Michael Jackson's estate has successfully removed some “extremely rare” unreleased recordings.
Last month, Gotta Have Rock and Roll announced plans to auction off more than two dozen master tapes purportedly recorded by the late “Thriller” singer — who did so in June 2009 — at New York studio The Hit Factory on 1994 – and is expected to fetch up to $4,000 for each tape, but lawyers acting on behalf of the estate have threatened to sue, claiming the recordings were “undoubtedly stolen”.
A letter written by attorney Jonathan Steinsapir on Nov. 29, obtained by Billboard, demanded that the company “cease and desist from any attempt to further auction these tapes,” and immediately return the recordings.
The letter continued: “Neither Michael Jackson nor his record company, Sony Music Entertainment, ever sold or gave away master tapes of his recordings at The Hit Factory (or anywhere else).
“These tapes were undoubtedly stolen or otherwise obtained without permission. As such, they are the property of the Jackson Estate.”
But the letter was apparently unsuccessful, so this week lawyer Alex Spiro sent an email to the auction house's lawyer, noting that the company had already informed the estate that they “will not be complying with these requirements”.
They wrote: “We are writing to inform you that we intend to seek a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction tomorrow (December 13) in New York Supreme Court. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.”
As of Wednesday (13.12.23), the tapes had been removed from sale, although Gotta Have Rock and Roll is still selling several other items related to the 'Bad' singer, including a 'Circa 1984 Owned + Worn Red Military Style Jacket” which they estimate will sell for over $10,000.
The tapes were marked “uncopyrighted artifacts ONLY” with playback “STRICTLY PROHIBITED” and had titles such as “Oh Love”, “New Jelly” and “Doing What My Heart”.
