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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
2 days 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.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I was ringside for Michael Jackson's abuse trial…from secret injury to 110mph chase, I KNOW what put him in early grave
IT'S the child abuse trial which rocked the showbiz world and saw a pop legend hauled up in court on a slew of heinous charges. Now, 20 years on, we can reveal the drama behind the headlines which saw Michael Jackson rushed to hospital with horrific injuries and convinced he would be MURDERED in prison. 17 17 17 17 The frail star, who faced charges of abuse against teenager Gavin Arvizo, famously turned up to his trial in pyjamas - before being acquitted of all 14 charges on June 13, 2005. Over four months Michael, then 46, watched 15-year-old Gavin accuse him of sexual abuse, supported by claims from brother Star and mum Janet that his family was held captive at Michael's Neverland Ranch - famed for its funfair and zoo. In the decades since the trial, further claims have been made regarding Jackson's alleged horrific abuse at the estate, notably by Wade Robson and James Safechuck in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland. The singer's lawyer, Brian Oxman, believes the torment of the 2005 trial led to MJ's death four years later from a drug overdose - and reveals the late night calls from the terrified Thriller star. 'Michael rang at all hours of the night, dozens of times,' Brian tells The Sun. 'He kept asking 'Why? I treated them so well - and they make up these lies'. 'He could never fathom it until the day he died.' He adds: 'We would talk about it for long hours about 'the evil' that went on to destroy him. He did not understand. 'No matter what I did, he could not understand and my firm belief is that this prosecution destroyed him.' He also reveals Michael felt 'betrayed' by shamed BBC star Martin Bashir for painting him as a paedophile in a controversial documentary which 'started a stampede' towards abuse allegations. And he believes the King of Pop knew he would have died in prison if he had been convicted. 'If Michael went to jail, he would probably have died. He knew that,' he says. 'Child molestation is the worst of all crimes in our jail system. Those people are looked down on and abused by their fellow inmates. 'They are beaten, hurt and treated horribly.' Horror hospital dash 17 17 17 At the height of the trial, in March 2005, the iconic photo of the star sporting baggy pyjama bottoms, a white T-shirt and a giant suit jacket made headlines around the world and became Time Magazine's Photo of The Year. It also cemented the reputation for eccentric behaviour which saw him dubbed 'Wacko Jacko". But the truth behind the bizarre look was a frantic dash from the hospital where he'd been admitted hours before with suspected broken ribs after a shower fall at his Neverland home. The singer's court absence prompted Judge Ronald L Whyte to fear the defendant had absconded - forfeiting a $3m bail. Despite lawyers' assurances, the judge ordered the star to be back in court within an hour or be sent to jail until the trial's end for a bail breach. The order sent Brian and long term pal Joe - Michael's dad and manager of the Jackson 5 - into a panic. 'The prosecution was elated because they knew that if he forfeited his bail, he was going to jail, and he would never, never be able to live in jail," says Brian. 'The prosecutors knew he'd plead to anything to get out of jail. 'He'd plead guilty to assassinating Abraham Lincoln. 'They knew he'd do anything to limit or stop his incarceration.' Defence attorneys frantically called Michael's security, warning of the jail threat, which led to a desperate dash up the 101 freeway towards Santa Maria - pursued by dozens of fans. 'They were doing 110 miles an hour and the fans followed,' says Brian. 'That freeway had a dirt centre divider, which had potholes and was horribly dangerous. All someone had to do was to hit one of those potholes and it would have flipped and somebody would have been killed.' Arriving an hour and 10 minutes later, the star had his bail forfeited but escaped jail. Father-son bond 17 Father Joe - who Michael famously accused of child abuse and bullying - was vital in convincing the sickly star to leave the hospital. 'Joe said, 'Michael, I'm your father. You listen to me - you have got to get to court, no excuses.'' Brian insists Michael 'loved' and 'respected' Joe dearly despite the claims of a feud. 'In the car MJ said, 'I can't walk in just with my pyjamas' so a huge bodyguard named Keith handed over his black jacket. 'It is Time Magazine's picture of the year - if not picture of the decade. 'And who's right next to him in that picture? His dad, Joe, who saved his life.' Brian insists Michael was not faking his injury or looking for sympathy as the lawyer saw a 'huge welt' on the right side of his body. 'He showed me on his chest this huge welt and says 'Brian did I break a bone?' 'And I felt his chest and I said 'I can't tell for sure'. 'I felt a terrible lump but there was a huge injury there.' Abuse accusations 17 17 Michael was first accused of child abuse by Jordan Chandler in 1993, but the case was settled out of court, with the star paying his accuser $15m. But in December 2003, Michael was charged with 14 offences in relation to Gavin Arvizo, including four counts of molesting a child, four counts of getting a child drunk so that he could molest him, one count of trying to molest a child, and one count of secretly planning (conspiring) to hold the boy and his family captive. Brian, an early member of the trial defence team, helped pull together over one and a half million pages of documents and 120 subpoenas. He sent a 15-page dossier with 700 exhibits of evidence to devastated MJ showing the strength of their case in late 2004. 'He called me from the ranch and there was no voice. (I said) 'Michael is that you?' 'He couldn't catch his breath,' says Brian. 'He said, 'Why, Brian? Why are they doing this to me?'" Despite numerous allegations that have surfaced since the star's death, Brian insists there was no evidence for the criminal charges, citing that Michael was not at Neverland on days when Gavin claimed he was abused at the estate. Dashed documentary hopes 17 17 Michael's mental health was also rocked by 'the betrayal' of TV interviewer Martin Bashir, with whom he'd plotted a comeback through a documentary about his life, in 2003. But the Living With Michael Jackson series prompted worldwide controversy after he openly boasted about sleeping with children in his bed at Neverland. Cameras caught cancer survivor Gavin leaning his head on MJ's shoulder, discussing their close bond. Brian claims the BBC journalist - who was later found to have falsified documents to persuade Princess Diana to agree to an interview - manipulated Michael and set up the disturbing scenes. Brian raged: 'Bashir used the fact Princess Diana trusted him for the Panorama interview to get in with Michael - who at that time had no idea that he had deceived Diana. 'Gavin wasn't in Michael's life when he filmed, but Bashir and his team asked to meet one of the kids he had helped. 'Bashir talked to Arvizo before the interview and then during the recording he rested his head on Michael's shoulder and held his hand. 'Michael said afterwards: 'That never happened before and I didn't know what to do. I don't know him. And I haven't seen him for a year and almost a half. Why was he acting like my bosom buddy?' 'Michael believed that Bashir may have told Arvizo to do that but no-one knew what really happened. 'Bashir told Michael he wanted to show the real man in a fair way, but when asked about sleeping with children he was so rattled. 'It was a shambles. Why his managers didn't stop it I will never know. 'That show set a stampede in motion which led to the trial. It was the beginning of the end for him.' Bashir later took the stand as the first prosecution witness and Brian says after the verdict, the reporter strolled over and apologised, saying: 'Nothing personal Michael.' 'Michael could not believe it, because inside he was fuming,' he says. 'Michael simply stared back, said nothing and turned away.' Destroyed reputation 17 17 Despite the acquittal, many people believe the star behaved inappropriately with young boys. In the summer of 2005 a Gallup Poll reported that 80 per cent of the US public believed Michael was guilty of abuse. 'It damaged Michael beyond repair,' says Brian. 'He was utterly numb. He was mentally, emotionally exhausted. 'Michael said: 'I'm an entertainer. I depend upon the people, 80 per cent of them think I'm guilty?'' MJ fled to Bahrain as a guest of Sheikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the king's son, with the promise of a comeback concert and album. That plan fell apart within a year, leading him into a semi-nomadic life with his three kids, Prince, now 31, Paris, 29 and Bigi, 24. Drowning in debt, he committed to a London O2 residency This Is It. But, in constant pain after a serious back injury he sustained when a stage collapsed at a Munich gig in 1999, he was already hooked on painkillers and anaesthetic Propofol. He died in LA on June 25 2009 - days before the sellout comeback - after suffering a cardiac arrest from a Propofol and benzodiazepines overdose. Fresh allegations have since emerged. In 2019 documentary, Leaving Neverland, Wade Robson and James Safechuck accused the star of sexually abusing them for years, from when they were respectively seven and 10 years old. But Brian says it was the 2005 trial that pushed him over the edge. 'That was the start of the end,' says Brian. 'He was in pain, depression and constantly harassed with accusations. 'Think about it. 'Wacko Jacko, crazy, child molester.' How much can one human being take? 'It was too much for him. I told him he would come through and his mettle would be stronger because of the fire. And in certain ways, that was true, but in other ways, it started this spiral down. It meant the end for Michael.' 17
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
KATSEYE's Lara & Megan to Holland: Out and proud LGBTQ+ K-pop idols you should know this pride month
It's Pride Month 2025 — and in the world of K-pop, visibility matters more than ever. K-pop idols already face immense pressure, with every aspect of their lives under constant scrutiny. For those who identify as LGBTQ+, that spotlight can feel even harsher. In South Korea, being openly queer remains a bold — and often risky — decision. Coming out in the K-pop industry can still threaten one's career. Yet, a growing number of idols are choosing to live their truth — and in doing so, they're making history. Holland View this post on Instagram He made history as the first openly gay K-pop idol — but the journey wasn't easy. With no entertainment agency willing to back an openly gay artist, Holland chose to forge his own path. From the very beginning, his career has been entirely self-made. He worked two part-time jobs to fund his debut single Neverland, released in January 2018, and later turned to crowdfunding to release his first mini-album in 2019. Jiae (formerly of WASSUP) View this post on Instagram The former member of WASSUP came out as bisexual in 2020 and revealed she was dating a woman. Two years later, she struggled to sign with a label, as the only openly bisexual idol in the industry. Undeterred, Jiae made her solo debut independently in October 2022 with her full-length album Love Is Love. Bain (JUST B) View this post on Instagram He became the first active K-pop idol in a group to come out as gay. During a concert in Los Angeles in April 2025, the 23-year-old made the heartfelt announcement while performing a solo, saying, "I'm proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community — as a gay person." He added, "To anyone out there who's part of the LGBTQ+ community, or still figuring it out — this is for you. You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way," referencing Lady Gaga's anthem and calling her "my queen." Lara Raj (KATSEYE) View this post on Instagram In March 2025, KATSEYE member Lara Raj came out as queer, becoming one of the few idols to do so while actively promoting. She shared the news with fans on Weverse, saying, "I knew I was half fruitcake when I was like eight." Lara expressed pride in her identity and credited her fans' support for helping her feel confident in embracing it. Megan (KATSEYE) View this post on Instagram On June 6, 2025, KATSEYE's Megan publicly came out as bisexual. During a live Weverse broadcast with fellow member Lara, Megan announced, "I'm coming out. I'm bisexual." The moment quickly went viral as the two celebrated by jumping with joy, receiving overwhelming love from fans.
Scottish Sun
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Reality star gives birth to first baby and tells fans she's ‘in the newborn trenches'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MADE In Chelsea star Caggie Dunlop has given birth to her first baby telling fans she is in "the newborn trenches". Caggie and her boyfriend, whose name she is yet to share, learned she was expecting in September. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Caggie Dunlop has given birth to her first baby Credit: Instagram 4 Caggie and her boyfriend, whose name she is yet to share, learned she was expecting in September Credit: Instagram 4 The former reality TV star posted photos from her pregnancy earlier this year Credit: Instagram The 35-year-old former reality star announced the arrival of their bundle of joy in a post on Instagram. Caggie also revealed her baby's sex, after waiting to give birth to find out. In an honest post, the star said the first few days of taking care of their newborn has been a "brutal awakening," and she promised to share more photos of the baby when she felt up to it. Caggie penned: "These were the last pictures taken of me pregnant. "I gave birth to our baby girl on Wednesday morning, our hearts are exploding with love. And I'm completely overwhelmed by the tiredness. "The initiation into motherhood has been unlike anything I could have imagined. "I'm just trying to keep my head above water. I'll share more in the coming days, but for now, we're deep in the 'newborn trenches,' as they say. "Everyone told me to take photos while pregnant because I'd regret it if I didn't. "At the time, I really didn't feel like being in front of a camera… but I'm so glad we captured these, the day before she arrived." She continued: "I already miss her being in my belly—the safety, the unity. It's been replaced with a constant undercurrent of worry and anxiety. Made In Chelsea star gives birth to baby boy as she reveals son's adorable name "I remember someone once described this part as 'your heart now living outside your chest'—and I'm learning what that really means. "Every cry pierces deeply. Every feed touches a part of you you didn't know existed. "It's a brutal awakening, a maddening kind of magic. "I can't believe I'm a mum." Caggie's followers empathised, with one writing: "Congratulations give yourself alot of grace during these next few weeks and months, & continue taking pictures. Newborn stage flies by." Caggie was an original Made In Chelsea cast member whose time on the show was entwined with her relationship with Spencer Matthews. She quit after three series to concentrate on her music career. Using her full name Catherine Dunlop, the West Londoner released a single, Neverland, and has launched a clothing range, ISWAI (It Started With An Idea). She has now rebranded as Caggie, and her latest music release was the 2024 track, Breakfast. It came five years after her previous single, I Wish I Knew. In total she's achieved nearly 4million streams and describes her sound as 'soft, nostalgic, ethereal and feminine'. The multi-talented star also has a keen interest in astrology and in 2023 released her first book, Saturn Returns: Your Cosmic Coming of Age. She told Hello! of her career change: "A lot has changed in the last 10 years, when I was in my early twenties. I think I was just trying to be someone that I wasn't, someone that didn't really feel authentic. "I think for a long time I was sort of looking backwards and feeling that because I've done a reality show that would forever pigeonhole me. "I was not going to be able to be taken seriously in other industries, but now I'm like, that's just my own stuff, you know, that's just my own limitation… I think for a lot of my 20s I was in quite a victimhood mentality."
