ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

People

Santorum says he misspoke After years, Jackson heirs win legal battle

LOS ANGELES, May 5, (AP): A US tax court has handed a major victory to the estate of Michael Jack- son in a years-long battle, fi nding that the IRS wildly infl ated the value at the time of his death of Jackson’s assets and image, leading to an estate tax bill for his heirs that was far too high. The IRS had put the value of three disputed aspects of Jackson’s worth at the time of his 2009 death at about $482 million. In his decision issued Monday, Judge Mark Holmes put that fi gure at $111 million, far closer to the estate’s own estimates. The estate’s executors said it was a huge and unam- biguous victory for Jackson’s children. “We’re pleased,” co-executor John Branca told The Associated Press on Tuesday. “We always try to do the right thing. We tried from the beginning to follow the IRS rules and regulations, and relied on the best experts pos- sible. It’s unfortunate that we were forced to litigate to pro- tect ourselves.” The judge most disagreed with the IRS over the value of Jackson’s image and likeness. While the IRS put it at $161 This image released by WGBH-TV shows Katy Kane, (left), as she appraises celebrity chef Carla Hall’s vintage purse collection in an episode of ‘Antiques Road million, Holmes ruled it was show Celebrity Edition,’ airing May 10 on PBS. (AP) Jackson just $4.15 million. He noted that despite Jackson’s acquittal on all counts at his 2005 trial for child molestation, the allegations continued to dog him, and while Jackson Television was selling out dates for a planned world tour when he died, he could not fi nd a sponsor or merchandise partner. “The fact that he earned not a penny from his image and likeness in 2006, 2007, or 2008 shows the effect Celebrity edition is very humanizing those allegations had, and continued to have, until his death,” Holmes wrote in the sprawling 271-page deci- sion that tracks Jackson’s fame and fi nances through most of his life. ‘Antique Roadshow’ fl ips the script The tax fi ght had led to a bill of about $700 million after an audit of the 2013 taxes on the estate, whose NEW YORK, May 5, (AP): Chef, the Vera Wang wedding dress outfi t show.” heirs are Jackson’s mother and three children, about cookbook author and TV host Carla she wore at the 1992 Olympics. A Initially, with fl ying not an op- $200 million of it a penalty for underpaying. Hall has always wondered about an torch from the 1996 Summer Olym- tion, the celebrities chosen to be fea- A new tax bill will now be calculated using Hol- antique wooden highchair her family pics that she bought for $300 as part tured were within driving distance mes’ fi gures, and it will include no penalties. has long cherished. of a relay is now worth as much as of the show’s Boston headquarters Dispute What is its history? How much is $7,000. at WGBH. Everyone had to drive Also in dispute were Jackson’s 50% stake in Sony/ it worth? Reynolds wanted to know about in separate cars, stay masked un- ATV Music Publishing, a catalog that includes 175 She fi nally got answers when the value of a Langston Hughes til cameras were rolling and were Beatles songs; and his interest in another catalog that PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow” visited letter, an advanced reader copy of COVID-19 tested regularly. Some includes the songs he wrote. her Washington, DC, home. It turns Claude Brown’s “Manchild in the celebrities felt more comfortable The IRS expert had put those assets at a combined out that the highchair is not hand Promised Land” and a fi rst edition displaying their collectibles on their total of about $320 million. The judge found that with carved and dates to between 1880- signed copy of Toni Morrison’s “Be- lawn. Others allowed appraisers in- Jackson’s debts, both combined were worth only $107 Gabourey Sidibe arrives at the 11th 1920. It’s worth only about $100. loved.” Merkerson has a collection side. million at the time of his death. Annual Essence Black Women in Hol- Even so, Hall still adores it. She of Black memorabilia, and Pepper For Hall, a fan of the show, it was The ruling, awaited for years, resolves one of the lywood Awards Luncheon on March 1, 2018, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Sidibe and her husband are remodeling has a golf cup and an heirloom table. a chance to get answers for the items few disputes that still hovered over Jackson’s estate turns 38 on May 6. (AP) their home in a more modern style, Leno needs a lot more help from her family has long held dear, in- nearly a dozen years after his unexpected death on but the highchair is staying. the team. He and his wife were in- cluding an antique table, old seltzer June 25, 2009, after a lethal dose of the anesthetic “This will still be front and center stantly smitten by a 16,000-square bottles and chic handbags collected propofol. somewhere in our modern house,” foot estate in Newport, Rhode Is- by her grandmother. Another was resolved a week earlier when a she says after the TV visit. “I’m not Hall also learned something. Her judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by choreographer land, and bought it pretty much on selling anything.” the spot, with all the furnishings. But highchair converts into a stroller, Wade Robson, one of two men featured in the 2019 Hall was one of several celebrity something neither she nor her moth- documentary “Leaving Neverland,” who alleged he has no idea what he’s got, from Jackson sexually abused him as a child. The similar guests on four new special episodes paintings to sculptures. er knew until the appraiser pointed lawsuit of James Safechuck, the other man featured of “Antiques Roadshow” that were Chance it out. “That just was so wild,” she fi lmed during the pandemic. recalls. “I never knew that it did that. in the documentary, was dismissed in October. The “He did knock on the door and men’s attorney called the decisions a dangerous The producers fl ipped the script. That was the biggest shock.” precedent for protecting children, and said they plan Instead of people — and their would- buy everything — ketchup included She says she found the visiting to appeal. be treasures — coming to meet the — and doesn’t know what’s in there. “Antique Roadshow” experience in- With years of disputes cleared and a pandemic- appraisers in a big hall, the apprais- So it was a real chance for us to help teresting and fun: “I wanted to know forced delay on projects lifting, the estate’s leaders Lady Gaga Meghan ers went to the people. And this time, him,” says Bemko. the story before they got to me, but I feel like they are in an excellent spot to again start the people were famous. Future episodes — airing May didn’t care about the value of them promoting Jackson’s legacy. “I think it’s very humanizing. 10, May 17 and May 24 — include because they meant so much to me,” “We’re at an absolute turning point,” Branca said. Variety They share with you this very vul- the likes of humorist John Hodg- she says. “I think people have come to realize that Michael was nerable moment. They are just like man, actor Ronny Chieng, cartoon- The celebrity editions are infused innocent of any charges and unable to protect himself. any other ‘Roadshow’ guest,” says ist Mo Willems, journalist Soledad with good will and gentle education We’ve got a wonderful Broadway play coming, we’ll LOS ANGELES: Meghan, the Duchess “Antique Roadshow” executive pro- O’Brien, fashion designer Christian as is the original show. Or, as Bemko be reopening our Cirque du Soleil show soon and of Sussex, is releasing her fi rst children’s ducer Marsha Bemko. Siriano and TV personality Carson puts it, “we ultimately teach history we’ve got some surprises coming.” book, one rooted in the relationship The fi rst celebrity edition airs Kressley. with material culture.” The judge noted the huge success that the estate has between Prince Harry and their son, Monday and features comedian Jay “This is true across the board of “That is the beauty of what ‘Road- seen since Jackson’s death through such shows, a hit Archie. Leno, actor S. Epatha Merkerson, everybody we visited on this show show’ does: You are actually learn- concert fi lm, and several strategic decisions to sell as- Random House Children’s Books an- nounced Tuesday that “The Bench” will author Jason Reynolds, Olympic and all the others: They are human ing history, but not in a way that you sets. beings like you and me,” says Be- However, he said, the IRS appeared to be factoring be released June 8. fi gure skater Nancy Kerrigan and even noticed,” she adds. those successes into its decisions rather than consider- It is illustrated by award-winning illus- pro golfer Dottie Pepper. Celebrities mko. “They really are curious about While the celebrity episodes were ing only the circumstances at the moment of Jackson’s trator Christian Robinson and Meghan have appeared on “Antique Road- what they own and they want to born out of necessity, Bemko hopes death, when things were considerably more grim after will narrate the audiobook edition. The show” before, but this is the fi rst know, and not just because of the the concept will live on. “I think we several years of waning popularity, poor management book features a diverse group of fathers time they’ve been featured for an money. It’s not all about the value.” found something else here that’s and reckless spending from Jackson. and sons and moments they share, ac- entire episode. The celebrity episodes were a special. And I’d like a way to see cording to a statement announcing the Kerrigan gets a pair of her Olym- clever answer to the pandemic and a it go beyond these four shows,” she The judge mocked the estate’s initial valuing of release. Jackson’s image and likeness at only $2,000, howev- The book grew out of a poem Meghan pic medals appraised as well as sev- chance to shake things up during the says. “I think we can do both. I want er, saying it was putting “one of the best known celeb- wrote for Harry for their fi rst Father’s eral competitive costumes, including 25th anniversary of “Antique Road- to do both.” rities in the world — the King of Pop — at the price of Day after Archie’s birth, the statement a heavily used 20-year-old Honda Civic.” said. “That poem became this story,” Also: Meghan said. “Christian layered in beau- Press on Monday, gives some new details Lady Gaga’s dog walker, Ryan Fischer. him down a secluded side street .(AP) NEW YORK: CNN analyst Rick Santorum’s claim tiful and ethereal watercolor illustrations about the attack and what preceded it. The trio — purported gang members ❑ ❑ ❑ Five people are charged in the case — nicknamed Infant Dice, Lil Gudda and that he misspoke during a recent speech where he said that capture the warmth, joy and comfort MORRISTOWN, NJ: Tommy West, a there was “nothing here” when the United States was of the relationship between fathers and the three men and two alleged accom- LFace, respectively — are due back in plices — and all have pleaded not guilty. court May 11. music producer, singer and songwriter founded did little to diminish anger against him. sons from all walks of life; this repre- who played a role in the short-lived sentation was particularly important to The Lady Gaga connection was a Whaley drove Jackson and White The National Congress of American Indians on coincidence, authorities have said. The around Hollywood, the city of West career of musician Jim Croce, died of Tuesday renewed calls for CNN to fi re the former me, and Christian and I worked closely complications associated with Parkin- to depict this special bond through an motive was the value of the French Hollywood and the San Fernando Pennsylvania senator. The group’s president, Fawn bulldogs, a breed that can run into the Valley on Feb. 24 “looking for French son’s disease, his family said. He was 78. Sharp, called Santorum arrogant for comments made inclusive lens.” West died Sunday in hospice care. The book is one of several projects thousands of dollars, and detectives do bulldogs,” the felony complaint states. to Chris Cuomo on Monday night. not believe the thieves knew the dogs They found Fischer and his three charges Born Thomas Picardo Jr. in Jersey that Meghan and Harry have announced City, New Jersey, he developed his “I was optimistic he would own it, he would recog- since stepping away from royal duties in belonged to the pop star. in Hollywood. nize it and he would apologize,” Sharp said, “but he The three men in the sedan — James The trio tailed Fischer as he led the musical talents after his family moved to early 2020. Meghan, the actor formerly Neptune, according to his friend Mike did none of those things.” known as Meghan Markle, narrated Jackson, 18; Jaylin White, 19; and dogs — named Asia, Koji and Gustav CNN has not commented on Santorum’s initial re- Lafayette Whaley, 27 — were arrested last — along the famed Sunset Boulevard, Ragogna. the Disney nature fi lm “Elephant” and “His musical career began in 1958 as marks in an April 23 speech before Young America’s the couple has a Netfl ix deal. Their fi rst week on suspicion of attempted murder and LA prosecutors wrote. They turned off Foundation, a conservative youth organization, and robbery. Jackson is also accused of shooting the white sedan’s lights and followed co-founder of the doo-wop group, The project for the streaming service focuses Criterions, with childhood friend and did not on Tuesday, either. There’s been no indica- on the Invictus Games, a competition for tion of a change in status for Santorum, a commenta- future Manhattan Transfer founder, Tim sick and injured military personnel and Hause,” Ragogna said. tor who was often tasked with giving the Republican veterans that was championed by Harry. West had met Croce while both were point of view during campaign coverage. Archie turns 2 on Thursday. Meghan and Harry are expecting their second students at Villanova University in 1961. When he spoke to the youth group, Santorum said Terry Cashman child, a girl, later this year. West and copro- immigrants created a nation based on the Judeo-Chris- duced three albums for Croce in the early tian ethic from a blank slate. Robinson wrote and illustrated “Another” and “You Matter,” and won 1970s, which went on to platinum status. “We birthed a nation from nothing,” he said. “Yes, “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim,” there were Native Americans, but there isn’t much Caldecott and Coretta Scott King hon- ors for his art in “Last Stop on Market “Life and Times” and “I Got A Name” Native American culture in American culture.” included hit singles “Bad, Bad Leroy Those comments were swiftly criticized, and San- Street.” (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑ Brown” and “Time in a Bottle.” torum was invited onto Cuomo’s prime-time show Croce was killed in a plane crash in Monday to explain himself. LOS ANGELES: Three men drove Louisiana at age 30 in 1973. Santorum said he “misspoke” in the sense that it around the Hollywood area in late Febru- West and Cashman also wrote songs wasn’t clear that he was speaking in the context of the ary, on the prowl for expensive French for “The Partridge Family” television founding of the United States government. bulldogs to steal, prosecutors said. Their musical sitcom, featuring David Cassidy “People say I’m trying to dismiss what happened night would end in gunfi re — and the and his stepmother Shirley Jones. to the Native Americans,” he said. “Far from it. The violent theft of pop star Lady Gaga’s West partnered with Mary Tyler way we treated Native Americans was horrifi c. It goes beloved pets. Moore’s MTM Records in Nashville in against every bone and everything I’ve ever fought for The robbery would prompt headlines the 1980s to produce for country artists as a leader in the Congress.” around the world — and motivate the including Holly Dunn and Judy Rod- Cuomo said that what upset people was “beating up owners of French bulldogs to be wary man. the little guy” and that it perpetuated the sense that during walks — with few clues made In his later career, West operated his public about the case or the circumstanc- Somewhere in New Jersey studio from anyone who wasn’t a white Christian — be they gay, es surrounding the dogs’ disappearance. inside a barn in the northern part of the Black, Native American or whatever — was somehow The felony complaint, fi led by prosecu- Leonor Fini’s ‘Autoportrait au scorpion’ is displayed during a media preview for state. considered an “other.” tors Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Sotheby’s May evening auctions of Impressionist, Modern & Contemporary Art, He is survived by his wife, a daughter Court and obtained by The Associated May 3, in New York. (AP) and two stepsons. (AP)