In a significant turn of events, Michael Jackson’s Estate has achieved closure in the case of an alleged theft that transpired following the legendary King of Pop’s untimely passing in 2009. The perpetrator, Jeffré Phillips, was accused of pilfering personal and intimate items belonging to the iconic entertainer.
Details of the settlement between Jackson’s Estate and Phillips remain undisclosed. This resolution comes after strenuous efforts by the Estate to retrieve the stolen belongings, suggesting that they have reached an agreement advantageous to their cause. It remains uncertain whether Phillips returned the items or compensated the Estate for their value, estimated at $1 million.
The theft, which unfolded in 2022, shed light on a distressing incident involving Phillips, who was engaged to one of Jackson’s siblings. Phillips reportedly exploited his fiancé status for nearly a week while residing at Jackson’s Carolwood House. Seizing the chaos surrounding the artist’s passing, Phillips made off with significant personal property, including the pop icon’s iPhone, prescription medications, and even the pajamas Jackson wore in his final hours.
This audacious act led to a protracted legal battle, with the Estate expressing their outrage at the court, deeming the theft as “extremely appalling and inhumane.” Strikingly, it took 13 years for the Estate to initiate legal action against Phillips, who brazenly admitted to the theft while residing under Jackson’s roof.
Adding to the tumult, months before the settlement, an unidentified individual stole a hard disk containing unreleased music from Jackson’s historic collaborator, Brad Sundberg. This loss was deeply felt, as the stolen material held immense value to Jackson’s legacy.
Sundberg, expressing his dismay, shared, “A really difficult day in the studio as we were the victims of what appears to be a targeted theft of one of my laptops.” The gravity of this situation prompted concern among fans, fearing the fate of Jackson’s invaluable unreleased songs.
The thefts, both shocking and disheartening, highlight the lengths some individuals will go to exploit the legacy of a cultural icon. It underscores the need to safeguard and honor the invaluable contributions of artists like Michael Jackson.
