Michael Jackson Foundation sues her business partner

As you would expect—and as you read earlier on this page—the Michael Jackson Foundation has finally decided to sue Catherine’s business partner, Howard Mann. Howard Mann is under contract to publish Catherine Jackson’s book Never Can Say Goodbye, a tribute to Michael, as well as to release films and songs belonging to Michael and his brothers as members of the Jacksons. He found these audio and visual works in a storage unit he had purchased from the family’s property, and he believes that without the Foundation’s permission, he can use them. (Story details) The caretakers of the King of Pop Foundation say Howard Mann’s actions were to the detriment of Michael’s children and involved taking possession of his property. Their 53-page lawsuit, filed yesterday in the federal court in Los Angeles, accuses Howard Mann of "brazen disregard" for the Foundation’s legal rights and asks the court to bar his company, Vintage Pop Media, from using the name Michael Jackson. Howard Witzman, the Foundation’s lawyer, said in a statement: "Protecting and preserving Michael’s assets is the Foundation’s primary duty, and we will take any action that the law allows to carry out this responsibility. People should not be allowed to misuse and exploit the name, royalties, logo, and symbols of one of the most recognized talents in the world." The Foundation also said that the website jacksonsecretvault.com—run by Mann—gives visitors the impression that it is approved and supported by the Foundation, while that is not true. The Foundation asked the court to consider compensatory and punitive damages for Howard Mann and also to require him to pay the costs of the lawsuit. Mann said he welcomes the court’s handling of this case. Source: eMJey / LA Times / Reuters