Chapter 415: Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson had turned 50 that year, yet he remained as innocent as ever. Although he hadn't had much interaction with Charles Capet before, he was still familiar with Charles' reputation.

"Charles, do you have something to say?" Michael Jackson kept his smile.

"This world, it's so dirty!" Charles said abruptly, leaving Michael Jackson dazed for a moment.

"Are you really ready to make a comeback?"

Michael Jackson nodded, "Given the current situation, if I don't make a comeback, I'll go broke soon!"

As of now, Michael Jackson's total debt had exceeded $400 million, with just one loan from Bank of America amounting to 300 millions.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing's 50% shares were valued up to $400 million, but his own Michael Jackson Music LLC held the rights to his own music, which continually provided cash flow.

Moreover, Michael Jackson himself could endlessly create value.

"AEG Live Entertainment isn't a charity; running your concert is a gamble for them. Not to mention, the insurance alone must be astronomical!" Charles directly talked about Michael Jackson's comeback, knowing Michael never did anything cheaply, be it albums or concerts; the investment was always huge.

"They say you aspire to make a movie based on the Thriller music video, and AEG has set up a special fund for it!"

Listening to Charles Capet, Michael Jackson nodded again, "AEG Entertainment indeed supports me greatly!"

Charles shook his head, "The bigger the investment, the more you have to give. The 10-show plan has increased to 20. What's next, 30, 40, or even 50?"

Michael Jackson's face changed. He knew his body couldn't handle that many concerts.

"The world shouldn't be without the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. With my capabilities now, I can clear the obstacles for you," Charles said, looking earnestly into Michael Jackson's eyes.

"One's energy is limited; you can handle the artistic creation, but the business and investment side should be handed over to professionals!"

Michael Jackson's financial mess was indeed partly his own doing. His hands-on approach led to many poor decisions.

The people around him were a chaotic bunch, with his only good investment being the acquisition of ATV Music Publishing.

However, Michael's charitable contributions were also a significant expense, and the title "King of Charity" wasn't just for show.

Michael Jackson smiled, "Charles, you also want my 50% share in Sony/ATV, don't you?

These years, they've called me a freak, a homosexual, accused me of sexually harassing kids! They said I bleached my skin and did everything possible to defame me. These are all conspiracies! When I look at myself in the mirror, I know I am a black man!

For a black man to reach my height, it's a crime! Are you the same as them?"

Charles felt a bit uneasy and sighed, shaking his head, "I don't believe someone who can write such music is what the media portrays. With my current wealth, your assets mean nothing to me!"

Michael Jackson stayed silent for a while, "AEG has set up a special fund. The only thing I can mortgage now is my share in Sony/ATV."

"Think it over. Capet Records is very willing to collaborate with you," Charles said, glancing at Michael Jackson.

"Some things shouldn't be fought for anymore. Even I can't go against them!"

Watching Charles Capet leave, Michael Jackson wavered. Should he not fight anymore?

Michael Jackson understood what Charles Capet meant: the record label's rights versus the artist's.

Capet Records was a new-generation record company. Although supported by Capet Entertainment, it surely retained ownership just like other labels.

Michael Jackson's influence was massive, but leading such a dispute with the entire recording industry was very risky.

Leaving Bel Air Country Club, Charles and Britney Spears sat in the car. With his eyes closed, Charles kept thinking.

No matter how you look at it, you had to admire Michael Jackson, but the power of capital was terrifying.

Being a black man who broke the white-dominated pop music scene, elevating black music from a subculture, was already politically discomforting to white supremacist conservative forces.

On top of that, he wanted to fight the capital. The endless scandals over the years were strategic moves to destroy a black king of pop. Capital doesn't care!

"Charles, what are you thinking about?" Britney hugged Charles and kissed him on the cheek.

"I'm considering signing Michael Jackson!"

"That's great!" Britney got excited.

Charles nodded. Michael Jackson should learn from Jay-Z and Madonna, clinging to the capital's support!

Michael Jordan embraced Nike, which made him the god of basketball, gaining both fame and fortune.

Robert Johnson, founder of BET, established in 1980, was the first cable network for black viewers and the first black-owned company on the New York Stock Exchange.

Robert Johnson also became the first black billionaire and entertainment tycoon.

In 1999, Robert Johnson sold BET to Viacom. How could America allow a black entertainment tycoon to emerge?

With a huge sum of money, Robert Johnson quickly bought the Charlotte Bobcats, becoming the first black owner of a major sports team!

BET and VH1 were valuable assets under Viacom, along with Paramount and Nickelodeon, forming Viacom's flagship brands.

Charles Capet's Capet Records could certainly become Michael Jackson's backing, provided he didn't disrupt the current industry rules.

In that case, Charles Capet's Capet Records would only need to help Michael Jackson solve some issues with Sony Music.

"Hope he understands," Charles genuinely wanted to help Michael Jackson.

*****

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