Seriously? Add up the money and take a good look at who is making it!!
Always follow the money!
The estate is making enormous amounts of money, which is good for Michael's children. My hope is that the executors will privilege quality in terms of Michael's legacy, rather than only the business aspects.
Sony is making huge amounts of money. Michael's death turned their record sales AROUND, and his music, old and newer, has sold off-the charts. Sony was also co-investor in the TII movie, and has reaped profits from that. There is also money from the TII CD, and there will be more from the DVD. Also sales of Michael-related memorabilia.
AEG has not lost money from the canceled concerts. They are co-investors in the movie, and money was recouped from fans who chose to keep their tickets as souvenirs, rather than receive refunds. That amounted to about half of the ticket-sales. AEG has made money from the movie, as co-investors with Sony. There are memorabilia sales, as well. It remains to be seen if they will get an insurance pay-out, and how much?
The co-executors of the estate will make absolutely ENORMOUS amounts of money, as they get a percentage of profits made from the estate.
Regal cinemas (Anschutz) has made money from the TII movie.
Murray has not made money that we know of, but I'd like to know if he still has body-guards, and who is paying them?
Michael's family has made no money, with the exception of Katherine who gets a stipend, and of course, the children. Jermaine would LIKE to make money from some sort of tribute concert, and may have an interest in seeing if Neverland will become a theme-park. The brothers would like to make money from "the reality show," which could have more interest in it because of Michael's death. Don't know, though, if that show will continue? Joe Jackson is asserting that the will is "fake," although it's unclear if he would gain ANYTHING from invalidating the will? Early on, the family said Michael died without a will. If that had been the case, they would have inherited directly. That was NOT the case, though, and all but Katherine and the children were essentially cut out of any inheritance. Michael must have thought he gave the family enough in life, and didn't need to continue giving, in death. So be it.
