'Thriller' actress joins the Michael Jackson litigation party
By Matthew Belloni
It's hardly news anymore when someone sues Michael Jackson, but this filing today caught our eye. The former Playboy Playmate who played Jackson's girlfriend in his "Thriller" video has filed suit against Jackson and his production company alleging breach of contract and conversion. Here's the complaint.
Ola Ray says she was promised a 2.5% slice of revenue from the legendary 14-minute video plus SAG and AFTRA royalties.
Interestingly, John Landis, the video's director, brought two separate lawsuits in January, one claiming he's owed 50% of "Thriller" video and documentary revenue and another trying to stop a planned "Thriller" stage play from moving forward.
Here Ray, whose employment agreement says she was paid only a $2,500 fee as a day player, wants an accounting of Jackson's income from the "Thriller" property and unspecified damages. She's repped by LA attorney Jason Feldman.
UPDATE: Now Jackson's former publicist is suing for $44 million.
With billions of money Jackson earned in his thriller video, this suit would not hurt a bit.
Posted by: Legal Aid | May 06, 2009 at 12:07 AM
Am I missing something? She is only to receive a pro-rata share of 2.5% of the merchandising. That is WAY different than 2.5% of all revenues.
Posted by: Huh | May 07, 2009 at 10:45 AM
HE WAS A GREAT SINGER AS WELL AS A DANCER THATS AALLLL
Posted by: VINOD A PATEL | July 30, 2009 at 05:53 AM