Santa Maria, Mar 01: A usd 21 million breach-of-contract lawsuit filed against pop star Michael Jackson by a German concert promoter wrapped up and deliberations will begin next week. Attorneys made their closing arguments yesterday after nearly four months of testimony, including a handful of sensational appearances by the singer.
Promoter Marcel Avram sued the entertainer for backing out of performances in Sydney, Australia, and Honolulu on Dec 31, 1999. Jackson said Avram canceled the shows over concerns they would not be profitable. While much of the testimony drew little attention, appearances from Jackson became worldwide news, mostly because of his ghostly appearance and witness-stand antics. At one point, the 44-year-old hobbled into court on crutches with his left foot wrapped in bandages because of swelling from what he described as a spider bite.

Although Jackson lives at his never land ranch in nearby Los Olivos, he showed up only when he was scheduled to testify.
Bureau Report