Under the ruling, the two men will hold their temporary powers until August 3. McClain and Branca’s estate control allows them to negotiate a settlement with concert promoter AEG Live over Michael Jackson’s now aborted 50 concert comeback tour.
Additionally, the co-estate holders can begin the arduous process of reviewing Jackson’s assets, which include a 50% stake in the Sony-ATV Music Publishing catalog (worth $1.5-$2 billion), and his own Mijac Music Publishing.
The latter contains the late star’s music library which is reported to have hundreds of unreleased songs and videos.
Katherine Jackson applied to be sole administrator of her son’s estate shortly after his death, but before the emergence of a 2002 will.
The document names Branca and McClain as administrators. However, Katherine Jackson’s attorney’s argued against the appointments based on concerns about the “financial leadership” abilities of the two men.
Branca had previously been fired by Michael but was reinstated just days before his sudden passing.
After August 3, another hearing will be scheduled to determine who will oversee the estate going forward.
L. Londell McMillan, attorney for Ms. Jackson, shot down reports that the legal dispute would turn into a bitter, public sideshow.
“We have no reason to believe this is going to turn into a nasty fight over millions and millions of dollars,” McMillan told the Associated Press. “We will be working to ensure that Mr. Jackson’s legacy will be treated with dignity. Mr. Jackson’s life and legacy will be memorialized tomorrow, and we will move forward.”
Today at noon, a public memorial service for Michael Jackson will commence in Los Angeles at the Staples Center.
The service is expected to be shown through closed circuit in over 100 theaters in the Midwest and South.
Of the 1.5 million that registered online, 8,750 names were selected randomly to receive a pair of tickets to attend the service.
Expected participators for the funeral include Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson, John Mayer, Rev. Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King III, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant.
The event will also be broadcast on all major news outlets such as CNN and Fox News.
Last week Michael Jackson’s music posted 2.3 million downloads, making him the first artist to exceed 1 million downloads in 7 days.
Michael Jackson's body is set to be returned to Neverland for a public viewing, which will take place this Friday (July 3).
A private funeral for the pop legend will take place on Sunday (July 5) with family members and numerous celebrity mourners who are said to be in attending.
The legendary singer’s body is currently traveling in a 30-car-motorcade to a secret location.
The family, however, is still unsure of where to bury Jackson.
When Jackson's father Joe Jackson was asked if the singer would be buried at Neverland, which Mr. Jackson stated that it was too early to talk about funeral plans, as the family was awaiting the results of a second autopsy.
However the mayor of Gary, Indiana, the town where Jackson grew up, has stated he hopes that the singer would be buried there.
Mayor Rubin Clay said he believed "that his body will lie in state in Gary, Indiana. "Now, it may not happen, but I believe it will."
Mayor Clay is planning a citywide memorial that he labeled "fit for the greatest entertainer that ever lived," to honor the singer on July 10th.
The public viewing is set to draw tens of thousands of fans from around the world.
In related news, more details are emerging about Jackson's death.
Last Sunday, a registered nurse and Nutritionist Cherilyn Lee, received a call from Michael Jackson last Sunday.
She said three months ago Jackson allegedly sought a powerful drug Diprivan, because he could not sleep.
Jackson was allegedly seeking to gain eight straight hours of sleep, because he could not sleep consistently.
Jackson had taken the medicine in the past, since it was prescribed by a previous doctor, although the drug commonly used in surgical procedures.
Against Lee's will, Jackson allegedly continued to ask about the drug.
Lee told Anderson Cooper's CNN Show Anderson Cooper 360, that she warned Jackson, at least three months ago, about the dangers of Diprivan.
Lee claims someone on Jackson's staff called her last Sunday (June 21), possibly because Jackson recalled the symptoms she warned the drug would call.
She said that Jackson called her and complained that half of his body was hot, and the other side was cold.
Diprivan is a power drug that should be administered in a hospital setting.
According to sources, Los Angeles County coroners know what drug was in Jackson's body already, but have not revealed the details.
A will Jackson made in 2001 has also been discovered
Just two days after news outlets revealed the sudden and unexpected passing of pop icon and humanitarian Michael Jackson, new information concerning Jackson’s estate is coming down the wire. In breaking news today, Source Owner and Executive Publisher L. Londell McMillan has been named the official Michael Jackson legacy attorney and spokesperson. Over the years McMillan has impacted the careers of many acts within Hip-Hop and R&B and has long represented a slew of premier entertainers including everyone from Prince to Lil Kim. For those close to Jackson, the news about McMillan’s major appointment over the Michael Jackson family should come as no surprise, as McMillan has represented Michael Jackson for the past three years.
He said today with regard to Jackson and his estate: “Michael Jackson’s passing is a devastating loss for all of us. It is like a constellation has darkened in the night sky. His incomparable legacy of music and caring manner will eternally shine bright. He was a special client and friend whose soul may now rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to his children, family and friends around the world.”
Less than 24 hours after the tragic death of Michael Jackson, fans around the world are beginning to ask what could've caused the music legend's sudden passing at the age of 50.
Yesterday (June 25), a non-responsive Jackson was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital after collapsing at his home.
Initial reports have stated the music icon succumbed to cardiac arrest.
With a staggering amount of written tributes filtering the net, and the singer's music once again dominating the airwaves, Jackson family spokesman Brian Oxman released a statement hinting at what possibly brought about the singer's untimely passing.
"Michael appeared at rehearsals a couple of times, he was very seriously trying to be able to do those rehearsals," Oxman told CNN of Michael's rigorous sessions for his highly anticipated 50 concert tour. "His use of medications had gotten in the way, his injuries which he had sustained performing, where he had broken a vertebrae and he had broken his leg from a fall on the stage, were getting in the way."
An autopsy has been scheduled for today, and normally takes several weeks before a definitive cause of death is determined.
While the toxicology tests begin, the entertainment world remains in shock, as Michael Jackson was for many the epitome of their profession.
"Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat," said Bad Boy CEO Sean "Diddy" Combs. "He made the music come to life. He made me believe in magic. I will miss him."
"Some people say that Michael Jackson was just a Pop Icon. Don't get it twisted. He was THE POP ICON and his music didn't just inspire me," added Harlem emcee Juelz Santana. "His music moved and inspired MILLIONS. He is a legend to be remembered."
Longtime fan Fabolous took the news hard, and reminisced on his time as a child imitating the King of Pop.
"[This was a] bad day, got to turn this around. [I'm] feeling real disappointed right now. [I’m] not ashamed to say I had the red Thriller jacket on Easter one time, or [that] I use to do the moonwalk in the hallway. had the glove toy that you put glue on the Glove and put glitter on, had the doll with the Cap N' Crunch suit. Real Michael Jackson fan as a kid."
Legendary producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who worked with Michael on the Jackson’s LP's Going Places and The Jacksons, feel privileged to have helped cultivate the singer's rise to stardom at a young age.
"We are very honored to have been a part of Michael Jackson's music and creative career in helping to write and produce his own music with his brothers," Gamble and Huff explained tol AllHipHop.com in a statement. "We know his music and legacy will live on for a very long time."
Although several news outlets are reporting Jackson's death may have been due to an injection from the potent painkiller drug Demerol, brother Jermaine declined to speculate.
Instead, he highlighted a spiritual message to his departed sibling, possibly verifying a rumor that Michael converted to Islam several months ago.
"We believe he suffered a cardiac arrest at his home, however the cause of his death is unknown until the results of the autopsy are known," Jermaine stated. "The personal physician who was with him at the time attempted to resuscitate him.Please respect our privacy during this tough time. May Allah be with you Michael, always. I love you."
Close friend Reverend Al Sharpton framed Michael's contributions as a civil rights trailblazer that broke down cultural barriers.
"Michael Jackson made culture accept a person of color. Way before Tiger Woods, way before Oprah Winfrey, [and] way before Barack Obama," Sharpton said. "No controversy will erase the historic impact."
Michael Joseph Jackson is survived by three children: Prince Michael (12), Paris Michael (11), and Prince Michael II (7).
Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson was in attendance, stating that despite his immense grieving it was important to witness and celebrate his son’s achievements.
The original New Edition lineup kicked off the show with a medley of Jackson 5 hits, including “I Want You Back” and “The Love You Save.”
Host Jamie Foxx presented through the night in various MJ outfits from signature videos, such as “Beat It.”
Foxx even completed the famous “Smooth Criminal” lean before kicking off the show.
The multi-talented entertainer also took time to address the importance of Michael Jackson being honored first in the African-American community.
“No need to be sad. We want to celebrate this black man,” Foxx stated to the crowd. “He belongs to us, [and] we shared him with everyone. Down in New Orleans, when someone dies it becomes a celebration.”
Lil Wayne reiterated that point after receiving the award for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist.
“None of us would be here without Mike,” he stated. Best Male R&B Artist winner NeYo delivered an exceptional musical tribute in his rendering of “Lady In My Life.”
The talented crooner and songwriter was able to effortlessly replicate Jackson’s notable falsetto for one of the night’s highlight performances.
Later, the singer took the crowd down memory lane by brining out three of the most popular New Jack Swing acts of the late 80s and early 90s.
Keith Sweat kicked things off with his Top 5 Billboard single “I Want Her.”
Second was New Jack Swing pioneers Guy, who with keyboard guitar in tow delivered an inspired rendition of “I Like.”
Closing the set with their marked Hip-Hop edge was Bell Biv DeVoe, who performed their biggest hit “Poison.”
NeYo joined in their dance routine, and handled the song’s memorable bridge to close out the set.
The night also had several humorous moments, with Oscar-nominee Taraji P. Henson, Ving Rhames, and Tyrese reprising their characters from Baby Boy.
Jamie Foxx and Martin Lawrence also delivered a faux trailer (“Stank Robbers”) for a Thelma and Louise-inspired movie with their 90s characters Wanda and Sheneneh.
Beyonce took home Best Female Artist and Video of the Year (“Single Ladies”), and showcased a dramatic offering of “Ave Maria.”
With stained glass props and a resplendent, see-through wedding dress, the superstar songstress interpolated lyrics from Sarah McLahlan’s “In the Arms of An Angel.”
In her acceptance speech, an emotional Beyonce dedicated her award to MJ, referring to the King of Pop as her “teacher” and “hero.”
The seminal O’Jays were also honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their 50 plus years in the music industry.
Younger acts Tevin Campbell (“Forever Mine”) and a surprisingly powerful singing trio of Tyrese, Trey Songz, and Johnny Gill had no issues handling the group’s classic material (“Backstabbers,” “Darling, Darling Baby,” and “Stairway to Heaven”).
The O’Jays later took the stage, but not before imparting some very important wisdom for all the younger acts in attendance.
“It’s great to have a hit record, but it’s more important to have a hit act,” they stated.
During their set, the veteran group blessed the audience with flawless dance steps and renditions of “Let Me Make Love to You,” “For the Love of Money,” and “Use ta Be My Girl.”
For their philanthropy work regarding disadvantaged children and outreach in Haiti, Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean received Humanitarian Awards.
“He (Michael Jackson) has truly inspired me to use music in a way that serves the world,” stated Keys.
A visibly shaken Janet Jackson made a surprise last-minute appearance to address the crowd and make an official statement for her family.
“My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was too painful,” explained Janet while fighting back tears. “To you, Michael is an icon. To us, he is family and will forever live in our hearts. We miss him so much. Thank you for all of your love and support.”
The night was closed with NeYo and Jamie Foxx performing a soulful offering of Michael Jackson’s “I’ll Be There.”
Additional performances throughout the night featured Soulja Boy (“Turn my Swag on”), Maxwell (“Pretty Wings”), Jay-Z (“Death of Autotune”), Keri Hilson (Turnin’ Me On”), Keyshia Cole/Monica (“Trust”), Drake (“Best I Ever Had,” “Every Girl”), and Mary Mary (“God In Me”).
A full list of the award winners is available at www.bet.com.
According to a British tabloid, the King of Pop was diagnosed with the disease in recent weeks after doctors spotted signs of cancerous cells on his neck and pre-cancerous cells on his face. Now Whacko-Jacko has always been controversy’s favourite child doing weird things like dangling his son from a hotel balcony, numerous plastic surgeries, child molestation accusations and multiple marriages, the most talked about being with Elvis Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie Presley. The fans of the superstar can console themselves with the fact that the disease is treatable. It’s being said: "Michael’s test showed spots of skin cancer on his body, and cell which could turn to skin cancer on his face. He was at first very concerned, but says he has been assured by the doctors that they can treat this and he will recover." The ‘Thriller’ hitmaker is also determined to recover soon as one of his greatest desires is to make a successful comeback with his 50 date concert series at London’s famed O2 Arena this July. It’s also being said, "Michael is really looking forward to his concerts and is determined to wow his fans at each and every gig. He said he’s insisted that any treatment must fit around the concerts, and the show will go on." The latest is that the ‘Heal the World’ singer has been making regular visits to a dermatologist in Beverly Hills, and last month he showed up at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and reports say that it has a specialist lab to test for skin cancer. Well, it will be interesting to note how fast Jackson recovers and gets back to entertaining people.