$10 million just to appear at a birthday party

[pab]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 1:04pm

The surgically altered performer, who hasn’t had a hit record in years, is reportedly getting $10 million to appear at a birthday party for a prince of Brunei — and he doesn’t even have to sing.

Jackson is getting the eight-figure fee for mingling with other guests at HRH Prince Azim of Brunei’s 25th birthday party in England this weekend. The royal is said to be spending a total of $14 million for the celebration."
Jackson gets paid millions just to party

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 1:10pm

Hey, it's expensive to get plastic surgery every week...

Posted: 5/24/07 at 1:11pm

It's because Prince Azim is 25. If the kid is 8, MJ will jump out of a cake for free.

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 1:12pm

He is spending 14m and Jacko gets 10m? I would beef up the horsdourve's if it were me.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 1:13pm

I bet the prince could get Marc Anthony for $5 million.

[tmm_fan]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 1:14pm

I am a huge fan of his, and while I think that it is a bit much, hey, if he ccan get that much for an appearance, more power to him.

And Invincible was in fact pretty popular; Sony juast didn't promote it well because they wanted Jackson out (or so it would seem). If you search around the web long enough and look at record sales, the man is still extremely popular; moreso than the majority of the press implies.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 1:17pm

"the man is still extremely popular; moreso than the majority of the press implies."

His international sales bring in a lot, but the US press ignores international sales.

[tmm_fan]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 1:22pm

Yes (he is like the biggest thing in Japan) ... and his popularity in America actu8ally ben growing. Search around :).

Much of the press has basically had something against him for over a decade now.

[pab]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 1:24pm

"Much of the press has basically had something against him for over a decade now."

Like maybe possible child molestation?

[*thinkpink18*]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 1:28pm

That's insane... what a great job though. Getting paid to go to parties.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 1:45pm

"Yes (he is like the biggest thing in Japan) ... and his popularity in America actu8ally ben growing. Search around :)."


LOL!!!

[tmm_fan]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 1:57pm

The whole child molestation thing was a joke and not true ... do your research ... read the book Redemption ... check out these clips to prove his innocence:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2V5bDIlUFI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l7gxrQ2c6o

Also ... remember this from way back when?:

Under cross-examination today, the younger brother of Michael Jackson's accuser admitted that he has lied:

He admitted lying under oath at a deposition in his mother's suit against J.C. Penney security guards--and said he couldn't remember who told him to lie.

He admitted Jackson didn't show him a sex magazine that just yesterday he testified Jackson had shown him. That admission came when Mesnereau confronted him with the date of the magazine - six months after the family had left Neverland.

He also denied making statements that the psychologist attributed to him in grand jury testimony.

And if Jackson was in fact guilty, why did the accuser from '93 refuse to testify in the 2002 case after being asked by detectives to take the stand?

Updated On: 5/24/07 at 01:57 PM

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 1:59pm

I don't think that we will EVER know the truth about those charges. tmm you don't know either, unless you were in the room with him.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:01pm

I was just going to post the same thing, muscle. All we know is that the jury found him "not guilty" of the molestation charges. It's really their opinion, not hard evidence of his innocence.

[tmm_fan]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:02pm

No, you're right; I don't know for sure, which can be said about almost anything. But, I do know all the facts that have leaked out on the web and to the press; and from what I see, Michael Jackson is not guilty.

[tmm_fan]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:04pm

And look at all the evidence proving his innocence, not the grand jury verdict. If you refuse to, then you are totally biased.

[pab]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:07pm

"The whole child molestation thing was a joke and not true ... do your research ... read the book Redemption ... check out these clips to prove his innocence"

If it's true or not the fact still remains that "Much of the press has basically had something against him for over a decade now" because of "MAYBE POSSIBLE child molestation". There is no disputing that FACT. I have not idea if he is guilty or not and don't care one way or the other.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:09pm

"I have not idea if he is guilty or not and don't care one way or the other."

Think of the children, pab!

[pab]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:10pm

I'll leave thinking of the children to Michael.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:18pm

tmm...but what about the sleep-overs with children he acknowledged? With hugging. (Correct me if I'm wrong on that part.)

Do you approve of those?

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:39pm

Wow tmm,

I've always thought your posts were odd, but now this, coupled with your mile long signature quotes about ANOTHER Disney channel (You REALLY do need to shorten that. When your signature is longer than your post, it needs to be re-thought), but now I'm conviced that you have pulled loose from your moorings.

[tmm_fan]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 3:35pm

Look at the evidence. Why is posting that odd?

And if a person has sleepovers with younger children, they automatically molest them ... gotcha.

Again, read the book Redemption. If MJ is guilty, why did the '93 acciuser refuse to testify in the 2002 case? Why is he stranged from his uncle? Why is there a history of abuse in his family? Why did the younger brother in the 2002 case admit to lying? Why did "their" mother commit fraud and tax evasion? Why are those youtube clips nonsense?

[PalJoey]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 3:37pm

And if a person has sleepovers with younger children, they automatically molest them ... gotcha.

You dodged the question. I asked if you approve of the sleepovers.

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 3:42pm

PJ - TMM has no personal opinions - except the ones others give to him. Have you not figured that out by now? It's what he calls "The bigger picture".

Updated On: 5/24/07 at 03:42 PM

[tmm_fan]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 4:15pm

Yes, if nothing improper happened.

In 2004, I composed an essay for school, and lo and behold, found it. Here it is:

I am sick. I am sick of the berating of Michael Jackson. I am sick of all the name calling and references to him as “wacko.” I am utterly disgusted with parts of the media; media that twists the words and actions of Michael Jackson around, as if they really know anything about the man. When it was first revealed that he allows children to sleep in his room, various media outlets from all over the world immediately “assume” that he’s having sex with his house guests. Since when can’t an adult cannot share a bed with a younger child without sexually molesting them? It isn’t logical; it isn’t fair; it isn’t right; and the injustice needs to stop.

Michael isn't the only one defending himself in this case. His family, friends and many of his fellow recording artists all insist that he's done nothing wrong. In late 2003, his brother, Jermaine Jackson, had a very spirited conversation on CNN. Actually, it wasn't as much a conversation as it was an attack. And he used obscene words in between raising his voice; qualities which, if you know the history of this family, are not very "Jackson-like." Furthermore, it was revealed on CNN that the warrant for Michael's arrest was carried by police officers the "same time" as the warrant to search his Neverland Valley ranch and house.

Why were there hoards of policemen and FBI agents at his property that day (something that was highly unnecessary; not to mention being blown way out of proportion)? Why was it reported on television that his whereabouts were unknown, when millions of people from all over the world knew he was in Las Vegas shooting the video for his latest single "One More Chance"? Why was his bail set at $3 million, when murderers, rapists and drug dealers receive considerably less? Why was he allowed to fly into California on his private jet; then handcuffed in front of reporters and television cameras after he stepped off the plane; then un-cuffed after he entered the police station (Out of the media frenzy)? Why are the mother and father of the accuser in a brutal divorce settlement? Why for the past couple of years has the father defended Michael Jackson, and at the same time proclaimed his former wife of being an "unfit" mother? Why was this accusation against Michael Jackson made on the day of the release of his latest greatest hits album? Why did a teenage friend of Gavin’s defend Jackson, saying that nothing inappropriate happened during sleepovers and trips to Toys-R-Us? Why are Gavin and his parents overheard on a cassette tape praising Jackson? Why, while at Neverland filming the documentary "Living with Michael Jackson," did Gavin's mother sign a legal document, stating that nothing inappropriate happened? Why did this occur "after" the alleged molestation? Why did newspapers put Jackson's mug shot as the top news story, while we are fighting a war in Iraq, people are starving, serial killers are being captured, and a million life-or-death trials are happening all over the country? A world-famous sports figure retiring or passing away is one thing. A world-famous singer being arrested in one of the most disgraceful and outlandish fashions ever seen or read about is another. Why does www.smokinggun.com have an official document saying that the molestation allegations are unfounded? And why does a London tabloid in 2003 unveil investigative photos of Gavin -- Jackson's accuser -- playing and goofing around? Which, by the way, is completely contradictory to reports of him still ailing in the hospital due to cancer.

According to a 2003 report by Roger Friedman of Fox News, Brett Ratner, director of Rush Hour 2 and one of Jackson's close friends, always had a sneaky suspicion:

Ratner described how the Accuser was allowed to visit the set of Rush Hour 2; however he didn't always show gratitude. "[The boy] would sit in my director's chair. When I told him to get up, he'd tell me to 'go to hell.'" Ratner said, "He used to tell me, 'Brett, I don't like the last shot' while he was watching us make the movie. He's telling me how to make my movie! He's more street smart than I was at that age. If someone tried to fondle him, he’d punch them in the face. He's an adult. I think the jury will see that."

Tom Sneddon, Santa Barbara County District Attorney, said in his initial press conference that the alleged crime, though known about many months ago, wasn't confronted because of other cases leftover from Halloween. Which, of course, leads to two conclusions: either a) he personally waited until the new album came out to ruin Jackson even further (Which doesn't make sense, considering that one would assume a case of sexual molestation -- with a minor, mind you -- would take immediate precedent over everything else) or b) he lied just to make himself look good. Either way, his image is on the brink of becoming tarnished. And in a major way.

According to a November 23, 2003 article written by Corey Moss of MTV News: "Santa Barbara, California District Attorney Tom Sneddon's cheerful smile at Wednesday’s press conference announcing the latest child molestation accusations against Michael Jackson said it all. This case is personal. With 33 years of experience as a district attorney behind him, Sneddon is certainly a professional, but he showed unusual satisfaction in issuing an arrest warrant for the pop star." The apparent vendetta most likely stems from two events: Sneddon was the prosecutor on the child-molestation case against Jackson 10 years ago, only to find himself without a victim willing to testify when Jackson reached a multimillion-dollar settlement with the alleged victim's family (And instead of the accuser -- Jordy Chandler -- wanting to put his molester behind bars, he and his family took the money and ran.). Secondly, Jackson later attacked the DA in his music; his HIStory album contains a song which seems to degrade Sneddon. During the conference, the District Attorney maintained a grin the entire time, and even made some jokes, such as when asked if the timing of the charges was connected to Tuesday's release of Jackson's Number Ones hits album: "Like the sheriff and I are really into that kind of music."

Very strong evidence is uncovered in a very long -- and "very" thorough -- investigative article, which appears in a 1994 issue of GQ magazine. If any of you readers actually believe in human dignity and our judicial system, then I urge you to surf your computer mouse on over to:

http://www.buttonmonkey.com/misc/maryfischer.html

Thank God that, unlike 1993, most people seem to be on Mr. Jackson's side; only a small percentage want to persecute him and automatically proclaim guilt without any proof.

Michael Jackson is human. He has feelings. He is also misunderstood. Struck down. And so they berate him. Call him names. Pronounce him a "molester" and a "sicko."

Accept the artist for who he is. Michael is the King of Pop, but he is also so much more. The man -- and his music -- represents beauty, art, love, peace, prosperity, hope, kindness, and bliss; and all in their highest forms. Through his music, words, and mere presence, he has created laughter, hope, and reasons to live. He has the power to create change by uniting human beings all over the world; and all by simple acts of peace. By his God-given nature. By his soul-stirring spirit. By his mere presence. By the simple fact that he is Michael Jackson.

Is it entirely possible that there exists at least one human being on Earth who appears to be as loving, compassionate and, most of all, misunderstood as Jesus? Yes -- and his name is Michael Jackson. No, he is not Jesus. But he is very much like him. Jesus possessed an unconditional love for children, a love so strong and true that the majority of those around him could not understand it. He saw life through different eyes; on a much deeper level; and for this he was tortured and left for dead. Yet, do we question the motives of this man? Or can we, as fellow human beings, search deep within ourselves to feel what he felt; to see what he saw; to be touched in a way that it almost hurts? Can we, as fellow human beings, accept such a man today?

How many parents have slept in the same bed with their children? What about comforting them in bed if they're sick with a fever or, God forbid, cancer?

Children are innocent; the younger they get, the more innocent they become. In a world where many things seem as if they want us to grow up too fast, it is often nice to just sit back and take in that childhood innocence; whether it be climbing a tree, riding a ferris wheel or even opening up ones house to young children.

I realize it is hard for some people to accept the fact that a man in his late 40's is allowing children to sleep in his room. Yet, is it really that wrong to show this much love and compassion? I think not. Many people are too quick to judge; they hear the world "sleep" and immediately assume "having sex."
But, if everybody in the world were as loving as Michael Jackson; if everyone were as compassionate as Michael Jackson; if every single human being were just as willing to open up not only their house, not only their bed, but their heart as well; if we all had a big enough heart to accept this much innocence and precious beauty into our lives, then the world would be, to partially quote one of his hit songs, "a better place for you and for me."

Here is a very unique individual; one that people don't, and can't, understand. And so they berate him; call him names; refer to him as "wacko." Like Jesus, they cannot fathom even the remote possibility that all of this is true: a man of such pure God-given innocence; in possession of such an awesome gift; one that lies beyond our wildest hopes, dreams and imaginations. A power that can make the homeless smile; give the bed-ridden hope; cause the cancer-stricken to laugh; and bring joy to the developmentally disabled.

Did it ever occur to people that he's "not" molesting children? Did it ever occur to people that his donating of well over $100 million to charity is out of pure Godly love and not some strange twisted sexual desire? He visits hospitals everywhere he goes, showers disadvantaged kids with toys and helps provide the homeless with blankets and pillows. He is listed in Guinness as having donated to the most charities. He donated all of the profits from his Dangerous world tour to charity. He opens up Neverland to charity groups, schools around the area, the disadvantaged, bed-ridden, disabled, and dying. He holds an annual Halloween open house at the ranch. And he pays for funerals. Within the ranch, there are special rooms for cancer patients, mechanical hospital beds for the bed-ridden (that drop down from walls in the movie theater), etc. I would like to think as a society, we can accept people who are different; that as human beings, we are open to unique opportunities and experiences, and are willing to give them a chance. Without automatically pronouncing them de-ranged freaks. Without berating them. I’d like to think that, as whole human beings, we are able to look past the outer shell. To be open to different possibilities. And to put logic above idiocy.

In 2003, Vanity Fair ran a bogus "investigative" article about Michael Jackson performing a voodoo act and inflicting a curse on Steven Spielberg. Not only did Jackson deny this, but so did Spielberg. But of course a lot of the public believed the voodoo story. Why? Because the subject is Michael Jackson. No matter how ludicrous the story may seem, they have to believe it simply because he is Michael Jackson.

The man is different. He’s unique; beyond basic understanding; beyond "normal" (Whatever that is; God knows my personal interests are not what most people would consider normal, especially at my age, and screw you if you don't like it). Forget his great abilities as a father (Something that has been reiterated by his family, friends and fellow celebrities), generosity, kindness, and sensitivity. People hate him because he's different. He is not a "de-ranged freak." Why not poke fun at Cher? I believe she holds the record for the most plastic surgeries in Hollywood.

And regarding the "baby dangling" incident of 2002: Why not criticize Madonna for allowing her baby to crawl on a hotel balcony? Berate Eric Clapton for not keeping an eye on his son before falling to his -- the son's -- death from an open window? After all, Clapton "knew" the window was open; he "was" fully aware that his son was playing nearby; and thus, should be responsible for the baby's death. But, did the public lash out at him? No. Instead, they condemn Michael Jackson. Jackson "was" fully aware what was going on as well. But the difference? He had a tight grip on his son. His son was never in danger. Clapton did not have an eye on his son. Clapton's son was in danger. According to the public and media's implication, Clapton should have been berated. Michael Jackson shouldn't be. And yet, why isn’t this so? Michael Jackson is different. Indeed, people hate what is different.

As Jermaine Jackson said, "He was caught up in the excitement. It wasn't the smartest thing to do. He was showing his kids to the fans. We've all thrown a child up in the air and caught him ... Michael didn't throw him in the air; he held him."

Michael Jackson is a special and unique gift. One that shouldn't be taken for granted; just because he does things differently doesn't mean we should lash out at him. We should all hope to be so kind. So generous. So loving. So appreciative of life and everything in and around it. So caring for children and their pure innocence.

So innocent as he is. Not afraid to zip around on a scooter or run around his amusement park in his spare time (Which is, in fact, true). Not afraid to have fun. While most people, as they get older, "grow out," so to speak, of thrill rides, petting zoos and food fights, Michael Jackson hasn't. He is experiencing a childhood; something that he wasn't allowed to have in the Jackson 5. A lost childhood, if you will; and he’s been living it out for well over a decade now. While some might say he's overly-sentimental, what is wrong with that? I am the same way; I still love stuff that is targeted towards younger children. Does this make me "de-ranged" or "wacko"? Well, that is up to you. I, for one, consider myself to be just fine; and I don't care what anyone else thinks. I am different, much like Michael Jackson. Indeed, people can, and often will, degrade what is different.

In the end, I'm not going to pronounce sentence; that is up to you, the reader. All I know for certain is who he is. And Michael Jackson is truly something special.

To conclude this paper, here are various quotes from celebrities regarding Michael Jackson. I could have put them in throughout the essay, but thought listing them in one spot would be more powerful.

"These accusations are clearly lies; they are untrue. If Michael's guilty of anything, it's the Peter Pan syndrome; the same thing I'm guilty of ... the same thing a lot of people are guilty of. We do not want to grow up. We do not want to get old. We love children."
- Rick James

"The way they are treating my man, following him, stalking him, the media, everybody ... seems like the devil is heavily at work."
- Sean Combs (P. Diddy) speaking of the treatment of Michael Jackson by the world media

"I grew up with him and I've spent a lot of time at Neverland and nothing has ever happened with me in any way. You have to look at both sides. I do think it is very convenient that his album came out and all this stuff is happening. I definitely do think that's very convenient. ... It really hurts me to see that his whole life is ruined."
- Nicole Richie, daughter of R&B singer Lionel Richie and god daughter of Michael Jackson, speaking at the recent Vibe awards

"Michael deserves due process, the newsrooms should remain objective and the global community must not hasten to judgment."
- Reverend Jesse Jackson speaking about the almost unprecedented media frenzy that has arisen over the case

"This DA has a vendetta against Michael because he didn't get him 10 years ago."
- Comic Steve Harvey, who feels there's something amiss in the police investigation of Michael's home. Harvey fears the timing of the raid smacks of something sinister, and he thinks Santa Barbara District Attorney Tom Sneddon, who oversaw the last Jackson child molestation investigation a decade ago, is out to get him before he -- Sneddon -- retires

"I know his children, he's been so wonderful to my kids, I've been with him with a lot of kids so I have no idea what this is about, but I'm sure he will prevail."
- Debbie Allen speaking to ET online on what a wonderful father she feels Michael is

"I am sick and f**king tired of everybody saying these things about my family. We will fight and we will stand up, and everybody who knows this family around the world will support us because, at the end of the day, this is nothing but a modern-day lynching. This is what they want to see: him in handcuffs! You got it! But it won't be for long, I promise you."
- Jermaine Jackson expressing his views about the accusations leveled against his brother on a CNN phone in show

"Their whole reaction is that he is guilty. I thought the law was 'innocent until proven guilty.' I know he is innocent and I hope they all eat crow."
- Elizabeth Taylor speaking of her support for Michael

"I feel offended by the way the media is handling a man who really has been a major force in American culture since the day he was born, virtually. And I really think he deserves much more respect than he’s getting right now ... I hope this settles over ... I believe that the truth is gonna come to light ... why Is The DA smiling? It's not funny. This is someone's life, and I don't think he [Michael Jackson] should be reduced to a joke. He's far more than that."
- Alicia Keys speaking at the 2003 Vibe awards

"The Media is super powerful, incredibly powerful. But at the end of the day, it's about evidence. Where's the evidence? I'm a fan. I support him a hundred zillion percent. Until I see evidence, I'm not going to be convinced. I'm not going to be brainwashed. I mean, when you get to the point where you give someone a $3 million bail, [that's ridiculous]. I mean, people hit court with 50 kilos of cocaine and don't get $3 million bail. Murders don't get $3 million bails."
- LL Cool J speaking at the 2003 Vibe awards

"He’s my biggest influence so that's why I'm very defensive, I'm ready to fight about Michael Jackson, so we pray to God he didn't do it, 'cause I might go to jail trying to defend him."
- Missy Elliott speaking at the 2003 Vibe awards

"I think that DA was a little immature and inappropriate with his comments. He should be a little more professional."
- Kelly Osbourne speaking at the 2003 Vibe awards about the press conference held by the Santa Barbara District Attorney Tom Sneddon

"My brother has become a threat like Christ became a threat, like Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi became a threat. Their humility became a threat. They were so kind they were a threat. My brother's consciousness has become a threat because he is a person who cares about people. Michael loves children ... I sleep in the room with my kids’ friends. You're watching movies very late and sometimes the kids fall asleep on the floor ... he has changed his nose and his face because he wasn't happy with it. So what? Did that change his heart? Look at the moral fiber of a person. Look at Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein; they had idiosyncrasies and so does Michael. But Michael's message is to try and make the world a better place. He buys limbs for kids stricken by bombs. He sent 747s to Bosnia ... dig through this and you'll see where the bodies are buried. Is it a coincidence that this has happened the day Michael's album is released? Someone is busy ... this is a second attempt at extortion. Michael has 3,000 acres of land. His property is worth £70 million. They know it's a payday ... we're mobilizing our troops and we're going to fight a proper war. This is a family who grew up in a house no bigger than a two-car garage. The love is there ... it hurts him. He is human. But I've spoken to him and he is very strong ... people have accused me of playing the race card. Well, they're playing the race card by picking on him. We know that we're black in America. Stand by him. Continue to love him. He'll keep giving you the music. That was what we were put here as a family to produce."
- Jermaine Jackson