A $40 million lawsuit filed against Michael Jackson isn’t causing much concern behind the scenes of Jackson’s comeback tour, which kicks off in London next month.
“We’re not worried at all,” says a source who is closely involved with the planning of the production. “Things are beyond belief, absolutely incredible!”
Promoter AllGood Entertainment Inc. is behind the lawsuit, which alleges that Jackson’s 50-date concert series at London’s O2 arena violates a contract signed by Jackson’s manager.
AllGood claims that the contract requires Jackson to perform at a Jackson family reunion concert in 2010, and he can’t individually give a show before that date or for a certain period of time afterwards.
Meanwhile, rumors that Jackson’s oldest son, Prince Michael I, age 12, will make his musical debut alongside his dad in London continue to gain steam, as Prince Michael has been photographed going to rehearsals in L.A.
A rep for the production couldn’t confirm whether Prince Michael would definitely be onstage. “Everything is very secretive,” was the only comment.
Michael Moore collects for CEOsHow do you feel about digging into your pockets and donating to the bank bailout? Filmmaker Michael Moore asked that question of moviegoers at theaters in New York, L.A., Chicago and Washington, D.C.
On June 12, Moore’s image came onscreen at four theaters during the trailers preceding the main features. Instead of running a trailer for his still-untitled documentary about the economy, Moore asked that audience members reach into their pockets and donate to help “save our CEOs.”
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“Ushers will be coming down the aisles to collect your donations for Citibank, Bank of America, AIG, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and a host of other needy banks and corporations,” Moore said. “Won’t you please give generously? Now, I know what you’re thinking, ‘I already gave at the bailout,’ and I know you did. But even if you’ve given in the past, give some more, it’ll make you feel … good.”
At which point, ushers did come down the aisles to collect any offerings. Perhaps most inexplicable: some people actually contributed. Money collected will be donated to local food banks.
Moore’s new film comes out Oct. 2.
Box office can’t shake ‘Hangover’For the second straight weekend, “The Hangover” nabbed the number-one spot at the box office.
Why did this happen? Pretty simple formula, actually. First, bad economies and decent comedies tend to go hand-in-hand. Secondly, the opening weekend of a male-targeted film pulls in the men first. Once it’s proven to be funny and not just testosterone targeted, the female filmgoer heads to the theaters. So, $33.4 million later, you’ve got another weekend at the top of the box office.
Second place went to “Up,” and third to “Taking of Pelham 1 2 3.”
Eddie Murphy proved that he’s basically done as far as any future hopes of opening a big film. Murphy's “Imagine That” made only $5.7 million (yet Murphy is #4 on Forbes list of highest-paid actors Highest Paid Actors list for bringing in $55 million between June 2007-2008).
Courtney Hazlett delivers the Scoop Monday through Friday on msnbc.com. Follow Scoop on Twitter: @ courtneyatmsnbc.