Michael Jackson's decision to fight his former associate F. Marc Schaffel in a civil suit manner is symbolic of a "new day" in Jackson's financial life.
L. Londell McMillian, a New York lawyer who has attended every day of the current trial responded to a comment made by Scfaffel's attorney Howard King, told reporters it would have been less expensive if Jackson would have settled the case before it went to trial.
"It would have been to all parties' benefit to settle," McMillan said Thursday. "But Mr. Schaffel's request was outrageous. And Mr. Jackson is taking a new approach to people trying to hijack him with dishonorable claims."
"This is a very important case." he added. "It's the beginning of a new day defending against bogus claims and accepting responsibility for his business."
Schaffel has sued Jackson for failing to repay loans, expenses and salary. At first he wanted $3.8 million, but after a ruling by the judge involving the statute of limitations and other problems, cut it down to $1.6 million.
King was asked if he would have pursued the suit if he knew the claim was to be reduced by more than half. "We have had litigated it differently," the attorney said.
Attorney Thomas Mundell said Jackson has decided "he's no longer going to be a target." King said of Jackson, " In the right case he should fight like hell. But this is not a frivolous case."
McMillan, who took over Jackson's finances last month, said that Jackson has been victimized by a series of advisers "who seem to be part of a group with similar motives." With other lawsuits to come he said," this is the beginning of Mr. Jackson's attempt to defeat all of them." He said the outcome of the current trial is up to the jury, but "the victory is in taking the case to court. It set the stage for Michael Jackson performing defferently in his business life."
Source:AP/MJJF/eMJey