Jackson Estate Wins Crucial Victory Over Family’s Objections

The executors for Michael Jackson’s estate won a crucial victory today in Los Angeles Probate Court. Judge Mitchell Beckloff has approved a deal with AEG Live to send Michael’s memorabilia on a tour to New York, London, and Tokyo. The exhibition should add $6 million to the estate’s coffers.

The day was a victory for Michael’s estate and yet another failure added to Katherine Jackson’s legal wranglings. But it’s not Katherine herself who’s incurred these losses, but the lawyers representing the Jackson family. They’ve been spurred on by Joseph Jackson, who’s tried to stop the estate at every turn from moving forward.

Interestingly, the judge refused to let Michael’s brother, Randy, testify. The family’s lawyers argued that Randy was an expert. The judge was incredulous, and said no. If Randy had taken the stand, it would have been a disaster. His short run as Michael’s manager produced nothing but lawsuits and anger. He was eventually fired.

Also not testifying today was Leonard Rowe, the ex-con shady concert promoter who was touted by the Jacksons as their financial adviser.

Even the attorney guardian for Michael’s children approved the AEG deal.

John Branca, executor for Michael and his long time attorney, testified in closed court over the phone from a family vacation. His testimony was said to be most persuasive.

That leaves little more room for Katherine Jackson’s side to keep objecting to the estate’s deals. Sources at the Hayvenhurst house say Mrs. Jackson is barely aware of all this, and that she is still grieving for her son. But someone had better tell her that legal bills are now running into the millions, and that she hasn’t had one victory in court yet. And in the end, despite the court agitations having been brought by other family members, the bill is going to wind up being paid from Katherine’s inheritance. Ouch!