The world is still a very big place, but Michael Jackson keeps making it smaller for himself, burning bridges and narrowing his options little by little each step of the way. He is currently camped in Ireland, having worn out his welcome in the U.S. and Bahrain, but there is likely no truth whatsoever to rumors that Jackson is scouting Superman's polar Fortress of Solitude in case things turns sour on the Emerald Isle.
The U.S. appears to be out for Jackson for any number of somewhat mysterious reasons, including pride and the possibility of lingering legal liabilities. Jackson hasn't (officially) returned to his homeland since shortly after he was acquitted of child molestation and conspiracy charges in the summer of '05.
Bahrain, where he retreated after the verdict, is now just sand in the suitcase - the desert has lost its allure, and Jackson's benefactor, Bahraini prince Abdulla Hamad Al-Khalifa, appears to be left out in the cold, er, hot, after pampering Jackson like royalty for a year and supporting his cause to the tune of a few million dollars.
Over the weekend Jackson's spokes-apologist, Raymone K. Bain issued a statement confirming that Jackson's relationship with five-month-old record label, Two Seas, his joint venture with Abdulla, was over.
In April, Bain had announced to great fanfare the formation of the label and proclaimed that the first single from Jackson's renewed recording efforts — produced by MJ and Bruce Swedien — would be called "Now That I Found Love." It would be released on the new label on precisely November 21, and a new album would be forthcoming in '07. Guy Holmes, chairman of U.K. indie Gut Records (Crazy Frog's "Axel F"), was named the new label's CEO.
But none of that is important or applicable anymore—Holmes told the BBC no deal had ever been finalized—just like Jackson's vaunted megastar charity single for survivors of Hurricane Katrina that was reported to be "nearing completion" last November, but never quite materialized either.
The writing had been on the hijab for some time: Having renegotiated his crushing debt and at least temporarily put his financial house in some semblance of order, Jackson, 48, pulled up his tent stakes in June and ended up frolicking among the Little People o' the Green at the deluxe Luggala Lodge (AKA "Luggala Castle") in County Wicklow, Ireland, not far from Dublin.
Article comments
1 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Sounds like Islam-dunk for the faith of the moon and crescent, and like good ole MJ went from screwing over little boys to hozing big ones like Prince Abdulla.
I hope that fool understands that big boys like Prince Abdulla can hire big boys himself to play with the shoot-em-up toys as well as sign checks.
2 - Eric Olsen
good point Ruvy, using people and dumping them is alleged to be a regular pattern for MJ - someone may decide to take matters into their own hands
3 - Furienna
It's not easy to say nice things about Michael, is it? Well, just remember, that Michael still has fans all over the world, and we don't tolerate crap like this article.
4 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Furienna,
If you like the guy's music, enjoy it to your heart's content, but if this guy does business like a prick, eventually the yokels he rips off wise up, and one of them is liable to think he is entitled to compensation - like taking it out of his hide....
5 - Cherubim
People change business partners all the time.
Michael Jackson, I can't wait to hear new music from you. By the way, I love that castle.
Can I come for a visit?
6 - Mistress La Spliffe
Probably, if you're cherubic enough.
7 - Eric Olsen
Furry, yes, not tolerating crap like this article is why the MJ true believers are viewed as wildly delusional by the rest of the world.
Cherub, well, SOME people change business partners all the time.
Mistress, classic!!
8 - chello
hey eric, still up to your old games... why don't you ever publish any positive articles about mj... eg - the company that he owns jointly with sony corporation (Sony ATV; valued at 4billion) has just reached an agreement with sony ericsson that is likely to take cellular entertainment to another level and increase the money that flows into mjs coffers. i must admit mj does seem to be struggling, moving from the exotic middle east getaway state of bahrain to an exclusive & pricey vintage style resort in ireland???!! but he is far from the end. i have seen other falling stars and when they fall you see the tax authorities knocking at their doors and all sorts of stuff that clearly sets of alarms; not notable & extremely wealthy personaities and respectable banks like City Group struggling to refinance. i clearly stated during the run up to his molestation trial and the media onslaught that notoriously charactorized that sad yet revealy time in history that the truth will unravel itself and i hold the same position even tday. these are media tactics that are now playing into mjs trap. all the world has heard of mj over the last six year is this crap. i await for the day that his music resurfaces and his stellar performances (even at his age) grace the people of this planet. on such a day maybe people like eric may resume their lives and abolish their hate mentality...
9 - Eric Olsen
I too hold out the hope that he can create important music once again - but that seems to be foundering as well: no charity single, severing ties with this record label. I will be happy to proclaim it if and when he puts out something good, but it's up to him to come through.
10 - angeni
Furienna;
I'm sorry but there's things others don't tolerate either and just because a person is a celebrity doesn't make us moreso. Do you have a son? Then think about it. There's much more to this man than music.
11 - jason palmer
Personally i think who ever belives news papers and tv news are being deluded.mj to me is looking for some thing that is not there any more in adults, trust , love ,real friendship that dosnt want any thing. thats why he turned to kids as they are innocent with love and no deciet.but unfortunately the parents found a way to screww mj for money.anyway good luck mj and dont forget anything good in this life now some one is going to try to destroy it so be strong and do what you do best create some good music
12 - jason palmer
3 wheeler robin reliant, yellow in colour 1972 year of production , hasnt changed or decayed , well looked after , just been sitting around , but once the engine is tuned and it fires up , its ready for action ,to do what a cars made to do . can michael jackson do the same?
13 - Catherine Skelly
Did anybody here that Michael Jackson has bought a castle in the quaint village of Tyrrellspass, Co. Westmeath. Its just 10 mins away from Mullingar where he was reportedly looking at property there in Irishtown. He also has stopped of in this castle numerous times secretly while taking a break from recording with Will-I-Am from the Black Eyed Peas in Grouse Lodge Studios, Moate. He has been bowling with his kids in Jumping Jacks in Tullamore and only last week was at the cinema in Mullingar to see The Santa Claus 3. Apparently he paid €4.3 million for it and plans to convert it to use as his Irish home...
14 - Joan O'Reilly
yeah i heard about this, think its called Tyrrellspass Castle or found an address for it , glad he finally found a home for his himself and kids... nest of luck to him!