Promoter sues Michael Jackson

A US concert promoter is suing Michael Jackson for $40m (€28.5m) for allegedly breaching a contract to play a reunion concert with other family members.

In a lawsuit filed yesterday in Manhattan, New Jersey-based Allgood Entertainment said it made a deal with the singer’s then-manager to produce a reunion concert with the Jackson family this summer and possibly a pay-per-view Jackson family reunion event.

The deal called for Jackson not to perform elsewhere before the event or for at least three months after it.

The lawsuit said Jackson, manager Frank DiLeo and event promoter AEG broke the contract by signing up for a series of concerts in London this summer, which may also include a pay-per-view event.

“We’ve given Michael Jackson and AEG every opportunity, publicly and privately, to resolve this matter and to date we have not heard from anyone,” said Patrick Allocco, Allgood managing partner.

Mr Allocco said the last contact with either camp was May 22 in Beverly Hills.

Allgood lawyer Ira Meyerowitz said the company was not looking to stop Jackson from performing.

“What were looking for, is for our clients to be involved in the London concerts or be compensated for agreements they entered into,” the lawyer said.