The Michael Jackson Saga: The Winners & Losers
Michael Jackson's death sent shockwaves across the globe yesterday. And as you've undoubtedly realized by now, the story will dominate news coverage for a long time to come. (The good news: At least no one is talking about Jon & Kate.) So who will ultimately benefit from Jackson's death and the ensuing media circus? Who won't? A very lengthy roundup of some of the winners (his record label, cable news channels) and losers (Jackson's plastic surgeon, his "personal physicians") after the jump.
TMZ
They reported it first. Confirmation of Jackson's death from the Los Angeles Times came a couple hours later and much of the mainstream media cited the LA Times, not TMZ. But media types know who got the story first. And it's another feather in the cap of Harvey Levin, unfortunately.
SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
The wave of Jackson nostalgia will pay off nicely for Sony Music, which controls Jackson's longtime record label, Epic. All those sales of Jackson's biggest albums (like Thriller, Bad, and Dangerous) will go straight to Sony Music's bottom line.
APHRODITE JONES AND J. RANDY TARABORRELLI
Jones's self-published book on Jackson has taken a huge leap on Amazon since the news broke. It happens to be a nutty book: Jones defends Jackson in the wake of his 2005 molestation trial and suggests the singer was the victim of a media conspiracy. No matter! She'll clean up. As will Jackson biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli. Sales of his book are up, too. And since he's a frequent guest on TV segments about Jackson, he probably has a busy few weeks of media appearances scheduled.
DR. STEVEN HOEFFLIN
Known as "Doc Hollywood," the Los Angeles-based plastic surgeon's career took a turn for the worse last year when he was embroiled in a nasty lawsuit and later checked himself into a psychiatric facility. But now? He's just lost his very best client.
PEREZ HILTON
He responded to the news yesterday by suggesting it was a ruse on Michael Jackson's part to drum up publicity. A backlash followed. And now thousands are wishing will.i.am's manager had punched him a bit harder.
AEG LIVE AND PHILIP ANSCHUTZ
AEG Live, controlled by Philip Anschutz, was coordinating the 50 concerts that Jackson was scheduled to hold in London. Now it has to issue refunds totaling $85 million. Don't feel too bad to Anschutz. He's a billionaire, so he can afford it.
JACKSON'S 'PERSONAL PHYSICIANS'
It's unclear at the moment what medications Jackson was taking and if any drugs he was prescribed had anything to do with his death. But all the scrutiny over the coming weeks can't possibly be good news for the "personal physicians" who were supposed to be taking care of the pop star. If Jackson was too many multi-vitamins, these guys will be forced to answer for it.
JACKSON'S KIDS
This must be a difficult time for Prince Michael Jr., Paris Michael Katherine, and Prince Michael II. That said, it couldn't have been easy having Michael Jackson as a father. No matter where the kids end up, they'll probably have a more normal childhood now that they won't be residing at Neverland. Call it a wash.
AL SHARPTON
Al Sharpton held a dramatic press conference outside the Apollo yesterday and said he'd be prepared to preside over Jackson's funeral if he's asked. There's no indication the Jacksons have asked him to serve as the family's spiritual adviser. But he's clearly trying to put himself in the middle of the action. And it might just work! It has before.
TABLOIDS (newspapers)
It's a great story, sure, and it will probably last for weeks as new details surface daily. The problem? Even the death of an international superstar won't be able to save print journalism from its continued decline. Sorry.
TABLOIDS (magazines)
Did you see how fast the news of Jackson's death traveled yesterday? Yea, well, Us Weekly, Star, and People don't move that quickly. Pick up a copy of one of these mags on the newsstand today and you'll see they're still in Jon & Kate territory. They'll hit the story hard and probably unearth lots of new details, but they'll also be playing a lot of catch-up.
FORTRESS INVESTMENT GROUP
The New York-based private equity firm purchased $270 million worth of loans that Bank of America had extended to Jackson a few years ago. Then they loaned him hundreds of millions more. Like other debt holders, Fortress's lawyers will probably spend months or years sorting through Jackson's estate, divvying up what's left, and selling off assets to recoup their investments.
CABLE NEWS
Expect round-the-clock coverage for days to come as every maid is interviewed and every chauffeur will be questioned. It won't last forever, of course, but no news story is. And it's June, so this will keep things humming during the slow summer months ahead.
VH1 CLASSIC
VH1 Classic is planning to go wall-to-wall with Michael Jackson this weekend with a music video marathon. For a network as irrelevant as this one, ratings can only go up as a result.
JORDY CHANDLER AND GAVIN ARVIZO
Chandler was the kid involved in Jackson's first molestation case; Arvizo was one of the alleged victims at Jackson's 2005 trial. Whether any confidentiality agreements the kids (or their parents) may have entered into continue after death is a matter their lawyers will have to sort out. But both are now adults and if they have interest in discussing the case, they shouldn't have trouble selling their stories.
MACAULEY CULKIN
Culkin testified at Jackson's 2005 trial and said nothing inappropriate took place between him and Jackson. If that wasn't the full story and/or there are other details to divulge—and Culkin could use a few bucks—now would be a good time to speak up.
SWAROVSKI
On the day that Jackson died, this story about Jackson's plans for his upcoming concerts in London appeared in WWD: "Michael Jackson is getting ready to sparkle. On July 13 the star will step onto London's 02 arena stage to kick off his "This Is It" tour, clad head-to-toe in Crystallized Swarovski Elements. His array of costumes and sets will feature over 300,000 crystals to be exact, including 53 different shapes, 43 sizes and 27 colors." Worst timing ever, clearly.
SACHA BARON COHEN
The new Bruno movie had fun with both LaToya and Michael and could have turned into a PR disaster, except Universal immediately excised the footage, so it won't be in the version that hits theaters. As long as it doesn't end up on the web, he should be fine.
MARTIN BASHIR
Bashir conducted that legendarily creepy interview with Jackson a number of years ago and knows his way around Neverland. He now contributes to 20/20 and will be involved with the countless Jacko-related segments ABC News has planned. But a book is a possibility, too!
JANET JACKSON
Janet's been trying to revive her career for some time now, and she had a bit of good news to report earlier this week when she was tapped to appear in Tyler Perry's new movie. But Michael's death will now overshadow her plans. (And his death will be all the only thing reporters will want to talk to her about for months to come.) Add the fact that she recently split from boyfriend Jermaine Dupri and this situation is shaping up to be a good one for JJ.
TITO, LATOYA & THE REST
It's a sad time for Michael's lesser-known brothers and sisters. At least we assume it is. In a family as dysfunctional as the Jacksons, it's unwise to make any assumptions. But once the mourning period is over, there will be talk shows to do and maybe even books to write. Given how little you've heard from some of the Jacksons recently, it can be up from here.
GARY, INDIANA
The birthplace of Michael Jackson was the scene of several vigils yesterday evening. It would also be the perfect place for a Michael Jackson Memorial Museum!
