The Jane Report 6-30-09
Michael Jackson fans who purchased tickets for his final concerts will receive a full refund or, if they chose, a commemorative ticket, the concert promoter said Tuesday. Fifty sold-out Jackson concerts were scheduled for the O2 Arena in London, starting July 13, with admission costing at least $105. The shows were billed as the final concerts of his career and were called “This Is It.” …
Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine, has won temporary guardianship of her late son’s three children. She is also attempting to take control of Michael’s estate. He also scheduled a hearing for Aug. 3rd on Jackson’s petition to become permanent guardian of her son’s children. The petition also seeks to name Jackson as administrator of the children’s estates, but the judge did not grant that request. Jackson left behind three children: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., known as Prince Michael, 12; Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11; and Prince Michael II, 7.
London’s The Sun newspaper, which has only slightly more credibility than the Weekly World News, ran a story saying Michael Jackson’s body was in terrible shape. The report said Jackson was bald at the time of his death and suffered several broken ribs. The coroner in L.A. says the report is totally false.
Michael Jackson’s manager, Frank DiLeo, says Dr. Conrad Murray had been Michael Jackson’s full-time doctor for a while, and Jackson chose him himself .
There are few details, but Michael Jackson reportedly finished an elaborate video called the “Dome Project” before he died. It’s in post-production and is expected to be completed next month.
Nielsen BDS, which monitors radio airplay, says plays of Michael Jackson songs on the radio are up 1,735% in recent days. “Billie Jean” leads the way jumping from 318 plays in the week before he died to 4,540 plays since his death.
A Tampa coroner has concluded an autopsy on Billy Mays and says the TV pitchman most likely died from complications due to heart disease. There were no signs of head trauma, despite the fact that he banged his head when a flight he was on made a rough landing the day he died.
Redmond O’Neal will be temporarily freed from jail to attend the funeral of his mother, actress Farrah Fawcett, on Tuesday, officials said. O’Neal was arrested in September when deputies found methamphetamine during a probation search at the Malibu, California, home of his father, actor Ryan O’Neal. The younger O’Neal was on probation for a 2008 felony drug conviction involving heroine and meth. A sheriff’s deputy is to accompany him at all times, according to the order, issued in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Diane Keaton had to be hauled off a movie set in New York on a stretcher yesterday. She was taken to a hospital after inadvertently receiving a blow to the head, but reports are she’s OK.
Former “Sopranos” cast member Drea de Matteo is joining “Desperate Housewives” this season in a permanent role.
Britney Spears‘ Twitter account has been hacked again. This time the hacker posted the following: “Britney has passed today. It is a sad day for everyone. More news to come.” Britney is very much alive. Oh, and she’s a brunette again.
Former “Bachelor” and “Dancing With the Stars” contestant Melissa Rycroft is getting hitched. She is now engaged to Dallas insurance agent Tye Strickland. The two have dated on and off for a couple of years.
BIRTHDAYS
Mike Tyson: 43
Actor Brian Bloom: 36
Actor Rupert Graves: 46
Actress Monica Potter: 38
Singer Fantasia: 25
Eddie Van Halen and girlfriend Janie Liszewski tied the knot over the weekend. Ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli and about 100 others were on hand for the nuptials in Studio City, California.
Natalie Imbruglia is reportedly dating Prince Harry. The two were seen together at England’s Hard Rock Calling festival this weekend.
Slayer plans to release a new album called “World Painted Blood” later this summer.