Michael Jackson’s estate blocks ‘stolen’ music recordings from auction

King of Pop Michael Jackson’s estate has blocked the sales of some “extremely rare” unreleased recordings.
Last month, Gotta Have Rock and Roll revealed plans to auction off over two dozen master tapes supposedly recorded by the late Thriller singer, who did in June 2009, at New York Studio The Hit Factory in 1994 and expected to fetch up to $4,000 for each tape, but lawyers acting on behalf of the estate threatened to sue, arguing the recordings were “unquestionably stolen.”
A letter obtained by Billboard written by attorney Jonathan Steinsapir on November 29 demanded the company “cease and desist from any and all efforts to further auction these tape,” but also immediately return the recordings, reports aceshowbiz.com.
The letter continued: “Neither Michael Jackson nor his record company, Sony Music Entertainment, ever sold or gave away master tapes from his recording sessions at The Hit Factory (or anywhere else).
These tapes were unquestionably stolen or otherwise taken without authorization. Accordingly, they are the property of the Jackson Estate.”
By Wednesday, December 13, the tapes had been removed from sale, though Gotta Have Rock and Roll are still selling a number of other items associated with the singer, including a “Circa 1984 Owned + Worn Red Military Style Jacket” which they estimate will sell for over $10,000.
The tapes had been noted as being “artifact ONLY with no copyright” with reproduction “STRICTLY prohibited” and had titles including Oh Love, New Jelly, and Doing What My Heart. (IANS)