Michael Jackson's estate is embroiled in a legal brawl with Noval Williams Films over the late pop star's raw photos and videos. The production company wants an injunction imposed on the executors of his will.
The issue? Michael Jackson's estate has reportedly blocked the use of videos and photographs of the late star for an upcoming documentary, Michael Jackson: The Last Photo Shoot which is planned to be released by the production company.
The "Thriller" singer's estate argues that Noval Williams Films does not own the rights of the raw photos and videos from magazine photoshoots the popstar did for L'Uomo Vogue and Ebony in 2007, thus hindering the release and sale of the documentary.
In a report by the New York Post, Howard Weitzman, lawyer-representative for the Michael Jackson estate was quoted as saying: "The makers of the documentary are attempting to exploit footage and photographs of [Michael], which we believe are owned by his estate. The documentary contains ... private moments that he never agreed could be publicly and commercially exploited without his consent and/or involvement."
However, Noval Williams Films claimed in a different lawsuit that they now own the rights to the said materials. Jackson's family were allegedly offered to buy the rights for the raw photos and videos in 2011 but refused. Due to this, the director of the photo shoot, Craig Williams bought the rights for the raw photoshoot materials in May last year.
The NY Post also reported that Noval Williams Films filed documents to petition the Manhattan Supreme Court to put an injunction against Michael Jackson's estate. His representatives are given 21 days to respond.
Despite claims of the Michael Jackson estate, Noval Williams Films has set up a promotional website for the pending 45-minute unauthorized documentary. According to the company website, the said documentary is "a unique story told through the eyes of several of Michael's closest friends, photographers and stylists that had helped Michael prepare for his planned comeback in 2007."
