CULKIN BRANDS JACKSON CHILD REPORT 'PREPOSTEROUS'

HOME ALONE star MACAULAY CULKIN has shot down a sensational U.K. newspaper report suggesting he is the biological father of MICHAEL JACKSON's youngest son PRINCE MICHAEL II.
The Sun published an article on Monday (30Aug09) naming former child star Culkin, a close friend of the pop superstar, as the dad of the seven year old, aka Blanket.
The boy was delivered via a surrogate, whose identity has never officially been disclosed.
The King of Pop's death in June (09) has sparked fresh speculation over the child's parentage.
Culkin, who has yet to publicly speak about the death of his pal, is the latest to be linked to the controversy. But the actor's representative Michelle Bega has blasted the "preposterous" claims.
When approached by TMZ.com to comment on The Sun's article, Bega replied, "The enquiries are too preposterous for us to even acknowledge."
Jackson claimed to have fathered his two eldest children, Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11, with his second wife Deborah Rowe, but even that has come into question, with both British actor Mark Lester and Rowe's former boss, Jackson's dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein, both suggesting they could be the biological fathers.

 

JACKSON'S BIRTHDAY BURIAL RULED OUT BY MOTHER

MICHAEL JACKSON's mother KATHERINE refused to bury him on his birthday because it went against her religious beliefs, according to the singer's brother MARLON.
After weeks of speculation about the King of Pop's final resting place, it was reported he would be buried on what would have been his 51st birthday (29Aug09) in a mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
It then emerged the Jackson family had changed the date so they could have more time to plan the burial service.
But Marlon insists his brother's interment was postponed because 79-year-old Katherine refused to give any significance to the day, in accordance with her Jehovah's Witness faith, which does not recognise birthdays as they are believed to be rooted in pagan celebrations.
He tells Britain's Sunday Mirror, "I wanted to lay him to rest on the day the Lord created him. But my mother really didn't want to bury him on that day."
According to Marlon, Michael will now be buried in a sunset ceremony on Thursday (03Aug09) in the Holly Terrace Grand Mausoleum at Forest Lawn, where Aretha Franklin is expected to sing.
Marlon adds, "This will be a private ceremony. This will be Michael's final curtain call - the last show. His shell will be gone but his spirit lives on."

 

JACKSON DEATH DETAILS TO BE RELEASED ON FRIDAY

The mystery behind MICHAEL JACKSON's death is set to be revealed on Friday (28Aug09), according to new reports.
The Los Angeles County Coroner's office plans to announce the cause and manner of Jackson's death on 25 June (09) tomorrow morning. 
The death details come just days after a search warrant affidavit, featuring an account of the King of Pop's last hours by physician Dr. Conrad Murray, was unsealed in Texas and obtained by the Los Angeles Times newspaper. 
The warrant included a list of the drugs Dr. Murray reportedly administered to Jackson in a bid to get the singer to sleep on the last night of his life. 
Meanwhile, details of what investigators found and bagged up at Jackson's rented home in the hours after his death have been leaked to the press. 
The items include rotting marijuana, 14 pill bottles containing sleep and anti-anxiety medications, a tube of Benoquin skin bleaching cream and three vials of a liquid used for glaucoma patients.

 

ANOTHER PRINCE MICHAEL MOONWALKS FORWARD

A 24-year-old San Francisco, California man is requesting an official DNA test to prove he's MICHAEL JACKSON's son.
Prince Michael Malachi Jet Jackson filed a creditor's claim in Los Angeles on Tuesday (25Aug09), insisting he's due a share of the King of Pop's fortune. 
The 24 year old submitted a birth certificate, which lists a "Michael Joseph Jackson" of Indiana as the father and Zerline LaVette Dixon as the mother, with his claim. 
According to the documents, obtained by TMZ.com, the Jackson family pressured Prince Michael not to reveal his true identity.

 

ADDICTION SPECIALIST: 'JACKSON'S DOCTOR WAS IN OVER HIS HEAD'

ADDICTION SPECIALIST: 'JACKSON'S DOCTOR WAS IN OVER HIS HEAD'

Hollywood's top addiction specialist DR. DREW PINSKY has blasted MICHAEL JACKSON's embattled physician for not seeking help for his superstar client's spiralling drug problem.
In an affidavit, obtained by the Los Angeles Times earlier this week (beg24Aug09), Dr. Conrad Murray reportedly told police he was trying to wean the King of Pop off powerful anaesthetic Propofol, which Jackson was using in large doses in an effort to get to sleep. 
Legal and medical experts have questioned Dr. Murray's decision to make the drug available to Jackson - because it's usually strictly administered only in sterile environments, like hospitals, by trained anaesthesiologists. 
And now Dr. Pinsky, the man behind reality TV show Celebrity Rehab, has publicly criticised Jackson's physician for not alerting experts to the singer's drug dependency issues. 
Pinsky says, "You can't wean people off medication, it really doesn't work. The fact is, if he identified addiction in Michael Jackson he should have brought in an addiction team... Dr. Murray was unfortunately over his head with this one. 
"I would bring that person into a hospital, 24-hour monitoring... and cold turkey."

 

ADDICTION SPECIALIST: 'JACKSON'S DOCTOR WAS IN OVER HIS HEAD'

Hollywood's top addiction specialist DR. DREW PINSKY has blasted MICHAEL JACKSON's embattled physician for not seeking help for his superstar client's spiralling drug problem.
In an affidavit, obtained by the Los Angeles Times earlier this week (beg24Aug09), Dr. Conrad Murray reportedly told police he was trying to wean the King of Pop off powerful anaesthetic Propofol, which Jackson was using in large doses in an effort to get to sleep. 
Legal and medical experts have questioned Dr. Murray's decision to make the drug available to Jackson - because it's usually strictly administered only in sterile environments, like hospitals, by trained anaesthesiologists. 
And now Dr. Pinsky, the man behind reality TV show Celebrity Rehab, has publicly criticised Jackson's physician for not alerting experts to the singer's drug dependency issues. 
Pinsky says, "You can't wean people off medication, it really doesn't work. The fact is, if he identified addiction in Michael Jackson he should have brought in an addiction team... Dr. Murray was unfortunately over his head with this one. 
"I would bring that person into a hospital, 24-hour monitoring... and cold turkey."

 

Jackson died from lethal dose of propofol

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Pop star Michael Jackson died from a lethal dose of the powerful anesthetic propofol given in a cocktail of drugs, leading authorities to suspect his doctor of manslaughter, court documents showed on Monday.

The "Thriller" singer suffered cardiac arrest and died on June 25 at age 50. Since then, an investigation by state and federal agencies have focused on Conrad Murray, Jackson's personal doctor who was at his bedside the day he died.

The findings, contained in a warrant to search Murray's home and offices, paint a picture of an insomniac pop star who could not sleep without heavy medication. Jackson sought out propofol -- routinely used to sedate patients and anesthetize them before surgeries such as a colonoscopy -- and called it his "milk."

"The Los Angeles Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner, Dr. (Lakshmanan) Sathyavagiswaran, indicated that he had reviewed the preliminary toxicology results and his preliminary assessment of Jackson's cause of death was due to lethal levels of propofol (diprivan)," according to a warrant to search Murray's offices issued by California.

The document was unsealed and released by the Harris County District Clerk in Houston, where Murray has an office. U.S. agents raided the office on July 22.

In an affidavit seeking the warrant, Houston police officer E.G. Chance said U.S. agents had gathered "items constituting evidence of the offense of manslaughter that tend to show that Dr. Conrad Murray committed the said criminal offense."

Murray's attorney, Ed Chernoff, was not available to comment.

In a statement, a representative said Jackson's family has "full confidence in the legal process, and commends the ongoing efforts of the L.A. County Coroner, the L.A. District Attorney and the L.A. Police Department."

Murray, who was with Jackson on June 25 administering drugs to ease the pop star to sleep, gave him a range of medication including a 25-milligram dose of propofol via an intravenous drip at 10:40 a.m. PDT, the state search warrant said.

Jackson was "very familiar" with propofol and referred to it as his "milk" because of its milky appearance, the warrant said. Murray, who had been treating Jackson for about six weeks leading up to his death, was worried that Jackson was addicted to propofol. Murray was trying to wean him off the drug by giving him smaller doses, it said.

Jason Hymes, an assistant clinical professor at the University of Southern California who is not associated with the case, said the drug was a true anesthetic. "You administer it to somebody and then operate on them ... This concept of giving somebody a general anesthetic for sleep disturbance strikes me as just bizarre and astoundingly inappropriate."

In the early hours of June 25, Murray also gave Jackson doses of anti-anxiety medications Valium and Ativan and sedative Versed, the filing said.

Jackson went to sleep after Murray gave him the propofol, and Murray stayed by his side for about 10 minutes, then left "to go to the restroom and relieve himself," the search warrant said.

Murray was out of Jackson's room for about 2 minutes and when he returned, Jackson was no longer breathing, the warrant said.

 

Michael Jackson - Lester: 'Coroner's Findings Are Absolutely Horrendous' - Contactmusic News

Michael Jackson - Lester: 'Coroner's Findings Are Absolutely Horrendous' - Contactmusic News

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DISTRICT ATTORNEY DISMISSES DR. MURRAY MANSLAUGHTER STORY

DISTRICT ATTORNEY DISMISSES DR. MURRAY MANSLAUGHTER STORY

Officials at the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office have dismissed Internet reports suggesting they are gearing up to charge MICHAEL JACKSON's personal physician DR. CONRAD MURRAY with manslaughter.
One report suggests Murray, who was living with the King of Pop when he died in June (09), will be accused of killing the pop star in the next two weeks. 
But the District Attorney's office authorities insist the story is "completely and totally false". 
FOXNews.com reported on Wednesday (19Aug09) that the doctor, who has been interviewed several times by authorities, would face criminal charges due to his alleged involvement in the King of Pop’s death. 
The story surfaced 24 hours after Dr. Murray filmed a one-minute video, professing his innocence and thanking patients and friends for their support, and posted it on website YouTube.com. 
Murray has been a person of interest ever since Jackson died on 25 June (09). Investigators have been looking into whether Murray gave the pop star the anaesthetic Propofol in the hours before his death.

 

STRAIT REPLACES JACKSON AS U.S. ALBUM CHART KING

STRAIT REPLACES JACKSON AS U.S. ALBUM CHART KING

The King of Country has dethroned the King of Pop in America - GEORGE STRAIT has ended MICHAEL JACKSON's run as the album bestseller.
Strait's new album Twang replaces Jackson's Number Ones compilation as the best selling album in America. 
The pop superstar has held that title for five of the seven weeks since his death in June (09). 
Twang is Strait's fifth number one on the Billboard 200 countdown, and his 23rd to top the Top Country Albums chart. 
Another old-timer, Neil Diamond, crashes in to the number two spot on the main chart with concert CD/DVD Hot August Night/NYC, and the Black Eyed Peas' The E.N.D. rounds out the new top three. 
Indie rock supergroup Cobra Starship's third album Hot Mess debuts at four.

 

THOUSANDS SIGN ON TO BREAK THRILLER RECORD ON JACKSON'S BIRTHDAY

THOUSANDS SIGN ON TO BREAK THRILLER RECORD ON JACKSON'S BIRTHDAY

Thousands of MICHAEL JACKSON fans will gather in Mexico City on the star's 51st birthday for a record-breaking dance-off to the King of Pop's hit THRILLER.
As Jackson family members say their final farewells to the entertainer at Glendale's Forest Lawn Memorial Park in California on 29 August (09), over 10,000 people have signed on to celebrate the pop star's life and break the record for most people to dance to the track simultaneously in one place. 
The group will be led by a Jackson impersonator, according to organiser Carlos Contreras. 
The record is currently held by a group of 242 students at Virginia's College of William & Mary, who performed the routine in May (09).

 

PEARL JAM'S JACKSON TRIBUTE

Rockers PEARL JAM paid tribute to late superstar MICHAEL JACKSON as they took the stage at the O2 Arena in London on Tuesday night (18Aug09).
The Alive hitmakers' gig was originally scheduled during a break in the King of Pop's This Is It comeback concerts at the venue, before the music icon's sudden death in June (09). 
And frontman Eddie Vedder marked the Thriller hitmaker's passing by paying homage to "the man who was due to grace this same stage," by bursting into an acoustic version of Jackson's song Ben. 
The band followed Ben with their own track Rats, which references the beloved rodent pet that Jackson sang about in his famous 1972 ballad.

 

JACKSON TO BE BURIED ON HIS BIRTHDAY - CONFIRMED

JACKSON TO BE BURIED ON HIS BIRTHDAY - CONFIRMED

MICHAEL JACKSON's family has confirmed the King of Pop will be laid to rest on what would have been his 51st birthday (29Aug09).
After weeks of speculation, the pop superstar - who died on 25 June (09) - will be buried in a mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale. 
A spokesman for the family tells WENN, "Michael Jackson will be laid to rest at Holly Terrace in The Great Mausoleum at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at 10am, on what would have been his 51st birthday. 
"The private ceremony will be limited to family and close friends. 
"The Jackson family once again wishes to express its gratitude to Michael's fans around the world for their support during these difficult times." 
Jackson's body has reportedly spent the past six weeks at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills, where the family staged a private memorial on the morning of a much more public service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles last month (Jul09).

 

Jackson not buried yet

Michael Jackson's father Joe has dismissed reports the superstar was secretly buried in Los Angeles last week.

 Reports over the weekend claimed the Jackson family held a private burial on Thursday and laid the singer to rest at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills.

The news coincided with reports that Jackson's brain, which was removed as part of the investigation into his death, was returned to the family by coroners.

However, Joe Jackson insists the family has still yet to decide on a resting place for the Thriller icon - seven weeks after his death in June, according to E! Online.

The family has been dogged by rumours of a disagreement over the King of Pop's remains, with his mother Katherine reportedly asking for her son to be interred at Forest Lawn and his

brother Jermaine pushing for a burial at Jackson's Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.

 

JACKSON MERCHANDISE PLANS PUT ON HOLD

Plans for MICHAEL JACKSON tribute merchandise have been halted by a Los Angeles judge after the King of Pop's mother raised a series of objections to the deal during a court hearing on Monday (10Aug09).
The executors of the Thriller hitmaker's estate reached an agreement with concert promoters AEG Live - the firm behind the singer's ill-fated live comeback - and souvenir company Bravado International earlier this month (Aug09) to immortalise Jackson in a range of products branded with his name and image. 
The proposal was presented to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff for approval on Monday, but the official chose to delay ruling on the deal after Katherine Jackson's attorneys noted a number of concerns about the plans. 
Executors John Branca and John MCClain want Beckloff to green-light the merchandising deal and open the way for a museum show of Jackson memorabilia and souvenirs, which they hope to put on display in three cities around the globe. The planned locations have not been revealed. 
However, Katherine's attorney Burt Levitch claims the Jackson family are "not sure (AEG) would have been the first choice" to organise the museum tour. 
A new court date to continue discussion over the merchandising deal has yet to be set.

 

BILLIE JEAN WANTS CUSTODY OF BLANKET JACKSON

BILLIE JEAN WANTS CUSTODY OF BLANKET JACKSON

BILLIE JEAN JACKSON is re-launching her bid to gain custody of MICHAEL JACKSON's youngest son, PRINCE MICHAEL II.
Six months before the King Of Pop's untimely death in June (09), Billie Jean filed a lawsuit demanding $1 billion (£668 million) in support payments from the singer, as well as joint legal and physical custody of the seven year old, nicknamed Blanket, who she insists is her son. 
The woman is now challenging Jackson matriarch Katherine's permanent guardianship, which she was awarded earlier this month (Aug09), in a second suit. 
In the documents, obtained by TMZ.com, Billie Jean asks to see the youngster ever Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm, and also requests a court-appointed handwriting expert to review Jackson's will for forgery attempts. 
The Thriller hitmaker refused to identify Blanket's mother after he was born in 2002, but has previously said the child was the result of artificial insemination from a surrogate. 
A Los Angeles judge awarded 79-year-old Katherine permanent custody of Jackson's three kids earlier this month (Aug09), just after the Jackson family settled a custody battle with the star's ex-wife Deborah Rowe - mother of the star's eldest children Prince Michael and Paris.

 

WOMAN ALLEGES SHE AND JACKSON PARENTED CRUISE'S ADOPTED SON

A woman alleging she is the biological mother of MICHAEL JACKSON's children has come forward with the outrageous claim she and the late KING OF POP conceived TOM CRUISE's adopted son.
On Friday (07Aug09), Claire Elisabeth Fields Cruise filed three petitions for guardianship of Jackson's kids, Prince Michael, Paris and seven-year-old Prince Michael II - the kids she maintains she gave her former husband Jackson, "who is now deceased". 
And on Monday (10Aug09), Fields Cruise shocked reporters with the bizarre new assertion she and the singer are the parents of Connor Cruise, the Top Gun star's 14-year-old son. 
According to Fields Cruise, Jackson didn't want the child because of his skin colour, so he gave the little boy to the actor and his then-wife Nicole Kidman. 
Speaking outside the Los Angeles Superior court, Fields Cruise told journalists, "(Jackson) has always known (he is Connor's father). He voluntarily gave him up for adoption. He was very happy that Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman wanted his child. He did not want his own child because of the colour of his skin." 
Fields Cruise then went on to declare she did not give birth to Jackson's three children, but instead donated the embryos to surrogates. 
She added, "I did not donate eggs. Surrogate mothers gave birth to them. I conceived them in my body and they were safely removed from my body. There is technology that is in existence (to make that happen)." 
She also named the three different men she insists are the real fathers of Jackson's three kids - but Julian Bleecker, who Fields Cruise says is the father of Paris, has already dismissed her story, branding it a "ridiculous accusation". 
Fields Cruise's custody challenges are the latest to rock Jackson's estate - the parentage of Paris came into question on Sunday (09Aug09) when the Thriller icon's old friend, actor Mark Lester, told a British tabloid he could have fathered the girl after previously donating his sperm to the singer. 
Jackson was previously sued by a woman named Billie Jean Jackson, who claimed she was the mother of his youngest kid, who is also known as Blanket. 
She also grabbed headlines during Monday's estate hearing, when she declared in court, "I’m Blanket’s mother... I would like all proceedings in the estate to be halted until a forensic scientist looks at signatures on the will because I believe they were forged." 
The judge told Billie Jean that Prince Michael II was currently in a guardianship and that the court would address her claims on 10 September (09). 
The Jackson family settled a custody battle with the star's ex-wife Deborah Rowe - mother of the two eldest children - earlier this month (Aug09), just before a Los Angeles judge awarded the King of Pop's mother, Katherine Jackson, permanent custody of the kids.

JACKSON MOVIE DEAL GETS COURT APPROVAL

JACKSON MOVIE DEAL GETS COURT APPROVAL

MICHAEL JACKSON is heading to the big screen - a Los Angeles judge has approved a major movie deal that will feature footage of the King of Pop's final concert rehearsals.
The pop superstar was due to kickstart a 50-date residency in London as part of his This Is It tour in July (09), but he died on 25 June (09), just weeks before he was scheduled to make his live comeback. 
Movie executives at Columbia Pictures were quick to snap up the rights to a documentary movie and reached a deal with concert promoters AEG on Friday (07Aug09). 
The proposal was submitted to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff during a hearing on Monday (10Aug09) and he signed off the deal - giving the film project the green light. 
According to the proposed contract, the movie will feature the video footage of Jackson in his last rehearsal - just two days before he died - as well as footage that was intended to be shown during the concerts. 
The Jackson estate will receive 90 per cent of the film's profits and concert promoters AEG will be awarded the remaining 10 per cent. Columbia has guaranteed a minimum of $60 million (£40 million) in return for the rights. 
However, the deal is subject to the final approval of Jackson's mother Katherine, who Beckloff ruled had the right to review the contracts and file any objections to prior to the film getting underway.

 

JACKSON FAMILY FACE ANOTHER BIZARRE CUSTODY CHALLENGE

MICHAEL JACKSON's estate is facing another challenge for custody of the pop superstar's three children from a woman who alleges she was married to the singer and is the kids' biological mother.
Claire Elisabeth Fields Cruise has filed three petitions for guardianship of Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, aka Blanket. 
According to TMZ.com, Cruise states in her legal papers, "I am the biological mother of Prince Michael Jackson II and all of his siblings." 
She goes on to allege she was Jackson's wife, "who is now deceased" - and is now "engaged to Prince Michael Jackson II's biological father". 
The Jackson family settled a custody battle with the star's ex-wife Deborah Rowe - mother of the two eldest children - last week (begs03Aug09), when a Los Angeles judge awarded pop matriarch Katherine Jackson permanent custody of the kids. 
The parentage of the Thriller hitmaker's daughter, Paris, came into question on Sunday (09Aug09) when Jackson's old friend, British actor Mark Lester, alleged he could have fathered the girl after previously donating his sperm to the singer. 
The youngest child, Blanket, was conceived by a surrogate, whose identity has never been revealed. 
Jackson was previously sued by a woman named Billie Jean who claimed she was the mother of the seven year old.

 

CORONER COMPLETES JACKSON DEATH INVESTIGATION BUT CAN'T RELEASE FINDINGS

Officials at the Los Angeles Coroners office have confirmed they've completed a "thorough and comprehensive" investigation into the death of MICHAEL JACKSON.
Police chiefs plan to maintain a security hold on the results until they've completed their own investigation into the events of 25 June (09) - the day Jackson died. 
The latest reports suggest the coroner now knows what killed the Thriller singer, but he is forbidden from making his findings public and releasing the information.

 

JACKSON TRIBUTE CONFIRMED FOR VIENNA

JACKSON TRIBUTE CONFIRMED FOR VIENNA

An official tribute concert honouring late superstar MICHAEL JACKSON will be held in Vienna, Austria next month (Sep09) - with an all-star line-up performing his hits.
Rumours of a memorial gig have been prevalent since the Thriller hitmaker passed away in June (09) - with internet gossips claiming the show would be held at the O2 Arena in London, where Jackson had been due to place a 50-date residency. 
But Jackson's brother, Jermaine, has now confirmed they are planning to stage a massive concert in Vienna in the grounds of the city's former imperial Schoenbrunn Palace in September (09). 
Although an official date has yet to be announced, organisers claim to have secured a "high-profile lineup of international stars" who will pay tribute to the King of Pop through a night of musical celebrations. 
An official statement from the company behind the event, World Awards Media, reads, "For one incredible night Michael Jackson's unforgettable music will be brought to life again. Some of the world's leading artists will perform Michael's greatest hits live in Vienna in front of one of the most fascinating historical sites in Europe and celebrate the life of the King of Pop." 
It had originally been hoped that the concert would take place on 29 August (09) - what would have been the star's 51st birthday - but bosses at the events company insist they had to rule out the landmark date because it "would have been an extreme logistical challenge". 
Jermaine Jackson has explained the reason for the choice of location, revealing his brother was always fond of Austria and visited the country at least four times throughout his life. 
And he is delighted the arrangements for the concert have finally come together. 
He adds, "I have invited many of the most acclaimed talents of our time and many have already confirmed to perform in honour of my beloved brother. I am very proud to be able to stage this concert honouring my younger brother Michael and his legacy. The Tribute is conceived to be an annual event to keep not only his unique music alive, but his spirit as well. Michael loved people and he also loved to help people and that will never be forgotten. His life was much too short, yet it was filled with many magic moments and lasting memories 
The concert will be broadcast live on TV and over 85,000 fans will be given the chance to attend. Ticket sales for The Tribute go on sale on 20 August (09).

 

NO PATERNITY TEST FOR LESTER?

NO PATERNITY TEST FOR LESTER?

JACKSON family lawyer BRIAN OXMAN fears actor MARK LESTER will struggle to convince a judge to order a paternity test to prove he fathered MICHAEL JACKSON's daughter PARIS - because California law forbids it.
The Oliver! star is godfather to the King of Pop's three children Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II - and stunned the world this weekend (08-09Aug09) by announcing he could be Paris' biological dad. 
Lester admits donating sperm to Jackson in 1996, while the singer was married to ex-wife Debbie Rowe, and has come forward with the shocking revelation about the youngster's parentage amid fears Jackson's mother Katherine plans to keep him away from the kids. 
The Brit insists he just wants to remain a part of the children's lives - and is willing to fight for his right to access through the courts if the Jacksons continue to "exclude" him from contact. 
But Oxman, a longtime representative for the Jackson clan, believes it will be difficult for Lester to secure a court-ordered paternity test, because Californian laws protect children from questioning their parentage if they are born to a married couple - and any paternity issues need to be addressed within two years of birth. 
He tells British morning show GMTV, "If there were a request for a paternity test the judge would have to waive the law in the state of California, which says that a child born to a man and a woman who are married is conclusively presumed to be the child of that married couple - unless the paternity test is requested within two years of the birth of the child. 
"So the result would be on the late side but it's up to a judge to make that decision. So in the Michael Jackson case I say, 'Anything is possible'. I think this is one of the most extraordinary cases I've seen."

 

JACKSON MOVIE DEAL GETS COURT APPROVAL

JACKSON MOVIE DEAL GETS COURT APPROVAL

MICHAEL JACKSON is heading to the big screen - a Los Angeles judge has approved a major movie deal that will feature footage of the King of Pop's final concert rehearsals.
The pop superstar was due to kickstart a 50-date residency in London as part of his This Is It tour in July (09), but he died on 25 June (09), just weeks before he was scheduled to make his live comeback. 
Movie executives at Columbia Pictures were quick to snap up the rights to a documentary movie and reached a deal with concert promoters AEG on Friday (07Aug09). 
The proposal was submitted to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff during a hearing on Monday (10Aug09) and he signed off the deal - giving the film project the green light. 
According to the proposed contract, the movie will feature the video footage of Jackson in his last rehearsal - just two days before he died - as well as footage that was intended to be shown during the concerts. 
The Jackson estate will receive 90 per cent of the film's profits and concert promoters AEG will be awarded the remaining 10 per cent. Columbia has guaranteed a minimum of $60 million (£40 million) in return for the rights. 
However, the deal is subject to the final approval of Jackson's mother Katherine, who Beckloff ruled had the right to review the contracts and file any objections to prior to the film getting underway.

 

JACKSON FAMILY FACE ANOTHER BIZARRE CUSTODY CHALLENGE

JACKSON FAMILY FACE ANOTHER BIZARRE CUSTODY CHALLENGE

MICHAEL JACKSON's estate is facing another challenge for custody of the pop superstar's three children from a woman who alleges she was married to the singer and is the kids' biological mother.
Claire Elisabeth Fields Cruise has filed three petitions for guardianship of Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, aka Blanket. 
According to TMZ.com, Cruise states in her legal papers, "I am the biological mother of Prince Michael Jackson II and all of his siblings." 
She goes on to allege she was Jackson's wife, "who is now deceased" - and is now "engaged to Prince Michael Jackson II's biological father". 
The Jackson family settled a custody battle with the star's ex-wife Deborah Rowe - mother of the two eldest children - last week (begs03Aug09), when a Los Angeles judge awarded pop matriarch Katherine Jackson permanent custody of the kids. 
The parentage of the Thriller hitmaker's daughter, Paris, came into question on Sunday (09Aug09) when Jackson's old friend, British actor Mark Lester, alleged he could have fathered the girl after previously donating his sperm to the singer. 
The youngest child, Blanket, was conceived by a surrogate, whose identity has never been revealed. 
Jackson was previously sued by a woman named Billie Jean who claimed she was the mother of the seven year old.

 

 

MICHAEL JACKSON - JACKSON STILL THRILLS U.K. ALBUM CHART

JACKSON STILL THRILLS U.K. ALBUM CHART

MICHAEL JACKSON has continued his reign at the top of the U.K. album chart for a sixth week running.
The Thriller hitmaker, who died in June (09), held on to the number one slot this week (ends09Aug09) with The Essential, a collection of his hits. 
Florence And The MAChine came in at two with Lungs, the Black Eyed Peas' The E.N.D grabbed number three, Scottish singer Paolo Nutini took fourth place with Sunny Side Up, while Beyonce rounded out the top five with I Am... Sasha Fierce. 
In the singles chart, the Black Eyed Peas' former chart topper I Gotta Feeling was knocked into second place by Tinchy Stryder featuring Amelle with Never Leave You. 
Kanye West's protege Mr Hudson was at three with his track Supernova, British boyband JLS' Beat Again dropped two places to four, while Beyonce completed the top five with Sweet Dreams.

 

MICHAEL JACKSON - JACKSON TRIBUTE CONFIRMED FOR VIENNA

JACKSON TRIBUTE CONFIRMED FOR VIENNA

An official tribute concert honouring late superstar MICHAEL JACKSON will be held in Vienna, Austria next month (Sep09) - with an all-star line-up performing his hits.
Rumours of a memorial gig have been prevalent since the Thriller hitmaker passed away in June (09) - with internet gossips claiming the show would be held at the O2 Arena in London, where Jackson had been due to place a 50-date residency.
But Jackson's brother, Jermaine, has now confirmed they are planning to stage a massive concert in Vienna in the grounds of the city's former imperial Schoenbrunn Palace in September (09).
Although an official date has yet to be announced, organisers claim to have secured a "high-profile lineup of international stars" who will pay tribute to the King of Pop through a night of musical celebrations.
An official statement from the company behind the event, World Awards Media, reads, "For one incredible night Michael Jackson's unforgettable music will be brought to life again. Some of the world's leading artists will perform Michael's greatest hits live in Vienna in front of one of the most fascinating historical sites in Europe and celebrate the life of the King of Pop."
It had originally been hoped that the concert would take place on 29 August (09) - what would have been the star's 51st birthday - but bosses at the events company insist they had to rule out the landmark date because it "would have been an extreme logistical challenge".
Jermaine Jackson has explained the reason for the choice of location, revealing his brother was always fond of Austria and visited the country at least four times throughout his life.
And he is delighted the arrangements for the concert have finally come together.
He adds, "I have invited many of the most acclaimed talents of our time and many have already confirmed to perform in honour of my beloved brother. I am very proud to be able to stage this concert honouring my younger brother Michael and his legacy. The Tribute is conceived to be an annual event to keep not only his unique music alive, but his spirit as well. Michael loved people and he also loved to help people and that will never be forgotten. His life was much too short, yet it was filled with many magic moments and lasting memories
The concert will be broadcast live on TV and over 85,000 fans will be given the chance to attend. Ticket sales for The Tribute go on sale on 20 August (09).

NO PATERNITY TEST FOR LESTER?

NO PATERNITY TEST FOR LESTER?

JACKSON family lawyer BRIAN OXMAN fears actor MARK LESTER will struggle to convince a judge to order a paternity test to prove he fathered MICHAEL JACKSON's daughter PARIS - because California law forbids it.
The Oliver! star is godfather to the King of Pop's three children Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II - and stunned the world this weekend (08-09Aug09) by announcing he could be Paris' biological dad. 
Lester admits donating sperm to Jackson in 1996, while the singer was married to ex-wife Debbie Rowe, and has come forward with the shocking revelation about the youngster's parentage amid fears Jackson's mother Katherine plans to keep him away from the kids. 
The Brit insists he just wants to remain a part of the children's lives - and is willing to fight for his right to access through the courts if the Jacksons continue to "exclude" him from contact. 
But Oxman, a longtime representative for the Jackson clan, believes it will be difficult for Lester to secure a court-ordered paternity test, because Californian laws protect children from questioning their parentage if they are born to a married couple - and any paternity issues need to be addressed within two years of birth. 
He tells British morning show GMTV, "If there were a request for a paternity test the judge would have to waive the law in the state of California, which says that a child born to a man and a woman who are married is conclusively presumed to be the child of that married couple - unless the paternity test is requested within two years of the birth of the child. 
"So the result would be on the late side but it's up to a judge to make that decision. So in the Michael Jackson case I say, 'Anything is possible'. I think this is one of the most extraordinary cases I've seen."

 

JACKSON FAMILY LAWYER BACKS LESTER

JACKSON FAMILY LAWYER BACKS LESTER

JACKSON family lawyer BRIAN OXMAN has backed MARK LESTER after the former child star opened up about the possibility he fathered MICHAEL JACKSON's daughter PARIS.
The Oliver star stunned the world this weekend (08-09Aug09) by revealing he could be the 11 year old's biological dad because he donated sperm to Jackson in 1996, following a request from the superstar. 
Lester is godfather to Paris, as well as the King of Pop's two sons, Prince Michael, 12, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, aka Blanket. 
He admitted he only came forward with the revelations because he feels Jackson's mother Katherine has cut him out of the kids' lives since their father died. 
And now Oxman, a spokesman and attorney for the Jackson clan, has backed Lester's claims - because he can't imagine why the Brit would lie about such a sensitive subject. 
He tells British morning show GMTV, "Mark Lester is a very straight shooter, an honest man and when he describes the process by which he was asked to make a donation of sperm, I believe every word he says. Michael Jackson always told me he was the biological father so you have on one hand Mark saying he might be and Michael saying he might be - so you have the question who the daddy is. 
"Mark always told the truth and I believe he is telling us straight right now." 
Oxman admits it is perfectly plausible for Lester to have fathered Jackson's daughter - because he always enjoyed a close friendship with the late Thriller hitmaker. 
He adds, "There was nobody who was closer to Michael Jackson and his family than Mark Lester and his children. He was the godfather and his children played with Prince, Paris and Blanket. Michael promised him it would always be that kind of relationship, so I understand he is very upset." 
Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, is believed to have given birth to both Paris and Prince Michael, while Prince Michael II was born to an unnamed surrogate mother.

 

JACKSON STILL THRILLS U.K. ALBUM CHART

JACKSON STILL THRILLS U.K. ALBUM CHART

MICHAEL JACKSON has continued his reign at the top of the U.K. album chart for a sixth week running.
The Thriller hitmaker, who died in June (09), held on to the number one slot this week (ends09Aug09) with The Essential, a collection of his hits. 
Florence And The MAChine came in at two with Lungs, the Black Eyed Peas' The E.N.D grabbed number three, Scottish singer Paolo Nutini took fourth place with Sunny Side Up, while Beyonce rounded out the top five with I Am... Sasha Fierce. 
In the singles chart, the Black Eyed Peas' former chart topper I Gotta Feeling was knocked into second place by Tinchy Stryder featuring Amelle with Never Leave You. 
Kanye West's protege Mr Hudson was at three with his track Supernova, British boyband JLS' Beat Again dropped two places to four, while Beyonce completed the top five with Sweet Dreams.

 

MICHAEL JACKSON - JACKSON BURIED - REPORTS

JACKSON BURIED - REPORTS

MICHAEL JACKSON has reportedly been laid to rest.
The King Of Pop is believed to have been interred in a mausoleum owned by his close friend, Motown mogul Berry Gordy, in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills on Thursday (06Aug09). 
Family members, including Jackson's dad Joe and sister La Toya, were present at the secret ceremony, reports Britain's Daily Star. 
The final farewell took place just hours after Jackson's brain was returned to the clan, following the organ's removal by coroners for testing to determine the cause of death. 
A source tells the newspaper, "After Michael's high-profile funeral, the family were desperate to say goodbye privately and away from the cameras. His mother Katherine in particular was very uncomfortable with his body being in pieces due to the autopsies and wanted him laid to rest as soon as they were allowed. 
"Within hours of the brain being returned, Michael was placed in the crypt. There was a casual ceremony with around 20 close friends and family. 
"There were no prayers said, no speeches, everyone just reflected silently on their personal memories of Michael." 
And former friend of Jackson's, Uri Geller, has indicated that the reports are true. 
He tells British morning show GMTV, "As far as I understand he has (been buried), but rumours are flying constantly non stop." 
Jackson died on 25 June (09) after suffering a cardiac arrest. His family staged a private ceremony at the Forest Lawn funeral home before celebrating his life at a televised star-studded event at the Staples Center in L.A. last month (Jul09).

 

Jackson family anger as Oliver! star Lester claims: I'm the daddy

Claims by Oliver! star Mark Lester that he could be the biological father of Michael Jackson's children were angrily dismissed by the singer's family yesterday.

They accused the former child star of a 'genetic lottery attempt' to stake a claim on Jackson's multi-million-pound fortune.

Lester, who made his name in the 1968 film version of the hit musical, had been good friends with Jackson since 1981.

Could they be sisters? Oliver! actor Mark Lester says he believes so

Jackson was finally laid to rest this week at the Forest lawn Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills. In contrast to the his memorial concert the burial was quiet, without even a ceremony as his body was put into the ground.

The Jackson family are keen to keep the grave private and have requested that it not be marked.

Lester claims he gave the troubled singer three samples of his sperm because Jackson was desperate to be a father.

Lester is convinced that 11-year-old Paris is his daughter because of the likeness between her and his own daughter Harriet, 15.

He also claims he could also be the father of 12-year-old Prince Michael I.

But lawyers for Jackson's mother Katherine - who is caring for Prince, Paris and their brother Prince Michael II, known as Blanket - attacked Lester's claims.

And Jackson's brother Jermaine insisted the children were all fathered by Jackson.

Jackson family lawyer Londell McMillan claimed Lester was simply bidding for 'five seconds of fame'.

Lester is godfather to Prince, Paris and Blanket and is furious that the family have cut him out of their lives since the singer's death on June 25.

'I'm the daddy': Child star Mark Lester claims he is the father of Paris, left

JACKSON'S BRAIN RETURNED TO FAMILY

MICHAEL JACKSON's brain has been returned to his family, fuelling speculation the King Of Pop will be laid to rest this week (begs10Aug09).
Pathologists removed the organ from the singer's corpse after he passed away on 25 June (09) to carry out a series of tests to determine the cause of his death.
The brain was given back to the Jackson clan last week (ends07Aug09), amid reports his mother Katherine has decided to bury him at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park cemetery in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills.
The singer's older brother Jermaine has publicly argued Jackson should be buried in the grounds of Neverland, his former home in Santa Barbara, California.
But 79-year-old Katherine reportedly disagreed, insisting her son never wanted to return to the sprawling estate, which he deserted after his child molestation trial in 2005.

JANET JACKSON TO HEAD MOBO LINE-UP

JANET JACKSON is set to perform at Britain's Music Of Black Origin (MOBO) awards next month (Sep09) as part of a tribute to her late brother MICHAEL JACKSON.
The event organisers have asked the singer to appear at the show in Glasgow, Scotland on 30 September (09).
They are planning to hold a number of tributes to the King of Pop, who died from a cardiac arrest in June (09).
The superstar's sibling is expected to fly in from Los Angeles to sing at the awards show, which will be her first U.K. appearance since her brother passed away.
A spokesperson for the MOBOs says, "Janet is a music icon in her own right and a previous MOBO presenter. We loved her past involvement with the show and MOBO will continue to support her music and champion her career.
"Michael Jackson was a key catalyst and influence on the culture, lifestyle and music that MOBO supports and represents. His sound, style and dance moves have inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists. Artists such as Usher, Ne-Yo and Justin Timberlake often cite Michael Jackson as their inspiration and it is key that we commemorate his life, achievements and legacy."

JACKSON CHILDREN RECOVERING AFTER DAD'S DEATH

MICHAEL JACKSON's three grieving children are "coming back strong" in the wake of their father's death six weeks ago, according to their uncle JERMAINE.
The Jackson clan was stunned by the superstar's sudden passing in June (09) and his children Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and Prince Michael II, seven, were visibly grief-stricken as they honoured their father at his televised memorial last month (Jul09).
But the singer's elder brother Jermaine insists they are "doing fine" under the guardianship of their grandmother Katherine, enjoying outings to the cinema and preparing for the coming school year.
He tells U.S. talk show host Larry King, "They're playing with my kids and they are coming back strong."
Jackson also refuted speculation his late brother wasn't the kids' biological dad, echoing his father Joe's previous observation that they resemble the King Of Pop: "People come forth and say things just to get attention, but those are definitely Michael's children. You can look at the kids and tell that they are Michael's kids."
And when asked if the youngsters would ever consider careers in show business, the 54 year old said "there's a great possibility".
He added, "They love film and they love movies and they know a lot about animation."

JACKSON 'OFFERED DOCTOR $800,000 FOR DRUGS'

JACKSON 'OFFERED DOCTOR $800,000 FOR DRUGS'

MICHAEL JACKSON was so desperate to get hold of prescription drugs in the run up to his 50-date concert tour he allegedly offered a doctor $800,000 (£500,000) to help him.
The late King of Pop, who died of a cardiac arrest in June (09), had a lethal amount of powerful anaesthetic Propofol in his system when he died, according to leaked autopsy results.
Details about Jackson's cause of death have yet to be officially released, but numerous reports suggest the singer died after taking a dangerously high dose of the surgical painkiller.
Jackson, who was due to play at London's O2 Arena, allegedly begged British medic, Dr Susan Etok, to get hold of a list of drugs, including powerful painkillers Diprivan (Propofol) and Demerol, in the U.K. because he "couldn't trust" doctors in America.
She tells Britain's Sunday Mirror newspaper, "He kept saying, 'Are you going to do it for me, you are going to do it for me, aren't you?' He was desperate, like a child begging his mum for sweets. Then he said, 'I don't care what it takes, I don't care how much money it takes - if it costs half a million, that's fine.'
"Then he said there were medications he took in the States that he needed. He said the names but they didn't mean much to me. The one name I recognised was Diprivan. I knew it was something to do with anaesthetics and thought that seemed strange. But Michael kept saying, 'They're just routine'."
Erok emailed Jackson to tell him that she couldn't help him - he replied five days later saying he would find an alternative way of getting hold of the medication.
She adds, "He told me not to worry - he would get someone else to help out."