The Estate of Michael Jackson announced today that Michael will be immortalized in a hand and foot print ceremony at Hollywood’s legendary Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on January 26, 2012, starting at 11:00am PST.

In a giant celebration of the legacy of the King of Pop, and the Los Angeles debut of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, Michael Jackson’s three children, Prince, Paris and “Blanket” will use their father’s shoes and sequined glove to make impressions in the cement in the famous forecourt of the theatre (alongside such entertainment icons as Fred Astaire, Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Sidney Poitier, Clark Gable, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks).

The cast of THE IMMORTAL World Tour will perform a special live presentation, and the entire event will be streamed live via Twitter @michaeljackson with additional photos and live coverage of the event tweeted from Twitter’s music channel @twittermusic.

Fans can go to findeventdetails.com/mjlegacyon January 19 for line up information!!

Source: MJ Team Online

Michael Jackson’s death was a huge loss to his children, his family, and his fans worldwide. A jury determinied Michael’s untimely passing was caused by Conrad Murray. Dr. Murray in pre-trial statements and in a post-trial documentary expressed no remorse or responsibility for Mr. Jackson’s death. The Estate of Michael Jackson believes that the sentence imposed on Conrad Murray by Judge Pastor was appropriate and called for. The egregious conduct of Dr. Murray when “treating” Michael Jackson was bad enough but when coupled with his outrageous lies in trying to cover up his wrongdoing after Michael was dying and/or had died only served to magnify his criminal actions. Michael Jackson was the one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived and he will be missed by millions.

The following statement has been released from the Michael Jackson Estate regarding and in response to Michael’s wishes and plans to build a children’s hospital. Michael Jackson’s Children’s Hospital.

We all know how much Michael cared about children and children’s charities, among his many causes, and we also know that many of Michael’s fans want to honor him by making charitable donations or volunteering their time to help others. We have received many inquiries from concerned and caring fans looking for information to help them in making their choices in this regard.

Although we are not at liberty to provide any details at the present time, we can say that the Executors are very much looking forward to sharing with the fans (and the world at large) the way in which they intend to implement Michael’s wishes under his will to have a certain portion of his estate benefit children’s charities. The process is underway but there are many steps that have to be taken before the announcement can be made. Bear with us, keep your faith, commitment and patience.

Just know that this is an important concern and focus for the Estate.

MJ Online Team
The Official Online Team of the Michael Jackson Estate™

EPIC RECORDS SET TO RELEASE IMMORTAL THE NEW ALBUM FROM MICHAEL JACKSON ON NOVEMBER 21, 2011

A MUSIC TAPESTRY FOR THE CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW. MICHAEL JACKSON THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR

New York, NY – On November 21, Epic Records in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release IMMORTAL – the highly anticipated musical tapestry for Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour. IMMORTAL will be released as both a deluxe double disc version and single disc.
Led by esteemed musical designer, Kevin Antunes (Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Madonna) IMMORTAL takes a fresh, creative approach in redesigning and reimagining more than 40 of Michael Jackson’s greatest original recordings into a compilation that allows listeners to experience his music in an entirely new way. After spending a year in the studio working with Michael’s original multi-track master recordings, Kevin created IMMORTAL which offers listeners a new soundscape to Michael’s artistry while preserving the power and familiarity of his unparalleled voice and his legendary tracks.

Kevin Antunes comments, “Michael’s legacy as the greatest entertainer of our lifetime is inspiring beyond words. It was clear from the start that Michael’s voice and overall musical essence was the sole/soul source of creative energy driving the project. From the studio to the stage, there’s an undeniable integrity and resolute truth in Michael’s vocal performances that are highlighted in the Immortal arrangements. It was built with love and respect for Michael’s music, his family, and his millions of fans around the world.”

IMMORTAL is sure to touch the hearts of passionate Michael fans as the album unfolds his musical legacy with redesigned versions of his hits, electrifying mashups and newly discovered outtakes fans have never heard before including an alternate take on the Jackson 5’s “ABC” and a choir that Michael recorded for “They Don’t Really Care About Us.”

To pre-order IMMORTAL, and view footage from Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour please visit our Merchandise Store

The North American leg of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour kicked off last night in Montreal, and will include an extended stay in Las Vegas in December. The epic show, which was written and directed by Jamie King – the leading concert director in pop music today –, is a riveting fusion of Michael Jackson music, choreography and Cirque du Soleil creativity that offers fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture.

IMMORTAL DELUXE ALBUM TRACKLISTING:

1. Working Day and Night (Immortal Version)
2. The Immortal Intro (Immortal Version)
3. Childhood (Immortal Version)
4. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Immortal Version)
5. Shake Your Body Down To The Ground (Immortal Version)
6. Dancing Machine/Blame It On The Boogie (Immortal Version)
7. Ben (Immortal Version)
8. This Place Hotel/Smooth Criminal/Dangerous (Immortal Version)
9. The Mime Segment: I Like The Way/Speed Demon/Another Part Of Me (Immortal Version)
10. J5 Medley: I Want You Back/ABC/The Love You Save (Immortal Version)
11. Human Nature/Speechless (Immortal Version)
12. Is It Scary/Thriller/Ghost/Somebody’s Watching Me/Threatened (Immortal Version)
13. You Are Not Alone/I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (Immortal Version)
14. Beat It/Jam/State Of Shock (Immortal Version)
15. Earth Song/Planet Earth (Immortal Version)
16. Scream/Little Susie (Immortal Version)
17. Gone Too Soon (Immortal Version)
18. They Don’t Care About Us (Immortal Version)
19. I’ll Be There (Immortal Version)
20. Immortal Megamix: Can You Feel It/Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough/Billie Jean/Black Or White (Immortal Version)
21. Man In The Mirror (Immortal Version)
22. Remember The Time/Bad (Immortal Version)

IMMORTAL SINGLE ALBUM TRACKLISTING:
1. Working Day and Night (Immortal Version)
2. The Immortal Intro (Immortal Version)
3. Childhood (Immortal Version)
4. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Immortal Version)
5. Dancing Machine/Blame It On The Boogie (Immortal Version)
6. This Place Hotel/Smooth Criminal/Dangerous (Immortal Version)
7. J5 Medley: I Want You Back/ABC/The Love You Save (Immortal Version)
8. Human Nature/Speechless (Immortal Version)
9. Is It Scary/Thriller/Ghost/Somebody’s Watching Me/Threatened (Immortal Version)
10. You Are Not Alone/I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (Immortal Version)
11. Beat It/Jam/State Of Shock (Immortal Version)
12. Earth Song/Planet Earth (Immortal Version)
13. They Don’t Care About Us (Immortal Version)
14. Immortal Megamix: Can You Feel It/Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough/Billie Jean/Black Or White (Immortal Version)
15. Man In The Mirror (Immortal Version)

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,400 artists from more than 50 different countries. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities on six continents. In 2011, Cirque du Soleil will present simultaneously 22 different shows around the world.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

There will be a Michael Jackson line of perfumes, but it won’t be coming from Michael’s father, Joseph. I can tell you exclusively that the Michael Jackson estate is in negotiations right now to market its own brands through a conventional big time cosmetics company. The perfume has been created, the bottles are being deisgned, and a name is being decided upon. It will not be called “Thriller,” says a source who’s working on the project.

But it’s not a bad idea. Neither are “Bad,” “Dangerous,” “Invincible” or “Off the Wall” (the latter could be body spray!). What’s NOT happening: a line of perfumes from Michael’s father, Joe Jackson.

Indeed, the estate is spending extra time shutting Jackson senior down as he makes pronouncements about new businesses he’s dreaming up to exploit his late son’s likeness. Recently, Jackson proclaimed on his website that he and a German firm – UD Group International – a firm with ties to Michael’s one time manager Dieter Wiesner, had somehow gotten the rights in that country to Michael’s name. However, the Jackson estate insists this isn’t true, and that they are contacting their German lawyers to set matters straight.

On the website, Joe Jackson can be seen hocking his own line of “champagne,” and carrying on about his new ventures. He tried to launch his own perfume line during the Cannes Film Festival, but that’s been scotched. He also told this reporter about his plans for Neverland style hotels. “That will not be happening,” said an estate source. “We think Joe knows all these things are pipe dreams. He just likes to do the traveling and get the attention,” said my source.

Meanwhile, the Estate is looking forward to opening night in Montreal on October 2nd, when Cirque du Soleil unveils its Michael Jackson show. Tickets are on sale in several cities. After Montreal, the show heads to Las Vegas. What’s happening here is really interesting: in death, Michael Jackson is now becoming a big, big business, bigger than he could have envisioned.

Source: Showbiz411.com

The Estate of Michael Jackson have issued a statement today regarding the Aaron Carter ‘drugs story’, and also commented on La Toya and her new book:

Fans have asked the Estate to elaborate on its decision to respond to some of LaToya Jackson’s comments as she promoted her new book, as well as its decision not to respond formally to a false and erroneous report out of Australia that allegedly quoted Aaron Carter as saying he and Michael used drugs together.

If someone severely misrepresents the facts surrounding Michael’s Estate and makes serious, reckless and false accusations that go unanswered, it demeans and maligns Michael’s memory and legacy, and may also potentially hurt the business of the Estate, thereby affecting the future earnings that benefit Michael’s beneficiaries.

When a tabloid report like the Aaron Carter story occurs, involving claims made by people who knew Michael during his life, the Estate always must ask the same questions: how credible is the source; can it be verified; and would issuing a public response only put an unwarranted spotlight on a questionable, negative story about Michael the Estate has no desire to publicize?

In this case, the Executors knew the account came from a marginal celebrity gossip site, and was conducted by a journalist with a long history of controversy involving Michael and his family. Furthermore, the Executors also knew Aaron Carter had previously denied the allegations to People magazine, something that was noted to any media who asked the Estate about the report. In the end, the Estate believes the story took care of itself: Aaron Carter’s decision to refute it himself was the best solution, in that it called the most attention possible to the credibility of this story. Any benefit from the Estate calling out irresponsible media reportage could then possibly be outweighed by the detriment of even more media spotlight on a bogus story.

As for LaToya Jackson, the Estate felt compelled to respond to irresponsible and untruthful statements that were defamatory, and which grossly misrepresented facts that are in the public court record. LaToya was going on many television shows, repeating some of the same bogus info, and the Estate felt it important to try and contain any additional/future damage beyond that which had already been done, and, sadly, which had already started to be repeated as fact by other media to promote their sites or sell their news reports.

It’s probably an impossible task to make decisions that everyone likes. Some will agree, some will disagree, but in the end, it is the ultimate responsibility of the Co-Executors to fulfill their obligations per Michael’s wishes by doing what they think best in each and every instance, to protect, preserve, and grow Michael’s legacy and memory for Michael and his fans, and to protect, preserve and grow the Estate for its beneficiaries.

MJOnline
The Official Online Team of the Michael Jackson Estate™

Michael Jackson’s $900 million (£562.5 million) art collection is at the centre of a legal dispute.

According to the American Star – a vault of work that features many of Michael’s own never-before-seen designs and sketches has been agreed to be given to close friend.

However, the singer’s former manager and spokesperson, Dr. Tohme Tohme, has allegedly already struck a deal to give the entire collection to Jackson’s former friend and teacher, Australian artist Brett-Livingstone Strong.

America’s Star magazine has obtained a letter Tohme wrote to Strong on Jackson estate letterhead in 2008, which details the business deal and gives the artist ownership of all the singer’s work – free of charge.

Tohme wrote, “Michael wants you to know he is truly grateful for the loyalty you have shown him over the years, and he views this as a small token of appreciation for your continued friendship and artistic partnership.”

But, Jackson’s estate executives were unaware of the transaction and now believe the agreement may have been a fake, since the King of Pop’s own signature is missing from the document.

Source: Contact Music

Michael Jackson’s estate has generated $310 million in revenue from album sales, a film, merchandising and other products since 2009, according to court papers filed on Thursday.

The records, which were made public as part of the estate’s probate proceedings, are the most detailed accounting yet of the finances of Jackson’s estate from his death until December 31, 2010.

Among the projects making money for Jackson’s estate are the new album “Michael,” which contains previously unreleased songs, and the concert movie “This Is It,” which compiled videotaped rehearsals for a series of comeback concerts in London. Various merchandising and licensing deals have also swelled the coffers. Jackson’s recordings are released by Epic Records, a unit of Sony Corp.

Noteworthy costs included a $900,000 payment to Forest Lawn Memorial cemetery where Jackson’s body is interred, and $35,000 in expenses listed as “costume for memorial.”

Source: Reuters

A company that owns the rights to license all things Michael Jackson is going after MJ’s dad, Joe — indirectly — claiming he’s involved in a business deal that shamelessly exploits his dead son.

Joe Jackson was pushing the new “Jackson” scent line at the Cannes Film Festival last month on behalf of a company called Julian Rouas Paris. But according to a new lawsuit, J.R.P. never obtained permission to use Michael’s name and image in connection with the product.

Now, Bravado International is asking a federal court in Los Angeles to force Julian Rouas Paris to immediately strip anything MJ-related from their smelly product line ASAP.

Bravado is also seeking $750 for each time MJ’s name and likeness were used on a product PLUS three times the amount of profits they’ve made on the scents PLUS more than $150k in damages.

A rep for Bravado says, “Michael Jackson’s talent made his name one of the most valuable in the history of entertainment, and no person acting on behalf of the estate gave Mr. Rouas oral or written consent to exploit it.”

Source: TMZ.com

THE WORLD UNITES ON NEW MICHAEL JACKSON VIDEO “BEHIND THE MASK”

Groundbreaking “Crowdsourced” Video to Debut on June 14th on Facebook.com/MichaelJackson

New York, NY – This spring, the Estate of Michael Jackson and Sony Music gave everyone around the world the opportunity to be a part of Michael Jackson’s video legacy with The Behind the Mask Project.  This groundbreaking, global online casting call prompted people in all corners of the planet who love Michael Jackson’s music to shoot, upload and submit their own unique performances for inclusion in the video; the project elicited an unprecedented response from 103 countries in the world.  And on June 14th, The Behind the Mask Project will be unveiled on www.Facebook.com/MichaelJackson .

Led by the creative team at @radical.media and acclaimed director Dennis Liu, The Behind the Mask Project launched in March 2011 with a state of the art website http://behindthemask.michaeljackson.com loaded with simple tools that defined the different roles one could play.  Upon entering the site, users selected an action like playing an instrument, singing a lyric, acting out a crowd reaction or demonstrating a classic MJ dance move.  Then, using the site’s split-screen template, contributors were able to shoot their move right on the website or with their web cam and upload the clip at the precise time it occurred in the video.

Dennis Liu comments, “This has been the most exciting and fun project I think I’ve ever been involved in. It’s been such a privilege, and was incredibly moving to see so many people from all over the world join as one, their creative voices, dance and musical talents bound together by Michael Jackson’s spirit and incomparable artistry.  We received submissions from the Sahara Desert to Venice Beach, from mountaintops to suburban backyards, with some shots featuring well over one hundred people apiece. All who participated delivered brilliantly.”

After submissions poured in from all over the globe they were carefully edited down by the director to the best 1600 submissions (including 50 kids and 36 animals). On June 14^th, the 35 million Facebook fans of Michael Jackson will get the first look at this landmark video.  New fans can log on to www.Facebook/MichaelJackson and click “Like” to view the video.

Technology journalist Natali Morris comments, “Michael Jackson was crowdsourcing his videos before crowdsourcing even existed. This project is a perfect way to honor his connection with his fans.”

The song “Behind the Mask” is a critic and fan favorite from MICHAEL – the unique collection of songs featuring Michael’s performances completed posthumously and released in December by the Michael Jackson Estate and Sony Music. MICHAEL was the #1 global album upon its release in December and has shipped over 3 million units worldwide making it one of the biggest albums of 2010.  The album’s success continues to underscore Michael’s importance as a global icon and superstar, transcending cultures and languages.

Dennis Liu is an award-winning digital filmmaker at @radical.media.  Dennis quickly made a name for himself winning awards for clients that include Apple and Microsoft and being honored in the renowned “Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors Showcase”.   @radical.media is a global transmedia company that creates some of the world’s most innovative content and the home to @radical.media design+digital. @radical.media’s award-winning projects include the Academy Award®-winning documentary “The Fog of War”; the Grammy®-winning “Concert for George”; the Independent Spirit Award-winning “Metallica: Some Kind of Monster”; the award-winning digital experience “The Wilderness Downtown” for Google Creative Lab and Arcade Fire; the Grammy-nominated “The Johnny Cash Project”; the Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning pilot episode of the hit series “Mad Men”; the Emmy®-winning “10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America” for the History Channel; and five seasons of the critically acclaimed Sundance Channel series “Iconoclasts,” among others.

Source : MJOnline – The Official Team of the Michael Jackson Estate

Lloyd’s of London has gone to court… asking a judge to let the company off the financial hook, claiming it doesn’t owe the Michael Jackson Estate $17.5 million on grounds MJ was a fraud.

The company issued the multi-million dollar policy to cover the doomed “This Is It” tour for losses.

But Lloyd’s claims it doesn’t have to honor the policy for 2 primary reasons:

1. Michael Jackson and AEG allegedly lied about Michael’s medical history — specifically, MJ said he had not seen a doctor other than a cosmetic MD since June, 2005.

2. Michael did not disclose he was taking prescription drugs prior to and at the time of his death -including Propofol.

Lloyd’s is asking the court for a declaration that the policy is null and void as a result of the alleged fraud.

Source: TMZ

Please let the fans know that we are aware of the many questions from the fan community regarding the recent settlement of the HTWF lawsuit. The Estate will need at least ninety days to gather information, as well as all of the property that will be coming back to the Estate from Melissa Johnson and the HTWF. We want the fans to rest assured that all decisions on the use of a charitable foundation or, as an alternative, making direct contributions to recipient charities, and any and all personnel decisions, will be made with complete regard to Michael’s wishes and Michael’s legacy, which we intend to honor and perpetuate. We also value the opinions of Michael’s fans who, above all, have shown unwavering support for Michael and his legacy. We therefore want to assure the fans that all actions being taken by the Estate, past, present and future, will be guided by the paramount objective of doing the right thing by Michael.

John McClain and John Branca
Co-Executors
The Estate of Michael Jackson

Source: The Estate of Michael Jackson

Here is an exclusive sneak peek of Part 2 of the Developer Diaries on the inspiration behind Michael Jackson The Experience!

Part 2 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EERwGnCrB_Y

Source: MJOnline -The Official Online Team of the Michael Jackson Estate

Here is an exclusive sneak peek of Part 1 of the Developer Diaries on the inspiration behind Michael Jackson The Experience!

Part 1 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8exFciWxTQ

Source: MJOnline -The Official Online Team of the Michael Jackson Estate

Check out the official MJ Facebook page in the next hour or so to see an exclusive teaser for the upcoming “Behind The Mask” collaborative video!

Source: The Official Online Team of the Michael Jackson Estate™