in the case of Frank Dileo, i go by gut feel and i think he's a friend.
if i remember right, the one who said "I'm Michael Jackson's manager in life and in death" was Tohme Tohme, not Frank.
the firing of Tatiana could probably be Michael's decision, with Frank as executor. in Schmuley's book (which i did not buy), Michael was saying something about it being a problem when these girls get to like him too much.
it seems, too, that he has not Suddenly been re-hired, according to this blog:
http://thelowlynewshound.blogspot.com/2008/04/neverland-ahoy-jackson-re-shuffles-team.html
(a portion of it - blogged on April 5, 2008)
Sources tell the Newshound that Frank Dileo is becoming an ever more prominent fixture in Michael Jackson's new team. Dileo managed Jackson throughout his 'Thriller' and 'Bad' years and is widely credited with Jackson's phenomenal success during these periods.
Sacked on Valentines Day 1989 with little explanation, Dileo believes he was elbowed by Sony, who felt he had too much influence over the star.
Dileo's return to Jackson's team began during the star's 2005 child molestation trial. Since then the star has been in frequent phone contact with Dileo. Jackson first approached Dileo after the trial with the intention of producing a film in which Jackson would star as a man who would transform by night into a magic car, and a young boy would drive him around solving mysteries. That the film didn't come off was probably the most fortunate outcome for all involved.
The pair's reconciliation hit a rough patch about a year ago when Jackson's manager, Raymone Bain, instructed the star's staff to start screening the his calls. Fox columnist Roger Friedman was first to break the story that Bain was cutting Jackson off from friends and family, but was widely criticised by Jackson's fans, who labelled his story an outrageous fantasy. However, insiders soon began leaking information that Dileo's calls were not reaching Jackson.
Eventually, miffed by the lack of contact from Dileo, Jackson telephoned him from a hotel suite in London and the two had a lengthy conversation. However, moments after Jackson hung up, he flew into an apparent rage, telephoned Dileo back and told him he'd not sounded grateful enough to recieve his call.
Since then bridges have been built and whilst Dileo is not officially on Jackson's payroll, nor is it clear whether the two have met face to face since the trial, phonecalls between the two are becoming increasingly frequent.
It was during one of these recent conversations that Jackson confided in Dileo that he had terminated his manager, Raymone Bain.
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on Firpo Carr: (sorry i have forgotten where i got this - i remember it was a fan site but i just c/p'd it to my computer)
URGENT STATEMENT REGARDING MICHAEL JACKSON: His publicist, Raymone Bain, says Firpo Carr press conference doesn't have Michael's blessing
(March 10, 2004)
The following is a press release from Raymone K Bain, publicist for Michael Jackson:
We have heard that the Jackson Family spokesperson, Dr. Firpo Carr, will be holding a press conference today on behalf of the Jackson family regarding a book written about Michael Jackson. Should this press conference take place, it is being conducted without Michael Jackson’s prior knowledge or approval. Mr. Jackson sent a letter to Dr. Carr, dated February 12, 2004, which states in part,
"I am respectfully requesting that you please refrain from discussing me, or participating in any discussions regarding me in the media. It does not matter to me whether it is on behalf of my family, if the subject matter is Michael Jackson, you should refrain from making any statements. My family has the right to select anyone they so choose to speak on their behalf, and I am sure that they feel you are an effective and loyal spokesperson, who has articulated very clearly their feelings and concerns. However, these interviews are being conducted without my prior approval, and I want them to stop."
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i'm on the fence about Brett because of the article cited above. veering towards a NO if it's true that he refused to testify and help Mike in the trial
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and as to Bashir's brother, i believe he was the driver of Tommy Mottola and not MJ.
