In the last couple days, we've sensed an agitation in the matrix, a shitstorm in the tabloid pipeline. It comes to the forefront today in the NY Post: the National Enquirer's editor, David Perel, is pissed at Us Weekly, claiming Us stole their Michael Jackson exclusive. (Jackson is allegedly — ALLEGEDLY — going to be the father to quadruplets.) The Enquirer's story appeared in the July 26th issues, the Us Weekly story came out August 2nd.

Us Weekly's editrix (and new mother herself) Janice Min has played a smart game this last year — her scheme has been to let all the other tabloids go to war, and focus on her own magazine, so this is the last thing she wants. We're surprised she comes out to trash David Perel today — and we're also fairly sure Star editor Joe Dolce is sitting around his offices today, smoking a giant cigar and cackling while the other kids squabble.

David Perel, reached by phone for comment, said "They're not gonna win a war with the Enquirer, but if they wanna play, hey — bring it on." Yay! War!
Battle Over Jacko Scoop [NYP]
Related: We wouldn't know what it's like to not get credit for a scoop. See also: Kirsten and Jake Split? [Defamer, 7/19/04]