Michael Jackson blasts auctioneer's 'violent threats' claim

26 March 2009  

MICHAEL JACKSON has blasted accusations his representatives threatened an auctioneer with violence in a bid to stop a sale of the pop superstar's personal memorabilia.
 
Jackson's attorneys are embroiled in a legal battle with Julien's Auction House executives after they announced plans for the sale, which included his concert costumes from the 1980s and the gates to his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.
 
The Thriller hitmaker's legal team filed suit against the auction house earlier this month (Mar09), alleging bosses are not "entitled to retain possession of Michael Jackson's personal property".
 
Company executives hit back, insisting the singer had given them permission to proceed with the 21 April (09) plans.
 
Julien's Auction House bosses have since been allowed permission to continue advertising the sale, but only until the case goes before a Los Angeles judge on 3 April (09).
 
Auction house president Darren Julien claims Jackson's team has gone to extreme lengths to halt the auction - even threatening to take violent action against him.
 
In a sworn statement, Julien says, "Michael Jackson wanted to give the message to us, that our lives are at stake and there will be bloodshed."
 
But Jackson's lawyer has dismissed the claims, branding the statement a "scurrilous attack", reports the New York Post.
 
If allowed to proceed, the auction is estimated to bring in up to $20 million (£13.7 million).