MICHAEL LEFT SONY IN 2002 AND HE NEVER WENT BACK

Though we may differ in what constitutes as their “best interests”, I genuinely believe
all fans have Michael’s and his children’s best interest at heart. Regardless of where we stand in principles or issues, we should always remain true to Michael’s HIStory.

mjandjustice4some.blogspot.com is a pro-Sony, pro-Branca blog that spreads misinformation amongst Michael Jackson fans whom unfortunately accept propoganda
as fact without demur.  I tried commenting on the blog but my comments don’t show.
I presume it must be a glitch in the system (!) so allow me to use my own blog as a platform to set the record straight regarding 2 particular misinformation. One pertains to John Branca. Second is Michael’s relationship with Sony post 2002. Today, I will focus on the latter propaganda, leaving Branca subject to another blog entry.

Following is an excerpt from mjandjustice4some blog

“Michael Jackson's contract with Sony officially ended in 2002. Jackson stated that he had to fulfill his final contract obligation to Sony, a boxed set, and he and Sony were parting ways. Of course, Jackson did leave Sony. Many fans believe that Michael would never have wanted the estate executors to work with Sony,
and the estate deal with Sony is the ultimate betrayal to Michael Jackson's legacy.

If Michael wanted nothing to Sony, then why did he release at least six compilation albums under Sony's label, Epic or a division of Sony? It makes no sense that Michael didn't want to work with Sony after his contract ended, yet put out all
of these compilation CD's with Sony under no contractual obligation. Michael Jackson's problem was with Tommy Mottola. After Mottola left, Michael Jackson went back to Sony to work, although not under contract. It's as simple as that.”

Fiction: Michael Jackson's contract with Sony officially ended in 2002

Fact: Michael's contract DIDN’T officially end in 2002. His contract wasn’t due to expire until 2006. He extracted himself early from his contract with Sony. Though the public at large and the media thought that the discord was about the lack of Invincible album promotion, Michael’s concerns with Sony was much broader in spectrum. He felt that Sony was conspiring to acquire his stake in Sony/ATV Catalog.

Fiction: Michael’s problem was with Tommy Mottola, NOT with Sony

Fact: The notion that Michael didn’t have any problem with Sony but his problem was with Tommy Mottola is over simplifying a very serious and intricate matter.  Who did Tommy Mottola work for? Who did Tommy Mottola get his order from? What would be Mottola’s PERSONAL gain by sabotaging Invincible or trying to acquire Sony/ATV? If this was only about Mottola, why would he organize anti-SONY protests and shout from a megaphone “SONY sucks”? Please give Michael enough credit that an artist of his stature would have sought a different avenue IF his problem was with Mottola only.

Fiction: Tommy Mottola was fired because of Michael Jackson

Fact: Mottola termination had nothing to do with Michael Jackson and everything to do with office politics at Sony between Tommy Mottola & Howard Stringer and at NBC between Andrew Lack and Bob Wright. Andrew Lack, a close friend of Howard Stringer replaced Tommy Mottola. Let’s cover this in detail in another blog entry. 

Fiction: Michael’s contractual obligation to Sony ended after he delivered
a boxset with 2 new songs (and what album might that be?)

Fact: Michael signed with Sony a 6 album deal. He only delivered 4 so he still owed
2 more albums with NEW material. Until Michael satisfied the number of albums and number of new songs as per his contract, Sony holds the right to release albums –both back catalog and unreleased. This is why Mottola made the statement after Michael's death that the unreleased songs were "still the property of Sony". He was accurate to
a degree. Sony was legally entitled to 2 albums of Michael's unreleased songs.

One reason for the confusion is Michael’s speech at Equinox nightclub on June 15, 2002 where he stated “I just owe Sony one more album, it’s just a boxset really…with 2 new songs” Michael was still battling with Sony at the time and he hadn’t sat down with Sony to discuss terms to extract himself from his contract so his aforementioned statement was premature. Michael didn’t release “a boxset with 2 new songs”.

After Michael’s declaration, Sony released the following compilation albums:  

Number Ones (1 new song)                                                    Nov 18, 2003

Michael Jackson the Ultimate Collection (8 new songs)            Nov 16, 2004

The Essential Michael Jackson                                                July 19, 2005

Visionary Box set                                                                   Nov 17, 2006

Thriller 25 (1 new song)                                                          Feb 11, 2008

King of Pop                                                                           Aug 22, 2008

Even if you are Michael Jackson, you can’t simply extract yourself from your contract with a record label without fulfilling your contractual obligations. Michael used a conflict of interest to get out of his contract with Sony. Whilst John Branca represented Michael, Branca’s law firm represented Sony. If such leverage didn’t exist, leaving Sony would have cost Michael dearly since Sony would have litigated him for breach of contract. It was in the best interests of both parties to reach a compromise.

Michael’s contract included a clause that enabled him to own his mechanical copyrights upon leaving the label….STIPULATED that he fulfilled his contractual obligations of
not only the number of albums but also the number of new songs. 

In 2002, parties agreed that Sony will continue to release albums until Michael fulfilled
his contractual terms. The only advantage for Michael to get out of the Sony contract was that he was no longer on Sony's time-table as to when he would deliver albums.
HE STILL OWED 2 ALBUMS. Only when Michael fulfilled his contractual obligations,
his mechanical copyrights would revert back to him. Michael had NOT fulfilled his contractual obligations to Sony at the time of his death, thus, he did NOT have his mechanical copyrights back from Sony.  

If Michael and Sony had good relations post-2002, he would have wanted to release 2 albums of new material so
he can take back his mechanical copyrights.

Michael preferred for Sony continue to repackage his back catalog than to give Sony his unreleased songs.

Sony had to get Michael’s new material over his dead body…compliments of its hand-puppet: John Branca.

DUNKIRK CLAUSE OF MICHAEL'S CONTRACT

When Jackson 5 left Motown in mid 1970s, they signed with CBS (Columbia Broadcasting Systems). Sony bought CBS in January 1988. Michael renewed his contract with Sony in 1991 to deliver 6 albums in a 15 year term (expires 2006).

Following are excerpts from “The Trials of Michael Jackson” by Lynton Guest

“Mechanical copyright ownership has been a thorny issue in the record industry. Generally, record companies do everything they can to own the copyright, while artists believe that they, at some point, should own their recordings. In the 1960s, virtually all artist deals gave the recording company the mechanical copyright forever. By the 1970s, with the advent of sharp music business lawyers and managers, some companies recognized the need for change.”

“At CBS, a formula was developed called a ‘Dunkirk Clause’ which enabled artists, at the end of the contractual period, to gain ownership of the mechanical copyright of their recordings. Michael Jackson’s contract with CBS contained Dunkirk Clause and it remained intact when the contract was renegotiated with Sony in 1991.”

“If Sony tried to get rid of Jackson, the terms of the contract between the parties meant that a messy legal case, which would cost Sony dear, would ensue. Worse than that, from Sony’s point of view, was the possibility of Jackson removing the mechanical copyright of his recordings from Sony’s control. At a stroke, a guaranteed revenue stream stretching way into the future would be under threat. So those at Sony had to find a way to get rid of Jackson but keep hold of the rights to his recordings. There was also the matter of Sony/ATV, in which the Japanese were determined to acquire.”

“Michael Jackson’s contract with Sony contained obligations on the singer’s part to deliver finished CDs. There was also a requirement that over the period of the contract, the sum of all songs on all the CDs reached a minimum number. This clause was included to avoid a possibility of the artist recording 1 long song and calling it a CD.
Sony also had rights to repackage Jackson’s back Catalog.”

“Randy Taraborelli wrote ‘After Blood On The Dance Floor disappointed, Jackson was never a company priority.’ Far from being surprised by the sales, Sony engineered the outcome from the outset. Taraborelli might be right in the conventional sense when he states that Michael Jackson was never a high priority but in fact, Jackson remained a high priority for Sony. Not to help sell records but to get rid of the singer while gaining control of his back catalog and more importantly, acquiring Sony/ATV. To achieve this objective, Jackson had to fail in a way that enabled Sony to appear blameless.”

“Taraborelli says that Michael ‘managed to extricate himself from the Sony deal’. It bears only a passing resemblance to what really took place. Sony was in the process of dropping Jackson. Maybe Jackson wanted to go but when an artist of Jackson’s stature leaves a record label, it is because at least one other major company is waiting in the wings with an open checkbook. No such offer existed for Jackson.  To Taraborelli, this was a simple case of Michael battling away with Sony. But, why, then, did Sony step in to fill the breach in Jackson’s finances by agreeing a series of loans Jackson took out with Bank of America? The Japanese weren’t just relying on the efforts of Tommy Mottola. Those in charge wanted ownership, not just of Jackson’s mechanical copyrights but an even bigger prize: Sony/ATV”

“While the jury was out in Santa Maria, I found myself in Paul Russell’s (former President of Sony/ATV) house. ‘You know he is no longer with Sony’ Russell said. No announcement was made which would be the usual course of action in such a situation. Neither was the issue raised at Jackson’s trial. Strangely, Tom Sneddon, despite launching an all-out assault on Jackson over the issue of the singers’ finances, never sought to bring Jackson’s relationship with his record company into evidence. Yet, in the music business, the really big stars’ interaction with their record labels and their finances are inextricably linked. It was now more crucial than ever that Sony’s true role remained out of the prying eyes of the media and the public. “

“Paul Russell told there was a dispute between Jackson and his record company over how many songs were still owed by Jackson to Sony. Jackson was on trial and Sony didn’t want to be associated with the singer at all. What Sony wanted were the rights to ‘Thriller’ and the rest of Jackson’s pantheon of hits. Sony used the disagreement over how many songs Jackson was contracted to deliver to get rid of him while retaining the mechanical copyrights. Jackson had no intention of making any more music for Sony. He thought he should fight for this principle. Although he didn’t know,
he didn’t need to waste energies because Sony didn’t want any more of his material anyway. The company’s insistence on holding Jackson to producing the ‘missing’ songs was a pretense designed to ensure that the singer fought the wrong battle.”

“Jackson was jettisoned as a Sony artist but the company, not the performer, would keep the mechanical copyrights to his back catalog. The record company was happy to continue to pay Jackson his royalties. It was the best deal Jackson could get. He THOUGHT the arrangement with Sony was a victory. Sony owned the copyrights, Jackson was out, it was that simple.”

RAYMONE BAIN STATEMENT RE: THRILLER 25 DEAL

Longtime publicist, Raymone Bain litigated Michael in May 2009. Her statement in her petition vis a vis the “Thriller deal” is quoted and mis-interpreted by mjandjustice4some blog to assert that Thriller 25 was Michael’s return to Sony.

“Upon Mr. Jackson's return to the United States in December of 2006, Ms. Bain conceived of and encouraged to participate in and sanction the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the release of Mr. Jackson's historic Thriller album. Ms. Bain worked closely with Sony Music and Legacy Records in the planning, marketing and promotion.”
–RAYMONE BAIN PETITION

While Miss Bain may be the one who came up with the idea that Michael should commemorate Thriller’s 25 year anniversary, the back catalog was the property of Sony. Thriller 25 deal didn’t require a contract between Sony and Michael Jackson. Nowhere in the petition does it imply a contract. Miss Bain liaised between Michael Jackson and Sony in regards to the concept, songs, marketing, promotion and royalties.

Bain petition also requested compensation for her work with AEG in 2007. AEG deal didn't come to fruitation until Jan 2009 and Tohme was the one who finalised the deal.

Raymone Bain was simply listing deals for which she put forth her time and efforts. Some fans are conveniently misinterpreting her meaning to support a propoganda. The petition, in no way, supports that Michael Jackson & Sony relationship was repaired.

"Although I don't always find Bain to be credible..." states mjandjustice4some blogger but for some reason she is willing to give credence to Bain's claims in this petition because the information can be distorted to support the blogger's propoganda.

Thriller 25 was released by Legacy Records which is Sony’s repackage division
for compilation albums.

Whilst Miss Bain claims that she came up with the Thriller 25 idea “upon Mr. Jackson’s return to the United States in December 2006”, the prospect of a second chapter to Thriller was asked by Access Hollywood's Billy Bush
during a Michael Jackson interview in Ireland (0:28 below video). The Access Hollywood Interview aired on November 3, 2006 - BEFORE MICHAEL'S RETURN TO USA. So while Miss Bain may have supported Michael re: Thriller 25 (which was her job), she most definitely didn't "conceive" the idea.

RECORDING CONTRACT WITH TWO SEAS RECORDS

On April 18, 2006, Michael Jackson signed a recording contract with TwoSeas Records to record 2 albums, write an autobiography and produce a stage play.

In 2006, Michael announced that he would be enlisting artists to produce a song, tentatively titled “From the Bottom of My Heart” for Hurricane Katrina victims. The single was set to be released by Two Seas Records. His new album was also announced to be released by Two Seas Records in late 2007.

"I am incredibly excited about my new venture & I am enjoying being back in the studio"
~MICHAEL JACKSON on April 18, 2006

Michael did renege on the Two Seas Contract but IF he had returned to Sony after Mottola’s termination of Jan 2003, he wouldn’t have signed a contract with another label.

Michael Jackson left Sony in 2002 and he never went back to Sony.

June 18, 2002

By Roger Friedman

Michael Jackson, Sony Music Getting Divorced 

It's over. And I mean, officially. Michael Jackson is leaving Sony. 

My inside sources at Sony told me yesterday that as Jackson exits Sony, he also leaves behind his catalog including the hit albums Off the Wall, Thriller, Bad and Dangerous,
not to mention the less successful HIStory, Blood on the Dance Floor and Invincible. This means that wherever Michael goes label-wise, he has nothing but his talent to offer prospective investors. 

January 16, 2003

By Roger Friedman
Jackson Not Coming Back to Sony

This is the definitive word, folks, from my source at Sony Music regarding Michael Jackson. With the departure of Tommy Mottola also comes the last word on Michael Jackson, take it or leave it. There was some flicker of thought that Mottola's end meant a chance for Jackson to reignite his relationship with Sony. But now I am told that is not a possibility. Jackson will get the masters to his albums back in five to eight years, possibly. But he still owes the company $200 million in loans. He will be paying the interest on those loans for a long, long time, perhaps forever.

"The loan won't be forgiven. Why should it?" asked my source. "We're happy to collect the interest. But Michael is done here as far as new recordings."

October 19, 2005
By Roger Friedman

No Record deal in the near Future

Michael Jackson’s plans for a new sort of “We Are the World” are fading fast. He has no record deal. Even though Jackson has been in London hoping to get his charity single recorded, no one’s jumped at the chance to distribute it.

October 17, 2007

By Roger Friedman

Jackson’s Thriller Plans

Jackson has no plans for a new album, but his die-hard fans will be happy to hear Jackson is involved in putting together a 25th anniversary edition of his best-selling album, "Thriller." Jackson’s new music attorney, Peter Lopez, told me on Tuesday that the pop star has no interest in touring or performing. Lopez said: "He feels he’s done that". "Thriller 25" will be issued by Sony because it’s part of that catalog. But Jackson has no recording contract and, frankly, no interest from record companies.

“You know he is no longer with Sony”
–PAUL RUSSELL, former Sony/ATV President, 2005

"Michael did not fulfill the terms of the contract so Sony kept all the copyrights. The re-issues like Thriller 25 were merely repackaging. By the time Michael realized what had happened, he was unable to buy back the copyrights for a number of reasons. Chief among these was that he was heavily in debt but also Sony were not obliged to sell them to him as they considered him in breach of contract. I do not believe any deal was done with Sony upon Michael's return from Bahrain. In fact, it may well be that part of the reason he fell out with the Sheik over this very issue. The deal with Sony was concluded by Michael's estate and AEG after his death." -LYNTON GUEST

"He wasn't ever back on good terms with Sony. It was not gonna be happening with Sony again" –STUART BACKERMAN

"He hasn't got a record deal" (1:55 of the following video)

MICHAEL JACKSON & SONY RELATIONSHIP FOR DUMMIES, Part 6

Nov 19, 2002. Michael is in Germany, staying
at Adlon Hotel of Berlin. He had arrived to receive “Artist of the Century” award and also to testify in a $21 million lawsuit against him, brought by a Promoter, over some cancelled concerts.

Michael Jackson fans set up camp in front of the Hotel for days, day and night, screaming his name, singing his songs, yelling "Sony Sucks". Fans chanted that they would like to see Michael’s children. Always gracious to his fans, Michael brought his children to the balcony to wave at fans. He briefly dangled Blanket over the balcony which landed him in the land of Pharaohs.

"They were chanting they wanna see my child. So I was kind enough to let them see.
I was doing something out of innocence." -MICHAEL JACKSON

Nov 20, 2002 Michael released the following statement:

“I offer no excuses for what happened. I made a terrible mistake. I got caught up in the excitement of the moment. I would never intentionaly endanger the lives of my kids.”

Nov 21, 2002 LA psychiatrist Carole Lieberman filed a complaint against Michael with Santa Barbara's Children and Family Services.

"It is a clear-cut case of child endangerment. In addition to the obvious physical danger the child was in, he is also living in psychological danger with Michael as his single parent. As a psychiatrist, I was alarmed at the way that Michael had dehumanized him, putting a towel over his head and holding him like a rag doll. The child hit his legs on the railing and Michael showed no evidence of being aware that the child could be in pain. The child, flailing about, was in obvious emotional distress, dangling from a height with
no support. He ultimately lifted him back up by putting his hand directly over the baby's crotch. Instead of showing any human connection, attachment or concern for his child, Michael smiled and waved to his fans below. He doesn't have the psychological make-up to be a father and this isn't any way to raise children.”

Nov 26, 2002 Attorney, Gloria Allred filed a complaint against Michael Jackson with California Department of Social Services.

“Given the height of the balcony and the fact that Mr Jackson was only holding the child with one arm as he held the child over the side, the child was at risk of falling and being injured or killed.”

Dec 04, 2002 Michael tells Gloria Allred to “GO TO HELL”

Dec 04, 2002 Former NBA star, Charley Barkley tells Gloria Allred to "shut the hell up" during CNN's "TalkBack Live". Following is an excerpt from the Program:

HOST: You might remember last month, when Michael dangled his infant son over a balcony at a hotel in Berlin. And the incident prompted attorney Gloria Alred to ask for an investigation into whether Michael endangered his youngest child. Here's what Michael had to say to Gloria.

 

HOST: Gloria, you heard it. Michael Jackson says you can go to hell. What do you say?

ALLRED: Well, he wants me to go to hell but I want Michael Jackson to go to parenting classes to learn how to protect rather than endanger his babies.

BARKLEY: First of all, lady, you act like you ain't got nothing better to do than worry about Michael Jackson and his kids. He's apologized. He said that he's wrong. You just want to be on television and talk about Michael Jackson. It's none of your business, basically. He made a mistake and he apologized.

ALLRED: Mr. Barkley...

BARKLEY: Every time some high profile case breaks out, you jump on television. Why don't you go back to your office, wait on another case, and shut the hell up?

Jan 11, 2003 Dieter Wiesner & Ron Konitzer take over Michael's management

Jan 24, 2003 Kathryn Milofsky of Granada TV UK sent ‘Living with Michael Jackson’ transcript to Marc Schaffel, with a pre-warning that the Program would be damaging to Michael. Marc Schaffel, Ron Konitzer and Dieter Wiesner came up with the idea of producing a rebuttal tape.

Feb 03, 2003 Living with Michael Jackson broadcasts in UK

Feb 04, 2003 Janet Arvizo sold an interview to London Daily Mail for $4,000. She defended Michael in the interview.

Feb 04, 2003 Gloria Allred filed a complaint against Michael with the Department of Child Welfare Services.

“I urge the Child Welfare Services to interview any child who has been in Mr. Jackson’s home and/or bedroom without the presence of their parents. It is highly inappropriate for a young child to sleep in the same bedroom with Mr Jackson, especially in light of prior accusations against him. I am deeply disturbed by these new revelations and Mr Jackson’s seeming total lack of understanding of the true significance of his behavior.”
-GLORIA ALLRED

Feb 06, 2003 Tom Sneddon dismissed Bashir Program as “much ado about nothing”. Sneddon stated “Sleeping in bed with a kid is NOT a crime." When asked if he would be watching the Program, he replied “Absolutely not. I got a life. Why should I watch?”

Feb 06, 2003 Tom Sneddon issues a Press Release:

“After conversations with Sheriff Jim Anderson, it was agreed that the BBC broadcast would be taped by the Sheriff’s Department. It is anticipated that it will be reviewed.  We encourage anyone who may be a victim or has credible evidence that a crime may have been committed contact the Department of Social Services Hotline or Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department”

Feb 06, 2003 Jordy Chandler’s 1993 deposition is leaked on the Smoking Gun website

Feb 06, 2003 Living with Michael Jackson by Martin Bashir airs in USA

Feb 06, 2003 Bell Yard Communications issues a statement on behalf of Michael.

Michael is devastated and feels utterly betrayed by the British television program, Living With Michael Jackson, presented by Martin Bashir and broadcast in the UK
on Monday, February 3, 2003, which he regards as a gross distortion of the truth and
a tawdry attempt to misrepresent his life and his abilities as a father.

In a number of crucial respects Michael is concerned that Martin Bashir and Granada TV have broken the trust he placed in them. In particular, he felt he had obtained their assurance that his children would not be featured in the broadcast program. Michael repeatedly asked Bashir to stop filming his children, and was promised by him that the footage of his children would be taken out in the final edit but, Bashir said, shooting should not be stopped because "it would break the continuity of filming".

Michael is deeply upset that the program sensationally sets out to use two or three pieces of footage giving a wholly distorted picture of his behavior and conduct as a father.

Michael feels particularly devastated that he has been treated so badly by Martin Bashir, whom he let into the Jackson family home on a number of occasions over eight months, in the belief that Bashir wished to make a genuine documentary of his life.

Michael believes that what was eventually broadcast was a salacious ratings chaser, designed to celebrate Martin Bashir and which was indifferent to the effect on Michael personally, his family and his close friends. Michael originally consented to grant Bashir extended access to the Neverland Valley Ranch, his family and Michael himself,
because he wanted to give the world a faithful representation of the truth about his life.

Michael believes that the program Bashir has produced is a travesty of the truth.

Michael would never have consented to participating in this film if he had been aware of how Bashir was going to falsely portray him. Michael believes that this program was intentionally produced and edited with a view to broadcasting sensationalized innuendo.

Michael feels deeply angry that the program could have led viewers to conclude that he abuses children. Michael Jackson has never and would never, treat a child inappropriately or expose them to any harm and totally refutes any suggestions to the contrary. Michael would never betray the trust that a child, or their parents, might place in him.

Michael was today moved to make the following personal statement: "I trusted Martin Bashir to come into my life and that of my family because I wanted the truth to be told. Martin Bashir persuaded me to trust him that his would be an honest and fair portrayal of my life and told me that he was `the man that turned Diana's life around.  I am surprised that a professional journalist would compromise his integrity by deceiving me in this way. Today I feel more betrayed than perhaps ever before; that someone, who had got to know my children, my staff and me, whom I let into my heart and told the truth, could then sacrifice the trust I placed in him and produce this terrible and unfair program..  Everyone who knows me will know the truth which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child. I also want to thank my fans around the world for the overwhelming number of messages of support that I have received, particularly from Great Britain, where people have e-mailed me and said how appalled they were by the Bashir film. Their love and support has touched me greatly."

These comments are excerpts from a videotaped statement from Michael Jackson, which shall be released after the airing of the Bashir television special in the United States.

Debbie Rowe, Michael's ex-wife and the mother of two of his children reacted today: 'It breaks my heart that anyone could truly believe that Michael would do anything to harm or endanger our children: they are the most important thing in his life.'"

Feb 08, 2003 Ed Bradley arrives at Neverland to interview Michael for 60 Minutes. While Michael is getting ready, he receives a call from Marlon Brando who informed him that Jordan Chandler deposition was leaked online.  Michael cancels the interview.

Ed Bradly did meet Gavin and his family. Bradly appeared on CNN's Larry King Live
on Feb 8, 2004 and he had this to say of the encounter:

LARRY KING: You met the mother and the kid, what did you think when you heard it was that mother and that kid?

ED BRADLEY: I was stunned because they were there to tell me that day what a great person he was. We sat in the kitchen having coffee, doughnuts and sodas.  The mother and the kids said they were willing to go on TV to say what a great person Michael was.

Feb 10, 2003 Michael Jackson releases a Statement:

“Martin Bashir persuaded me to trust him that this would be an honest and fair portrayal of my life and told me he was ‘the man that turned Diana’s life around’. Today I feel more betrayed than perhaps ever before…that someone, who had got to know my children and me, whom I let into my heart and told the truth, could then sacrifice the trust I placed in him and produce this terrible and unfair program.  I am bewildered at the length people will go to portray me so negatively”

Feb 11, 2003 Carol Lieberman files a complaint, advises that Michael’s children are taken away from him.

"There was an unmistakable sense that something sexual had occurred, as evidenced by his body language and his submissive demeanour towards Michael. You claimed there were no first-pers­on witnesses to give account of Mr.Jackson­'s alleged child abuse. But indeed, the whole world has witnessed him dangling his baby from a balcony and now has witnessed in a two-hour documentar­y what should be sufficient evidence of child abuse to motivate CPS to remove his three children immediatel­y!" -CAROLE LIEBERMAN

Feb 14, 2003 Sneddon gave an interview to Diane Diamond where he stated that if another victim came forward, the case would be re-opened.

Feb 14, 2003 A school official from LAUSD (Gavin Arvizo School) called into Department of Child and Family Services Hotline to complain about “neglect by mother and sexual abuse by an entertainer”.

Feb 14, 2003 The Los Angeles Family Service starts an investigation.

Feb 16, 2003 Vincent Amen- Michael Jackson employee- dropped Janet Arvizo to her apartment. There, Amen found, slipped under the door, a business card of Tom Sneddon.

Feb 17, 2003 The Los Angeles Family Services calls Janet Arvizo to schedule an interview with her and her children on February 20.

Feb 18, 2003 Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department started an investigation which was NOT made public because of Sneddon’s Press Release, dated Feb 06, 2006: “The act of sleeping in the same bed with a child without either a touching and the required mental state would NOT satisfy the statutory requirements”. Michael had stated that he slept on the floor, while Gavin and his brother slept in the bed so Sneddon had no case.

Feb 19, 2003 Janet Arvizo and her children praised Michael during an interview to be used in rebuttal video. Later, they will claim that they were held captive and forced to say "nice things" about Michael.

In below video, Janet Arvizo didn't even know that they camera was rolling
when she defended Michael on her own volition!!!

Feb 20, 2003 Three social workers interviewed Gavin and his family where they defended Michael and stated that no abuse took place.

Feb 20, 2003 Take 2 : The Footage You Were Not Meant To See is aired

Alas, for TV networks, Bashir’s documentary had more sizzle than Michael’s video that exposed Martin Bashir as a two faced, manipulative excuse of a journalist ingratiating himself to Michael whilst steering him into talking about certain topics which were misconstrued by duplicitous editing and innuendo laden voice-overs.

To secure the Michael Jackson interview, Bashir had promised that he would introduce Michael to UN secretary general Kofi Annan to advocate an international children's holiday. This is indicative of Bashir’s knowledge of Michel’s genuine desire to help the children of the world. The documentary was edited surreptitiously to create an impression of malevolence about Michael with boys that didn’t exist.

The rebuttal video did little, If at all, in stopping the causal chain of events, activated by Bashir’s Program. Friends need no explanation, enemies won’t believe anyway. Michael’s supporters continued to support him whilst his detractors remained critical.

Feb 21, 2003 Janet Arvizo defends Michael to Fox News' journalist Rita Cosby who came to the ranch to meet them.

Feb 21, 2003 Janet Arvizo asked Vincent Amen to drive her to the Laugh Factory
to meet the club owner, Jamie Masada. What Amen didn’t know was that Masada had arranged his personal lawyer, William Dickerman to come to the club to meet Janet.

Dickerman brought in Larry Feldman- Same attorney that represented Jordan Chandler
Larry Feldman brought in Stan Katz- Same psyhologist who interviwed Jordan Chandler

Feb 24, 2003 LA Police & Department of Child and Family Services ended their joint investigation with a conclusion that allegations are unfounded. Case closed. 

Feb 25, 2005 Janet Arvizo meets with Dickerman & Masada at Laugh Factory

Feb 28, 2003 “This man has so much money that he thinks he can erase people’s minds. It is pathetic. The court injunction is a diversion tactic. It is shielding the real question? what is Jackson doing letting young boys sleep in his bedroom? When I was at Neverland I saw eight-year-old children wearing make-up. Is that normal behavior? We will not hand over our footage.” –MARTIN BASHIR

Mar 10, 2003 Gloria Allred meets with LA District Attorney, Steve Cooley to discuss with him “why Michael Jackson was never criminally prosecuted for the 1993 incident”

“BASHIR: The reason that has been given for why you didn't go to jail (in 1993) is because you reached a financial settlement with the family?"

JACKSON: Yeah, I didn't want to do a long drawn-out thing on TV like O.J.  and all that stupid stuff, you know, it wouldn't look right. I said look, let's  get this thing over with. I want to go on with my life. This is ridiculous,  I've had enough, go.”

This statement by Jackson answers the question hanging in the air since 1994. Was there at the minimum a connection in Mr. Jackson's mind between payment to the child to settle a civil suit and his being spared from a criminal prosecution which might result in his going to jail? The answer if one listens to Jackson's own words in the Bashir-Jackson exchange seems to be yes.

The "long drawn out thing on TV like OJ" to which Mr. Jackson was apparently referring was the criminal trial of Mr. Simpson, since the civil case was never televised.

The question that arises is, was the payment of the civil settlement an effort on Michael Jackson's part to obstruct justice in the criminal case?” –GLORIA ALLRED

Apr 16, 2003 Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department ended its investigation with a conclusion that “based on the interviews with the children and their father, it was determined that the elements of criminal activity were not meant. Case Closed”

May 15, 2003 Stan Katz interviews Janet Arvizo

May 16, 2003 Stan Katz interviews Janet Arvizo

May 29, 2009 Stan Katz interviewed Star, Davellin & Gavin

Jun 05, 2003 Jamie Masada and William Dickerman meet with Stan Katz

Jun 11, 2003 Stan Katz interviews Janet Arvizo, Star & Gavin

Jun 12, 2003 Katz and Feldman made an oral complaint to Department of Children and Family Services with information about alleged sexual misconduct by Jackson.

Jun13, 2003 Katz spoke to a detective from the Santa Barbara police department about his interviews with Gavin Arvizo.

Jun 13, 2003  Katz & Feldman report the allegations of the family to the Santa Barbara County Sherriff. District Attorney Tom Sneddon instructs Feldman not to file
a civil suit before he has completed a criminal investigation.

Jun 13, 2003 Tom Sneddon reopens the child molestation case.

STAY TUNED....

RELATED READS:

Michael Jackson & Sony Relationship for Dummies, Part 1

Michael Jackson & Sony Relationship for Dummies, Part 2

Michael Jackson & Sony Relationship for Dummies, Part 3

Michael Jackson & Sony Relationship for Dummies, Part 4
Michael Jackson & Sony Relationship for Dummies, Part 5

MICHAEL JACKSON & SONY RELATIONSHIP FOR DUMMIES, Part 5

Martin Bashir had full, no-holds-barred access to Michael Jackson's life. Yet he opted NOT to follow Michael to anti-Sony protests in June 2002.

If I was a journalist aiming to portray Michael erratic & bizarre, the protests would have been excellent material for my documentary. An internationally renowned superstar protesting an internationally renowned record label, shouting from a megaphone “Sony Sucks” while holding signs like “Sony Sucks”, "Stop Criminal Mottola". Now THAT would be the money shot….but...Millions of worldwide audience tuning in, it would have been a bad publicity for Sony. Objective was to portray MICHAEL bad, not Sony.

Reverend Al Sharpton and Johnnie Cochran had formed National Action Network,

to protect the interests of artists with their record labels.

June 5, 2002 Michael Jackson joins the National Action Network

''Record companies have to start treating their artists with respect, honor and financial justice. Therefore I am proud to join this coalition'' -MICHAEL JACKSON

June 5, 2009 New York Daily News quoted an un-named Sony executive:

"Michael owes Sony something like $200 million for studio time and promotion. He wants to leave Sony without having to leave the Beatles catalogue"

June 6, 2002 Michael Jackson responds to Sony via Press release:

“For Sony to make a false claim that I owe them $200 million is outrageous and offensive” –MICHAEL JACKSON

June 6, 2002 Sony responds to Michael Jackson's Press release:

''We have never issued any statement verbally or in writing claiming that Michael Jackson owes us $200 million.  We are baffled by the comments issued today.”

June 15, 2002 Michael attends an Anti-Sony protest in front of Sony of London.

Later, he attends a fan-club event at the Equinox nightclub where he speaks for the first time of his problems with Sony and its CEO Tommy Mottolla.

July 3, 2002 Marc Schaffel released the following statement:

"Sony is punishing many innocent people who would have been the much needed beneficiaries of the proceeds of this project [What More Can I Give]. This the most blatant disgusting act of Corporate greed. Sony should be ashamed of themselves and the public should not let them get away with this, without a stink.

I know that hitting Sony in the pocket book and bad PR, is another great way of ensuring this gets released. All eyes need to be on the company to make sure proper attention is given. I know the Sony shareholders are meeting soon. Maybe the last effort should be made to focus on them. If they understand how this issue could potentially hurt Sony both in PR and sales, they will demand the release or replace the people who are hindering this. We need as much support now as ever. Charities should be getting involved by publicly calling upon Sony to release this or let someone release this. They need to let Sony know not to 'Throw this away', you cannot just 'throw' people's lives away because it is not convenient for you at this time. The charities and all people alike need to join in by publicly showing the world how stupid is this game that the record company is playing and get the victims to write, picket, demonstrate, contact the media, etc.

Sony only hopes time will pass and this issue will go away, they do not want to face the public in a bad light. One journalist told me that Sony's nonchalant response was that they already donated 13 million dollars in the past for charitable purposes and they do not need to do this to prove anything to anyone. They refuse to be strong armed into any fundraising effort. Maybe Sony needs to stop for a second and listen to the lyrics 'what more can I give' and then ask themselves that same question." -MARC SCHAFELL

July 6, 2002 Michael attends an Anti-Sony protest in front of Sony of New York.

Later he attends a civil rights meeting where he calls Tommy Mottola “racist”

"The record companies really do conspire against the artists, especially the black artists."

-MICHAEL JACKSON

Later, he attends fan-organised "'30 Years of Magic' Event (below)

"It's obvious what Sony is trying to do, I need to say no more" (1:13)

 

July 8, 2002 Al Sharpton, Cory Rooney & Steve Stoute defend Tommy Mottola

''I have known Tommy for 15 or 20 years, and never once have I known him to say or do anything that would be considered racist. In fact, he's always been supportive of the black music industry. He was the first record executive to step up and offer to help us with respect to corporate accountability, when it comes to black music issues.''
-REV. AL SHARPTON

''Michael Jackson playing the race card is a cop-out -- a last-resort move by a guy who is frustrated that his big project didn't work.'' -CORY ROONEY, Producer

''To call Tommy Mottola a racist is just ridiculous -- he's one of the biggest supporters of black music I know.'' -STEVE STOUTE, Producer

July 8, 2002 Al Sharpton discussed on CNN the issue of racism and discrimination in the music industry. The show focused on Michael Jackson's comments toward Sony.

"Well, I think that Michael has said very clearly that he's concerned about how artists are treated in general and about the fact that there seems to be a particular problem in the music industry when it comes to race. I mean when you look at the fact that out of the four major record companies today you've never had a black president of either company, you can't find black businesses that have real long-term contracts. Artists are charged with million of dollars in promotions, yet they can't guide where they go.

"So in this national summit tomorrow [July 9th, 2002] that Michael will be a part of, you have people like the child of Otis Blackwell, who wrote all of Elvis Presley's hits and never got the credit on or the money. This is a historic problem that needs to be dealt with and I think that Michael Jackson being the largest record seller of all times, adds a lot of weight to the concern.”

July 8, 2002 New York Times quoted an un-named Sony source:

''Michael is running out of money. If this's how he's trying to pressure Tommy to reassess his record deal or spend more money promoting Invincible, that's not going to happen''

July 9, 2002 Michael speaks at Al Sharpton’s National Action Network headquarters
in Harlem. He speaks of conspiracy in the record industry against black artists.

July 09, 2002 Former MJ managers Frank Dileo & Sandy Gallin defend Mottola

"Tommy Mottola is not a racist. This whole thing is about Michael looking to put the blame for a bad record on somebody besides himself and it's an unfortunate way to do it.  Despite what Michael says, he has been making his own marketing and management decisions for more than 12 years. What that kid really needs to do is stand in front of a full-length mirror and take a good hard look at the real problem." -FRANK DILEO

"I don't want to take sides, but this is really the most absurd situation" -SANDY GALLIN

July 09, 2009 "Sony Hits Jax Back"

"Charges of pedophilia really spooked a lot of American record buyers. There are a lot of parents who don't think he's a wholesome entertainer. It's shadowed him. He's trying to wage this bizarre campaign to rearrange his financial obligations. It's not going to happen"

July 12, 2002 Roger Friedman cited a ‘serious source close to Jackson’

“There is correspondence between Michael and Tommy that will show why Michael has done what he's done. It's all about Tommy goading Michael to respond the way that he has. My source says that on more than one occasion he has been present during speaker calls between Jackson and Sony Music President Tommy Mottola in which Mottola threatened Jackson. Not physical threats but certainly the threat that Michael would be destroyed and his career would be over if he didn't agree to Tommy's terms. It's Tommy saying 'I'll ruin you.' The basis for all this? The Beatles catalog. This has all been done by Tommy in an effort to squeeze Michael financially. Tommy wants the Beatles catalog."

July 13, 2002 "Michael has his reasons for speaking out like this. He never speaks out, so obviously there is a good reason for it, and he knows what he's doing."
-JACKIE JACKSON

July 14, 2002 Ricky Martin defends Tommy Mottola

“Tommy has always been my friend. He's been there unconditionally for me, 24/7. Really I don't think it has any foundation. I've met Michael a few times and I wish him the best. But I have no idea why he said that” (that Mottola is racist).

July 14, 2002 Russell Simmons defends Tommy Mottola

"There are two things I know," he told the New York Post. "Tommy Mottola is not a racist, and, in black music, especially, you don't need $30 million to make an album successful. Michael Jackson's album didn't sell because of a lack of quality. If it's a hit record, it'll stick on its own." -RUSSEL SIMMONS

July 16, 2002 Jermaine Jackson released a statement, on behalf of his Family

"Industry types, such as Russell Simmons and Ricky Martin are uninformed and should wait to hear the facts before making derisive statements about Michael. Comedians Dennis Miller and Robin Williams and others who bad-mouth and make comedic references to the scandalous [child molestation] allegations need to be reminded that not only was Michael not convicted of any crime, he was never charged nor was he ever indicted. Any statements to the contrary are libelous and subject to legal action. 

We believe that the amount of record sales attributed to Michael is underestimated. We believe that the financial records are inflated and not accurate. There are numerous artists who are deceived by record companies who overwhelm them with lawyers, accountants, publicists, double-talk, false practices and shady business dealings. We believe that Tommy Mottola has used nepotism and cronyism to assure total financial control. We want a complete listing of each person involved in every aspect.

The people that he has working for him, where are they? Why won't they stand up for him? Their non-support is eerily similar to when Michael faced molestation allegations. None in his camp stood up for him. His family was left to take the fight to the media to refute the terrible allegations against him. I hope that Michael now understands that he must rid himself of those who only want to reap the benefits of being associated with Michael Jackson yet does nothing for the good of him.

There are numerous stories of our elder artists being cheated out of their life's work. We demand that Sony sign a full disclosure clause agreeing to justify each and every artist's account, record sales, distribution cost, and publicity accounts. Furthermore we want Sony to disclose standardize payments to artists similar to professional basketball contracts and calls on all negotiations to be regulated by draft placement and set by a minimum and maximum salary. We state unequivocally our support for Michael.

The house of Sony was built by Michael Jackson and (former Sony chairman) Walter Yentnikoff, and it all started with Michael's 'Off The Wall' album. Michael Jackson is the foundation for Sony Music. He is the cornerstone upon which others were able to build a career. We believe that Sony has escaped responsibility for its own history by seeking to undermine our brother Michael to fulfill their own self prophesy. Michael's talents are God given and neither Tommy Mottola nor anybody else can take it away from him. He has earned his place in popular music history."

July 18, 2002  "We're definitely considering a lawsuit. We've asserted claims against Sony. These are claims for breach of an agreement and fiduciary duties. We have Enron-like accounting claims concerning the under-reporting of revenues to Michael Jackson as well as other alleged improper accounting practices"

-MARTY SINGER, Michael Jackson lawyer

July 23, 2002 Mariah Carey defends Tommy Mottola.

“Mariah doesn't really know how to react to Michael Jackson's accusations. She was shocked, of course, as we all are," she told Music Insider. "Throughout all the years she has known Tommy, she has never known him to be a racist. Mariah does not feel that he is such a person after all the support he had given her. Michael did not have Mariah's permission or consent to use her in his battle with Sony and did not want any part of it. Mariah feels Michael is wrong and she is rather surprised that he has dragged her into this. She is very upset with him and is not behind him in this at all.” 

-CINDI BERGER, Mariah Carey’s spokesperson

Jan 09, 2003 Tommy Mottola “resigned” from Sony.

Jan 12, 2003 Bashir conducts his final interview with Michael in Miami

Although Bashir delivered soft blows to unsuspecting Michael since the onset interview, during the final interview, the tone of the interview changes, Bashir delivers massive blows. Michael appears extremely tense, annoyed and hurt as Bashir ambushes Michael. The close proximity in time between Mottola termination & Bashir's brutal blow during the final interview is noteworthy.

STAY TUNED...

"I knew I had to confront Jackson about what I thought was an obsession with children. It just couldn't be avoided. Confronting him wouldn't be easy but it had to happen."

-MARTIN BASHIR

 

RELATED READS:

Michael Jackson & Sony Relationship for Dummies, Part 1

Michael Jackson & Sony Relationship for Dummies, Part 2

Michael Jackson & Sony Relationship for Dummies, Part 3

Michael Jackson & Sony Relationship for Dummies, Part 4
Michael Jackson & Sony Relationship for Dummies, Part 6