Jackson Auction Not Only Odd, But Unauthorized as Well?

Michael Jackson's company sues auction house, saying it's not "legally entitled" to sell off singer's stuff

Turns out someone may be trying to sell the glove right out from under Michael Jackson.

One of the potentially comebacking King of Pop's companies has filed a lawsuit against Julien's Auction House, saying that the West Hollywood outfit is not authorized to sell off a treasure trove of Jackson memorabilia in a five-day bidding spree scheduled for next month. (View the lawsuit.)

Per the auctioneer's website, the "Once in a Lifetime Auction," to take place online and at the Beverly Hilton, is set for April 22-25, while lookyloos are free to take a peek at the items, which include Jackson's iconic glove, the gates to Neverland Ranch and a robotic head from Moonwalker, starting April 14.

Jackson's complaint, filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that Julien's has "effectively stolen Michael Jackson's personal property" and has refused to return any of it "despite repeated demands."

The goods were removed from Neverland after Jackson's estate underwent a "financial reorganization," and, while Jackson's rep, Dr. Tohme Tohme, arranged for the auction house to pick up the items, he informed CEO Darren Julien that the Thriller artist would have to sign off on the inventory himself before anything was sold.

Julien assured Tohme that Jackson would be consulted before they proceeded with an auction, according to the suit.

Julien presented Jackson with a consignment form to authorize the sale in August, but Jackson never signed.

MMJ Productions is seeking damages and the immediate return of all of Jackson's doodads.

Julien is traveling out of the country and could not be reached for comment. In the meantime, the auction website is peddling a five-volume catalog, signed and numbered by Jackson himself, for $500.

Hmmm.

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