Michael Jackson's estate has successfully blocked the sale of “extremely rare” unreleased recordings of the late singer.
Last month, Gotta Have Rock and Roll announced plans to auction off more than two dozen master tapes allegedly recorded by the late Thriller singer – who died in June 2009 at the age of 50 – at New York studio The Hit Factory in 1994.
They expected to raise up to $4,000 for each tape, but lawyers acting on behalf of the estate threatened to sue, arguing that the recordings were “undoubtedly stolen.”
A letter from attorney Jonathan Steinsapir on November 29, obtained by Billboard, asked the company to “cease all attempts to further auction these tapes” but also to immediately return the recordings.
The letter continued: “Neither Michael Jackson nor his record company, Sony Music Entertainment, have ever sold or given away master tapes of his recording sessions at The Hit Factory (or anywhere else).
Michael Jackson's estate has successfully blocked the sale of 'extremely rare' unreleased recordings of the late singer (Jackson photo 2009)
Last month, Gotta Have Rock and Roll announced plans to auction off more than two dozen master tapes allegedly recorded by the late Thriller singer – who died in June 2009 at the age of 50 – at New York Studio the Hit Factory in 1994 (Jackson photo of that year)
'These tapes were undoubtedly stolen or otherwise taken without permission. Accordingly, they are owned by the Jackson Estate.”
But the letter apparently had no success. Attorney Alex Spiro then sent an email to the auction house's attorney, noting that the company had already notified the estate that they “will not comply with these demands.”
They wrote: “We are writing to inform you that we intend to file for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in the New York Supreme Court tomorrow (December 13). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.'
By Wednesday, December 13, the tapes had been removed from sale, although Gotta Have Rock and Roll is still selling a number of other items associated with the Bad singer, including a “Circa 1984 Owned + Worn Red Military Style Jacket” which they estimate that will sell for more than $10,000.
The tapes were listed as 'Non-Copyright Artifacts ONLY' with reproduction 'STRICTLY Prohibited' and had titles such as 'Oh Love', 'New Jelly' and 'Doing What My Heart'.
Jackson – known as The King Of Pop – is one of the most successful music artists of all time.
He has estimated sales of over 400 million records worldwide, in addition to having 13 Billboard Hot 100 number one singles, which is the third highest of any artist.
Jackson was also the first artist in five different decades to have a top ten single on the Billboard Hot 100.
Jackson – known as The King Of Pop – is one of the most successful music artists of all time. He estimates sales of more than 400 million records worldwide; he is pictured in 1992
If that wasn't enough, he is also considered the best-selling individual music artist of all time by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Meanwhile, Jackson's cousin Jaafar Jackson will play the King of Pop in an upcoming biopic called Michael. Deadline.
Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson, brother of Michael and member of The Jackson 5.
The 26-year-old has been singing and dancing since he was 12 and is following in the footsteps of his famous family.
Michael died in 2009 at the age of 50 due to a cocktail of tranquilizers that led to cardiac arrest.
The biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua for Lionsgate, will be produced by GK Films and also by John Branca and John McClain, who are co-executors of Michael Jackson's estate.
Jaafar shared his gratitude for getting the role via his Twitter account, along with a black and white photo of himself dressed as his famous late uncle.
He has 13 Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, which is the third most of any artist. The cover of the 1982 album Thriller is shown
The Thriller singer has also been the center of controversy for decades, and even more so in recent years.
According to Deadline, the new biopic will cover the period of Jackson's life, from his youth with The Jackson Five to the civil and criminal trials before his death at the age of 50 in 2009.
Joe Drake, chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement: “I am very excited that Lionsgate will be part of this epic film, and thrilled to be working with Graham, who has proven success in telling iconic real-life stories , from Bohemian Rhapsody for Ali; combined with John we couldn't be in more special hands.”
With the Jackson family involved in the project, it is unclear how the film will address the allegations.