Jackson could miss big bash
2005-07-14 15:13
Berlin - Michael Jackson's parents and siblings are planning a big weekend bash at a suburban Berlin hotel next week, although the King of Pop has not signalled whether he will be on hand, organisers said on Thursday.
Jackson clan patriarch Joseph Jackson has a soft spot for Germany, and his memoirs were released in this country prior to publication elsewhere last year.
The senior Jackson turns 76 on July 22 and has used that as the focal point for a "thank you, Germany" party to be attended by up to 2 000 hand-picked guests, according to a spokesperson for the Estrel Hotel, venue for the party.
Along with dad Joe, other Jacksons who have already signalled participation include Janet, La Toya and Jermaine.
Speculation about Michael
On-again, off-again rumours have abounded for weeks as to whether Michael might also fly to Germany for his father's birthday party.
If so, it would mark the first public appearance by Jackson since he was acquitted last month on all charges in his headline-making child abuse trial.
The Berlin plans also coincide with the promotion of a planned reality TV show involving the entire Jackson family.
The six-episode show is to feature Michael and other members of his family and was to focus on how his parents, Joe and Katherine, and eight siblings rallied around the entertainer after he was accused of child molestation in 2003 and how they are trying to overcome the scandal after the not-guilty verdicts.
Joe Jackson's agent in Germany, Ralf Sesselberg, has attempted to dispel persistent rumours that Michael might fly to Germany for a concert or other appearance at his dad's birthday.
Ghosts from the past
"Everything that's going around is pure speculation," said Sesselberg. "There's nothing to those reports."
He pointed out that the singing star has no concert manager in Europe at this time to make arrangements for a performance.
Jackson's last public appearance in Germany in 2002, when he received a lifetime achievement award, ended in a scandal.
During a brief appearance at a window of Berlin's five-star Adlon Hotel, the superstar dangled his baby son from the railing of his fourth-floor suite.
The bizarre scene was shown repeatedly on television news programmes in Germany and around the world.
The incident severely dented Jackson's popularity in Germany, which had long been a stronghold of fandom.
In Germany, Jackson's career peaked in 1997, the year when the entertainer was able to sell out two consecutive concerts at Munich's giant Olympic Stadium. - Sapa-dpa
- SAPA