'Thriller' actress joins the Michael Jackson litigation party
Tue May 05, 2009 @ 04:51PM PSTBy 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.