An extremely fancy belt commemorating Michael Jackson -- and allegedly "sanctioned" by Joe Jackson and Katherine Jackson -- can be yours for the bargain basement price of $1,500 -- problem is ... the whole thing may be illegal.
Check out this picture we got -- showing Joe and Katherine Jackson signing one of the belts ... and according to the official website promoting the belts, MJ's three kids -- Prince, Paris, and Blanket -- also signed their names.
Here's the problem. The belts feature several images trademarked by Michael Jackson -- including dancing feet, MJ's silhouette and the MJ crest -- and MJ's estate must authorize any commercial use of those trademarks, as well as MJ's name or image.
So of course we called MJ estate lawyer Howard Weitzman, who said the belts were news to him and that the executors never authorized the sale. Weitzman says, "The Trustees of the Estate of Michael Jackson did not authorize the making or the sale of the Michael Jackson Tribute Belts." Weitzman continues, "We would never condone the use of Michael's children's signatures to promote the sale of merchandise."
We haven't found out who's behind the website ... but Jerry Olivarez, a PR guy and friend of the Jackson family, has been touting the sale of the belts. We're told the site goes live today and 7,000 belts will go up for sale. And, there will be an auction for the belt signed by Joe, Katherine, and the kids -- opening bid is $5 grand.
Attempts to speak with Olivarez were unsuccessful.
Reader Comments
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Thank the Lord it's an MJ day
and enough of that lilo crap already.
I want a belt where can I find one? :)
Michael i love you angel.we the fans miss you and your handsome face.i'd love to see you smile again sweetheart.Michael please hurry back.love and hugs Michael.please please hurry back.
Those are not authentic signatures to begin with..Look at them..kids do not write like that to begin with..Unathorized forgery - talk about milking the cow..poppason has no shame..
I'm surprised the didn't cut off one of his fingers, dip it swaroski crystals and auction at. On second thought i'd probaly buy that.
www.suckmysinglelife.blogspot.com
whatever who are the belts even hurting....no one....waste of money if they are gonna be fighting over this
"9. whatever who are the belts even hurting....no one....waste of money if they are gonna be fighting over this"
This is Joe & Katherine Jackson ripping of Michael's estate for their own financial gain. So who does it hurt? It hurts Michael's kids. The very kids he wanted kept away from his abusive father. I guess he didn't understand that Katherine is as bad, if not worse, than Joe. What a screwed up family.
And by the way, TMZ, do you really need 17+ scripts running on every single page? Good grief.
the belts are illegal. Why am I not surprised at Joe & Katherine Jackson's latest money scheme? And the fact they are using MJ's 3 minor children show how low they are willing to go for MONEY. At the same time, this once again confirm why Michael Jackson did not want to have anything to do with that family. People used to say he was ashamed of them..no he wasn't. He was ashamed of their constant backstabbing, greed....
One day, the kids will realized they are being used...just like their dad was...and they will resent the Jacksons...just like their father did. The cycle will continue...
Katherine & Joe are two greedy senile people.
Now, can you all see & understand why MJ DID NOT want his family to handle his estate? Is it clearer now??
They cannot help themselves. GREEDY SOBs.
We love you MJ..you are in a far better place, but sad your kids will suffer through the same abuse you NEVER overcame.
I bought one today at my local gift shop. The Asian lady that served me said it was authentic. Possibly even worn by MJ.
I offered her $2 and she took it. I'm guessing the MJ estate is not getting a cut of that.
Should come in handy next time I want to impersonate MJ on a cruise ship.
