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Daily Telegraph
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Telegraph
How Michael Jackson's estate went from debt to billions
When Michael Jackson died in 2009, he was over $US500 million in debt – now he is roughly $A768 million richer today. The King of Pop died of cardiac arrest caused by acute Propofol intoxication 16 years ago at the age of 50. At the time of his death, the singer owed money to more than 65 creditors, People reports. According to The US Sun, the Grammy-winner struggled financially and became technically homeless – staying with friends' while his home, Neverland, went into foreclosure. Since his passing, the 'Thriller' hitmaker's net worth has generated a staggering $US2 billion ($A3.07 billion). MORE: 'Drastic': Who gets what in Katy, Bloom split $10m dispute: Musk takes back star's home Blow up over new Block amid Portelli sell off Here's a closer look at how Jackson's empire financially turned around and what became of his properties. How did Michael Jackson blow his money? According to Celebrity Net Worth, the 'Moonwalker' star had earned between $US50 million and $US100 million ($A76 million and $A152 million) a year from 1985 until 1995 through touring, record sales, endorsements and merchandise. But, the singer spent the money just as fast as he earned it. His lavish lifestyle reportedly cost about $US50 million ($A76 million) a year. The Grammy-winner's then home, Neverland, cost $US19.5 million ($A29 million) to buy and hefty $US10 million ($A15 million) a year to maintain. Jackson splashed $US35 million ($A53 million) remodelling the compound into his own amusement park. He blew his fortune on gifts, travel, antiques, art, zoo animals, jewellery and furniture – as well as making huge donations to numerous charities. The 'Billie Jean' hit maker forked out between $US50 and $US100 million ($A76 million and $A152 million) on movie and music projects that never got off the ground. He used 50 per cent of his ownership stake in music/publishing company Sony/ATV as collateral, as well as taking out a $US270 million ($A411 million) loan. However, the pop sensation managed to spend the entire $US270 million ($A411 million), plus an extra $US120 million ($A183 million) within a few short years. Before his death, Jackson had been in the middle of preparing for his 'This Is It' tour, which added some strain on his finances. The musician died close to the tour's inception, which left his estate financially liable for $US40 million ($A61 million) to the tour promoter, AEG. How did Michael Jackson's empire go from debt to billions? Following Jackson's death, his executers began working to stabilise the pop star's financial situation. His lawyers went through personal home videos from the last year of the singer's life to produce a movie called 'This Is It'. To date, the film has made over $US500 million ($A762 million). After the success of 'This Is It', Pepsi struck a deal to license Jackson's image. Cirque du Soleil produced two Las Vegas shows around his music and image, where Jackson's estate is 50/50 partners with the entertainment company on both shows. In 2023, Jackson's estate pulled in around $US115 million ($A175 million), largely thanks to the success of the Broadway show 'MJ: The Musical'. Based on the music icon's life, the show raked in roughly $US85 million ($A129 million) just from ticket sales. Last year, Sony Music Group reportedly purchased half of Jackson's music catalogue in a deal that valued his songs somewhere above $US1.2 billion ($A1.8 billion), according to Billboard. The deal would also be the biggest ever for the work of a single musician, the BBC reported. Sony's deal with Jackson's estate does not include royalties from the Broadway play and other theatrical productions featuring his music. The news came just as an upcoming biopic about Jackson's life and career starring his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, is set to hit the big screen this year. 'The Wiz' actor's estate still earns a 50 per cent stake in the music licensing company Sony/ATV, which owns the rights to the Beatles catalogue. His share earns an eight-figure sum. To date, the singer has sold over 750 million albums, including 35 million that were sold in the year following his death. According to Parade, Jackson has been the highest-earning dead celebrity on the planet. What happened to Michael Jackson's properties? Neverland Jackson purchased the property, originally named Zaca Laderas Ranch, and later known as Sycamore Valley, in 1988. He had discovered the property after Beatle Paul McCartney had stayed there while they were making the music video for smash hit 'Say, Say, Say'. The 'Who Is It' singer renamed the estate Neverland after the character of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. The musician spent millions transforming the estate into a Disney-style amusement park. He was said to have installed a railroad, merry-go-round, arcade and ferris wheel. The property also had a zoo filled with tigers, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, orangutans and a bear. Neverland included a 1200 sqm residence, 50-seat movie theatre building, guest quarters, barn and a pool house. The six-bedroom, nine-bathroom home spans a massive 1170 sqm and features an expansive master suit with private loft and two master bedrooms, as well as three separate guest homes. Other luxurious features include two fireplaces, a butler's pantry, spa bath, sauna, and breathtaking mountain views. It is also a short 8km drive to the nearest town, and two hours from LA. Jackson lived at the property until 2005. After he was acquitted of child sex charges, he moved out of Neverland and relocated to Bahrain. He transferred the property to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC in 2008 to cover debts he had run up. In 2015, the property was renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch and put on the market for $US100 million ($A128 million). After five years and numerous price cuts, the sprawling property finally found a buyer. Billionaire and friend of the late pop star Ron Burkle purchased the 2700-acre (1092Ha) estate for $US22 million ($A28 million). It was considered a 'bargain' far below its initial asking price of $US100 million ($A128 million). Trump Tower Jackson once had a luxurious apartment in Trump Tower. The four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom condo, sat a few floors below Donald Trump's penthouse in the complex. It boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, granite and marble floors, and a wood-panelled library — plus use of the building's doorman, concierge, valet and maid service. Listing broker Dolly Lenz said neighbours claim Trump rented it to Jackson for a while, charging $US110,000 ($A167,000) per month in 1994, after Jackson had secretly married Lisa Marie Presley, Page Six reports. The Donald and the King of Pop were buddies. 'I know him well. He lived in my building,' Trump previously told CNN. 'We never had one problem. He's a good guy.' After Jackson's death, The US President wrote in TIME: 'He was an amazing guy, but beyond all else, he was the greatest entertainer I've ever known.' Fans regularly camped out downstairs for a glimpse of MJ and Presley. 'Some residents say Jackson rented it because he would be able to go in the elevator directly to the garage and leave stealthily out of the building,' Lenz says. 'That was a big allure.' Las Vegas South Monte Cristo Way Jackson lived in Las Vegas for about a year starting in 2006. According to The Wall Street Journal, the King of Pop paid $US50,000 ($A76,000) a month in rent for the spacious pad. The 17,000-square-foot mansion sits on a one-acre corner lot in the exclusive Lakes neighbourhood, just a 15-minute drive from the famous Strip. The home is two stories with eight bedrooms – including a man-in-the-mirror-approved 2,500-square-foot master suite – and 7.5 bathrooms. The focal point of the grand entryway is an indoor fountain and a curved staircase. There's also a spiral staircase. Outside, there's a pool, spa, summer kitchen and tennis court. The home hit the market this year for $US11 million ($A16 million), according to 'Thriller Villa' Jackson reportedly lived at the Las Vegas property with his three kids. He never owned the home, but rented there from 2007 to 2009, selling agent Kristen Silberman of Sotheby's International Realty told Mansions Global. Owner Aner Iglesias, a supermarket mogul, nicknamed the property 'Thriller Villa' after his famous tenant. The almost 2,400 sqm home was built in 1952 under the guidance of Iglesias, who was inspired by Spanish architecture. The lounge, reportedly Jackson's favourite room in the house, has a rustic yet regal feel with exposed wood beams, a large stone fireplace and a Murano glass chandelier. The biggest showstopper in the 10-bedroom home is the 74-seat Medieval-style chapel, complete with handpainted sky scene ceiling and a Crown of Thorns chandelier. When Jackson lived at the property he used the chapel as more of a theatre. An elevator connects the top level of the house, which holds the large master suite complete with a bar. Jackson is said to have used the original mirrors in the bedroom to practice his choreography. The home also has a second bar, two kitchens and a huge barbecue area with multiple tables and chairs to cater large gatherings. The luxe residence was last listed for sale in 2016 with a $US9.5 million ($A14.4 million) price tag. Beverly Hills Jackson's last home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, was leased to him by AEG, after he signed a deal for a comeback tour. Situated in a secluded Los Angeles neighbourhood, the home boasts seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, and 12 fireplaces. The residence features a wine cellar, theatre, tasting room, spa with a gym, elevator guesthouse, along with a pool and gardens. The mansion where the King of Pop died finally sold for $US18.1 million ($A27.6 million) in 2012, according to the Wall Street Journal. Parts of this story first appeared in The US Sun and was republished with permission. MORE:The game Royal kids are forbidden to play Ivanka's shock $2b move amid Trump exit Swift's neighbours lose it over 'Taylor Tax'
News.com.au
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
How Michael Jackson's estate went from debt to billions
When Michael Jackson died in 2009, he was over $US500 million in debt – now he is roughly $A768 million richer today. The King of Pop died of cardiac arrest caused by acute Propofol intoxication 16 years ago at the age of 50. At the time of his death, the singer owed money to more than 65 creditors, People reports. According to The US Sun, the Grammy-winner struggled financially and became technically homeless – staying with friends' while his home, Neverland, went into foreclosure. Since his passing, the 'Thriller' hitmaker's net worth has generated a staggering $US2 billion ($A3.07 billion). Here's a closer look at how Jackson's empire financially turned around and what became of his properties. How did Michael Jackson blow his money? According to Celebrity Net Worth, the 'Moonwalker' star had earned between $US50 million and $US100 million ($A76 million and $A152 million) a year from 1985 until 1995 through touring, record sales, endorsements and merchandise. But, the singer spent the money just as fast as he earned it. His lavish lifestyle reportedly cost about $US50 million ($A76 million) a year. The Grammy-winner's then home, Neverland, cost $US19.5 million ($A29 million) to buy and hefty $US10 million ($A15 million) a year to maintain. Jackson splashed $US35 million ($A53 million) remodelling the compound into his own amusement park. He blew his fortune on gifts, travel, antiques, art, zoo animals, jewellery and furniture – as well as making huge donations to numerous charities. The 'Billie Jean' hit maker forked out between $US50 and $US100 million ($A76 million and $A152 million) on movie and music projects that never got off the ground. He used 50 per cent of his ownership stake in music/publishing company Sony/ATV as collateral, as well as taking out a $US270 million ($A411 million) loan. However, the pop sensation managed to spend the entire $US270 million ($A411 million), plus an extra $US120 million ($A183 million) within a few short years. Before his death, Jackson had been in the middle of preparing for his 'This Is It' tour, which added some strain on his finances. The musician died close to the tour's inception, which left his estate financially liable for $US40 million ($A61 million) to the tour promoter, AEG. How did Michael Jackson's empire go from debt to billions? Following Jackson's death, his executers began working to stabilise the pop star's financial situation. His lawyers went through personal home videos from the last year of the singer's life to produce a movie called 'This Is It'. To date, the film has made over $US500 million ($A762 million). After the success of 'This Is It', Pepsi struck a deal to license Jackson's image. Cirque du Soleil produced two Las Vegas shows around his music and image, where Jackson's estate is 50/50 partners with the entertainment company on both shows. In 2023, Jackson's estate pulled in around $US115 million ($A175 million), largely thanks to the success of the Broadway show 'MJ: The Musical'. Based on the music icon's life, the show raked in roughly $US85 million ($A129 million) just from ticket sales. Last year, Sony Music Group reportedly purchased half of Jackson's music catalogue in a deal that valued his songs somewhere above $US1.2 billion ($A1.8 billion), according to Billboard. The deal would also be the biggest ever for the work of a single musician, the BBC reported. Sony's deal with Jackson's estate does not include royalties from the Broadway play and other theatrical productions featuring his music. The news came just as an upcoming biopic about Jackson's life and career starring his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, is set to hit the big screen this year. 'The Wiz' actor's estate still earns a 50 per cent stake in the music licensing company Sony/ATV, which owns the rights to the Beatles catalogue. His share earns an eight-figure sum. To date, the singer has sold over 750 million albums, including 35 million that were sold in the year following his death. According to Parade, Jackson has been the highest-earning dead celebrity on the planet. What happened to Michael Jackson's properties? Neverland Jackson purchased the property, originally named Zaca Laderas Ranch, and later known as Sycamore Valley, in 1988. He had discovered the property after Beatle Paul McCartney had stayed there while they were making the music video for smash hit 'Say, Say, Say'. The 'Who Is It' singer renamed the estate Neverland after the character of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. The musician spent millions transforming the estate into a Disney-style amusement park. He was said to have installed a railroad, merry-go-round, arcade and ferris wheel. The property also had a zoo filled with tigers, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, orangutans and a bear. Neverland included a 1200 sqm residence, 50-seat movie theatre building, guest quarters, barn and a pool house. The six-bedroom, nine-bathroom home spans a massive 1170 sqm and features an expansive master suit with private loft and two master bedrooms, as well as three separate guest homes. Other luxurious features include two fireplaces, a butler's pantry, spa bath, sauna, and breathtaking mountain views. It is also a short 8km drive to the nearest town, and two hours from LA. Jackson lived at the property until 2005. After he was acquitted of child sex charges, he moved out of Neverland and relocated to Bahrain. He transferred the property to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC in 2008 to cover debts he had run up. In 2015, the property was renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch and put on the market for $US100 million ($A128 million). After five years and numerous price cuts, the sprawling property finally found a buyer. Billionaire and friend of the late pop star Ron Burkle purchased the 2700-acre (1092Ha) estate for $US22 million ($A28 million). It was considered a 'bargain' far below its initial asking price of $US100 million ($A128 million). Trump Tower Jackson once had a luxurious apartment in Trump Tower. The four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom condo, sat a few floors below Donald Trump's penthouse in the complex. It boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, granite and marble floors, and a wood-panelled library — plus use of the building's doorman, concierge, valet and maid service. Listing broker Dolly Lenz said neighbours claim Trump rented it to Jackson for a while, charging $US110,000 ($A167,000) per month in 1994, after Jackson had secretly married Lisa Marie Presley, Page Six reports. The Donald and the King of Pop were buddies. 'I know him well. He lived in my building,' Trump previously told CNN. 'We never had one problem. He's a good guy.' After Jackson's death, The US President wrote in TIME: 'He was an amazing guy, but beyond all else, he was the greatest entertainer I've ever known.' Fans regularly camped out downstairs for a glimpse of MJ and Presley. 'Some residents say Jackson rented it because he would be able to go in the elevator directly to the garage and leave stealthily out of the building,' Lenz says. 'That was a big allure.' Las Vegas South Monte Cristo Way Jackson lived in Las Vegas for about a year starting in 2006. According to The Wall Street Journal, the King of Pop paid $US50,000 ($A76,000) a month in rent for the spacious pad. The 17,000-square-foot mansion sits on a one-acre corner lot in the exclusive Lakes neighbourhood, just a 15-minute drive from the famous Strip. The home is two stories with eight bedrooms – including a man-in-the-mirror-approved 2,500-square-foot master suite – and 7.5 bathrooms. The focal point of the grand entryway is an indoor fountain and a curved staircase. There's also a spiral staircase. Outside, there's a pool, spa, summer kitchen and tennis court. The home hit the market this year for $US11 million ($A16 million), according to 'Thriller Villa' Jackson reportedly lived at the Las Vegas property with his three kids. He never owned the home, but rented there from 2007 to 2009, selling agent Kristen Silberman of Sotheby's International Realty told Mansions Global. Owner Aner Iglesias, a supermarket mogul, nicknamed the property 'Thriller Villa' after his famous tenant. The almost 2,400 sqm home was built in 1952 under the guidance of Iglesias, who was inspired by Spanish architecture. The lounge, reportedly Jackson's favourite room in the house, has a rustic yet regal feel with exposed wood beams, a large stone fireplace and a Murano glass chandelier. The biggest showstopper in the 10-bedroom home is the 74-seat Medieval-style chapel, complete with handpainted sky scene ceiling and a Crown of Thorns chandelier. When Jackson lived at the property he used the chapel as more of a theatre. An elevator connects the top level of the house, which holds the large master suite complete with a bar. Jackson is said to have used the original mirrors in the bedroom to practice his choreography. The home also has a second bar, two kitchens and a huge barbecue area with multiple tables and chairs to cater large gatherings. The luxe residence was last listed for sale in 2016 with a $US9.5 million ($A14.4 million) price tag. Beverly Hills Jackson's last home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, was leased to him by AEG, after he signed a deal for a comeback tour. Situated in a secluded Los Angeles neighbourhood, the home boasts seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, and 12 fireplaces. The residence features a wine cellar, theatre, tasting room, spa with a gym, elevator guesthouse, along with a pool and gardens. The mansion where the King of Pop died finally sold for $US18.1 million ($A27.6 million) in 2012, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
What Was Michaelmania Of The 1980s All About?
American singer Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009) performing on stage, circa 1987. (Photo by Dave ...) As 16 years since the untimely death of Michael Jackson near the sunset, it's fair to reflect on the phenomenal era that marked the prime of his solo career in the 1980s. By the early 1980s, it was evident to anyone paying attention that the sensational young man and lead singer of the Jackson 5 had outgrown the velvet ropes of Motown adolescence. Michael Jackson was no longer the cherub-faced prodigy in matching jumpsuits harmonizing alongside his brothers, he was an artistic force ready to break the mold of the child star. His solo juncture was not a detour from the Jackson family legacy, it moreover enhanced it and served as a cultural and commercial overdrive that would redefine global stardom and recalibrate the power of Black artistry in pop culture. By 1984, Michael Jackson wasn't just a star. He was a spectacle. An enigma. He had that rare, alchemical power to stop time, command tears, and quite literally make people faint just by existing in the same space. Fans routinely collapsed at his concerts, an act that swindled into the 1990s. To be in the same dwelling as him wasn't just a thrill, it was a spiritual experience for many. American singer, songwriter, record producer and entertainer known as the King of Pop, Michael ... More Jackson and his producer Quincy Jones attend the 26th Grammy Awards ceremony. They won a record 8 awards. (Photo by Bill Nation/Sygma via Getty Images) By early 1984, Thriller, which dropped in December 1982, had already moved over 30 million copies worldwide. With seven of its nine tracks hitting Billboard's Top Ten, Thriller amalgamated the lines of genre, form and grandly, that of race leading Black music back to its natural position of the forefront amid the clouds of being marginalized. The record breaking identity of Thriller was too excessive to ignore. Michael ultimately set new industry standards. His corporate collaborations, especially with Pepsi, weren't just promotional efforts. They were strategic alliances that expanded his brand into previously untapped markets. The "Victory" tour, which featured Michael and his brothers, became one of the most heavily funded and anticipated tours in music history. And the highly publicized hair burning accident couldn't deter the then 26-year-old Michael. A master showman, he pushed forward and the world witnessed the little boy of the Jackson Five showcase a resilience that became signature to his professional repertoire. That repertoire, however, was never one-dimensional. He was deeply spiritual, modest in his personal habits, and introverted offstage. Yet onstage, he was electrifying, cinematic, sensual, and surreal. This dichotomy was no mere affectation. It was a reflection of his complex nature that was intensely captivated by consumers and critics alike. NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 7: Michael Jackson accepts an award from CBS and The Guinness Book Of World ... More Records celebrating "Thriller" as the largest-selling album of all time (25 million) February 7, 1984 at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Natural History in New York City. This event is taking place 11 days after he suffered hair and scalp burns filming a Pepsi Cola commercial. (Photo by) Long before celebrity endorsements became a standard playbook move, Michael brokered that groundbreaking $5 million deal with Pepsi, an alliance that didn't just slap his face on a can, but rewrote the rules of music-brand synergy. This wasn't about slinging soda. It was about embedding a global pop icon with massive appeal into the corporate bloodstream. The campaign, along with its cinematic ads and cross-promotion of the Victory tour, marked the beginning of the superstar-as-multinational brand. Tito Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Randy Jackson and Michael Jackson of ... More The Jacksons, 1983. (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** The Victory tour itself was a masterclass in scale and strategy. Estimated to gross up to $100 million, it was a hybrid of music, merchandising, and media spectacle. Fans weren't just buying concert tickets, they were purchasing access to an entire ecosystem which granted them limited-edition tour jackets, commemorative dolls, video specials, and the mythos of a pop deity. Michael and his brothers secured 85% of the tour's net profits, while Michael's personal record royalties, reportedly around $2 per album sold, cemented his position as one of the most financially empowered artists in music history. At a time when Black musicians were still fighting for fair contracts, and Michael's deals were beyond being lucrative and were rather revolutionary. Popular American musician Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009) stands in a graffiti-filled subway car ... More during the filming of the long-form music video for his song 'Bad,' directed by Martin Scorsese, New York, New York, November 1986. (Photo by) That signature mystique of Jackson carried weight. With just a look, a gesture, a lean into the spotlight, he could stir millions. Even rumors of his arrival in a city could send people into euphoric chaos. He operated at a frequency few could even comprehend. The distance he maintained from everyday celebrity culture only fueled the allure. He was present, yet untouchable, and seen, but rarely understood. Michael Jackson didn't just go solo. He curated a whole entire universe around his persona out of rhythm, maturity, and reinvention. The mania of the 1980s wasn't just about a man. It was about the way that man, the King of Pop, bent time, culture, and commerce to his will. It was about the arrival of a new era, one where Black brilliance reigned supreme.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kylie Jenner awkwardly compared to controversial superstar in new shoot
Kylie Jenner was awkwardly compared to a controversial late superstar in her latest round of Instagram snaps this week. The reality star, 27, slipped into a military-inspired ensemble to plug her brand Khy's latest collaboration with Dilara but fans quickly likened Jenner's gothic appearance to Michael Jackson 's iconic Bad era look in wild comments. One fan quoted the King of Pop's hit Smooth Criminal, writing: 'Annie are you okay.' Others wrote: 'I thought this was Michael Jackson', 'Michael Jackson vibes.' 'Michael Jackson circa 1987. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Thought u was MJ. 'Michael Jackson must be jealous!' Other followers praised Jenner for looking 'hot' and flooded her comment section with heart emojis. The King of Pop died in 2009 at the age of 50 of a cardiac arrest he suffered after having Propofol administered as a sleep aid. Jackson's superstar career and legacy became clouded by rumors of pedophilia beginning in 1993, when he was accused of sexually abusing 13-year-old Jordan Chandler in a lawsuit filed by the boy's father . A criminal investigation found no physical evidence of abuse, but Jackson ultimately settled the civil suit with the family in January 1994 for $23million. He later faced further allegations, as well as a high-profile, sensational criminal trial on child molestation charges involving 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo in 2005. James Safechuck and Wade Robson were defense witnesses in the case, which saw Jackson acquitted of all charges. But his legacy has fallen under renewed scrutiny in recent years over the ongoing molestation claims, which were reignited by Safechuck and Robson in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland . The reality star, 27, slipped into a military-inspired ensemble to plug her brand Khy's latest collaboration with Dilara but fans quickly likened Jenner's gothic appearance to Michael Jackson in wild comments - Jackson pictured R in 1990 Jenner has recently been wowing in an array of bikinis on a tropical break with her loved ones. Notably Kylie's boyfriend Timothee Chalamet, 29, seems to be absent from her latest family getaway as he was pictured sat courtside in New York yesterday beside Ben Stiller. However, the pair were spotted together at the New York Knicks game last week - Timothee's favourite basketball team. The couple looked totally loved up in pictures of them at the game, with the model seeming smitten as she gazed up at her movie star partner. Kylie and Timothee have mainly kept their romance low profile by only attending a few public events together. However, Kylie and Timothee have been stepping into the spotlight more often in recent months - such as stopping by the 2025 Coachella Music Festival in April and other NBA matches since April. Earlier this month, they also had an 'all-night PDA session' as they spent time in Miami together amid the Grand Prix. At the time when Jenner and Chalamet were spotted at Coachella, a source told People that the two stars are 'very serious.' The insider stated, 'With the awards season and premieres, earlier this year was intense for their relationship.'
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Girl is abducted by pedophile during family visit to Michael Jackson's childhood home
A teenage girl was abducted at gunpoint by a pedophile during a family trip to Michael Jackson 's childhood home, then molested in a field, it is claimed. Oasia Barnes is on trial this week after being accused of kidnapping the 17 year-old girl and her father from the home in Gary, Indiana, before beating her her. Prosecutors say the 69-year-old led them from the former home of the King of Pop before separating them and forcing the girl to perform a sex act on him in a field. The horrific incident happened last August when the father and daughter, from New York, decided to stop off in the city to visit the home. According to The Chicago-Tribune, the teenager, whose identity has not been shared, told the court this week that Barnes had groped her after her forced the two of them into their rental vehicle. She told the court: 'I was very scared. It was horrifying. It was disgusting', as she told the court as she told the court he forced her to perform a sex act on him. The father of the girl also gave evidence this week and said that they arrived at the home with around a dozen fellow fans outside of it. He told the court that Barnes passed him and his daughter, telling them 'don't forget your glove'. The man testified that he 'didn't think anything of it'. After several minutes, a man that he identified in court as Barnes approached his daughter from behind with a gun and threatened to shoot her. Initially believing it to be a robbery, the man recalled quickly handing over a few hundred dollars when he says Barnes ordered him to hand over his phone. Barnes is then said to have led the two back to their rental vehicle by gunpoint, with the father telling a nearby Hispanic family to 'call the cops'. The man told the court that Barnes ordered them into the car and had the girl sit on his lap in the backseat as he directed the father. He recalled to the court that it was 'not looking good', as Barnes told him to park near an overgrown alley, the dad said. The man said that Barnes told him: 'I'm going to borrow her' as he led his daughter out of the vehicle. He told the court that he considered running the man down as he led his daughter away, pleading with him to not hurt her. 'I won't do her like that', the man recalled Barnes telling him before he tried to press the car's OnStar button for help. After frantically following after the two on foot, he managed to get the attention of a woman at a neighboring house who he had dial 911. The girl also said that she had been forced to hold Barnes hand after the assault and walk down the street with him and pretend to be his girlfriend. She recalled that he briefly spoke with three people that he appeared to know. The girl said she asked how long she was going to be kept for, Barnes replied six months. According to the outlet, she told prosecutor Tara Villarreal: 'I'm telling him I can't do this. I have to go to school.' After hearing police helicopters overhead, she said Barnes bundled her into the rear of a property when he again groped her. She said she continued to talk to him throughout in the hopes of getting distracted, telling the court: 'I have things I'm passionate about, I want to pursue. I need to keep myself alive.' Shortly after police arrived on the scene and found the two in a basement stairwell, with Barnes then being arrested. Officers at the time said he had a handgun on him. Barnes was charged with several felonies which includes felony rape and has denied all of the accusations against him. Indiana court and prison records seen by the outlet indicate that he is a convicted serial rapist, with convictions dating back to the 1970s. He was released in March 2024 after being imprisoned in 1985 for 70 years after he raped a woman at knifepoint, the outlet reported. Barnes also served time for a rape in August of 1972 and a battery charge in May of 1978. Jackson was born in Gary in 1958 and grew up in the home with abusive Svengali father Joe, who was credited with propelling Michael and his other children including Janet, La Toya, Tito and Jermaine to music stardom. Jackson was dubbed the King of Pop thanks to decades of dazzling music success and is widely-regarded as one of the most talented musicians of all-time. He died in 2009 aged just 50 and had been accused of sexually abusing multiple underage boys during his career, but never faced any criminal charges.
