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Michael Jackson - Source: Reuters -
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David Gest is suing organisers of an auction of Michael Jackson memorabilia for $US1 million.
The music producer, a close friend of the late Thriller star, is demanding damages from Julien's Auctions for attaching his name to items they sold shortly after the pop icon's death.
Papers filed in Shelby County Chancery Court in Tennessee by Gest allege The Collection of David Gest was used to describe items he had never owned and claim no discussions ever took place to give the auction house permission to use his name.
Lots included a signed Jackson 5 album, which was expected to fetch up to $US600 at the auction, but sold for $US33,750, and a childhood painting done by Jackson of Mickey Mouse and Pluto, which sold for $US25,000, 25 times more than expected.
Gest said: "Julien's Auctions deceived buyers by letting them believe I owned many of these items when I did not. Every individual who purchased items I never owned was falsely duped into thinking they were part of my collection. Each individual who bought an item I never owned needs to be notified of that fact. This is an act of fraud and I will prove that in court. Julien's Auctions was notified of their wrongdoing by my lawyer Edward Bearman months ago and they did nothing to rectify their actions."
Darren Julien, who runs the auction house, has filed a federal lawsuit to ask the judge to see through Gest's legal action.
In his filing, Julien insists he would never have used the name of the producer - who was previously married to Liza Minnelli - without good reason as potential buyers would not be impressed by a man who "reportedly sued his wealthy ex-wife for $US10 million".
Jerry Hawxhurst, the lawyer acting on behalf of the auctioneers, blasted Gest's action.
He said: "A complaint like the one that was filed is what happens when people make ridiculous claims against good, honest folks like Darren Julien and his company, Julien's Auctions. Gest should be ashamed of himself for trying to trade on Michael Jackson's memory."
