Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia (New Interview on pg4) *merged*

mkgenie

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I have asked Gaz's for the permission to post this and I think it may explain something.

As President of MJJCN.com and a reporter of China.org.cn , I interviewed the head of Julien Auctions weeks ago. Here is the news:



http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2010-04/08/content_19768785.htm

Julien's Auctions is to stage a major sale of Michael Jackson memorabilia in Las Vegas on June 25, including the star's custom-designed furniture. To build up the hype, auctioneers are organizing six exhibitions around the world, including one in Macao. (MORE Photos)

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David Nordahl Study for "Triptych" (American, B. 1941) Original oil study on canvas for "Triptych" a three panel painting depicting Michael Jackson being crowned and knighted and presenting an original poem by Michael.[Shaan Kokin/Julien's Auctions]





"It is very important to us to share Michael's things and his legacy with the people around the world who love him," Darren Julien, president of Julien's Auctions, told China.org.cn, "We have a great partner in Macao, in Ponte 16 who was willing to cover the expenses of bringing these items to China for the public and fans to see."

The Macao exhibition will be held at Ponte 16 from April 30 to May 9. Other exhibitions will take place in Ireland from March 16 to May 30, and in three locations in Japan, from May 20 to June 8. Finally a massive exhibition will be staged at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Las Vegas from June 14 to June 24.

There will be over 250 lots for sale in the auction so there is plenty to go around. Julien said they have saved the best and most high profile memorabilia for the Ponte 16 exhibition while Ireland will house furniture that Michael Jackson ordered prior to his death.

In addition to the Colombostile collection commissioned by Michael Jackson, the auction will include more than 200 items from his life and career.

Some of the collection highlights include a signed "Beat It" Jacket, sunglasses the star wore on stage, and the military jacket he wore when he married Debbie Rowe.
Ponte 16 already owns 40 iconic items of memorabilia bought at auction last year in New York. The casino resort, half-owned by local gaming tycoon Stanley Ho, paid US$350,000 for Jackson's famous rhinestone glove.

"I am not sure if they will bid in the June auction but I think it will depend on what items are important to fans in China as to what they bid on," said Darren Julien. "Their goal is to build and preserve the legacy of Michael Jackson so they want to have one of the best collections in the world which I am sure they will in time."

The majority of items in the June auction come from family and friends of the star. Some wish to remain anonymous.

Even though they don't need Jackson family's permission, Julien said the estate and family do know that this auction is taking place.

He said Michael Jackson means a lot to him personally and to Julien's Auctions, "It is our greatest desire to preserve and respect the legacy of Michael Jackson as he has always meant so much to us. In addition, our company would not be as famous as what it is if it were not for Michael Jackson."

Julien's Auctions collaborated with Jackson's then manager Dr. Tohme Tohme to clear out the singer's abandoned kingdom Neverland Ranch and planned to auction 2000 items from the property in April 2009, including the front gate. The auction house spent US$2 million organizing the sale but Jackson changed his mind at last minute and filed a lawsuit to halt the auction.

The dispute was settled within weeks, but on June 25, Jackson died of cardiac arrest when preparing for his London concerts. The Los Angeles County Coroner ruled his death was homicide and on February 8, 2010, Jackson's personal physician Conrad Murray was charged with involuntary manslaughter.

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A custom-designed white cotton, right-hand glove completely covered in clear Swarovski loch rosen crystals. This crystal covered glove is one of the most recognized pieces of wardrobe in the history of pop culture. After Jackson's performance on the 1983 Motown 25 television special, where he performed the moonwalk for the first time, the glove became one of the most iconic elements of Jackson's signature look. [Shaan Kokin/Julien's Auctions]





"I was deeply heartbroken as Michael was very important to us and to the world," Julien said of the singer's death, "There will never be anyone like him. We never had any problems with Michael Jackson. The lawsuit had nothing to do with him and was more of a result of others. Michael knew that we did nothing wrong and we knew that he was not the reason for the lawsuit."

Julien said Jackson had invited him to the opening of his London concerts. "I think he felt bad about what happened but I always knew he was not to blame for anything. The items we had were returned to Michael Jackson." But he declined to comment on Dr. Tohme Tohme, who was regarded as a controversial figure in Michael's life. It was Tohme who decided to dismantle Neverland and hold the auction. He then reportedly asked for the MJ memorabilia to be returned to him instead of to Jackson.

Darren Julien said he conservatively estimated the value of the items in their June auction at US$600,000 - US$800,000.

Jackson's estate recently signed a record-breaking $250 million deal with Sony Music Entertainment to retain distribution rights to his recordings until 2017 and release 10 posthumous projects over the next seven years.
 
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Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

The raw interview:




Q: Where did all these MJ items come from? and how did you get them? Tell us the story.

A: The majority of items in the upcoming June auction come from family members and friends that Michael gave these items to. Some of the consignors (friends or family) wish to remain anonymous and some are fine with us mentioning where they come from.

Q: Do you need MJ estate and family's approval this time? Do they know about this?

A: We do not need their permission however, we would never do anything against them or that they did not approve of. Michael Jackson really means a lot to me personally and to Julien's Auctions. It is our greatest desire to preserve and respect the legacy of Michael Jackson as he has always meant so much to us. In addition, our company would not be as famous as what it is if it were not for Michael Jackson so we have a deep gratitude to him for the many opportunities that he has given to us. The estate and family do know that this auction is taking place.

Q: Why do you decide to hold exhibitions in so many places, especially in Macau, China? Are they free for all the people to see?

A: It is very important to us to share Michael’s things and his legacy with as many people around the world who love him. We have a great partner in Macau, China with Ponte 16 who was willing to cover the expenses of bringing these items to China for the public and fans to see. We do not charge for our exhibitions but some of our sponsors do to help offset the costs of traveling the items.

Q: we noticed that in Macau, the exhibition will be on April 30 – May 9 while another exhibition in Ireland will be on March 16 – May 30, so you divide your items into different groups, or?
The schedule seems conflict.

A: Yes some of the items will remain in Ireland while different items will be in Macau, China. There are over 250 lots of Michael Jackson in the upcoming auction so there are plenty of items to go around. We have saved the best and most high profile memorabilia for the Ponte 16 exhibition and Ireland has the furniture that Michael Jackson ordered prior to his death for his Kent home.

Q: We knew Ponte 16 has just got some highly treasured MJ items in another auctions months ago, something like the MJ Glove from the first moonwalk show at Motown 25.
Will they bid for your items this time?

A: I am not sure if they will bid in the June auction but I think it will depend on what items will be important to fans in China as to what they bid on. Their goal as well is to build and preserve the legacy of Michael Jackson so they want to have one of the best collections in the world which I am sure they will in time.

Q: How much do you think these items can collect? And how much will you donate to charities?

A: Conservatively we estimate the value of the 250 plus Michael Jackson items in our June auction to be around $600,000 - $800,000 U.S. However, I am sure they will go much higher due to his popularity and the interests from fans and collectors around the world.

Q: Can you tell us something about what you felt when you first heard Michael passed away? And how do you feel and think about him when you previously collaborate however then a lawsuit was raised?

A:I was deeply heartbroken as Michael was very important to us and to the world. There will never be anyone like him. We never had any problems with Michael Jackson. The lawsuit had nothing to do with him and was more of a result of others. Michael knew that we did nothing wrong and we knew that he was not the reason for the lawsuit.

Q: Did you personally meet him or talk to him? Did you see his last movie This Is It? Do you have any comment regarding him, his passing and his legacy?

A:I did meet Michael and I talked with him many times on the phone. He has been a collector and buyer in our auctions in the past and he trusted us to clear out Neverland when he never wanted to return again. I did see the Movie “This Is It” as I was invited to the premiere. I was in Europe at the time so I attended the premiere in Dublin at 3:00 a.m. in the morning. I was tired but I was not going to miss celebrating his life and career with the world. I think that Michael’s legacy is in very good hands as I have huge respect for the people running his estate. Not to mention, his mom Katherine who he so deeply loved will continue to protect his name and his children as she always has his best interest at heart. I feel that Katherine has a very pure heart towards her son and he always knew this. I have a major respect for her.

Q: Tell us about the lawsuit. Is that mess over? Did Michael get his things back before he died? Or they are still held in Dr. Thome'S hands? And what do you think of Dr. Thome Thome?

A: Yes the lawsuit is over and fortunately was before Michael’s death. Michael invited me to the opening of his concert series. I think he felt bad about what happened but I always knew he was not to blame for anything. The items that we had were returned to Michael Jackson. Regarding Dr. Tohme, I have NO COMMENT.

Q: Why do you decide June 25 to be the day for auctions? Do you feel it's a little sensitive for fans? Or you think it's a good opportunity for media exposure?

A: We have had our auction on this date in Las Vegas for the past five years. It was a complete coincidence that it is the same day as Michael’s death. If you look at our previous auctions, you will see that this is the case. I did not realize it was the same day until someone from the media commented on it.

Q: Could fans place bids online that day?

A: Yes fans can bid online on the day or a month leading up to the auction. We will have the sale posted online for bidding in the next three weeks. It is very easy to register to bid and participate in the auction if the fans or collectors cannot attend the auction in person. They will need to go to www.juliensauctions.com to bid and we will have continued updates about the event on our website.

Q: Will you hold more MJ memorabilia auctions in the future?

A: Yes but I cannot disclose them at this time.
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

The raw interview:




Q: Where did all these MJ items come from? and how did you get them? Tell us the story.

A: The majority of items in the upcoming June auction come from family members and friends that Michael gave these items to. Some of the consignors (friends or family) wish to remain anonymous and some are fine with us mentioning where they come from.

Very interesting.

Thanks for the interview.
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

The no comments for Thome plus this part annoyed me very much.

Q: How much do you think these items can collect? And how much will you donate to charities?

A: Conservatively we estimate the value of the 250 plus Michael Jackson items in our June auction to be around $600,000 - $800,000 U.S. However, I am sure they will go much higher due to his popularity and the interests from fans and collectors around the world.


Nothing to charities? All for profit?
This is Michael's stuff, it should primarily belong to his children.
Michael was very upset with this auction as it was.
Don't they feel something has changed after his passing?
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

even though it's a coinsidence about the date of the auction, I think they could have moved it to another day anyway.
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

The no comments for Thome plus this part annoyed me very much.

Q: How much do you think these items can collect? And how much will you donate to charities?

A: Conservatively we estimate the value of the 250 plus Michael Jackson items in our June auction to be around $600,000 - $800,000 U.S. However, I am sure they will go much higher due to his popularity and the interests from fans and collectors around the world.


Nothing to charities? All for profit?
This is Michael's stuff, it should primarily belong to his children.
Michael was very upset with this auction as it was.
Don't they feel something has changed after his passing?

I agree with you. I can't help but feel this is totally wrong, and a disrespect to Michael and his children. I would love to know who the people are who have given these things for auction. Although it doesn't take much to know who some if not most are. I'm tired of people selling him out. Makes me sick the people who got to know him and be close to him when there's people like us who would have treated him a million times better and just loved him for him that never got the chance. I just love Michael, the material things and money...they mean nothing. :( *sigh*
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

Who cares about stuff in the end of the day? It was stuff that Michael owned or had at one point in his life. It isn't Michael. I love Michael, not his things or his money, but Michael. Michael was always surrounded by people that were out to make what THEY could from him and he continues to be surrounded by these people in death. This stuff should go back to his children, he didn't want this stuff sold. Just wish more people cared for what Michael wanted and not what they want.
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

I agree with you. I can't help but feel this is totally wrong, and a disrespect to Michael and his children. I would love to know who the people are who have given these things for auction. Although it doesn't take much to know who some if not most are. I'm tired of people selling him out. Makes me sick the people who got to know him and be close to him when there's people like us who would have treated him a million times better and just loved him for him that never got the chance. I just love Michael, the material things and money...they mean nothing. :( *sigh*

Who cares about stuff in the end of the day? It was stuff that Michael owned or had at one point in his life. It isn't Michael. I love Michael, not his things or his money, but Michael. Michael was always surrounded by people that were out to make what THEY could from him and he continues to be surrounded by these people in death. This stuff should go back to his children, he didn't want this stuff sold. Just wish more people cared for what Michael wanted and not what they want.


:clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping:

Nothing more to add
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

Funny huh Darrem But Julien is just another one for Whom Michael is better
dead than alive ...... Several exhibitions That Will fill his pocket and
Contact your U.S. dollars before auctioning everything
And it comes with a conversation That the fans deserve to Michael, part of the legacy?
If the exhibitions are free I believe, But are more opportunistic
I doubt Michael That Has Invited to the shows, now Every
one says what you want
That He says the goal is to build the legacy, as if each item Will go to one person?
He says his family knows it's true, Joe Already denounced it, and says it is wrong But
Branca is in agreement
Everyone Knows That Was this trickery Tohme, Michael Was Against
How to trust Branca?
And I wonder ..... Will Be something left to the museum by Michael in Gary?
Let's put on paper Who is Financially Gaining from the death
Michael and I will get the murderers

Michael said:
"The record companies really, really conspire Against the artists,"
"They steal, They Cheat, They Do Everything They Can"
"I want to clarify a silly rumor. The Beatles catalog is not for sale,
Was not for sale, Will never for sale "

I say:
Keep your eyes on the catalog
Follow .... Others Money ...
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

Funny huh Darrem But Julien is just another one for Whom Michael is better
dead than alive ...... Several exhibitions That Will fill his pocket and
Contact your U.S. dollars before auctioning everything
And it comes with a conversation That the fans deserve to Michael, part of the legacy?
If the exhibitions are free I believe, But are more opportunistic
I doubt Michael That Has Invited to the shows, now Every
one says what you want
That He says the goal is to build the legacy, as if each item Will go to one person?
He says his family knows it's true, Joe Already denounced it, and says it is wrong But
Branca is in agreement

Everyone Knows That Was this trickery Tohme, Michael Was Against
How to trust Branca?
And I wonder ..... Will Be something left to the museum by Michael in Gary?
Let's put on paper Who is Financially Gaining from the death
Michael and I will get the murderers

Michael said:
"The record companies really, really conspire Against the artists,"
"They steal, They Cheat, They Do Everything They Can"
"I want to clarify a silly rumor. The Beatles catalog is not for sale,
Was not for sale, Will never for sale "

I say:
Keep your eyes on the catalog
Follow .... Others Money ...

Stop it ...don't blame Julien for this...Blame his family & so called friends

He was pretty clear:

A: The majority of items in the upcoming June auction come from family members and friends that Michael gave these items to. Some of the consignors (friends or family) wish to remain anonymous and some are fine with us mentioning where they come from.

MJ's estate is still being catalogued for the court, so no, it is not the estate selling his personal items.
 
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Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

I feel mixed about this whole thing :(

Regarding Dr. Tohme, I have NO COMMENT.

Ugh. [insert uneasy feeling here]

Q: Why do you decide June 25 to be the day for auctions? Do you feel it's a little sensitive for fans? Or you think it's a good opportunity for media exposure?

A: I did not realize it was the same day until someone from the media commented on it.

Oh come on! As if you wouldn't instantly know. :(
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

Everyone who cared (s) about Michael will never forget June 25th. So that's bullshit. They knew it would get them some nice media attention. All for free and good publicity for their auction. If he just would have said that and would have told that they will give a certain amount to charity, in honour of Michael, then it all would have sounded a lot better.
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

But he declined to comment on Dr. Tohme Tohme, who was regarded as a controversial figure in Michael's life. It was Tohme who decided to dismantle Neverland and hold the auction. He then reportedly asked for the MJ memorabilia to be returned to him instead of to Jackson.
Tohme..... :(

It seems that nobody likes this man. Nobody talks about it. :unsure:
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

correct me if i am wrong !!!!
but is not this auction for different items belong to friend and family memebrs who have them as gifts from Michael ,,but not for MJ's Neverland items ??right ?
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

Before going all gaga over conspiracy let me tell these are NOT the original items Michael had stopped to be auctioned last year, these are items relatives, family members and friends are selling to make a quick buck.
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

Before going all gaga over conspiracy let me tell these are NOT the original items Michael had stopped to be auctioned last year, these are items relatives, family members and friends are selling to make a quick buck.

:clapping::clapping::clapping:

some people are quick to reply and throw accusations around...but they never bother to take a second to process what they had just read.

smh.
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

Michael stoped the auction, I cant understand how they have the legal right to have the auction now.
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

Michael stoped the auction, I cant understand how they have the legal right to have the auction now.

Did you bother reading the previous posts?

Do you understand these are not the same items that MJ stopped from auctioning last year?

Do you also get that these are items gifted by MJ to his family & friends...and THEY ARE the ones making a quick buck?
 
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Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

Isn't this the auction of items that Joe says were stolen from the estate?
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

Aww comon.. I don't like the thought of Michael's stuff being spread around everywhere. I'd rather they just keep it in storage and put it up on display from time to time. Some of that stuff is personal and it should be in the hands of the family. They're even selling some of his awards like the 1995 MTV Award he won with Janet for Scream....This is really upsetting :(.
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

Before going all gaga over conspiracy let me tell these are NOT the original items Michael had stopped to be auctioned last year, these are items relatives, family members and friends are selling to make a quick buck.

Nothing against you I’m just saying this with L.:wub:.V.E.
On their site it says this is the original this and that... This is totally wrong, and a disrespect to Michael and his children. We should all stop this stupid auction.
Michael never wanted to sell anything it was Tohme who started everything. When he found out that Michael was really upset he had to stop it so Tohme filed a lawsuit against the auction but they all laughed at him because they thought it was ridiculous that he was fighting against what he originally signed. Michael never ever wanted his stuff to be sold. The stuff that are not his I mean those things he never had the chance to use or anything are those they fixed for his home in London I don’t care about them but I really do care about his personal items that should be given to his children and no one else.

Keep Michaeling always and Forever :)

I REALLY HOPE WE COULD DO SOMETHING TO STOP THIS :angel: :angel::angel:

Maybe we can if we raise our voice as one :yes:
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

these are itmes michael gifted to family members, who are now selling it. end of the story.
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

2009 http://www.juliensauctions.com/auction-highlights.html


2010 http://www.juliensauctions.com/auctions/2009/michael-jackson/icatalog4.html

2011 ??? Since they said it will come more in the future :doh: It's Just Too Much.

Some of the things that's just hard to believe that Michael gave them away... I don't know what to say more but that is just my opinion, but I know what you mean everyone is trying to cash in... so true.
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

Guys give it up! There's no need to snipe at each other.
 
Re: Exclusive interview with Julien Auctions, regarding MJ memorabilia

Guys give it up! There's no need to snipe at each other.

My response I had posted is were are michael item's that julien auctions had recieved from dr thome? as i remember they were not returned to him. why would the family and some friends donate to julien auction? dont sit right with me.
 
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