Celebrity News September 29, 2009
Phony Michael Jackson Charity Goes to Court
Administrators of Michael Jackson's estate sued two corporations for exploiting the superstar's death.
The lawsuit claims the Heal the World Foundation and United Fleet wanted to trademark phrases including "King of Pop," "Heal the World," "MJ," "Neverland" and "Thriller" to deceive the public.
In 1992, Jackson founded his own Heal the World Foundation, but it was inactive at the time of his death.
"John McClain and I as Special Administrators will continue to be vigilant in protecting Michael's legacy from unauthorized exploitation and in protecting Michael's fans from being deceived," Jackson lawyer John Branca said in a statement.
A recent CBS News investigation reports the defendants' web site had become "a magnet for fans searching for a Michael Jackson charity."
