Jackson Leaves Voicemail, Pleads for Millions in Secret Code
Another layer of Michael Jackson drama was shed today as ABC's 'Good Morning America' broadcasted Jackson's voicemail messages to former advisor Marc Schaffel pleading for cash. ABC legal correspondent Chris Cuomo refers to these phone messages as an "audio snapshot into who Jackson really is."
Schaffel tells ABC that Jackson's "over the top lifestyle" forced bankers to place restrictions on the big spender.
To get around the bank's barricades, Jackson would use middlemen, like Schaffel, to access his bank accounts and arrange for numerous loans to satiate his diva desires.
Just to be on the safe side, Jackson would request the cash in secret code, referring to the cash as 'fries'.
Schaffel reveals that Jackson would often shed light on the darker side of his personality to get what he wanted.
Keeping in line with the 'fries' joke, Schaffel once brought Jackson $100,000 in an Arby's take out bag.
Marc Schaffel later filed a complaint against Michael Jackson suing the pop star for $3 million for breach of contract. Schaffel claims $2.3 million is still owed to the advisor for loans over several years and $800,000 for his work on television specials. Michael Jackson has since countersued Schaffel claiming that he is the one who is owed money.
As of Wednesday (Nov. 23) The Anti-Defamation League has demanded that Michael Jackson apologize for allegedly calling Jews "leeches" and accusing them of leaving performers penniless. These comments were also among the voicemails aired by "Good Morning America."
Phone calls to Michael Jackson's reps from TMZ have not been returned for comment.