Michael Jackson memorabilia case: judge rules in favor of Julien’s Auctions

This week’s Monday court hearing regarding Richard Lapointe’s lawsuit—filed by a French-Canadian collector—ruled in favor of Julien’s Auctions. Lapointe had said that he had pre-ordered 14 items of Michael Jackson memorabilia online and, after the auction was canceled in April 2009, he suffered mental distress. (News summary) In October 2009, Lapointe filed a lawsuit seeking $306,600 in damages from the Michael Jackson Foundation and Julien’s Auctions. But on Monday, the court ruled in favor of Julien’s Auctions because the plaintiff failed to present a contract that would show a violation of terms to the jury. Lapointe’s lawyer said they were disappointed by the court’s ruling, but they would appeal. Julien’s lawyer also said this lawsuit should not have been brought in the first place. At the hearing, Feldman, Julien’s Auctions’ attorney, said that Michael Jackson—according to an agreement he had with the auction house—could withdraw any of his items from the auction at any time. In the end, he decided to cancel the entire auction, and this was in line with his legal rights. Feldman also criticized Lapointe, whose total purchases amounted to $6,200, and said that since no payment had been made for the purchase of these items, Lapointe was seeking $300,000 in damages. Darren Julien, manager of Julien’s Auctions, said in a statement: “Creditors like Mr. Richard Lapointe and his attorney, Nicholas Hornberger, fill courtrooms with their malicious and unrealistic lawsuits against companies and businesses that are working hard to earn honest revenue. Our reputation speaks for itself. We are pleased that justice has been served.” Source: eMJey.com / bhcourier.com