The estate's attorney, Jonathan Steinsapir, declares -- in no uncertain terms -- the jacket up for sale wasn't on Michael's back at any point during production of the "Thriller" short film.
Michael Jackson's estate have successfully had some "extremely rare" unreleased recordings removed from sale.
Last month, Gotta Have Rock and Roll announced 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".
Since the letter was sent, the auction has changed its title to include the word "style" ... and now reads, "Michael Jackson 1983 Owned & Worn Thriller Style Jacket."
Michael Jackson's estate have successfully had some "extremely rare" unreleased recordings removed from sale.
Last month, Gotta Have Rock and Roll announced 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 written by attorney Jonathan Steinsapir on 29 November, which was obtained by Billboard, demanded the company “cease and desist from any and all efforts to further auction these tape,” but also immediately return the recordings.
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.”
Channel 4 is to air a controversial documentary about Michael Jackson, despite receiving a letter of complaint from the late singer's estate.
Leaving Neverland focuses on two men who claim the pop superstar abused them when they were children.
The four-hour documentary, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, tells the story of two men – Wade Robson and James Safechuck – who both allege they were sexually abused by Jackson in the 1990s.
The family of the late singer have asked the broadcaster not to show it, saying the film-makers did not ask them for a response to the allegations.
In a statement, Channel 4 said it had followed the right response procedure.
"Channel 4 viewers will make their own judgement about the testimony of the two victims interviewed in the film," it said.
