Chapter 289: Another Michael in Trouble

At the same time, not only did Michael Jordan's father's death cause a stir, but another king of pop, Michael Jackson, was also falsely accused in his first child molestation case.

American middle-aged man Evan Chandler accused Michael Jackson of molesting his 13-year-old stepson, Jordan Chandler.

After the child molestation case was filed, Michael Jackson fought back, holding a news conference to explain that it was an extortion attempt, and when the extortion failed, they decided to sue him.

Arthur called Jim Colter to inquire about the current investments.

"Last year's investment in Snapple Beverage has been doing very well. Sales have hit new highs for two consecutive quarters this year. It's been a profitable investment!"

Arthur just smiled at Jim Colter's praise over the phone and said, "It's mainly Thomas Lee's sharp vision."

Back then, he spent less than $70 million to acquire half of Snapple's shares, and within a year, it had multiplied several times!

After hanging up the phone, Arthur returned to the banquet hall with a smile. This was in Woodbridge Village in Irvine, Orange County.

It was a large charity gala initiated by the Irvine Company.

In attendance were Arthur, representing TPG Capital (Texas Pacific Group), Joan Irvine Smith from the founding family of the Irvine Company, Donald Bren from Bren Real Estate Investment Company, and California Congressman Ed Royce, among various other political and business figures.

Arthur specifically brought Jennifer Connelly to participate in the Irvine event. Since Arthur involved TPG in the acquisition of the Irvine Company, the investment group led by Donald Bren lost the chance to control the Irvine Company.

The Irvine family, in collaboration with TPG Capital, controlled more than 50% of the Irvine Company's shares, leaving Donald Bren with no options.

"Arthur, I heard you have some land in the small town of Newport Beach. You seem quite interested in real estate now."

"Last year, you bought a 9,000-acre ranch in Carmel Valley in Raymond County."

Jennifer Connelly whispered to Arthur.

"Just diversifying investments. Plus, real estate is a relatively stable investment," Arthur laughed.

"Don't all the Hollywood folks like to invest in real estate?"

Jennifer Connelly nodded, "I bought two apartments in Upper West Side New York and Venice Los Angeles for investment, and also for living!"

Although Jennifer Connelly mainly lived in Arthur's Malibu Beachfront mansion, she also had her own investment ventures.

Not long after, Joan Irvine Smith approached Arthur to express her gratitude, "If it weren't for you, I might have lost control of the Irvine Company."

Arthur smiled, "The land resources owned by the Irvine Company are excellent assets. Even two-thirds of the University of California, Irvine's land was donated by the Irvine Company.

The future development of Irvine will undoubtedly attract investors. It's bound to prosper with the increasing population!"

Currently, the largest piece of land held by the Irvine Company is the decommissioned military base, which was part of the early Irvine Ranch.

The utilization of this military base is now a focal point in the discussions about Irvine city planning.

Joan Irvine Smith nodded, "If I ever decide to sell my family's shares in the future, TPG Capital will certainly be my first choice."

With congressmen, real estate tycoons, and Wall Street capital combining forces, Arthur had no doubts about Irvine's future development.

In the evening, after the banquet ended, Arthur took Jennifer Connelly away from Woodbridge and returned to the Laguna Niguel villa.

On the sofa in the living room, Arthur was staring at the TV news about Michael Jackson. Since last month, Evan Chandler had begun discussions with Michael Jackson's team through his lawyer.

They demanded Michael Jackson pay $20 million for an out-of-court settlement, threatening criminal prosecution if he refused.

"Is it really that coincidental?" Arthur mused while leaning back on the sofa, with Jennifer Connelly nestled beside him.

"Michael is currently on the second leg of his Dangerous World Tour. If Evan Chandler really files a criminal lawsuit, Michael will have to fully cooperate with the investigation and trial."

"The investigation and trial of such a case will undoubtedly be lengthy, significantly impacting Michael's golden musical career," Jennifer Connelly commented, expressing her own disbelief.

"The team behind Evan Chandler has been preparing for a long time. Now they're targeting Michael, aiming for extortion!"

Arthur frowned. He understood the situation well. This year had been monumental for Michael Jackson: His Super Bowl halftime show at the beginning of the year redefined halftime performances.

He received the Grammy Legend Award at the Grammy Awards.

The first leg of his Dangerous World Tour, which started last fall, made ambulances a staple at his concerts...

Michael Jackson was undoubtedly the number one figure in the music world.

Similarly, Michael Jordan seemed to be the top figure in sports!

Arthur held Jennifer Connelly, "Michael Jackson is in Asia now, about to start the second leg of his Dangerous tour. Evan Chandler picked a good time to stir up trouble."

Jennifer Connelly kissed Arthur, "Are you close with Michael?"

Arthur shook his head, "We've met a few times and had some conversations. He's a very pure-hearted person. It's rare to find someone with his morals and compassion in the entertainment industry. He's almost a role model of morality."

He recalled their meeting on the balcony of a Beverly Hills hotel in Los Angeles, where Arthur subtly warned Michael not to underestimate human nature.

Sigh, Evan Chandler's stepson Jordan Chandler only met Michael Jackson in May.

"You formed Galaxy Records this year? Are you trying to recruit him?"

"Recruit him?" Arthur thought, but Michael Jackson's contract with Sony Music was worth an unprecedented $1 billion!

However, Arthur was indeed interested in Michael Jackson's ATV Music Publishing company.

After all, Michael had not yet sold half of his shares to Sony, resulting in the formation of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

But it would soon happen. The current child molestation case would put immense pressure on Michael Jackson, subjecting him to various media attacks and hostility.

Michael Jackson's financial crisis was imminent...

*****

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