Promoter sues Michael Jackson for $40 million

NEWARK, N.J. - A concert promoter has sued entertainer Michael Jackson for $40 million for allegedly breaching a contract to play a reunion concert with other family members.

In a lawsuit filed Wednesday in federal court in Manhattan, Allgood Entertainment claims it made a deal with Jackson's then-manager to produce a reunion concert with the Jackson family this summer and possibly a pay-per-view Jackson family reunion event.

The deal called for Jackson not to perform elsewhere before the event or for at least three months after it. The lawsuit says Jackson, manager Frank DiLeo and event promoter AEG broke the contract by signing to do a series of concerts in London this summer, which may also include a pay-per-view event.

According to the lawsuit, AEG knew of the agreement between AllGood, Dileo and Jackson, "but due to their dominance and power in the live performance industry, coerced and/or induced Dileo and Jackson to disregard the agreements with AllGood and to work with it instead."

"We've given Michael Jackson and AEG every opportunity, publicly and privately, to resolve this matter and to date we have not heard from anyone," said Patrick Allocco, Allgood managing partner.

Allocco said the last contact with either camp was May 22 in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Representatives for Jackson and AEG could not immediately be reached Wednesday.

Allgood attorney Ira Meyerowitz said the company isn't looking to stop Jackson from performing.

"What were looking for," Meyerowitz said, "is for our clients to be involved in the London concerts or be compensated for agreements they entered into."

MORE FROM MUSIC

Music Section Front

50 Cent: ‘Pain is more monumental than joy’ ‘Shock is fun,’ Lambert says of performance Big night for Michael Jackson at AMAs MJ, Def Jam, AC/DC box sets out for holidays Susan Boyle to her bullies: ‘I’m all grown up’ Motown caps 50th anniversary with gala Lambert: Out editor ‘has his own agenda’ Aerosmith members worry Tyler back on drugs Slim pickings for Best New Artist Grammy John Mayer wants music to rise above tabloids Music Section Front   Add Music headlines to your news reader: