Miles Teller might be the latest Hollywood star to join the forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic.
In recent weeks, we’ve gotten some big casting details about the project which stars the late King of Pop’s nephew Jafaar Jackson as the “Thriller” singer.
New Oscar nominee Colman Domingo will play the Jackson family patriarch Joe, and Nia Long will play the singer’s mother Katherine.
We even learned who would be playing a young Michael in the movie.
Now, reports are suggesting that Miles is interested in a role, and some details have been revealed.
Read more about Miles Teller’s potential Michael Jackson biopic role…
According to Deadline, Miles has not finalized talks for the role. However, he might play one of Mj‘s attorneys.
The outlet noted that there were three attorneys who prominently worked with Michael throughout his career – Howard Weitzman, Mark Geragos and Thomas Mesereau.
We...
In recent weeks, we’ve gotten some big casting details about the project which stars the late King of Pop’s nephew Jafaar Jackson as the “Thriller” singer.
New Oscar nominee Colman Domingo will play the Jackson family patriarch Joe, and Nia Long will play the singer’s mother Katherine.
We even learned who would be playing a young Michael in the movie.
Now, reports are suggesting that Miles is interested in a role, and some details have been revealed.
Read more about Miles Teller’s potential Michael Jackson biopic role…
According to Deadline, Miles has not finalized talks for the role. However, he might play one of Mj‘s attorneys.
The outlet noted that there were three attorneys who prominently worked with Michael throughout his career – Howard Weitzman, Mark Geragos and Thomas Mesereau.
We...
- 2/1/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Exclusive: Top Gun: Maverick and Whiplash star Miles Teller is in talks to join Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International’s Antoine Fuqua-directed Michael.
Sources tell us that there’s no deal yet for Teller. The movie is currently shooing ahead of an April 18, 2025 theatrical release.
Teller, we hear, would play an attorney in the Michael Jackson biopic. Exactly which of Jackson’s attorneys, we will see. The late Howard Weitzman was known for defending Jackson and his estate, in particular against creditor claims and accusations of pedophilia. Then there was Mark Geragos, who assisted Jackson in the early stages of 2005’s People vs. Jackson molestation case, before getting replaced by Thomas Mesereau.
Related: ‘Michael’ Cast: Who’s Who In The Michael Jackson Biopic
If the deal makes, Teller would join a booming cast that includes Colman Domingo as patriarch Joe Jackson, Nia Long as mother Katherine Jackson, as well as Jaafar Jackson,...
Sources tell us that there’s no deal yet for Teller. The movie is currently shooing ahead of an April 18, 2025 theatrical release.
Teller, we hear, would play an attorney in the Michael Jackson biopic. Exactly which of Jackson’s attorneys, we will see. The late Howard Weitzman was known for defending Jackson and his estate, in particular against creditor claims and accusations of pedophilia. Then there was Mark Geragos, who assisted Jackson in the early stages of 2005’s People vs. Jackson molestation case, before getting replaced by Thomas Mesereau.
Related: ‘Michael’ Cast: Who’s Who In The Michael Jackson Biopic
If the deal makes, Teller would join a booming cast that includes Colman Domingo as patriarch Joe Jackson, Nia Long as mother Katherine Jackson, as well as Jaafar Jackson,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The name of late legal legend Howard Weitzman will no longer be on the door of the firm he co-founded, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. It’s a move that his family feels is an attempt to erase his legacy.
Weitzman, whose work for infamous automaker John DeLorean made him a household name in the mid-1980s, spent decades representing some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Michael Jackson, O.J. Simpson, Marlon Brando, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Justin Bieber and Chuck Lorre. He died in April 2021 after quietly battling cancer.
The firm, which will now be known as Kinsella Holley Iser Kump and Steinsapir, reached out to Weitzman’s family over the holiday weekend to let them know the change was coming. Its new domain — khiks.com — was registered back in March, according to Icann.
“The reason why this hurts so much is because having my father’s name on the firm was,...
Weitzman, whose work for infamous automaker John DeLorean made him a household name in the mid-1980s, spent decades representing some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Michael Jackson, O.J. Simpson, Marlon Brando, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Justin Bieber and Chuck Lorre. He died in April 2021 after quietly battling cancer.
The firm, which will now be known as Kinsella Holley Iser Kump and Steinsapir, reached out to Weitzman’s family over the holiday weekend to let them know the change was coming. Its new domain — khiks.com — was registered back in March, according to Icann.
“The reason why this hurts so much is because having my father’s name on the firm was,...
- 7/5/2023
- by Ashley Cullins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: One of Tinseltown’s most muscular legal firms is flexing its partnership and name, again.
Two years after Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Llp became Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Holley Llp, the Wilshire Blvd-based firm is now Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir Llp.
While the late Howard Weitzman’s name will no longer be on the legal house he co-founded in 2006, the presence of Michael Jackson onetime attorney and dealmaker looms perhaps larger than ever. In very real terms, the promotion of Weitzman protégés Shawn Holley and Jonathan Steinsapir represents a solidification of the lawyer’s legacy at the firm.
“When we started our law firm we knew we wanted to create a place where talented litigators could practice law for decades to come,” Kinsella said Wednesday. “Our decisions to make Jon a name partner and honor Shawn’s contributions will ensure that our firm, comprised of superb attorneys working...
Two years after Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Llp became Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Holley Llp, the Wilshire Blvd-based firm is now Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir Llp.
While the late Howard Weitzman’s name will no longer be on the legal house he co-founded in 2006, the presence of Michael Jackson onetime attorney and dealmaker looms perhaps larger than ever. In very real terms, the promotion of Weitzman protégés Shawn Holley and Jonathan Steinsapir represents a solidification of the lawyer’s legacy at the firm.
“When we started our law firm we knew we wanted to create a place where talented litigators could practice law for decades to come,” Kinsella said Wednesday. “Our decisions to make Jon a name partner and honor Shawn’s contributions will ensure that our firm, comprised of superb attorneys working...
- 7/5/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Henry Winkler has been a beloved figure in the entertainment world for over five decades, and the actor shows no signs of slowing down. Winkler began his acting career at the Yale Repertory Theatre in June 1970, he told The Hollywood Reporter, but he rose to fame after appearing in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in 1973. The role that transformed Winkler's career found its way to him shortly after: from 1974 to 1984, he starred as Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli on the ABC sitcom "Happy Days."
In addition to his work on "Happy Days" in the 1980s, Winkler balanced parenting duties with his wife, Stacey Weitzman. The pair met in a clothing shop in 1976 and tied the knot two years later in 1978, according to People. Together, they share two children, Zoe Winkler Reinis and Max Winkler, as well as Stacey's son from her previous marriage to Howard Weitzman, Jed Weitzman. Along with his children,...
In addition to his work on "Happy Days" in the 1980s, Winkler balanced parenting duties with his wife, Stacey Weitzman. The pair met in a clothing shop in 1976 and tied the knot two years later in 1978, according to People. Together, they share two children, Zoe Winkler Reinis and Max Winkler, as well as Stacey's son from her previous marriage to Howard Weitzman, Jed Weitzman. Along with his children,...
- 4/17/2023
- by Alicia Geigel
- Popsugar.com
The investigative docuseries "The New York Times Presents" has examined some of the most high-profile stories in news and pop culture since its debut in 2019, ranging from Janet Jackson's Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction to the conservatorship of Britney Spears. The latest installment in the series, "Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano," dives into the gritty work of "Hollywood Fixer" Anthony Pellicano, a private investigator that worked for some of Hollywood's top lawyers, musicians, comedians, actors, and more from the 1980s to the early 2000s.
Pellicano's unorthodox and often ruthless methods ultimately led to his downfall. In 2006, he was formally out of the business when he was arrested on charges of conspiring to wiretap and blackmail. After a trial that exposed his covert operation, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2008.
Before watching "Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano," which hit FX and Hulu on March 10, here...
Pellicano's unorthodox and often ruthless methods ultimately led to his downfall. In 2006, he was formally out of the business when he was arrested on charges of conspiring to wiretap and blackmail. After a trial that exposed his covert operation, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2008.
Before watching "Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano," which hit FX and Hulu on March 10, here...
- 3/10/2023
- by Alicia Geigel
- Popsugar.com
Click here to read the full article.
Not long ago, Brad Herman, the right-hand man to hush-hush Hollywood, invited a longtime client, legendary Motown songwriter Eddie Holland, to a private visit with another client, The Supremes’ Cindy Birdsong, who since September 2021 has resided in a Los Angeles-area care facility after two strokes that have left her unable to walk or speak. Herman, who says he’s been granted power of attorney over the singer, had worked with Birdsong’s family members to extricate her from a previous living arrangement.
“Eddie puts his hand behind her head, very delicately, sweetly, saying, ‘Cindy, I’m really happy to see you,’ then he just sat there real close and sang in her ear: ‘Baby Love,’ ‘Love Child,’ ‘Someday We’ll Be Together,’ ” Herman recalls, eyes tearing, rolling up a shirtsleeve to show a forearm prickling in memory: goose bumps. “Everyone who has a public face has drama.
Not long ago, Brad Herman, the right-hand man to hush-hush Hollywood, invited a longtime client, legendary Motown songwriter Eddie Holland, to a private visit with another client, The Supremes’ Cindy Birdsong, who since September 2021 has resided in a Los Angeles-area care facility after two strokes that have left her unable to walk or speak. Herman, who says he’s been granted power of attorney over the singer, had worked with Birdsong’s family members to extricate her from a previous living arrangement.
“Eddie puts his hand behind her head, very delicately, sweetly, saying, ‘Cindy, I’m really happy to see you,’ then he just sat there real close and sang in her ear: ‘Baby Love,’ ‘Love Child,’ ‘Someday We’ll Be Together,’ ” Herman recalls, eyes tearing, rolling up a shirtsleeve to show a forearm prickling in memory: goose bumps. “Everyone who has a public face has drama.
- 10/7/2022
- by Gary Baum
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: One of Hollywood’s heaviest hitting law firms just added some more punch to its name.
Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Llp will now be known as Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Holley Llp. The elevation of longtime lawyer Shawn Holley to the moniker as a name partner comes four months after the death of co-founder Howard Weitzman.
Renowned for her work with the likes of Kim Kardashian and her somewhat well-known family and projects, as well as a stint on O.J. Simpson’s so-called Dream Team during the NHL legend’s 1995 criminal trial among other high-profile matters, Holley actually joined Kwik at its 2006 inception at the invitation of Weitzman himself.
“Shawn is an incredible lawyer. Her trial skills are unparalleled, and, even more important is her ability to quietly settle matters before full blown litigation takes place, Dale Kinsella told Deadline today. “She has been a key player in establishing...
Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Llp will now be known as Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Holley Llp. The elevation of longtime lawyer Shawn Holley to the moniker as a name partner comes four months after the death of co-founder Howard Weitzman.
Renowned for her work with the likes of Kim Kardashian and her somewhat well-known family and projects, as well as a stint on O.J. Simpson’s so-called Dream Team during the NHL legend’s 1995 criminal trial among other high-profile matters, Holley actually joined Kwik at its 2006 inception at the invitation of Weitzman himself.
“Shawn is an incredible lawyer. Her trial skills are unparalleled, and, even more important is her ability to quietly settle matters before full blown litigation takes place, Dale Kinsella told Deadline today. “She has been a key player in establishing...
- 7/6/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Shawn Holley has long been a respected pillar of the legal community, and now her name is on the door of one of Hollywood’s top entertainment law firms.
The new Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Holley moniker not only acknowledges Holley’s achievements but also continues honoring the legacy of the late Howard Weitzman, the firm’s co-founder who died in April.
Holley, who joined the firm as partner at its inception in 2006, is the rare hybrid attorney who represents entertainment’s elite in both criminal and civil litigation matters.
Holley with Kim Kardashian West. Courtesy of Kwikh
Though discreet about ...
The new Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Holley moniker not only acknowledges Holley’s achievements but also continues honoring the legacy of the late Howard Weitzman, the firm’s co-founder who died in April.
Holley, who joined the firm as partner at its inception in 2006, is the rare hybrid attorney who represents entertainment’s elite in both criminal and civil litigation matters.
Holley with Kim Kardashian West. Courtesy of Kwikh
Though discreet about ...
Shawn Holley has long been a respected pillar of the legal community, and now her name is on the door of one of Hollywood’s top entertainment law firms.
The new Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Holley moniker not only acknowledges Holley’s achievements but also continues honoring the legacy of the late Howard Weitzman, the firm’s co-founder who died in April.
Holley, who joined the firm as partner at its inception in 2006, is the rare hybrid attorney who represents entertainment’s elite in both criminal and civil litigation matters.
Holley with Kim Kardashian West. Courtesy of Kwikh
Though discreet about ...
The new Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Holley moniker not only acknowledges Holley’s achievements but also continues honoring the legacy of the late Howard Weitzman, the firm’s co-founder who died in April.
Holley, who joined the firm as partner at its inception in 2006, is the rare hybrid attorney who represents entertainment’s elite in both criminal and civil litigation matters.
Holley with Kim Kardashian West. Courtesy of Kwikh
Though discreet about ...
Howard Weitzman, the Hollywood power lawyer whose clients at one time included Justin Bieber, Ozzy Osbourne, the Michael Jackson estate and O.J. Simpson, died Wednesday at the age of 81.
Weitzman’s son Jed confirmed to Billboard that his father died peacefully at his Los Angeles home following a battle with cancer.
“Our beloved friend and partner Howard Weitzman passed away yesterday,” Weitzman’s firm Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Llp said in a statement to Rolling Stone. “A renowned trial lawyer and dealmaker, Howard skillfully handled some of the most famous cases in Hollywood.
Weitzman’s son Jed confirmed to Billboard that his father died peacefully at his Los Angeles home following a battle with cancer.
“Our beloved friend and partner Howard Weitzman passed away yesterday,” Weitzman’s firm Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Llp said in a statement to Rolling Stone. “A renowned trial lawyer and dealmaker, Howard skillfully handled some of the most famous cases in Hollywood.
- 4/8/2021
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Howard Weitzman, the high-powered Hollywood lawyer with an A-list clientele that included O.J. Simpson and Michael Jackson, died Wednesday following a battle with cancer, a representative of his firm, Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert, told TheWrap. He was 81.
Weitzman, a founding partner Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, represented some of the biggest names in entertainment. He was the Michael Jackson estate’s attorney during its battle with the IRS, and successfully defended automaker John DeLorean during his infamous drug trafficking trial in the 1980s.
He rose to public notoriety in the early 1990s when he initially represented O.J. Simpson after Simpson’s arrest for murder, before stepping down citing an inability to lessen his other work; he was portrayed by actor Ken Lerner in the acclaimed miniseries “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.”
Weitzman also served high-powered Hollywood executives, among them Ron Meyer, whom Weitzman represented in negotiations...
Weitzman, a founding partner Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, represented some of the biggest names in entertainment. He was the Michael Jackson estate’s attorney during its battle with the IRS, and successfully defended automaker John DeLorean during his infamous drug trafficking trial in the 1980s.
He rose to public notoriety in the early 1990s when he initially represented O.J. Simpson after Simpson’s arrest for murder, before stepping down citing an inability to lessen his other work; he was portrayed by actor Ken Lerner in the acclaimed miniseries “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.”
Weitzman also served high-powered Hollywood executives, among them Ron Meyer, whom Weitzman represented in negotiations...
- 4/8/2021
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Updated with statement from firm: Attorney Howard Weitzman, who had a client list including Michael Jackson, O.J. Simpson, Marlon Brando, Morgan Freeman, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ron Meyer and CAA, has died. He was 81.
The Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Llp founding partner passed away Wednesday in his hometown of Los Angeles from cancer. The firm issued a collective statement on Thursday morning:
Our beloved friend and partner Howard Weitzman passed away yesterday. A renowned trial lawyer and dealmaker, Howard skillfully handled some of the most famous cases in Hollywood. Howard’s wit, charm, and brilliant legal mind are legendary, and we will miss him dearly. We send our love and condolences to Howard’s wife Margaret, his sons Armen and Jed, and to his many clients, friends, and admirers. Rip Howard, you will always be a giant.
One of the first lawyers to withdraw from defending NFL superstar Simpson in his infamous...
The Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Llp founding partner passed away Wednesday in his hometown of Los Angeles from cancer. The firm issued a collective statement on Thursday morning:
Our beloved friend and partner Howard Weitzman passed away yesterday. A renowned trial lawyer and dealmaker, Howard skillfully handled some of the most famous cases in Hollywood. Howard’s wit, charm, and brilliant legal mind are legendary, and we will miss him dearly. We send our love and condolences to Howard’s wife Margaret, his sons Armen and Jed, and to his many clients, friends, and admirers. Rip Howard, you will always be a giant.
One of the first lawyers to withdraw from defending NFL superstar Simpson in his infamous...
- 4/8/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Howard Weitzman, a fixture on The Hollywood Reporter’s annual list of Power Lawyers for representing the likes of Marlon Brando, Morgan Freeman, Justin Bieber and other A-list stars, has died. He was 81.
Weitzman’s son Jed told Billboard that his father died peacefully at his Pacific Palisades home Wednesday surrounded by family, listening to music from his favorite artists, Neil Young, Led Zeppelin and Joni Mitchell. A source said the cause of death was cancer.
It was on behalf of notorious automaker John DeLorean in the 1980s and O.J. Simpson in the 1990s that Weitzman became known to many ...
Weitzman’s son Jed told Billboard that his father died peacefully at his Pacific Palisades home Wednesday surrounded by family, listening to music from his favorite artists, Neil Young, Led Zeppelin and Joni Mitchell. A source said the cause of death was cancer.
It was on behalf of notorious automaker John DeLorean in the 1980s and O.J. Simpson in the 1990s that Weitzman became known to many ...
Howard Weitzman, a fixture on The Hollywood Reporter’s annual list of Power Lawyers for representing the likes of Marlon Brando, Morgan Freeman, Justin Bieber and other A-list stars, has died. He was 81.
Weitzman’s son Jed told Billboard that his father died peacefully at his Los Angeles home Wednesday surrounded by family, listening to music from his favorite artists, Neil Young, Led Zeppelin and Joni Mitchell. A source said the cause of death was cancer.
It was on behalf of O.J. Simpson in the 1990s that Weitzman became known to a public outside Hollywood. Before the “Dream Team”...
Weitzman’s son Jed told Billboard that his father died peacefully at his Los Angeles home Wednesday surrounded by family, listening to music from his favorite artists, Neil Young, Led Zeppelin and Joni Mitchell. A source said the cause of death was cancer.
It was on behalf of O.J. Simpson in the 1990s that Weitzman became known to a public outside Hollywood. Before the “Dream Team”...
An appeals court on Monday handed a victory to the estate of Michael Jackson in its battle over the 2019 HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland,” which accused the late singer of sexually abusing two young boys.
The Jackson estate sued HBO for $100 million, arguing that the documentary violated a 27-year-old non-disparagement clause from a 1992 concert film from the “Dangerous” tour. HBO has argued that the clause is irrelevant to the present dispute and accuses the Jackson estate of seeking to silence victims of sexual abuse.
Last year, a lower court granted the estate’s motion to take the dispute to arbitration, as provided by the contract. HBO appealed, but on Monday a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeal upheld the lower court ruling. The judges conceded that the suit may be “frivolous,” as HBO has claimed, but said it will be up to an arbitrator to make that call.
The Jackson estate sued HBO for $100 million, arguing that the documentary violated a 27-year-old non-disparagement clause from a 1992 concert film from the “Dangerous” tour. HBO has argued that the clause is irrelevant to the present dispute and accuses the Jackson estate of seeking to silence victims of sexual abuse.
Last year, a lower court granted the estate’s motion to take the dispute to arbitration, as provided by the contract. HBO appealed, but on Monday a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeal upheld the lower court ruling. The judges conceded that the suit may be “frivolous,” as HBO has claimed, but said it will be up to an arbitrator to make that call.
- 12/14/2020
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed is embroiled in a legal wrangle with Michael Jackson’s legacy companies as he attempts to shoot a sequel to his explosive, Emmy-winning Channel 4/HBO documentary.
Deadline can reveal that Reed has been filming in the Los Angeles Superior Court as Wade Robson and James Safechuck, the two men at the center of Leaving Neverland, pursue separate claims against Mjj Productions and Mjj Ventures after alleging that they were sexually assaulted by the King of Pop when they were minors.
Reed’s footage will be used in a follow-up film for Channel 4, in which he captures the legal wars being waged by Robson and Safechuck after their emotional Leaving Neverland interviews lit a fire under concerns that Jackson was a predator. In producing the second documentary, however, Mjj Productions and Mjj Ventures have sought to entangle Reed in the court proceedings.
Jackson’s...
Deadline can reveal that Reed has been filming in the Los Angeles Superior Court as Wade Robson and James Safechuck, the two men at the center of Leaving Neverland, pursue separate claims against Mjj Productions and Mjj Ventures after alleging that they were sexually assaulted by the King of Pop when they were minors.
Reed’s footage will be used in a follow-up film for Channel 4, in which he captures the legal wars being waged by Robson and Safechuck after their emotional Leaving Neverland interviews lit a fire under concerns that Jackson was a predator. In producing the second documentary, however, Mjj Productions and Mjj Ventures have sought to entangle Reed in the court proceedings.
Jackson’s...
- 10/21/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
TV producer Aaron Kaplan has accused his sister-in-law of extortion over a dispute involving the trust of his late brother, Joe Kaplan.
In a lawsuit filed on Wednesday, Elizabeth Kaplan (née Elizabeth McAdams) said that, following the death of her husband in 2018, she discovered two cameras in a closet in her master bedroom, suggesting that Aaron Kaplan had them installed to inappropriately spy on her while she undressed or was in her underwear. But that lawsuit comes in response to a petition for instruction that Aaron Kaplan — the executor of Joe’s will and a trustee of his trust — filed in February, which lays out a list of damning accusations against Elizabeth.
Among them, Elizabeth Kaplan is accused of attempting to modify Joe Kaplan’s trust to her benefit, taking or attempting to take assets worth more than $1.5 million that do not belong to her, pocketing $10,000 in cash from Joe’s closet “in bad faith,...
In a lawsuit filed on Wednesday, Elizabeth Kaplan (née Elizabeth McAdams) said that, following the death of her husband in 2018, she discovered two cameras in a closet in her master bedroom, suggesting that Aaron Kaplan had them installed to inappropriately spy on her while she undressed or was in her underwear. But that lawsuit comes in response to a petition for instruction that Aaron Kaplan — the executor of Joe’s will and a trustee of his trust — filed in February, which lays out a list of damning accusations against Elizabeth.
Among them, Elizabeth Kaplan is accused of attempting to modify Joe Kaplan’s trust to her benefit, taking or attempting to take assets worth more than $1.5 million that do not belong to her, pocketing $10,000 in cash from Joe’s closet “in bad faith,...
- 4/11/2020
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Wrap
Joel Katz, the general counsel for the Recording Academy, denied Deborah Dugan’s accusation that he sexually harassed her in a private meeting last year.
Dugan accused Katz of making suggestive comments about her appearance and attempting to flirt with and kiss her during a dinner in May 2019. The accusations were outlined as part of a formal complaint she and her lawyers filed to the Eeoc on Tuesday.
“Ms. Dugan’s allegations of harassment and her description of a dinner at the steakhouse in the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel are false, and Mr. Katz categorically and emphatically denies her version of that evening,” Katz’s attorney Howard Weitzman said in a statement obtained by TheWrap.
Also Read: Grammy Drama: 7 Most Explosive Accusations by Ousted Recording Academy CEO Deborah Dugan
“This dinner meeting was 2½ months before Ms. Dugan started her job,” he continued. “Mr. Katz believed they had a productive and...
Dugan accused Katz of making suggestive comments about her appearance and attempting to flirt with and kiss her during a dinner in May 2019. The accusations were outlined as part of a formal complaint she and her lawyers filed to the Eeoc on Tuesday.
“Ms. Dugan’s allegations of harassment and her description of a dinner at the steakhouse in the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel are false, and Mr. Katz categorically and emphatically denies her version of that evening,” Katz’s attorney Howard Weitzman said in a statement obtained by TheWrap.
Also Read: Grammy Drama: 7 Most Explosive Accusations by Ousted Recording Academy CEO Deborah Dugan
“This dinner meeting was 2½ months before Ms. Dugan started her job,” he continued. “Mr. Katz believed they had a productive and...
- 1/22/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Recently ousted Recording Academy president and CEO Deborah Dugan’s explosive Eeoc complaint includes allegations that she was sexually harassed last year by Joel Katz, the Academy’s general counsel. Katz today issued a statement through his attorney “categorically” denying her claim.
Dugan alleges that Katz harassed her while they were attending the first of a three-day meeting of the Academy’s board in May.
“Ms. Dugan’s allegations of harassment and her description of a dinner at the steakhouse in the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel are false, and Mr. Katz categorically and emphatically denies her version of that evening,” attorney Howard Weitzman said.
“This dinner meeting was 2½ months before Ms. Dugan started her job,” he added. “Mr. Katz believed they had a productive and professional meeting in a restaurant where a number of members of the Board of Trustees of the Academy, and others, were dining.
“Ms. Dugan’s claims are made,...
Dugan alleges that Katz harassed her while they were attending the first of a three-day meeting of the Academy’s board in May.
“Ms. Dugan’s allegations of harassment and her description of a dinner at the steakhouse in the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel are false, and Mr. Katz categorically and emphatically denies her version of that evening,” attorney Howard Weitzman said.
“This dinner meeting was 2½ months before Ms. Dugan started her job,” he added. “Mr. Katz believed they had a productive and professional meeting in a restaurant where a number of members of the Board of Trustees of the Academy, and others, were dining.
“Ms. Dugan’s claims are made,...
- 1/22/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Recording Academy CEO Deborah Dugan claims she was sexually harassed by the general counsel to the Academy and put on administrative leave for raising numerous concerns about goings-on at the Grammys in a new filing with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The 46-page complaint arrives just days before the 62nd Grammy Awards.
The complaint – a charge of discrimination – is the latest in an increasingly heated dispute between Dugan and the Recording Academy. Dugan was placed on administrative leave last Thursday, 10 days before the Grammy Awards, over an alleged misconduct complaint.
The complaint – a charge of discrimination – is the latest in an increasingly heated dispute between Dugan and the Recording Academy. Dugan was placed on administrative leave last Thursday, 10 days before the Grammy Awards, over an alleged misconduct complaint.
- 1/21/2020
- by Ethan Millman and Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
The California 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal has revived lawsuits filed by James Safechuck and Wade Robson, the two men at the center of the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, who claimed they were sexually assaulted by Michael Jackson when they were minors.
The court was looking at whether the plaintiffs had waited too long to sue two of Jackson’s corporations, Mjj Productions Inc and Mjj Ventures Inc, for their involvement in the alleged abuse of the boys. The statue of limitations has previously kept the cases from moving forward against the corporations, cited in the suit for intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and breach of fiduciary duty.
On January 1, 2020, California law was officially amended to allow alleged victims of childhood sexual assault to bring claims before their 40th birthdays. The law previously cut off such lawsuits filed after the age of 26, as in the cases of Safechuck (who...
The court was looking at whether the plaintiffs had waited too long to sue two of Jackson’s corporations, Mjj Productions Inc and Mjj Ventures Inc, for their involvement in the alleged abuse of the boys. The statue of limitations has previously kept the cases from moving forward against the corporations, cited in the suit for intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and breach of fiduciary duty.
On January 1, 2020, California law was officially amended to allow alleged victims of childhood sexual assault to bring claims before their 40th birthdays. The law previously cut off such lawsuits filed after the age of 26, as in the cases of Safechuck (who...
- 1/3/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Thanks to a new law, Wade Robson and James Safechuck — two men who have accused Michael Jackson of sexually abusing them when they were children — will get the chance to sue two corporate entities tied to the Jackson estate.
On January 1st a new California law went into effect that allows victims of childhood sexual abuse until the age of 40 (up from 26) to file civil lawsuits. The new law also extended the statute of limitations on a provision that stated victims could sue a third-party entities tied to the alleged abuser that either knew,...
On January 1st a new California law went into effect that allows victims of childhood sexual abuse until the age of 40 (up from 26) to file civil lawsuits. The new law also extended the statute of limitations on a provision that stated victims could sue a third-party entities tied to the alleged abuser that either knew,...
- 1/3/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
The Michael Jackson estate and The Walt Disney Company have settled a copyright lawsuit over the ABC-tv special The Last Days Of Michael Jackson.
The Jackson estate’s main lawyer confirmed the settlement. “The dispute with Disney has been amicably resolved,” said attorney Howard Weitzman. Disney has not commented.
The dispute was over the use of Jackson’s image and music in the 2018 special. The estate claimed that permission was not asked before use.
The lawsuit was filed in May 2018, alleging use of unauthorized music videos, concert performances, documentary footage and other items. The Jackson estate claimed it found out about the special just days before its premiere, and objected to the use of Jackson’s image in promo materials. ABC removed the promo images, but claimed the other materials were available under the “fair use” doctrine of Us copyright law.
A jury trial was scheduled to begin this month.
The Jackson estate’s main lawyer confirmed the settlement. “The dispute with Disney has been amicably resolved,” said attorney Howard Weitzman. Disney has not commented.
The dispute was over the use of Jackson’s image and music in the 2018 special. The estate claimed that permission was not asked before use.
The lawsuit was filed in May 2018, alleging use of unauthorized music videos, concert performances, documentary footage and other items. The Jackson estate claimed it found out about the special just days before its premiere, and objected to the use of Jackson’s image in promo materials. ABC removed the promo images, but claimed the other materials were available under the “fair use” doctrine of Us copyright law.
A jury trial was scheduled to begin this month.
- 12/20/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The Michael Jackson estate has settled its copyright lawsuit with Disney over the TV special The Last Days of Michael Jackson, which aired on ABC in 2018 and, according to the estate, used Jackson’s image and music without permission.
“The matter was amicably resolved,” a rep from the Jackson estate told Rolling Stone Thursday. Reps for ABC and Disney did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Details of the settlement were not revealed.
In May 2018, the Jackson estate, which had previously voiced its disapproval of the unauthorized The Last Days of Michael Jackson,...
“The matter was amicably resolved,” a rep from the Jackson estate told Rolling Stone Thursday. Reps for ABC and Disney did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Details of the settlement were not revealed.
In May 2018, the Jackson estate, which had previously voiced its disapproval of the unauthorized The Last Days of Michael Jackson,...
- 12/19/2019
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
The Michael Jackson Estate has reached an undisclosed settlement with Disney, putting to bed a 2018 copyright infringement lawsuit over “The Last Days of Michael Jackson” TV special.
Both sides filed a notice in U.S. District Court Wednesday to dismiss the complaint in favor of a settlement.
In the suit, which was brought against Disney in May of 2018, the estate called the special “a mediocre look back at Michael Jackson’s life and entertainment career,” and accused Disney of swiping the estate’s intellectual property.
Also Read: Authorized Michael Jackson Biopic in the Works With Writer John Logan, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' Producer
Among the allegedly infringed-on property were substantial portions of Jackson hits, including “Billy Jean,” Beat It” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” as well as extensive parts of Jackson music videos including “Thriller” and “Black or White.”
Disney claimed that the material fell under “fair...
Both sides filed a notice in U.S. District Court Wednesday to dismiss the complaint in favor of a settlement.
In the suit, which was brought against Disney in May of 2018, the estate called the special “a mediocre look back at Michael Jackson’s life and entertainment career,” and accused Disney of swiping the estate’s intellectual property.
Also Read: Authorized Michael Jackson Biopic in the Works With Writer John Logan, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' Producer
Among the allegedly infringed-on property were substantial portions of Jackson hits, including “Billy Jean,” Beat It” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” as well as extensive parts of Jackson music videos including “Thriller” and “Black or White.”
Disney claimed that the material fell under “fair...
- 12/19/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
The Michael Jackson Estate has reached a confidential settlement with Disney over a 2018 TV special that included numerous clips from Jackson’s songs and music videos.
The estate sued in May 2018, alleging that “The Last Days of Michael Jackson” engaged in “astounding” copyright infringement. According to the suit, the ABC special used portions of more than 30 songs and videos belonging to the estate, including “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and clips from the “Thriller” music video and the “This Is It” concert documentary. The estate alleged that the producers never reached out for a license to use the material, and instead decided to use it all for free.
Disney contended that it was entitled to use the clips under the “fair use” doctrine.
The two sides filed a notice on Wednesday dismissing the complaint pursuant to a settlement.
“The dispute with Disney has been amicably resolved,” said Howard Weitzman, attorney for the Jackson estate,...
The estate sued in May 2018, alleging that “The Last Days of Michael Jackson” engaged in “astounding” copyright infringement. According to the suit, the ABC special used portions of more than 30 songs and videos belonging to the estate, including “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and clips from the “Thriller” music video and the “This Is It” concert documentary. The estate alleged that the producers never reached out for a license to use the material, and instead decided to use it all for free.
Disney contended that it was entitled to use the clips under the “fair use” doctrine.
The two sides filed a notice on Wednesday dismissing the complaint pursuant to a settlement.
“The dispute with Disney has been amicably resolved,” said Howard Weitzman, attorney for the Jackson estate,...
- 12/19/2019
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The dance-off over Leaving Neverland is far far from over. Less than a month after HBO lost an attempt to get the multimillion-dollar lawsuit from the estate of Michael Jackson against the Emmy-winning documentary tossed out, and saw a federal judge shift the whole matter towards arbitration, the AT&T-owned premium cabler kicked back Monday. In a short filing, HBO’s lawyers from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher Llp and O’Melveny & Myers Llp notified the court that they intend to take the matter upstairs, so to speak.
“Please take notice that Defendant Home Box Office, Inc. hereby appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from this Court’s order granting Plaintiffs’ Motion to Compel Arbitration (the “Order”),” Theodore J. Boutrous Jr. and Daniel Petrocelli wrote the court today in a move to dispense of Judge George Wu’s ruling of September 20 against their anti-slapp motion in the highly charged case.
“Please take notice that Defendant Home Box Office, Inc. hereby appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from this Court’s order granting Plaintiffs’ Motion to Compel Arbitration (the “Order”),” Theodore J. Boutrous Jr. and Daniel Petrocelli wrote the court today in a move to dispense of Judge George Wu’s ruling of September 20 against their anti-slapp motion in the highly charged case.
- 10/21/2019
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
A judge’s tentative ruling Thursday will allow Michael Jackson’s estate to continue its $100 million lawsuit against HBO for airing the documentary “Leaving Neverland.”
U.S. District Court Judge George Wu is expected to issue a final decision at the end of September.
The Jackson estate filed the lawsuit against HBO in February on the grounds that the “Leaving Neverland” documentary violated the terms of a non-disparagement clause of a 1992 agreement that granted HBO the right to air video from his “Dangerous” tour.
HBO filed a motion in August asking that the estate’s lawsuit be dismissed, citing the First Amendment. The documentary details accusations by Wade Robson and James Safechuck that Jackson sexually abused them when they were children.
“The estate will never stop until justice has been obtained,” said Bryan J. Freedman, a representative for the Jackson estate.
Howard Weitzman, attorney for the Jackson estate, told TheWrap...
U.S. District Court Judge George Wu is expected to issue a final decision at the end of September.
The Jackson estate filed the lawsuit against HBO in February on the grounds that the “Leaving Neverland” documentary violated the terms of a non-disparagement clause of a 1992 agreement that granted HBO the right to air video from his “Dangerous” tour.
HBO filed a motion in August asking that the estate’s lawsuit be dismissed, citing the First Amendment. The documentary details accusations by Wade Robson and James Safechuck that Jackson sexually abused them when they were children.
“The estate will never stop until justice has been obtained,” said Bryan J. Freedman, a representative for the Jackson estate.
Howard Weitzman, attorney for the Jackson estate, told TheWrap...
- 9/19/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Updated, 9:55 Am: A federal judge in the lawsuit against HBO over its documentary Leaving Neverland has denied the Michael Jackson estate’s motion for immediate arbitration. The family had been trying to have the case be decided by the American Arbitration Association and to have it sent back to state court, but U.S. District Court Judge George H. Wu denied both motions, giving the premium cable net an early win in the legal battle. Read details of the case below.
Previosuly, May 2: The controversial Leaving Neverland made its debut on March 3, but the estate of Michael Jackson and HBO are still fighting over the sex abuse documentary in a $100 million lawsuit. Today, the premium cabler made a move to shut down a shift to arbitration by the deceased performer’s lawyers
“Optimum Productions and John Branca and John McClain, in their capacities as co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson,...
Previosuly, May 2: The controversial Leaving Neverland made its debut on March 3, but the estate of Michael Jackson and HBO are still fighting over the sex abuse documentary in a $100 million lawsuit. Today, the premium cabler made a move to shut down a shift to arbitration by the deceased performer’s lawyers
“Optimum Productions and John Branca and John McClain, in their capacities as co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson,...
- 5/29/2019
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
David Crow Feb 21, 2019
The Michael Jackson estate sues HBO for up to $100 million over its depiction of the late pop star and allegations of sexual assault.
Forget about the man in the mirror; we’re about to see how deep his brand extends beyond death, because the estate of Michael Jackson has announced legal action against HBO for the impending premiere of Leaving Neverland, a highly anticipated two-part documentary from filmmaker Dan Reed about detailed sexual assault allegations against the late King of Pop.
Premiering last month at the Sundance Film Festival (and under heightened police security), Leaving Neverland has earned international headlines for being an apparently harrowing viewing experience. IndieWire’s David Ehrlich said it may change the way you listen to Michael Jackson music forever… if you in fact can. Perhaps that reaction has added the Jackson estate’s desire to seek an injunction against Home Broadcasting Office over the film,...
The Michael Jackson estate sues HBO for up to $100 million over its depiction of the late pop star and allegations of sexual assault.
Forget about the man in the mirror; we’re about to see how deep his brand extends beyond death, because the estate of Michael Jackson has announced legal action against HBO for the impending premiere of Leaving Neverland, a highly anticipated two-part documentary from filmmaker Dan Reed about detailed sexual assault allegations against the late King of Pop.
Premiering last month at the Sundance Film Festival (and under heightened police security), Leaving Neverland has earned international headlines for being an apparently harrowing viewing experience. IndieWire’s David Ehrlich said it may change the way you listen to Michael Jackson music forever… if you in fact can. Perhaps that reaction has added the Jackson estate’s desire to seek an injunction against Home Broadcasting Office over the film,...
- 2/21/2019
- Den of Geek
The Estate of Michael Jackson continued its fight against HBO and its new documentary “Leaving Neverland” on Thursday, suing the cable outlet for violating the terms of an agreement HBO had with Jackson dating back to 1992.
The estate is seeking damages that it says could exceed more than $100 million.
“Despite the desperate lengths taken to undermine the film, our plans remain unchanged,” HBO said in a statement. “HBO will move forward with the airing of the two-part documentary on March 3 and 4. This will allow everyone the opportunity to assess the film and the claims in it for themselves.”
In the lawsuit, the estate says that with the “Leaving Neverland” documentary, HBO has violated a non-disparagement clause that was part of an agreement the two sides had which granted HBO the right to air Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour live.
“HBO breached its agreement not to disparage Michael Jackson by producing...
The estate is seeking damages that it says could exceed more than $100 million.
“Despite the desperate lengths taken to undermine the film, our plans remain unchanged,” HBO said in a statement. “HBO will move forward with the airing of the two-part documentary on March 3 and 4. This will allow everyone the opportunity to assess the film and the claims in it for themselves.”
In the lawsuit, the estate says that with the “Leaving Neverland” documentary, HBO has violated a non-disparagement clause that was part of an agreement the two sides had which granted HBO the right to air Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour live.
“HBO breached its agreement not to disparage Michael Jackson by producing...
- 2/21/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Updated with HBO statement: The burgeoning battle between the estate of Michael Jackson and HBO over the controversial Leaving Neverland sex abuse documentary is moving into a full-scale legal war that could cost the premium cabler up to $100 million.
“The Jackson Estate will seek all damages proximately caused by HBO’s reprehensible disparagement of Michael Jackson, which could exceed $100 million should HBO succeed in the damage it is intending to cause to the legacy of Michael Jackson,” reads a breach of contract complaint in which lawyers from Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert LL and Freedman + Tailtelman Llp seek an injunction and arbitration. The lawsuit (read it here) was filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court.
“Petitioners further pray that the arbitrator award punitive damages in the maximum amount permissible if and when Petitioners show their entitlement to such damages,” the 53-page filing adds.
Having premiered under a heavy police presence...
“The Jackson Estate will seek all damages proximately caused by HBO’s reprehensible disparagement of Michael Jackson, which could exceed $100 million should HBO succeed in the damage it is intending to cause to the legacy of Michael Jackson,” reads a breach of contract complaint in which lawyers from Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert LL and Freedman + Tailtelman Llp seek an injunction and arbitration. The lawsuit (read it here) was filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court.
“Petitioners further pray that the arbitrator award punitive damages in the maximum amount permissible if and when Petitioners show their entitlement to such damages,” the 53-page filing adds.
Having premiered under a heavy police presence...
- 2/21/2019
- by Dominic Patten and Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The estate of Michael Jackson sued HBO on Thursday, accusing the cable channel of violating a non-disparagement clause by agreeing to run “Leaving Neverland,” a documentary accusing Jackson of sexual abuse.
The suit seeks to compel HBO to litigate the matter in a public arbitration process, and claims that the estate could be awarded $100 million or more in damages.
HBO said its “plans remain unchanged” to air the film.
“Despite the desperate lengths taken to undermine the film, our plans remain unchanged. HBO will move forward with the airing of ‘Leaving Neverland,’ the two-part documentary, on March 3 and 4,” an HBO spokesperson said. “This will allow everyone the opportunity to assess the film and the claims in it for themselves.”
According to the suit, HBO agreed in 1992 to run “Michael Jackson in Concert in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour.” The contract included a non-disparagement agreement.
The suit alleges that the documentary is based on false accusations,...
The suit seeks to compel HBO to litigate the matter in a public arbitration process, and claims that the estate could be awarded $100 million or more in damages.
HBO said its “plans remain unchanged” to air the film.
“Despite the desperate lengths taken to undermine the film, our plans remain unchanged. HBO will move forward with the airing of ‘Leaving Neverland,’ the two-part documentary, on March 3 and 4,” an HBO spokesperson said. “This will allow everyone the opportunity to assess the film and the claims in it for themselves.”
According to the suit, HBO agreed in 1992 to run “Michael Jackson in Concert in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour.” The contract included a non-disparagement agreement.
The suit alleges that the documentary is based on false accusations,...
- 2/21/2019
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Update, 3:30 Pm: Despite a scathing letter from the lawyer for Michael Jackson’s estate over the Leaving Neverland child sex abuse documentary debuting next month, HBO has no plans to sit down with reps of the deceased Thriller singer.
“No, we are not meeting with them,” the premium cabler’s programming chief Casey Bloys said Friday in response to the leak of the correspondence sent to HBO CEO Richard Plepler yesterday (see details from the letter below).
“The one thing I would say about this documentary is I would ask everybody to watch it and make their judgments after seeing it,” Bloys insisted outside HBO’s TCA presentation Friday. Circumspect about the controversy surrounding the film from Dan Reed, Bloys added that “there are no plans to change the airdate.”
HBO said Friday that Leaving Neverland would premiere on the network over two nights March 3 and March 4.
As for the estate,...
“No, we are not meeting with them,” the premium cabler’s programming chief Casey Bloys said Friday in response to the leak of the correspondence sent to HBO CEO Richard Plepler yesterday (see details from the letter below).
“The one thing I would say about this documentary is I would ask everybody to watch it and make their judgments after seeing it,” Bloys insisted outside HBO’s TCA presentation Friday. Circumspect about the controversy surrounding the film from Dan Reed, Bloys added that “there are no plans to change the airdate.”
HBO said Friday that Leaving Neverland would premiere on the network over two nights March 3 and March 4.
As for the estate,...
- 2/8/2019
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO is sticking with its decision to release a controversial documentary about Michael Jackson in the face of criticism from the late pop singer’s estate.
“It doesn’t change our plans,” HBO programming president Casey Bloys told Variety Friday. “We announced the air date. It will air as planned.”
Earlier Friday, the Jackson estate sent a letter to HBO chief executive Richard Plepler calling “Leaving Neverland” a “one-sided, sensationalist program” and declaring that the film “will go down as the most shameful episode in HBO’s history.”
Directed by Dan Reed, the four-hour film tells the story of two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who allege that the Jackson abused them sexually when they were children. The film drew praise following its premiere last month at the Sundance film festival, with Variety critic Owen Gleiberman calling Robson and Safechuck’s testimony “overwhelmingly powerful and convincing.”
The response to...
“It doesn’t change our plans,” HBO programming president Casey Bloys told Variety Friday. “We announced the air date. It will air as planned.”
Earlier Friday, the Jackson estate sent a letter to HBO chief executive Richard Plepler calling “Leaving Neverland” a “one-sided, sensationalist program” and declaring that the film “will go down as the most shameful episode in HBO’s history.”
Directed by Dan Reed, the four-hour film tells the story of two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who allege that the Jackson abused them sexually when they were children. The film drew praise following its premiere last month at the Sundance film festival, with Variety critic Owen Gleiberman calling Robson and Safechuck’s testimony “overwhelmingly powerful and convincing.”
The response to...
- 2/8/2019
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
Just as HBO sets a March 3 premiere date for Leaving Neverland, the documentary that left audiences at the Sundance Film Festival in tears with tales of Michael Jackson sexual abuse, the late pop star's estate has sent a blistering 10-page letter to HBO to address problems in the documentary and requesting a meeting to discuss a "solution."
The Hollywood Reporter has obtained the letter, which can be read in full below.
In the letter, addressed to HBO chief executive Richard Plepler from attorney Howard Weitzman, Leaving Neverland is characterized as "an admittedly one-sided, sensationalist program" that ...
The Hollywood Reporter has obtained the letter, which can be read in full below.
In the letter, addressed to HBO chief executive Richard Plepler from attorney Howard Weitzman, Leaving Neverland is characterized as "an admittedly one-sided, sensationalist program" that ...
Just as HBO sets a March 3 premiere date for Leaving Neverland, the documentary that left audiences at the Sundance Film Festival in tears with tales of Michael Jackson sexual abuse, the late pop star's estate has sent a blistering 10-page letter to HBO to address problems in the documentary and requesting a meeting to discuss a "solution."
The Hollywood Reporter has obtained the letter, which can be read in full below.
In the letter, addressed to HBO chief executive Richard Plepler from attorney Howard Weitzman, Leaving Neverland is characterized as "an admittedly one-sided, sensationalist program" that ...
The Hollywood Reporter has obtained the letter, which can be read in full below.
In the letter, addressed to HBO chief executive Richard Plepler from attorney Howard Weitzman, Leaving Neverland is characterized as "an admittedly one-sided, sensationalist program" that ...
HBO isn't backing down on its Michael Jackson documentary, Leaving Neverland.
Amid an unsubstantiated report that the network might not air the controversial doc due to threats from Jackson's estate lawyer Howard Weitzman, HBO has set a premiere date for the film. The first part of the four hour film will air on Sunday, March 3, with the second part following on Monday, March 4.
From the Television Critics Association press tour stage, HBO's executive vp of corporate communications called the documentary "incredibly powerful." The film follows two adult accusers — Wade Robson and James Safechuck ...
Amid an unsubstantiated report that the network might not air the controversial doc due to threats from Jackson's estate lawyer Howard Weitzman, HBO has set a premiere date for the film. The first part of the four hour film will air on Sunday, March 3, with the second part following on Monday, March 4.
From the Television Critics Association press tour stage, HBO's executive vp of corporate communications called the documentary "incredibly powerful." The film follows two adult accusers — Wade Robson and James Safechuck ...
After working on cases for the Kardashians and the Estate of Michael Jackson at one of Hollywood’s heavyweight law firms, Katherine Kleindienst, Joshua Rosenberg and Nicholas Soltman have been promoted to partners at Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert, Llp.
“We are delighted to welcome Kat, Josh and Nick into the Partnership,” says Kwika’s Managing Partner Lawrence Iser of the elevations. “They are dedicated and talented litigators, zealous advocates for our clients, and well-rounded, exceptional people.”
Along with matters involving Legendary and Warner Bros’ Kong: Skull Island and Bones Ep Barry Josephson’s ongoing battle with Fox over profits from the David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel led series, Kleindienst and Soltman have been deep in the docket for cosmetics lawsuits and more filed against the kinda high profile Kardashian and Jenner families.
Battles that stand out in a firm that has had The Walking Dead and Johnny Depp suits...
“We are delighted to welcome Kat, Josh and Nick into the Partnership,” says Kwika’s Managing Partner Lawrence Iser of the elevations. “They are dedicated and talented litigators, zealous advocates for our clients, and well-rounded, exceptional people.”
Along with matters involving Legendary and Warner Bros’ Kong: Skull Island and Bones Ep Barry Josephson’s ongoing battle with Fox over profits from the David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel led series, Kleindienst and Soltman have been deep in the docket for cosmetics lawsuits and more filed against the kinda high profile Kardashian and Jenner families.
Battles that stand out in a firm that has had The Walking Dead and Johnny Depp suits...
- 1/21/2019
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Closing Night films at festivals aren’t always the most prestigious slot you can get (witness the debacle of Terry Gilliam’s The Man Who Killed Don Quixote at Cannes this
year), but sometimes a surprise is in store. I think that is exactly the case for Venice tonight with its closer, Nick Hamm’s wild ride about the travails of car dreamer John DeLorean, Driven. And Driven indeed the man was to create his own legacy and eponymous car after striking out on his own following a successful gig as a top General Motors executive. For years, various producers and directors have tried to crack the code of the DeLorean story only to be stymied. The closest it has come to movie immortality is as the car featured in Back To The Future. Hamm thought there was another way, and a script (from Colin Bateman) finally got it right,...
year), but sometimes a surprise is in store. I think that is exactly the case for Venice tonight with its closer, Nick Hamm’s wild ride about the travails of car dreamer John DeLorean, Driven. And Driven indeed the man was to create his own legacy and eponymous car after striking out on his own following a successful gig as a top General Motors executive. For years, various producers and directors have tried to crack the code of the DeLorean story only to be stymied. The closest it has come to movie immortality is as the car featured in Back To The Future. Hamm thought there was another way, and a script (from Colin Bateman) finally got it right,...
- 9/8/2018
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Last week, a 2014 lawsuit brought by a Michael Jackson fan against Sony Music and the singer’s estate— which alleges that three songs on the posthumously released “Michael” album do not actually feature Jackson’s vocals — rose into public view when an onlooker misunderstood a comment by an attorney to mean that Sony had admitted that Jackson did not perform on the song. After online articles reported the inaccurate conclusion arising from the comment, reps for the estate and Sony quickly moved to clarify the matter and deny any such statement.
On Tuesday, three appeals court judges ruled in the estate and Sony’s favor, essentially removing the two parties from the class-action suit, which was brought by fan Vera Serova in 2014. Tuesday’s ruling — on an appeal brought by the estate and Sony — ruled that because the estate and Sony did not know for certain whether Jackson sang on the three songs,...
On Tuesday, three appeals court judges ruled in the estate and Sony’s favor, essentially removing the two parties from the class-action suit, which was brought by fan Vera Serova in 2014. Tuesday’s ruling — on an appeal brought by the estate and Sony — ruled that because the estate and Sony did not know for certain whether Jackson sang on the three songs,...
- 8/28/2018
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Updated: Articles published on Thursday claimed that Sony Music had “admitted” in a court hearing earlier this week that three tracks on “Michael,” the 2010 Michael Jackson album released posthumously by Sony’s Epic Records, contained lead vocals that were not actually by Michael Jackson — an assertion that the company denied in a statement released late Friday morning.
“No one has conceded that Michael Jackson did not sing on the songs,” said Zia Modabber of Katten Muchin Rosenman Llp, who is representing both Sony Music and the Jackson estate in this matter. “The hearing Tuesday was about whether the First Amendment protects Sony Music and the Estate and there has been no ruling on the issue of whose voice is on the recordings.”
The songs in question are “Breaking News,” “Monster” and “Keep Your Head Up,” which were released on “Michael,” the first album from a splashy ten-album 2010 deal between Jackson...
“No one has conceded that Michael Jackson did not sing on the songs,” said Zia Modabber of Katten Muchin Rosenman Llp, who is representing both Sony Music and the Jackson estate in this matter. “The hearing Tuesday was about whether the First Amendment protects Sony Music and the Estate and there has been no ruling on the issue of whose voice is on the recordings.”
The songs in question are “Breaking News,” “Monster” and “Keep Your Head Up,” which were released on “Michael,” the first album from a splashy ten-album 2010 deal between Jackson...
- 8/24/2018
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
The people who manage Michael Jackson's estate say The Walt Disney Co. has some nerve for profiting off the tears of Mj's kids and stealing a bunch of its property ... all to make a shoddy TV special they claim never came close to documenting Michael's 'Last Days.' The estate just sued The Walt Disney Co. claiming copyright infringement and saying it never had permission to use a bunch of its footage for...
- 5/30/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
The estate of Michael Jackson filed a copyright infringement suit on Wednesday against the Walt Disney Co., alleging that an ABC television special used Jackson’s songs and videos without permission.
The suit surrounds “The Last Days of Michael Jackson,” a TV special that aired on March 24. The estate alleges that the producers used songs including “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “The Girl Is Mine,” along with music videos such as “Thriller,” and clips from “This Is It,” the concert documentary.
“The extent of Disney’s use of the Estate’s intellectual property in ‘The Last Days of Michael Jackson’ is truly astounding,” the suit states.
According to the estate, Disney’s attorneys never reached out to obtain permission before the show aired. When the estate raised objections, Disney asserted that the show was a “documentary” and was entitled to use the material under the “fair use” doctrine. Howard Weitzman,...
The suit surrounds “The Last Days of Michael Jackson,” a TV special that aired on March 24. The estate alleges that the producers used songs including “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “The Girl Is Mine,” along with music videos such as “Thriller,” and clips from “This Is It,” the concert documentary.
“The extent of Disney’s use of the Estate’s intellectual property in ‘The Last Days of Michael Jackson’ is truly astounding,” the suit states.
According to the estate, Disney’s attorneys never reached out to obtain permission before the show aired. When the estate raised objections, Disney asserted that the show was a “documentary” and was entitled to use the material under the “fair use” doctrine. Howard Weitzman,...
- 5/30/2018
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
A California judge ruled that Michael Jackson’s estate and the companies it controls are not liable for the King of Pop’s alleged childhood sexual abuse of celebrity choreographer Wade Robson.
Robson first sued in 2013, claiming that Jackson abused him for nearly a decade. He later said in an amended complaint to his 2013 lawsuit that Mjj Productions, the late musician’s entertainment company, and Mjj Ventures were operations “specifically designed to locate, attract, lure and seduce child sexual abuse victims.” A probate court in 2015 rejected his claim against the estate itself, which left the two business entities as defendants.
Robson first sued in 2013, claiming that Jackson abused him for nearly a decade. He later said in an amended complaint to his 2013 lawsuit that Mjj Productions, the late musician’s entertainment company, and Mjj Ventures were operations “specifically designed to locate, attract, lure and seduce child sexual abuse victims.” A probate court in 2015 rejected his claim against the estate itself, which left the two business entities as defendants.
- 12/20/2017
- by Brianne Tracy
- PEOPLE.com
Kim Kardashian West: reality TV star, fashion icon, social media guru and … attorney at law?
The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star has her hands pretty full these days, but according to her lawyer, she missed her true calling. And on Monday, Kardashian West, 37, took to Snapchat to document his words for her fans.
“Okay guys, I’m here with my attorney, Mike Kump, who does all of my lawsuits, everything — and listen to what he was just telling me,” she announced.
“Kim, I’ve been doing this for 35 years and I said you missed your calling,” he said.
The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star has her hands pretty full these days, but according to her lawyer, she missed her true calling. And on Monday, Kardashian West, 37, took to Snapchat to document his words for her fans.
“Okay guys, I’m here with my attorney, Mike Kump, who does all of my lawsuits, everything — and listen to what he was just telling me,” she announced.
“Kim, I’ve been doing this for 35 years and I said you missed your calling,” he said.
- 12/19/2017
- by Aurelie Corinthios
- PEOPLE.com
Music executive Benny Medina has been accused of attempting to rape Sordid Lives: The Series actor Jason Dottley.
In an article published by the Advocate Friday, Dottley, 36, claimed Medina — who has managed the careers of several A-list stars like Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith and Mariah Carey, as well as execute producing The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (which was based on his life) —allegedly tried to rape him at Medina’s Los Angeles mansion in December 2008.
Medina’s attorneys Howard Weitzman and Shawn Holley said in a statement to People, “Benny Medina categorically denies the allegation of attempted rape.”
The actor...
In an article published by the Advocate Friday, Dottley, 36, claimed Medina — who has managed the careers of several A-list stars like Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith and Mariah Carey, as well as execute producing The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (which was based on his life) —allegedly tried to rape him at Medina’s Los Angeles mansion in December 2008.
Medina’s attorneys Howard Weitzman and Shawn Holley said in a statement to People, “Benny Medina categorically denies the allegation of attempted rape.”
The actor...
- 11/11/2017
- by Alexia Fernandez and Kara Warner
- PEOPLE.com
8:10 Pm Pt -- Mj's estate says the judgment is "too much" and "unfair to Michael Jackson's heirs." Attorneys Howard Weitzman and Zia Modabber tell TMZ, "While the jury denied Quincy Jones $21 million –- or more than two-thirds of what he demanded -- we still believe that giving him millions of dollars that he has no right to receive under his contracts is wrong." "This would reinterpret the legal language in, and effectively rewrite,...
- 7/27/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Music legend Quincy Jones was awarded $9.4 million Wednesday after a long dispute with Michael Jackson‘s estate over unpaid music royalties.
The royalties and production fees come from some of Jackson’s biggest hits, such as “Billie Jean” and “Thriller.” Jones, 84, also claimed that he was underpaid for music used in Jackson’s documentary This Is It, as well as two Cirque du Soleil shows, Variety reports.
The iconic producer sought $30 million from the lawsuit he filed nearly four years ago, according to the Associated Press, while Jackson’s estate placed the figure at about $392,000.
“As an artist, maintaining the...
The royalties and production fees come from some of Jackson’s biggest hits, such as “Billie Jean” and “Thriller.” Jones, 84, also claimed that he was underpaid for music used in Jackson’s documentary This Is It, as well as two Cirque du Soleil shows, Variety reports.
The iconic producer sought $30 million from the lawsuit he filed nearly four years ago, according to the Associated Press, while Jackson’s estate placed the figure at about $392,000.
“As an artist, maintaining the...
- 7/27/2017
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
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