Billboard requires a JavaScript enabled browser to get the full experience

Michael Jackson Concerts Face Legal Challenge

Comments

  June 11, 2009 9:36 EDT

Michael Jackson

A music promoter has sued to stop Michael Jackson from performing in London this year, claiming his appearances would violate a prior contract.

New Jersey-based AllGood Entertainment Inc contends in the lawsuit filed in federal court in New York it signed a deal with the singer's manager, Frank DiLeo, in November committing him to an appearance in the U.S. this summer.

Under the agreement, Jackson is not supposed to give another concert before that show, the lawsuit filed Wednesday (June 10) states. Jackson has signed with AEG Live to play 50 shows at London's O2 Arena starting in July.

AllGood Entertainment contends those shows violate the New Jersey company's agreement with DiLeo, which it says predates the singer's deal with AEG Live.

Representatives for Jackson and AEG Live were not immediately available to comment.

AEG Live, which is named in the lawsuit, has previously called AllGood Entertainment's claims meaningless.

Jackson has been rehearsing in the Los Angeles area for the London shows.

AllGood Entertainment contends in its lawsuit its agreement with DiLeo also left the door open for Jackson to perform with other members of his show business family, which includes his brothers from the Jackson Five and sister Janet Jackson.

The company's lawsuit alleges breach of contract, fraud and tortious interference with a contract. It seeks at least $20 million in compensatory damages and at least $20 million in punitive damages.

It also names as defendants Jackson's production company, as well as DiLeo, his company and AEG Live's parent company AEG, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Anschutz Company.

Jackson's series of London shows have been touted as unprecedented. AEG Live says that, all together, the shows will gather the biggest audience ever to see an artist in one city.

COPYRIGHT: (c) Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.

Up for Discussion

Post Comment

Sort By

More Features

All features

Get your recommended daily allowance of music news in one two-minute video dose.

The Chart Game: Can you predict the hotness?

Win Seven Nirvana Albums

Thanks For Joining Billboard

Log in to create your profile, speak your mind and connect with listeners like you.

Why Join ?

Don't just hear it. Live it. Go deeper than a casual listen: Voice your feelings, build a profile around your favorite music, connect with people who share your passions and discover new ones. Sign up for free.

Complete Your Registration at Billboard.com!

Haven't Joined Yet ?

For the full Billboard experience, you need to be a member. Sign up. It's free.

Join Billboard

Forgot your password?

Enter the e-mail address you used to sign up and we will email you the password .

Email Sent !

Your password has been sent to the email address you provided. Please sign in below :

Log In

Forget your password ?

Action Successful

We'd love to hear your feedback on the new Billboard.com!

Whether it's a feature request or a bug

We want to hear from you. Please use this form to anonymously give us your input.

open
close

CLICK PLAY TO RESUME