowe Breaks Her Silence: ‘I Want My Children.’” Us, July 2, 2009.

  Fricker.

  Gardner, Eriq. “TMZ Sued over Leaked Debbie Rowe Interview.” Reuters, February 3, 2010.

  Henry, Chuck. “Jackson’s Ex Rowe Says, ‘I Want My Children.’” KNBC (Los Angeles), July 2, 2009 (RT).

  King, “Klein.”

  Sawyer, Diane. “Michael Jackson’s Doctor Says He’s Not the Father of Jackson’s Kids.” ABC/Good Morning America, July 8, 2009 (RT).

 
Thomas, Liz. “Jackson Family Anger as Oliver! Star Lester Claims, ‘I’m the Daddy.’” Daily Mail, August 10, 2009.

  MICHAEL’S CHILDREN/HAYVENHURST DRAMA

  Samson, Pete. “Is This Secret Son of Jacko?” Sun, July 16, 2010.

  Tresniowski, Alex, and Rennie Dyball. “Michael’s Last Wish.” People, August 17, 2009 (hereafter cited as Tresniowski and Dyball).

  ESTATE/FINANCES

  Adams, Tim. “Michael Jackson: Now for the Encore.” Guardian, October 4, 2009.

  Boyle, Catherine. “Michael Jackson’s Post-Death Music Sales Outstrip Elvis and John Lennon.” Times, July 1, 2009.

  “Gest to Sue over Jackson Auction Row.” Contactmusic.com, June 29, 2009 (I).

  Greenburg, Zach O’Malley. “Michael Jackson: Secret Business Genius?” Forbes, January 25, 2011.

  “Judge Dismisses Promoters’ Lawsuit Against Michael Jackson.” Associated Press, August 19, 2009.

  Keep, David A. “Celebrity Deaths Can Send Collectibles Prices Soaring.” Los Angeles Times, June 27, 2009.

  Knopper, Steve. “Michael Jackson’s Legacy Includes Tangled Financial Web.” Rollingstone.com, June 29, 2009 (I).

  Lang, Brent. “Ortega: Jackson Planned 3D ‘Thriller’ Feature Film.” Thewrap.com, (I).

  McLean, “Ortega.”

  “Michael Jackson Estate Hit with $300 Million Lawsuit.” hollyscoop.com, October 17, 2009 (I).

  “Neverland on the Block: Inside the Michael Jackson Auction.” Rollingstone.com, May 24, 2009 (I).

  Sisario, “In Death.”

  Whitcraft, Teri, Kristin Pisarcik, and Kimberly Brown. “Timeline: Michael Jackson’s Final Days.” abcnews.go.com, June 23, 2010 (I).

  Yazmeen. “Dileo.”

  ———. “Allocco.”

  MEMORIAL/BURIAL/NEVERLAND

  Alexander, Bryan. “Jackson’s Funeral: Family and Friends Say Goodbye.” Time, September 4, 2009.

  ———. “Picking Jackson’s Burial Place: Security Was Key.” Time, September 3, 2009.

  Bloomekatz, Ari B. “Michael Jackson Fans Stick It Out at Neverland Ranch.” Los Angeles Times, July 4, 2009.

  Burks, Lisa. “Sleeping in Beauty—Rest in Peace, Michael Jackson.” typepad.com, September, 2009 (I).

  Coleman, Mark. “Michael Jackson Finally Laid to Rest in Los Angeles.” Daily Telegraph, September 4, 2009.

  Collins, Scott. “Jackson Memorial Seen as a Landmark.” Los Angeles Times, July 9, 2009.

  Diaz, Joseph. “Michael Jackson’s Inner Circle Addresses Rumors.” ABC, June 25, 2010 (RT).

  Dillon, Nancy, and Corky Siemaszko. “Michael Jackson’s Mother Katherine Doesn’t Want Jackson Buried at Neverland.” New York Daily News, July 8, 2009.

  DiMassa, Cara Mia, Richard Winton, and David Zahniser. “L.A. Aims to Limit Jackson Crowd.” Los Angeles Times, July 4, 2009.

  Dimond, Diane. “Michael’s Foreverland.” Daily Beast, August 31, 2009 (I).

  Ditzian, Eric. “Michael Jackson’s Burial: Details on Forest Lawn Mausoleum.” mtv.com, September 4, 2009 (I).

  “Florist Donates $5,000 Worth of Sunflowers to Michael.” X17.com, May 15, 2010.

  Friedman, Roger. “Jackson Funeral Travesty: Ex-Con 1st Speaker.” Showbiz411.com, September 4, 2009 (I).

  Graham, Caroline, and Daniel Boffey. “Jackson Family Fallout: Exclusive Interview with Manager Reveals Rift over Funeral.” Daily Mail, July 5, 2009.

  “The Great Mausoleum—Forest Lawn.” seeing—stars.com (I).

  Gundersen, Edna. “The Man Behind the Jackson Tribute.” USA Today, July 9, 2009.

  “Jacksons Postpone Michael’s Burial Again.” Associated Press, August 21, 2009.

  Kaufman, Gil. “Michael Jackson’s Kids Lay Golden Crown on His Casket at Funeral.” mtv.com, September 4, 2009 (I).

  King, Larry. “Special Edition: Michael Jackson’s Funeral.” CNN, September 3, 2009 (RT).

  Kreps, Daniel. “Michael Jackson Burial Scheduled for August 29 at Forest Lawn.” Rollingstone.com, August 18, 2009 (I).

  “Lisa Marie Presley Wants Flowers at Michael Jackson Tomb.” TMZ, May 12, 2010.

  “Long Live the King! A Birthday Celebration for Michael Jackson.” manhattanlivingmag.com, July 29, 2009 (I).

  Manning, Sue. “Michael Jackson’s Resting Place Among Greats: Forest Lawn Glendale.” Associated Press, September 4, 2009.

  “Michael Jackson’s Body ‘Will Have Public Viewing at Neverland Ranch Before Funeral on Sunday.’” Daily Mail, June 30, 2009.

  “Michael Jackson’s Burial Postponed, Daddy Says.” TMZ, August 20, 2009 (I).

  “Michael Jackson Set to Be Embalmed at the O2 Centre After Missing the Deadline for Cryogenic Freezing.” Daily Mail, June 26, 2009.

  “Michael Jackson’s 51st Birthday Celebrations.” yahoo.com, August 29, 2009 (I).

  Reston, Maeve, and Ari B. Bloomekatz. “Gloves Off on Cost of Jackson Rite.” Los Angeles Times, July 9, 2009.

  Sheridan, Emily. “Exhausted and Emotional: Michael Jackson’s Children Sleep After Saying Goodbye to Their Father at Funeral Service.” Daily Mail, September 5, 2009.

  Oprah. “Lisa Marie Presley.”

  WIKIPEDIA

  “Forest Lawn Memorial Park.”

  RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY

  Blinova, Yekaterina. “Russian Fans of Michael Jackson Still Devastated.” WorldMeetsUs.com, June 28, 2009 (I).

  Carr, Firpo. “‘Saint’ Michael (Jackson)?” Los Angeles Sentinel, October 15, 2009.

  DEATH INVESTIGATION/DRUGS/DOCTORS

  “Anesthesiologist’s Records Taken by Coroner.” TMZ, July 23, 2009.

  Blas, Lorena. “Michael Jackson Doctor Pleads Not Guilty to Manslaughter.” USA Today, February 8, 2010.

  Bone, James. “Jackson Death May Have Been ‘Homicide,’ Says Police Chief.” Times, July 10, 2009.

  “Coroner’s Office Investigators Are Back at Dr. Arnie Klein’s Office.” radaronline.com, August 19, 2009 (I).

  “Coroner Visits Another Beverly Hills Doc.” TMZ, July 29, 2009 (I).

  “DEA Raids Mickey Fine Pharmacy.” TMZ, August 21, 2009 (I).

  “Doctor Who Gave Michael Jackson Propofol in Las Vegas Forced to Testify for Dr. Conrad Murray in Manslaughter Case.” TMZ, May 12, 2011 (I).

  “Dr. Conrad Murray Visits Church.” click2houston.com, November 22, 2009 (I).

  Duke, Alan. “Investigator Visits Jackson Dermatologist Office.” CNN, July 14, 2009 (I).

  “Feds Raid Michael Jackson’s Doctor Conrad Murray’s Home and Office.” Nightline, ABC, July 28, 2009 (RT).

  Finn, Natalie. “Jackson Doc on the Move Again as Investigation Continues with State Attorney, DEA’s Help.” E!Online, July 2, 2009 (I).

  Fisher, Luchina, and Russell Goldman. “Medication Removed from Michael Jackson’s House as Part of Coroner’s Investigation.” abcnews.go.com, June 29, 2009 (I).

  Glover, Scott, Rong-Gong Lin II, Cara Mia DiMassa, Andrew Blankstein, and Kimi Yoshino. “Michael Jackson Investigation Focuses on Doctors.” Los Angeles Times, July 4, 2009.

  Grace, Nancy. “Another Doctor Says Jackson Asked for Propofol.” CNN, July 31. (RT).

  King, “Klein.”

  Leonard, Jack, and Harriet Ryan. “Murder Charges in Michael Jackson Case Are Unlikely, Source Says.” Los Angeles Times, July 19, 2009.

  “‘Lethal Levels’ of Drug Killed Jackson.” Smoking Gun, August 24, 2009 (I).

  Matsutani, Minoru. “Tokyo Doctor Refused Jackson Stimulants: Late ‘King of Pop’ Asked for Drugs in 2007.” Japan Times, July 16, 2009.

  Meyer, Josh, and Andrew Blankstein. “LAPD Seeks DEA’s Expertise for the Investigation.” Los Angeles Times, July 3, 2009.

  Michaels, Sean. “Michael Jackson Aliases Revealed.” Guardian, June 30, 2009.

  Moore, Solomon. “Jackson’s Death Ruled a Homicide.” New York Times, August 28, 2009.

  Mower, Lawrence. “Anesthesiologist Calls Murray’s Statements False.” Las Vegas Review-Journal, August 27, 2009.

  Munzenrieder
.

  “Police Target 30 in Hunt for Michael Jackson’s Drug Suppliers.” Sunday Times, July 5, 2009.

  Posner, Gerald. “Deepak Chopra: How Michael Jackson Could Have Been Saved.” Daily Beast, July 2, 2009 (I).

  Ryan, Harriet, and Kimi Yoshino. “Investigators Target Michael Jackson’s Pseudonyms.” Los Angeles Times, July 17, 2009.

  Sawyer, Diane. “Michael Jackson’s Doctor Arnold Klein Denies Dangerous Drugs.” ABC/Good Morning America, July 8, 2009 (RT).

  Seal, “Doctor Will Sue.”

  Snead, “What Killed Michael Jackson?”

  “Source: Michael Jackson’s Doctor to Be Charged with Manslaughter.” Fox News, August 19, 2009 (I).

  Tauber, Michelle. “Evidence Piling Up Against Michael Jackson’s Dermatologist.” People, August 28, 2009.

  Tourtellotte, Bob. “Jackson Death Ruled Homicide, Focus on Doctor.” Reuters, August 28, 2009.