Jacko producer sues star for €2.3m

A former producer and business associate of Michael Jackson is suing the pop star, claiming he hasn’t been paid more than €2.3m in loans and producing fees.

The breach-of-contract lawsuit filed by Marc Schaffel in Los Angeles details numerous loans and payments made on Jackson’s behalf, and claims the singer failed to fully pay Schaffel for his role in producing two television specials.

The specials aired on Fox early last year were intended to counter a damaging portrayal in televised interviews with British journalist Martin Bashir.

Schaffel said that since 2001 he made loans or payments for Jackson totalling €6.6m, but has been repaid only €4.8m.

The lawsuit lists Jackson’s requests for money, including €459,200 to buy a piece of jewellery for Elizabeth Taylor and €784,300 to pay actor Marlon Brando for appearing in a Jackson concert and music video.

Schaffel said he gave Jackson at least €78,400 several times for shopping sprees, and pitched in on payments for cars, including a Rolls Royce Phantom and Bentley Arnage.

Jackson also asked for and received €356,600 in “emergency cash” after the 9/11 terror attacks “in case he needed to take shelter underground somewhere with his family”, according to the lawsuit.

Jackson stopped repaying Schaffel in June 2004 when his brother Randy Jackson became the star’s financial adviser, the suit claims.