The Michael Foundation vs. Katherine Jackson: The fate of the family storage unit

In the coming days, we may see a lawsuit filed by the Michael Jackson Foundation against his mother and her business partner, Howard Mann. The foundation has recently delivered a warning letter to the two. According to Howard Weitzman, the foundation’s lawyer: “Our patience has run out, and the day for Howard Mann to respond is near.” So far, out of respect for Katherine Jackson, the foundation has tolerated Howard Mann’s misuse of Michael’s name and the production of products bearing the King of Pop’s logo and insignia without having a license. Apparently, Katherine is not satisfied with the monthly allowance the foundation pays her, and that’s why she has chosen to work with Mann. She also published her son’s memorial book, “Never Can Say Goodbye,” with the help of this business partner. Katherine has said that Mann’s behavior toward her has been very respectful and desirable, and she wants the foundation to leave them alone. Of course, Katherine appreciates the foundation’s actions and John Branca’s efforts, but she explains that the foundation’s allowance doesn’t cover her expenses. Otherwise, her cooperation with Mann wouldn’t be driven by greed for money. On the other hand, Howard Weitzman has rejected the claim that Katherine Jackson’s monthly allowance is insufficient, and explains that the judge in court set that amount. Weitzman also said that this cash allowance is only part of the foundation’s financial support for Katherine Jackson. For example, the foundation pays for household expenses such as repairs, security, food and clothing, transportation, travel, and also the education of Michael’s children." Weitzman: “The foundation has spent millions of dollars on these things.” But what is Howard Mann really bargaining for? Michael’s parents stored their belongings and memorabilia to open a family museum somewhere, but they couldn’t afford the costs. After bankruptcy, in 2001, this storage unit was put up for auction. Henry Wakaro, the owner of a construction company, bought the storage unit. In 2004, Michael sued Wakaro and his company for copyright law violations, trespass, and breaking the law of privacy. But the next year, after being acquitted of the charges, he left the country and stopped pursuing the lawsuit against Wakaro. He refused to appear in the court set up to handle his complaint, and he also dismissed his lawyers. In 2006, the federal judge ruled that Michael Jackson would no longer be allowed to reopen the case. The case was closed, and Wakaro took possession of the storage unit. After Michael’s death in 2009, news of the sale of the storage unit reached Howard Mann. He wasn’t a fan of Michael, but he sniffed out the value hidden in a storage unit full of items and memorabilia. Later, however, he realized that the most valuable thing in this storage unit was the court ruling attached to it: “Michael Jackson is not allowed to appeal.” For this reason, Mann believes he will be able to exploit the name of Michael Jackson without any obstacles. This matter hasn’t been argued in court yet, but it seems it won’t be a simple case. Weitzman says he disagrees with Mann’s mindset, but he didn’t explain further. Source: eMJey / LA Time