Michael Jackson will appear via videotaped deposition only in the upcoming lawsuit scheduled to go to trial this week. Michael provided that deposition at London’s Dorchester Hotel.

Michael is being sued by Marc Shaffel for $3.8 million for what Schaffel claims are unpaid loans and expenses, included salary on “What More Can I Give” and the proceeds from the two rebuttal productions following the grossly skewed Bashir documentary.

Schaffel claims that he was guaranteed a salary of $375,000 a year for three years plus royalties on Michael’s records and videos he produced. In depositions, Schaffel claims that he received only $75,000 a year plus some reimbursements for money he advanced to Michael and for his projects.

Among the unreimbursed expenses he lists are legal fees of $74,000 incurred when Schaffel was named an unindicted co-conspirator in the 2005molestation trial. Michael Jackson was acquitted on all counts.

Supporting evidence will examine Michael’s spending habits. The AP report cited the inclusion of a $1 million payment to Marlon Brando for his appearance at the Madison Square Garden concert. Schaffel claims that he received a call from Brando, enquiring about his payment.

Michael is countersuing Schaffel, claiming that he misappropriated art works belonging to Michael, mishandled finances and records and engaged in “self-dealing.”

The trial is expected to last about 12 days.

Source: Associated Press