Michael Jackson’s death leaves a trail of litigation involving the entertainer and his various entities.
And his death, as with the death of such celebrities as Marilyn Monroe, is now entering a phase of intense interest as to exactly what occurred as Jackson’s family order a second autopsy and the LA Police want to further question Jackson’s doctor about the entertainer’s final hours and his medication, although reports indicate there is no criminal liablity suggested.
It’s well known that Jackson and his business empire was in massive debt – hence the planned tour – but the range of lawsuits against him, or brought on his behalf, are considerable and leave a legacy of lawsuits that are likely to last for years.
There’s litigation relating to his Neverland Ranch sale, including his attempts to prevent the sale of thousands of personal items. There’s outstanding insurance and other issues relating to his now cancelled tour, which has left promoters AEG Live in a major hole.
There’s a lawsuit brought by a concert promoter in New Jersey that alleges Jackson failed to honor an agreement with AEG Live to promote his shows.
A Jackson entity has sued for copyright infringement in respect of the use of his music in bars and restaurants, which will certainly continue notwithstanding his death.
He was recently sued in London in respect of his alleged failure to honor obligation to a Mid-East investor and there are still other lawsuits.
Jackson’s main attorney is John Branca of LA entertainment firm Ziffren Brittenham, but he also has other lawyers who have handled his civil – and of course his criminal – work.
