July 2, 2014
Michael Jackson’s Estate Being Sued for Footage of his Last Interview
According to AOL Black Voices, the estate of Michael Jackson is being sued for the rights to a 2007 video of the recording artist’s last interview. Craig Williams, the film’s director, says the footage was taken at the Brooklyn Museum of Art by Ebony magazine.
The production company says it legally acquired rights to the footage. They also state that Jackson’s estate passed on purchase rights in 2011, but the estate claims that Jackson is the author and that the shoot was considered “work for hire.”
“The makers of the documentary are attempting to exploit footage and photographs of Michael Jackson, which we believe are owned by his estate,” Howard Weitzman, attorney for the Jackson estate said. “The documentary contains footage of Michael during private moments that he never agreed could be publicly and commercially exploited without his consent and/or involvement. Michael never authorized or approved the use of this material in the film.â€