The scandal threatened the financial legacy of Michael Jackson

died Than Michael Jackson in 2009, of an Overdose of drugs, he was in debt with over $ 400 million. But death is not the end of the money blessing for his descendants. More than two billion dollars, estimates the economic magazine "Forbes", fins since then, thanks to the royalties, the merchandise, goods, and music rights to other artists in the pockets of the Jacksons. This is the same sum that has earned the King in his entire career and made him the financially most successful of all the deceased artists.

But since this spring, a movie is a threat to the financial Erbstücks of the King of Pop. An HBO-produced, four-hour documentary not only renewed earlier accusations, but it shows the story of two men, as you describe with brutal directness the abuses by Jackson in her Childhood.

more and more boycotts

the statements of The two victims in "Leaving Neverland" appeared so credible, that a number of companies and institutions immediately for a Boycott of steps. The threat of image damage was the main reason why the fashion brand Louis Vuitton had a Jackson-inspired collection for fall. In the week after the airing of the film the listener's interest for Jackson fell Songs on the American radio stations from around 18 percent. The royalties, loss of market researchers estimate to 1.3 million dollars per week.

A children's Museum in Indianapolis took the white Glitter gloves and the black felt hat of the artist from the exhibition, and the national football Museum in Manchester is a larger than life-size Statue of the artist. Also painted the radio stations in Canada, new Zealand and the UK Michael Jackson out of their programs, and the repetition of a nearly 30-year-old TV show the "Simpsons", in Jackson just as the speaker stepped forward, fell to the disclosure to the victim.

For the Jackson family, much is at stake. Year on year revenues, in the three-digit million amount to their accounts. More than two billion in total since 2009. They broadcast a rebuttal to the documentary in the Form of a Youtube video, and sued HBO to a compensation for damages of 100 million dollars. But at the same time, the Jacksons had to get the plans for a new Jukebox Musical in Chicago in the fall, because the scandal had a fear of low audience interest.

not Yet affected the ONE Show of Cirque de Soleil in Las Vegas, has listed the family over $ 370 million seems. But that could change, believes the show promoter Brock Jones."The Shows have not reached a toxicity, you had a month ago." Most of the audience would have gained a negative view of the artist. "If that is so, is cancelled, the Franchise is solid."

it was Clear Ranch is already devaluing the Neverland, where Jackson had Surveillance and warning systems installed, in order not to be in the presence of his boys to get caught. The property in southern California, he had acquired in 1987, for 19.5 million dollars and expanded it to an amusement Park. After his death, the Ferris wheel and the carousel disappeared; real estate dealer, began looking for interested buyers. 100 million dollars required by the Jacksons before they reduced two years ago, the price of 76 million. Buyers stayed away, and the property has been temporarily withdrawn from the market. Since this spring it is again advertised, for $ 31 million.

music is scandal-resistant

The music but I kept up surprisingly well, says Jim Urie, the former Manager of Universal. So Sony extended only recently, a 250-million Deal that secures the right to the use of his Songs for another seven years. The Deal follows a lot of sense, says Urie, because the masterpieces are "Off the Wall", "Thriller" and "Bad" to be scandal-proof.

As long as the Backlash continues, it is hard to say. The lawsuit against HBO, is surely the wrong tactic, says inheritance lawyer Donald David, who has managed the legacy of rapper Tupac Shakur. "The best tactic is to do nothing and wait until the storm has passed. There were earlier allegations, and yet his works have been purchased. Why should this be any different?", David asks.

(editing Tamedia)

Created: 22.04.2019, 22:10 PM