Michael Jackson fans will have to wait a little longer for official merchandise after a judge delayed his approval of key contracts.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff declined to rule on merchandising deals after the singer’s mother raised several issues in court on Monday.
Beckloff wants to appoint an attorney to represent the interests of Jackson’s three children, who are substantial beneficiaries to their father’s estate, along with Katherine Jackson.
The judge said he does not feel it’s appropriate approving anything that will affect Prince Michael, 12; Paris-Michael, 11; and Prince Michael II, 7; without the children having a rep in court.
The proposed agreements are between Jackson’s estate and concert promoter AEG Live and merchandiser Bravado, which would get worldwide rights to sell Jackson-themed goods and exhibit memorabilia. Beckloff said Monday he will decide on the issue in a week, if not sooner.
AEG is hoping to have an exhibition with Jackson memorabilia that will travel the country and world.
When it comes to the film Sony is releasing, which uses the last rehearsal footage of Jackson, Katherine’s attorneys claim that AEG is exploiting the rehearsal footage.
“This is a legacy, this isn’t about maximizing on the money,” her lawyer said in court.
The footage, which is set for release on October 30, does not include footage of Jackson’s three children.
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