Jackson May Sue To Stop Sale Of Family Items
Michael Jackson’s rep says the pop star is considering legal action to stop the sale of more than 1,100 family items set for auction in Las Vegas next month.
"Mr. Jackson was not aware and he is extremely upset that his memorabilia was included amongst the memorabilia that is being auctioned off," said spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain.
The Jacksons Auction is scheduled May 30-31 at the Hard Rock hotel resort.
Guernsey's auction house said items include Michael Jackson's gold record for his "Thriller" album, handwritten lyrics for the Jackson Five hit "ABC" and a "Victory Tour" program signed by Jackson family members.
Arlan Ettinger, founder and president of Guernsey's, compared the sale to an auction of Elvis Presley/Graceland memorabilia he conducted in Las Vegas in 1999. "It certainly is in that sphere of landmark, high-profile, extraordinary auctions," Ettinger told the Associated Press.
Michael Jackson, 48, has been living in Las Vegas while he evaluates proposals for a comeback after his 2005 acquittal in California on child molestation charges.
The former owner, Henry Vaccaro, claimed a warehouse full of Jackson memorabilia after a failed business venture wound up in bankruptcy court. Michael Jackson and his sister Janet sued to stop Vaccaro from taking ownership, but a Los Angeles judge threw out Michael's claim in 2006.
Other items include a test pressing of The Jackson Five's "I Want You Back," Marlon Jackson's glitter jacket, Randy Jackson's futuristic 1984 stage boots and a white fedora believed to be from Michael Jackson's "Bad" music video.