Michael Jackson’s estate lawyers won’t be amused to hear this: Jackson’s likeness and music are being exploited by Scientology.
My colleague Guy Adams of the U.K. paper The Independent came across this invite to a December 6th Scientology event in Britain:
THE OT COMMITTEE CC LONDON CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO a spectacular evening celebrating one of the greatest artists of all time Michael Jackson in true Celebrity Centre style.
· Get briefed by a Senior Executive from Celebrity Centre International on the plans for CC London.
· Enjoy entertainment in honour of the King of Pop with dance troupe ‘Malfunktion’ and singer supreme Anton Lorien!
· Find out what the OT Committee is all about and what their plans are for the Ideal CC London!
Sunday, 6th December – 7.00pm
Fitzroy House, 33-35 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX
Refreshments will be served.
A spectacular evening that you will NOT want to miss!
CALL xxxxxxxxx TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE NOW!
© 2009 Church of Scientology Religious Education College Inc. A non-profit organisation incorporated in South Australia. Registered Office 24-28 Waymouth Street, Adelaide, South Australia. Registered in the UK under company number FC9154. Registered agent in the UK: P D Hodkin, 42/44 Copthorne Road, Felbridge, East Grinstead, RH19 2NS. OT and CELEBRITY CENTRE are trademarks and service marks owned by Religious Technology Center and are used with its permission.
Michael was many things, but he was NOT a Scientologist. Of course, he was married to one — Lisa Marie Presley — but he resisted the sect’s charms — and hers apparently too.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:33 am
You might want to cite Guy Adams probable source.
http://forums.whyweprotest.net/123-leaks-legal/michael-jackson-event-celebrity-centre-london-57810/
December 11th, 2009 at 11:14 am
The angle of this writer’s piece is biased and intentionally meant to do harm to the Scientology religion. There have been many people and organizations that have organized tributes to Michael Jackson and easily found within Google: http://www.google.com/search?q=michael+jackson+tribute&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a .
I suppose this means, in Roger Friedman’s opinion, that MTV, Mariah Carey, Mashable.com, the myriad of video tributes at YouTube, Madonna, 50 cent, the City of Indianapolis and scores others also exploited Michael Jackson’s name to their own gain.
Scientology Celebrity Centers support and enable artists, i.e., singers, actors, painters, writers and more, additionally, Michael Jackson’s wife, Lisa Marie Presley is a Scientologist, so there is logical context for such a tribute to take place.
It’s sad that Roger Friedman’s need to drive visitors to his website override sincere efforts to support artistry and give praise to an artist deserving such…Michael Jackson.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:34 am
So? Celebrations of Michael Jackson’s genius have increased throughout the world by many different groups and millions of individual fans.
Jackson was a true genius who was attacked by blood-sucking media hacks and bloggers who — unable to contribute anything of value to the world — hate on people and groups.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:44 am
You’ll notice that there’s a sandwich involved. They’re pushing the entertainment aspect, between two “briefings” that will inevitably end with a push for donations so the OT Committee and Celebrity Center can afford to continue their awesome work of spreading Scientology filth throughout the known world.
Happily, reports from Anonymous following this event suggests that attendance was sparse. Even invoking Jacko’s name can’t overcome the public’s growing awareness that Scientology is nothing more than a self-serving, money-grubbing cult.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:53 am
Of course Friedman won’t do that! Why would he?
December 11th, 2009 at 11:59 am
This is atrocious. I think it’s amazing that HR can dig up stuff just to try to put a bad name out there. There were so many candle light vigils, so many events in Honor of Michael Jackson, and all you could do is find an extremely small, tiny occasion to then make bad on Michael Jackson and Scientology. I have friends at Hollywood Reporter and I will be sure to have a word with them on the writer. I am completely unimpressed! So stupid. Why don’t you find something amusing to write???? On the plus side, thanks for helping promote Scientology! I heard that every time you do this, Scientology gets more hits to their website and to the organizations! So I guess in the end you are helping more than you are harming. I have many friends who are artists who support Scientology because of what it has given them. Respect their beliefs!
December 11th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
What is up with Scientology and all this fund-raising? I just saw a story on Gawker about this video with Nancy Cartwright and a bunch of other Scientology celebrities asking for money, “This is the Crusade.” You’d think they were planning to build the Sistene Chapel or something.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Hey Angela,
Lisa has left the church. Everyone knows that! As well as while she was married to him at one point, that still isn’t reason enough to use him to sell Scientology. All those groups you mentioned are related and at least stayed on the topic of Michael Jackson. You really going to compare MTV to Scientology? At least MTV doesn’t charge me for buying into their crap.
The majority of that filer is completely unrelated to Michael Jackson. Why would I care if LORD XENU is building a new BODY THETAN building in Paris? I guess maybe if I had a past life as an intergalactic space fighter fight in the Battle of Target 2, I might appreciate this cult’s message.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Scientologists are well-known for their interminable misappropriations of other people’s work and attempts to align themselves with those in positions of power and influence. Cloaking their scam behind celebrity ‘events’ is nothing new.
But the world has finally grown very weary and intolerant of their abuses, and is not prepared to forgive and forget, not even the more minor violations of others’ rights that this represents.
This is what the scilons themselves have done to anyone who dared oppose them in the last 50 years. It is time to pay it back.
We do not forgive. We do not forget. Expect us.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
“Of course, he was married to one — Lisa Marie Presley — but he resisted the sect’s charms — and hers apparently too.”
What do you mean by him resisting her charms?
December 11th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Well, Angela, the reason that you Scientology shouldn’t have used Michael Jackson’s name for their event is that it was a fund-raising event for the London Celebrity Centre and the London Ideal Org. This wasn’t a memorial to Michael Jackson. It wasn’t sanctioned by his family or his estate. You can’t just use someone’s image for a fund-raising event just because they’re dead.
Scientologists already found this out recently when Sir Winston Churchill’s grandson and his solicitors told the Sci’s to stop using Churchill’s image on one of their fund-raising event posters. It looks like Scientologists would learn their lessons, but they never do.
You all have got to learn wog law if you don’t want to end up in trouble.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
That image of Micheal Jackson on the flier looks very familiar. I’m sure I’ve seen it before. I wonder if it was licensed for use in the flier, especially since the Scientology Organization is so very familiar with using copyright infringement laws against so many hundreds of people worldwide for decades.
This event was clearly held to solicit donations, not a tribute to the genius of MJ. As such, it is exploitative and fully deserving of the comments made by Mr. Freidman.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
In fact, the artwork appears to be a direct lift from the album cover of “Michael Jackson The Ultimate Collection”.
I find it hard to believe that Sony Music would have licensed this artwork for use in the flier.
Is this how Scientology supports and enables artists?
December 11th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
“Michael was many things, but he was NOT a Scientologist. Of course, he was married to one — Lisa Marie Presley — but he resisted the sect’s charms — and hers apparently too.”
Actually MJ didn’t resist whatever charms Lisa Marie may possess. He pursued her, and if she hadn’t refused to bear his children, he probably would have stayed married to her. But MJ was a lot tougher than he appeared. He was a devout life-long Jehovah’s Witness, until they tried to interfere with his career. No way did he work and struggle from childhood just to turn over his autonomy, and his hard-earned money, to the Scientologists.
There were rumors that Lisa Marie’s main motivation in marrying MJ was to bring a big international name into the Scientology fold. Evidently she fell hard for MJ in the process, and continued a relationship with him for some years after their divorce. (Nicolas Cage blamed her infatuation with MJ for the demise of their brief marriage.) She maintained close ties with Katherine and Janet Jackson, and it was reported that she was extremely distraught at MJ’s interment.
Evidently MJ’s passing has caused Lisa Marie to see the light – the latest rumor is that she is renouncing Scientology, posting about it pseudonymously on YouTube. Why don’t you look into that story, Roger?
December 11th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Lisa Marie knew Michael was not interested in Scientology and backed off, but it had no baring on their relationship at all, which is why they continued for years after their divorce, she was his mistress the entire time he was married to Debbie Rowe. Of course, you won’t hear Friedman or the MSM report anything about that.
December 11th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Scientology is an evil, criminal, brainwashing, exploitative, artless cult that Michael Jackson would have never approved of.
December 11th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Mistake people make: Scientology is not a religion. It’s a self help company that pretends to be a religion to avoid paying taxes. It’s “scriptures” are copyrighted, and they sue anyone for teaching them without paying for them. It’s “confessions” are kept on file to be used as blackmail against those who want to leave.
December 11th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
This is not a tribute – it’s a recruiting event/fundraiser for Scientology. Where does it say they’re donating the money they might have raised to any of MJ’s favorite causes? And it looks like they ripped that image straight off the cover of “The Ultimate Collection.”
December 11th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
This really is a money opportunity for the Jackson Estate. Send a Private investigator to the affair to check if the music they will be playing has been cleared. If not, use there own battle axe against them: SUE THEM FOR COPYRIGHT INGRINGEMENT!
December 11th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
[...] Jackson’s likeness and music was used to promote a Scientology event in London! The invitation that used an illustration of Michael similar to the [...]
December 11th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
[...] Jackson’s likeness and music was used to promote a Scientology event in London! The invitation that used an illustration of Michael similar to the [...]
December 11th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
[...] Jackson’s likeness and music was used to promote a Scientology event in London! The invitation that used an illustration of Michael similar to the [...]
December 11th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
[...] Jackson’s likeness and music was used to promote a Scientology event in London! The invitation that used an illustration of Michael similar to the [...]
December 11th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
[...] Jackson’s likeness and music was used to promote a Scientology event in London! The invitation that used an illustration of Michael similar to the [...]
December 11th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
[...] Jackson’s likeness and music was used to promote a Scientology event in London! The invitation that used an illustration of Michael similar to the [...]
December 11th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
[...] Jackson’s likeness and music was used to promote a Scientology event in London! The invitation that used an illustration of Michael similar to the [...]
December 11th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
[...] Jackson’s likeness and music was used to promote a Scientology event in London! The invitation that used an illustration of Michael similar to the [...]
December 11th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
[...] Jackson’s likeness and music was used to promote a Scientology event in London! The invitation that used an illustration of Michael similar to the [...]
December 11th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Wow I see the Scientology shills are out in force. Just so readers know, it is the job of some cult members just to go on internet forums and spin negative news reports on them. A lot of the positive comments you see posted about this cult come from 2 or 3 people in the cult’s zombie headquarters, Clearwater FL.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
[...] Jackson’s likeness and music was used to promote a Scientology event in London! The invitation that used an illustration of Michael similar to the [...]
December 11th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
@ Angela
Angela Says:
“I suppose this means, in Roger Friedman’s opinion, that MTV, Mariah Carey, Mashable.com, the myriad of video tributes at YouTube, Madonna, 50 cent, the City of Indianapolis and scores others also exploited Michael Jackson’s name to their own gain.”
A huge difference would be that those were with the blessings of the family and the fans, and the purpose wasn’t to recruit for a money-suck life-ruining cult.
“Scientology Celebrity Centers support and enable artists, i.e., singers, actors, painters, writers and more, additionally, Michael Jackson’s wife, Lisa Marie Presley is a Scientologist, so there is logical context for such a tribute to take place.”
Presley left the church, and your so-called church helps no one except lining the pockets of a few, and kissing the asses of celebrities to get their support. You tell them that they possess magical powers and you lavish them with centers run on slave labor. Your so-called church does nothing for charity. Nothing.
Xenu loves you.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
[...] Jackson’s likeness and music was used to promote a Scientology event in London! The invitation that used an illustration of Michael similar to the [...]
December 11th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Thank you for the great journalism! I have been seeing a lot about this cult of scientology; and it sounds like pretty bad news with all the forced abortions, split families, and slave labour which includes children.
It does not surprise me that they’d use Mr. Jackson’s image for a fund-raiser. It almost looks like an industry event … I smell lawsuit. If the Jackson is going to maintain control of his likeness and works, they will oppose.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Everybody wants to exploit Michael Jackson but this has to be the lowest of the low. Shame on them!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Scientology affords a whole pargraph of legalese protecting Scientology copyrights.
Noticibly absent is any mention of the album cover artist, Epic Records, Sony Music or the Micheal Jackson estate for the artwork that seems to have been pirated to create the invitation to attend a solicitation for money.
Somewhat odd, holding a celebration of Jackson’s creative genius by misappropriating from his estate to ask for money to support an organization he didn’t advocate.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
CoS, you have gone too far in exploiting celebrities for your own use.
Pity when MJ’s family gets a hold of you..and have no fear, they will.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Hi Angela,
This was not a ‘tribute’ to Michael Jackson as your post claims.
This was a fundraising that used the music and likeness, and character of Michael Jackson and his body of work to make money.
That is disgusting. Claiming that it was simply a tribute is only moreso.
How do you sleep at night?
December 12th, 2009 at 6:14 am
The Grammys is going to do a tribute to MJ next year. So now they’re “exploiting” MJ too?
December 12th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Scientology frequently uses celebrity names or images in their “ads”.
Narconon, one of Scientology’s front groups does this frequently in their press releases. MJ was just one of the names or images they have used. Any celebrity who has been in drug rehab lately or written a book or discussed drug addiction will be used to promote Narconon.
Oh, btw……….Narconon = Scientology
December 12th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Typical of them to use MJ’s image to gain more of a reputation. Is there no depth you won’t sink to, Scientology?
December 12th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Cookie -
The Grammy’s are probably working with the Jackson family and Sony Music on that tribute and they won’t be asking for donations before during and after – donations for a new building that will stand mostly empty and in disrepair because the few victims they can get to work for them won’t be able to afford to keep it up.
December 12th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Well Cookie, considering he was probably a member of NARAS – and more than likely his sister Janet is too – I’d say NOT.
Scientologists – show proof that you’re paying royalties on this. Until then, you’re using a dead man’s image and music without permission to raise money for your building fund.
December 12th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
[...] Read this article: Michael Jackson Exploited by Scientology | The Hollywood Reporter … [...]
December 13th, 2009 at 7:33 am
Great post essie.
December 13th, 2009 at 9:28 am
“I have friends at Hollywood Reporter and I will be sure to have a word with them on the writer.”
Oh dear. Well Roger certainly is in a mess o’ trouble now.
Seriously, this is another shameless attempt by the cult of greed, power and abuse to soak money out of people to make up for their dwindling numbers. $cientology doesn’t give a rat’s a** about Jackson.
Good job reporting this Roger.
And in other news, is $cientology still convicted FRAUDSTERS in France?
December 13th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Well Roger, you of all people know how unconscionable this cult is, so I’m glad you reported it here.
I wrote the attorneys for the MJ estate and for Katherine Jackson with a link to this article as reference.
Keep up the good work
December 13th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
To all those who compare this to other celebrations:
This is done by a commercial enterprise (books, courses, studies) that has very harsh policies about copyrights themselves. Any other company using MJ for commercial purposes (i.e. getting money in) has to pay for it.
December 14th, 2009 at 8:05 am
Organizations like this are only in it for the money. They are doing business. If they are only masquerading as a religion, I’m not surprised.
Some years back someone put their main “bible” for anyone to read in the vestibule of the Swedish parliament. Scientologists took turns “reading” it, so that nobody who hadn’t paid them could have a look for themselves.
Some religion. I guess they mainly exploit unhappy, lonely people – and stars know a lot about being lonely.
December 14th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I tell you guys, I was totally not aware of all the stupid crap that David Miscavige had done to my personal empire of wealth until I came back from my intergalactic soul travel to check out what you non-Clears had been up to. What the hell, Cabbage? I know I was a con man, a liar, a thief, a fraudster, and an overall manipulative bastard who orchestrated the largest infiltration of the US government in history, but even My Enlightened Self finds the cult’s flagrant violations of human rights, forced abortions, dissolution and destruction of families, and refusal to follow proper health procedures to be followed a bit reprehensible.
Perhaps I should come back and utilize the Fair Game policy that I established when I was writing the cult’s books to declare you a Suppressive Person and kill you? This is in accordance with our doctrine, after all.
Speaking of books that I wrote, why doesn’t everyone forget about this silly cult thing and read Battlefield Earth? The movie sucked major balls, but as I am a science fiction author, I am quite capable of weaving a fantasy tale that nobody should ever take seriously.
December 14th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Also, Angela and Brittster, settle down and go get yourself re-audited or something. You look a bit enturbulated.