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Michael Jackson was more than $500m (£395.3m) in debt when he died in 2009, new court documents allege.

The King of Pop was in a deep financial hole when he died aged 50 of acute propofol intoxication, according to a petition the executors of his estate filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court and seen by Sky’s US partner network NBC News.

“At the time of Michael Jackson‘s death, Michael Jackson’s most significant assets were subject to more than $500 million of debt and creditors’ claims, with some of the debt accruing interest at extremely high interest rates, and some debt in default,” the filing said.

Michael Jackson performs during the halftime show at the NFL's Super Bowl XXVII in Pasadena, California, in this January 31, 1993 file photo. The body of Michael Jackson has been released to his family, a Los Angeles County coroner's spokesman said on June 27, 2009 after an autopsy failed to immediately determine what killed the troubled pop star. Members of Jackson's family were said to be gathering at his parent's home in suburban Los Angeles to make final arrangements for the "King of Pop," w
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Michael Jackson performing at the Super Bowl in 1993. Pic: Reuters

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The pop superstar had been preparing for a 50-show concert residency called This Is It at London’s O2 Arena before he died on 25 June 2009 – 18 days before the first performance had been scheduled.

His death left his estate financially liable for $40m (£31.6m) to the tour promoter, AEG, the filing said.

The filing requests that money from Jackson’s estate be used to reimburse the executors’ lawyers for legal services and other expenses.

Pic: AP
Former US singer and popstar Michael Jackson who died on 25 June 2009 in the age of 50. | usage worldwide Photo by: Frank Leonhardt/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images


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Submission Date:	Nov 29, 2017 11:05 (GMT)
Creation Date:	May 2, 1997 11:05 (GMT)
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The singer died aged 50 in 2009. Pictured here in 1997. Pic: AP

Jackson was also facing lawsuits in several states and countries when he died, the petition said. More than 65 creditors’ claims had been filed, which prompted more lawsuits.

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The executors, however, have settled or disposed of most of the creditors’ claims and litigation, the filing said.

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Jackson’s physician Dr Conrad Murray, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for providing the drug that killed the singer.

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Jamie Foxx reveals details of ‘medical emergency’ that left him in hospital

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Jamie Foxx reveals details of 'medical emergency' that left him in hospital

Jamie Foxx has revealed some of the details behind the “medical emergency” that left him in hospital last year.

The Oscar-winning star was filmed chatting to fans in downtown Phoenix, appearing to answer a question about his mystery health scare.

In the short video, shared on TikTok by a fan called Dr Brenda Combs, Foxx can be seen wearing white shorts and a black T-shirt outside a café.

The 56-year-old said: “April 11 last year, bad headache, I asked my boy for an Advil,” then clicking his fingers went on, “I was gone for 20 days. I don’t remember anything.”

He then explained: “So, they told me, I’m in Atlanta, they told me, my sister and my daughter, they took me to the first doctor.

“Next doctor said, ‘Something going on up there’, at which point Foxx points up to his head.

He concluded, “I won’t say it on camera,” looking towards the person filming him talking.

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The Django Unchained star was reportedly taken ill in Atlanta while filming a movie with Cameron Diaz called Back In Action.

Corinne Foxx and Jamie Foxx arrive at the premiere of "pider-Man: No Way Home
Pic:AP
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Jamie Foxx with his daughter Corinne in 2021. Pic:AP

In December, he made his first big public appearance after coming out of hospital, appearing at the Critics Choice awards where he was honoured with a Vanguard Award for his performance in comedy-drama The Burial.

‘I did go to hell and back’

While accepting the award Foxx told the audience he had been unable to walk during his illness, and the fight for his health had given him “a new respect for life… [and] for my art”.

He has maintained a relatively low profile during his recovery, but speaking in a video shared with fans last summer he said he went “to hell and back” while being treated in hospital.

He said: “I didn’t want you to see me with tubes running out of me and trying to figure out if I was going to make it through.”

The actor, comedian and singer added that he would rather fans see him “laughing, having a good time, partying, cracking a joke, doing a movie”.

Foxx, who scooped up awards for playing Ray Charles in the 2004 film Ray, also said his sister Deidra and daughter Corinne had saved his life.

He also debunked claims he had been blinded or paralysed during his illness.

Last May, Foxx announced he would become the host of a US musical game show, We Are Family, alongside his daughter Corinne, due to air later this year on the Fox network.

Back In Action, the movie he was filming when he fell ill, is due out in November.

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Pearl Jam cancel more tour dates due to illness

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Pearl Jam cancel more tour dates due to illness

Pearl Jam have cancelled two more tour dates due to illness, after pulling out of a London gig last week.

The rock group had been due to play in Berlin on Tuesday and Wednesday but called it off because “the band has yet failed to make a full recovery”.

The type of illness, or which band members have been affected, has not been revealed.

They said tickets would be refunded at point of purchase, adding that while they wished “a reschedule had been possible for this tour leg” they “hope to come back to Berlin soon”.

On Friday, they cancelled their Tottenham Hotspur Stadium show scheduled for Saturday night due to illness in the band, saying they had “no other option”.

The band said in a statement shared on Instagram: “We are sorry to share that the Pearl Jam concerts scheduled for Tuesday, July 2nd and Wednesday, July 3rd in Berlin are cancelled.

“Despite everyone’s best efforts, the band has yet to make a full recovery.”

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They went on: “The impacts of this decision are not lost on us. We feel deeply that so many people spend their time, money, and emotional energy to get tickets and then to come see the band and it is heart wrenching to have to disappoint you.

“We also appreciate the many people whose hard work goes into making these shows happen.”

“Please trust we never take these decisions lightly and try to do everything possible to show up for you all.”

The statement concluded: “Thank you for continued understanding and support, it means the world.”

32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Show – New York City, U.S., 07/04/2017 – Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam performs.
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Pic: Reuters

The band, which formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990, is fronted by Eddie Vedder, along with lead guitarist Mike McCready, drummer Matt Cameron, bass guitarist Jeff Ament and rhythm guitarist Stone Gossard.

They are currently touring the world to promote their latest album, Dark Matter.

Support acts include former Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft and Irish indie rockers The Murder Capital.

Their next live show is currently scheduled for 6 July in Barcelona.

The band are set to launch the US leg of their tour on 26 August.

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Will Smith makes rap comeback at BET Awards – two years after Oscars slap

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Will Smith makes rap comeback at BET Awards - two years after Oscars slap

Will Smith has made his first major award ceremony appearance since facing widespread criticism for slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards.

The 55-year-old Hollywood star performed his new song – You Can Make It – at the 2024 BET Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday.

It was a rare live appearance from the Men In Black actor, who was banned from attending the Academy Awards for 10 years following the televised slap, which occurred moments before he won his first Oscar.

For his performance, Smith stood in a circle of fire on an apocalyptic landscape, with a large sun rising behind him.

Smith opened the song by saying to the audience: “I don’t know who needs to hear this right now, but whatever’s going on in your life, I’m here to tell you, you can make it.”

Lyrics to the song include: “The darker the hell you gotta endure, the brighter the heaven you get to enjoy.

“The harder the fall, the higher you soar, God opens a window when the devil closes the door.

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“Believe me, they tried to bleed Will Smith, in the rearview, I see adversity was the gift.”

Smith was joined by singer and songwriter Fridayy and the gospel choir Sunday Service, who encircled him above from a high platform.

Smith’s collaborator on the song, Kirk Franklin, also came onto the stage and rapped during the song, telling the audience that no one “is on a bad chapter forever”.

Smith closed the song with the lyrics: “We are not being punished we are forged. Dance in your darkest moments.”

Fresh Prince’s big comeback

Smith teased his upcoming album, Dance In Your Darkest Moments, last month. It comes nearly 20 years after his last studio album, Lost And Found, which he released in 2005.

Many see this as part of a well-orchestrated comeback, a feat almost as tough as his 26,000-mile trek from the South Pole to the North Pole for the Disney and National Geographic nature show he fronted, Welcome To Earth, in December.

Ahead of his song’s release on Friday, Smith shared a video of him playing the piano, with the message: “Through some of my darkest moments, music has always been there for me – to lift me and help me grow.

“It’s my humble wish that it can do the same for you and bring you all the joy and light you deserve.”

Pic: Columbia Pictures
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Pic: Columbia Pictures

Smith first shot to international fame in the 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air, a role he won after becoming the first rapper to win a Grammy award, in 1989 for his song alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff, Parents Just Don’t Understand.

The pair went on to record five hip-hop albums together, with hit songs including Summertime and Boom! Shake The Room.

As a solo artist, he released four albums, with number-one tracks including Getting’ Jiggy Wit It and Wild Wild West, and winning four Grammys.

Big win, and big mistake

Smith went on to conquer Hollywood, starring in blockbuster movies including Bad Boys, Men In Black and Independence Day, along with his critically acclaimed performance as Muhammad Ali in the 2001 film Ali, which earned him the first of three Oscar nominations.

But he did not receive Academy recognition until 2022, taking home best actor for his role in the sports drama King Richard, in which he played Richard Williams, the father and coach of tennis players Venus and Serena Williams.

However, his biggest career achievement to date was overshadowed by his on-stage actions.

Now, two years after the event, this rare stage appearance follows the success of his latest movie, Bad Boys: Ride Or Die, which has stormed the box office, and taken over $330m (£260m) globally.

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