The father of deceased film producer Raju Patel is currently suing Michael Jackson’s estate alleging that he is being blocked from making a film about the late pop music legend. “According to the Hollywood Reporter, Sharad Chandra Patel claims that Jackson’s executors are denying him access to music rights and video footage of the star, despite a contract signed by Jackson.” The contract in question was allegedly drawn up in 2002 and stated that Raju and Jackson would split the profits from a proposed tribute film. There was also a 2005 contract stating that the two friends would make a film called Messages to Michael. A lawyer for the Michael Jackson estate has stated that the lawsuit is “yet another meritless lawsuit filed against the Jackson Estate”.
See Benjamin Lee, Michael Jackson estate sued for blocking fan tribute film, The Guardian, December 4, 2015.
Special thanks to Brian Cohan (Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Brian J. Cohan, P.C.) for bringing this article to my attention.
