Some tidbits of information...
http://mjjr.net/
Michael Jackson Repository
Ola Ray Sues Michael Jackson Over Thriller Royalties
The co-star of the blockbuster Thriller music video,
Ola Ray, has reportedly filed a new lawsuit against Michael Jackson claiming that she is owed royalties for her role in the short film. The lawsuit, if accurate, comes on the heels of another Thriller-related lawsuit filed by
John Landis earlier this year, which also cites unpaid royalties and breach of contract (Landis filed two separate, yet interwoven lawsuits and a status conference is set for
May 11th).
Interestingly enough, Ola Ray has gone on the record in recent years as admitting that it was not Michael Jackson who was withholding funds from her, but some other party--going as far as to apologize to Michael Jackson for wrongfully believing he was the one keeping back her money (in a late-2007 interview with
KCRA). In 2008 Ola revealed that Michael Jackson used to routinely send her checks in excess of $3,775 each for her involvement in Thriller, although it is unclear at this point whether any contractual obligations required him to do so or if the checks were merely in good faith. In 2008, Ola proclaimed that "
Everyone thinks I made millions but I don't care... I wouldn't change anything. I'm just so proud to have been part of something that's still so special." In celebrating the 25th anniversary of Thriller, Ola told the media that she would be "
more than ready to star with Michael once again."
In fact, this isn't the first time Ola Ray has sued Michael Jackson. More than a decade early-in the mid-1990s--Ola Ray filed a lawsuit against Michael Jackson and the
Screen Actors Guild with regards to the Thriller music video, claiming that she was promised a percentage of the profits generated by the video and never received what she was entitled to. The case was eventually settled and she was given $10,000 via the Screen Actors Guild. In addition, a case was quietly filed by Ola Ray in June of 2008 against Michael Jackson, the Screen Actors Guild, and
Amazon.com although it is unclear at this time if that case is connected to the newly rumored lawsuit, as reported today by
TMZ.
Other than modeling for various commercials and print advertisements in the 1980s (including Playboy), Ola Ray has struggled to find work. Repeated hopes of writing a book and starting a singing or acting career have generally ended in vein. In 2001, Ola spoke to
Vibe Magazine while producing tracks for her anticipated debut album "Resurrection," and named Michael Jackson as one of her major musical influences. "
He has such a presence. You can feel his energy from across the room."
Ray was arrested for possession of cocaine in 1992 and spent almost a year at a drug treatment facility; later moving in with football player
Jim Brown and enduring an abusive relationship which subsequently lead to her continued reliance on drugs. Ola at one point sued Jim Brown as part of a paternity case, whereby he was cleared by DNA of being the father of Ola's daughter. Earlier this decade Ola Ray made money primarily by hosting parties at the Playboy Mansion. She is now a stay-at-home mom.
Source: MJJR.net
doubt it
