In 1983, Michael Jackson stunned the world with the creepy, captivating music video for his hit song, "Thriller." Now, fans of the late popstar can buy a piece of the iconic era -- one of Jackson's jackets. The red and black jacket is a stunning piece, complete with intricate detailing. Though the jacket was not worn in the actual "Thriller" music video, it is instantly recognizable, and a go-to image when one thinks of Jackson.
Frank DiLeo, Jackson's manager, owned the garment for several years after Jackson rocked the jacket himself. In 1993, the jacket was originally sold to Sotheby's, a massive art broker. Now, it is up for auction on "Gotta Have Rock and Roll," a website where music fans can buy and sell unique merchandise.
Though the jacket is being sold with consent from the parties involved, Jackson's estate is currently in a hefty legal battle with the "Man in the Mirror" singer's own mother, Katherine.
Katherine Jackson is in the midst of a legal dispute with the executors of Michael's estate, entertainment lawyers John Branca and John McCain. Katherine seeks over $561,000 as a means to cover her legal expenses for a previous suit.
These expenses stem from Katherine's previous attempt to sue Branca and McCain for selling Michael's works. She hoped to prevent the duo from selling Michael's catalog. A judge ultimately ruled in Branca and McCain's favor, allowing the two to sell the catalog.
In 2022, half of Jackson's musical catalog was sold to Sony for $600 million. The stake is valued at an impressive $1.2 billion. Katherine argues that her son did not want to sell his songs. Branca and McCain counter that she had opposed other agreements that were later profitable.
Branca and McCain argue that Katherine has received enough money from Michael's estate. They pointed to millions of dollars the estate provided to support Katherine's wellbeing, specifically her residency. The two also stated that they had not denied any of Katherine's "requests for her care and maintenance."
Katherine has also recently faced struggles with tax debt. Per Branca and McCain, they provided Jackson's mother with a whopping $3.7 million as "an extra emergency family allowance to settle overdue income tax debts." Katherine failed to pay taxes for five years, according to California authorities.
Branca and McCain aren't the only people taking Katherine to court. Responding to Katherine's dispute regarding selling Michael's catalog is another member of the family, Blanket, Michael's son. He claims that Katherine should not have access to Jackson's estate as a means of funding her legal challenges, filing an injunction against the 93-year-old. Additionally, he requested reimbursement for his own legal fees.
Neither Paris nor Prince Jackson have made public remarks concerning their brother and grandmother's legal disputes.
Meanwhile, Jackson's jacket is estimated to sell anywhere between $300,000 and $500,000. Knowing the fanaticism of his fans, the "Thriller" jacket could rise above that hefty cost.
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