Never-before-seen images from Jacko's photo shoot for Ebony magazine in 2007 become the center of the legal dispute.
- Jun 28, 2014
AceShowbiz - Craig Williams, the director of "Michael Jackson: The Last Photo Shoot", files a lawsuit against the executors of the late King of Pop's estate. The plaintiff seeks to confirm valid rights on unseen footage from Jacko's 2007 photo shoot which will be used in the documentary.
The footage was taken at the Brooklyn Museum of Art for Ebony magazine as Michael tried make a comeback and gave his first magazine interview in a decade. Interviews with the singer's friends, photographers, and stylists will be included in the film as well.
However, Jacko's estate calls the footage "private." Lawyer Howard Weitzman says to The Hollywood Reporter, "The makers of the documentary are attempting to exploit footage and photographs of Michael Jackson, which we believe are owned by his Estate."
"The documentary contains footage of Michael during private moments that he never agreed could be publicly and commercially exploited without his consent and/or involvement. Michael never authorized or approved the use of this material in the film."
In his defense as stated in the lawsuit, Williams argues that his company has legally acquired rights to the footage. The plaintiff claims he stepped in after the late singer's camp passed on the offer to purchase rights in 2011.
