Michael Jackson's estate has been sued over the music legend's debts just as it's cashing in on the sale of its half of Sony/ATV Music Publishing for $750 million.
Jackson, 50, was rehearsing for a series of London concerts when he died of a drug overdose on June 25, 2009.
A London law firm, Atkins Thomson Solicitors, is asking in Los Angeles Superior Court for $204,204 in fees for work it did for Jackson, according to
City News Service.
Atkins Thomson said it worked on behalf of Jackson from 2007 through 2009, providing "hundreds of hours of services to Jackson across nearly a dozen matters" in the months leading up to his death, according to
The Hollywood Reporter.
"Defendants have failed to honor Jackson's obligations under, and has materially breached, the agreement with Atkins, and any implied covenants therein, by failing to make the payments as required," the lawsuit said.
Jackson estate rejected by the law firm's invoice of $204,204.36 in writing in December.
"The estate doesn't believe the attorney's claim for work allegedly done for Michael Jackson is valid and we intend to contest this lawsuit," Howard Weitzman, an attorney for the Jackson estate, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Money wouldn't be an issue after the Jackson estate announced the Sony/ATV deal on March 14.
The publishing company, which owes the rights to many of the Beatles most popular songs, was purchased by Jackson for $41.5 million in 1985, according to a
Sony news release.
"This transaction further allows us to continue our efforts of maximizing the value of Michael's estate for the benefit of his children," John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the estate, were quoted by Sony.
"It also further validates Michael's foresight and genius in investing in music publishing. His ATV catalogue, purchased in 1985 for a net acquisition cost of $41.5 million, was the cornerstone of the joint venture and, as evidenced by the value of this transaction, is considered one of the smartest investments in music history."
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