Brando's gift to Jacko
2005-04-05 07:30
New York - Hollywood legend Marlon Brando bequeathed Michael Jackson the right to lifelong sanctuary on one of the Pacific Islands he owned, the New York Post reported on Monday.
The report said that Brando made the gift on June 5, 2003 just as the controversial pop singer was facing investigation of allegations that he molested a then 13-year-old cancer survivor.
Jackson is currently on trial as a result of that investigation.
The paper speculated that Brandon intended Onetahi as a possible refuge for the embattled singer. Brando previously used the atoll as a refuge for an American Indian leader facing assault and riot charges.
He also spirited his daughter, Cheyenne, to Tahiti after she witnessed his son, Christian, shoot her lover, Dag Drollet, in 1990.
The paper said that Brando transferred use of a half-acre on the islet of Onetahi, in the French Polynesian atoll of Tetiaroa, "in consideration of gratitude and affection".
In a letter, Brando thanked the pop star for hosting a birthday party for Brando's daughter, Nina, now 15. Brando signed the letter "Love, Dad", the report said. - Sapa-dpa
- SAPA