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Michael Jackson cut his father out of $1bn will
Updated 12:59pm on 30 Jun 2009
Michael Jackson cut his father out of his will, it was reported today. The singer had accused Joe Jackson of regularly beating him as a child.
Finale: one of the last photos of Jacko, taken as he rehearsed just hours before his death
Jackson, estimated to be worth $1bn following his death, leaves his money to his mother, Katherine, his three children and at least one charity, says the Wall Street Journal, which adds that his 80-year-old father is not mentioned in the 2002 will.
Mrs Jackson, 79, was yesterday given temporary custody of the children Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II. She is estranged from her husband because of his adultery.
Although Jackson died up to $400m (£240m) in debt, since his death the value of his estate has soared. His most valuable asset is believed to be his 50 per cent stake in Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which includes the back catalogue of The Beatles.
Several days after the pop star's death at his Los Angeles home, questions remain. He may have been injected with painkilling drugs. His doctor denies administering any such injection. Jackson's former lawyer says the star would never have injected himself.
Photographs published today show Jackson looking relatively fit while rehearsing for his O2 shows in London. They are a far cry from reports — dismissed by the LA coroner — that his postmortem revealed a man grossly underweight and riddled with needle marks where he was allegedly injecting painkillers.
An ex-coroner's officer in LA, well-connected to the official investigation, says Jackson, 50, may have taken his own life. Police think he may have overdosed on prescription drugs as a cry for help brought on by the pressure of the impending concerts.
A spokesman for the LA coroner confirmed today that Jackson was taking prescription drugs at the time of his death. Last night, police took two large plastic bags of medication from the star's rented house in Holmby Hills.
Reader views (15)
Hi micheal was a good man. His soul and body should go in piece. B.cause every 1 is restless after his death if any 1 dies and people miss him.love.restless without him it means he was a lovely man. And he deserves 4 heaven. Now i only can say. ".GOD MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE".
- Raza, Huddersfield, 08/07/2009 00:15
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love you micheal jackson i was waiting till i got older to marry you but now you are got but not forgotten in my world i love your songs and baby you will forever be the king said by the world i am crying now every day i am going to look at your pics and i will never forget you i am still sad that you are dead but i do not care i still want to put my body on you and touch you buy micheal i love you i will love you forever till eternity
- Janice Micheal Jackson Wife In The Future Just Kiding, kingston'jamaica, 07/07/2009 21:25
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Lets get this point clear: joe didnt kill michael. i disaprove of joe jacksons lifestyle as i did of michaels zest to constantly change his looks. we liked and ll greatly miss his music/talents not his face.
- Chris. Jos , Nigeria., jos, Nigeria., 03/07/2009 22:01
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Everybody, just leave Michael alone! This is to all of you out there saying soo much rubbish. We just lost the most sweetest and talented artist of all time. Let the poor man rest in peace for God sakes! I'll always love you,Michael and we miss you! you were the best and you will never be forgotten! R.I.P,Sweet Angel!
- Marilia P., Winchester, USA, 02/07/2009 05:51
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Hello! everyone poor micheal is not even cold in his grave - not even buried yet and the will is public knowledge? no i don't think so somehow.................................................
- Kh, London UK, 01/07/2009 17:17
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How on earth do they estimate him being worth $1 Billion...I thought he was virtually broke and living off other people's generosity???
- Ali Sichilongo, London, 01/07/2009 11:31
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I feel sorry for the man. it wasn't his fault he was the way he was! I wish everyone would just let him rest in peace!
- Jessica Wynne, Sydney Australia, 01/07/2009 03:22
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Keith Price, Luton.
If someone allegedlly owes $500 million and their estate is currently worth $1 BILLION, it follows that a WILL is the sensible thing to arrange.
Go back to nursery skool.
- Reuben Camara, Republic of Morecambe, UK, 01/07/2009 03:17
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What will ? The guy is over $500 million in debt for heavens sake
- Keith Price, Luton, England, 30/06/2009 16:08
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"Children are regularly beaten in West Indian families. It's a form of discipline. No one ever died."
What an amazingly callous thing to say! Furthermore beating your children is classified as abuse in the UK and children have died! I am also sure a trawl through social and police reports in the UK would also include children of West Indian families.
I think Jackson was walking proof how such abusive behaviour in his young life had a very profound affect on his psychology well being in later life.
- John David, London, 30/06/2009 16:05
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Apparently, Michael's father used to belittle him and tell him he was ugly and his nose was big. Perhaps this is where his low self-esteem and obssession with plastic surgery came from. Also, it is well-documented that Michael doted on his mother, so it must have been hard seeing his father constantly cheat on her. And why was he more interested in promote his record company when his son has just died.
- Sonia M., St Albans, Herts, 30/06/2009 15:40
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Why would anyone put their Parents in their will - it isnt the norm, we expect to be in theirs - more inane gossip about nothing, leave them be.
- Ash, London, 30/06/2009 15:39
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Children are regularly beaten in West Indian families. It's a form of discipline. No one ever died.
Is that the only reason he is excluded or there an underlying reason?
- Brenda, East London, 30/06/2009 15:00
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my mother isn't in my will, I'm expecting her to die first.
- Nu, london uk, 30/06/2009 13:18
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if this report is proved to be true, it will be the most befitting pay-back time for michael on joe jackson. joe was and still is an idiot who cares for nothing else but his own pockets and fame and name. to have locked him out of his will, michael has given joe what he richly deserved. michael was a good man and through joe's spotlight seeking greed, it has further gone on to prove that joe didnt and will never deserve a good heart like michael's. RIPMJ. be at peace now and watch the world ignore that monster called joe jackson. we are with you and will continue to ignore joe and never refer him as your father because a good man like you deserved better.
- Khalsa.Lakhvir.Singh, nairobi, kenya, 30/06/2009 13:12
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