Ask the Answer B!tch

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Do nondisclosure agreements signed by employees of celebs remain in effect after death?
—Mrs. Charlita, via Twitter

Well, at least one nondisclosure agreement—signed by author Ian Halperin before a meeting with Michael Jackson—seems to be null and void. Material from that meeting is reportedly in Halperin's new book about the singer. But, lawyers tell me, if you're wondering whether Jackson's jewel-encrusted glove still has a hold over anyone else, the answer is probably yes.

Unless a star's lawyer is having an off day, most employees and hangers-on can expect a permanent, lifelong muzzling as soon as they step into a star's bubble of fabulousness.

And Michael Jackson loved nondisclosure agreements. Loved them so much that...

...everyone who entered—not worked at, entered—Neverland Ranch had to sign one while he was living there. Even back in 1984, when Jackson was at the height of popularity, he required everyone working on his Victory tour to sign NDAs. "It was like going to work for McDonnell-Douglas while they were trying to build the Stealth bomber," tour publicist Howard Bloom said at the time.

Of course, NDA contracts vary. Some may not carry the language necessary to silence a valet or chimp handler once a star is gone. But probate attorney Todd Reinstein tells me any decent lawyer would make sure an NDA extends beyond the star's death.

"Otherwise," Reinstein points out, "the whole point of the NDA is counterproductive. The stars don't want their families exposed to tell-alls after their death."

It's not completely clear, but an NDA might also explain the behavior of Michael Jackson's dermatologist, Arnie Klein, this week. When quizzed about the paternity of the Jackson children on Good Morning America and Larry King Live, Klein tap-danced around questions with classic NDA-ish phraseology like "I can't say anything about it." (Of course doctor-patient confidentiality would apply to Jackson's medical treatments under Klein, but we're talking about supplying kids here, not prescriptions for Retin-A.)

In fact, even after M.J.'s death people are still being asked to sign NDAs. During a recent trip to Forest Lawn Cemetery, which hosted the Jackson family's private funeral this week, E! news reporters were told by several cemetery workers that they had signed NDAs and could not discuss anything about what did or may happen there regarding the singer.

So how exactly does one stop cooks and nannies from flapping their yaps after their employers have died?

"The star's estate or trust afterward would have a right to enforce the NDA," Reinstein says. In the case of Michael Jackson, that would presumably mean more cash for Prince, Paris and Blanket.

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