Posted on 06/05/2002 6:37:13 PM PDT by vannrox
The Rev and O.J.'s Dream Team attorney are due to hold a press conference this morning at the W Court Hotel, where they'll announce an initiative to protect the rights of singers, rappers and musicians.
The duo say they want to help set up a "free agency market," like the one that exists in professional sports, for new and established artists. But some industry observers suspect a hidden agenda — helping Jackson break his ties with Sony Music.
"They're trying to put pressure on [Sony Music chief] Tommy Mottola," contends one executive. "Michael owes Sony something like $200 million for studio time and promotion. He wants to leave Sony without having to leave the [Jackson-owned] Beatles catalogue," which would help pay the debt.
Sharpton admits they are "looking at the mounting dispute between Sony and Michael Jackson. Tommy Mottola has agreed to sit down and talk."
He also allows that "in some cases, the artists have way overspent their budget and don't have a justified position."
Would that include His Gloveliness?
"I don't wanna say that's the case with Michael," Sharpton tells us. But, he adds, "Some contracts are structurally wrong, they tie artists up, they take their catalogues, they take their right to own their songs.
"I'd rather have cooperation and conversation than confrontation and litigation, but … I think everyone knows that Mr. Cochran will litigate."
Sharpton says he's also talked to politicians, including Reps. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) and Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-Mich.), about "congressional hearings, if necessary."
Besides Jackson, Sharpton says he's won the support of other artists who'll come forward "at a summit within the next three weeks." Word is you may see the Dixie Chicks, Don Henley and Bonnie Raitt there.
"We're not gonna be used for artists to be greedy, but we're certainly not going to stand by while superstars become needy if they should have been protected," Sharpton says.
A Sony spokeswoman declined comment until after Al, Johnnie and Jacko have their say.
And their cut for setting up this "free" agency market would be?
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