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.
I dont see any reason for fans to attack.
