Quincy Jones’ $30 million Michael Jackson royalties trial begins

Quincy Jones’ lawyer alleged Michael Jackson’s estate owes him $30 million (£23 million) in royalties at the opening of a trial on Tuesday (11Jul17).
The legendary producer, 84, is suing executives at Sony Entertainment and MJJ Productions, who together have managed the rights to Jackson’s music since his death aged 50 in 2009.
Opening the trial at Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday Jones’ attorney Mike McKool claimed Jones, who produced Jackson’s albums Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad, is owed at least $30 million due to agreements he had made with the singer.
According to Variety, McKool stated that 1978 and 1985 agreements between the Billie Jean singer and Jones stipulated the producer would be paid in line with the total royalties Jackson received.
McKool claimed the managers of Jackson’s estate negotiated a more profitable deal with Sony after his death, but Jones had not benefited, telling the jury, “He hasn’t been adjusted as Michael was adjusted.”
Representing Jackson’s estate, Zia Modabber argued that Jones had already been paid more than $18 million (£14 million) in royalties and that he did not deserve any additional payment as the agreements did not relate to licensing fees for TV and film.
Modabber said, “He (Jones) didn’t get paid any of the money Michael was going to get because he didn’t do any of the work. Mr. Jones is asking for tens and tens of millions of dollars. He just wants it and he hopes you will give it to him.”
MJJ’s lawyers did acknowledge Jones may have been underpaid, but claim the sum owed is far lower.
Under questioning John Branca, the co-executor of Jackson’s estate said he had offered Jones between $2 million (£1.6 million) and $3 million (£2.3 million) to settle the case, the sum he believed he may be owed.
The trial is expected to last about three weeks, with Jones due to testify next week (end23Jul17).