The Jackson family is the topic for discussion in the courtroom these days. The family’s trial against AEG for negligently hiring Dr. Conrad Murray continues. Meanwhile, on Monday, June 17, 2013, former lawyer and manager for “The Jackson Five,” Richard Arons, filed suit in California Superior Court against Sony Music Entertainment (Sony).
Arons claims that Sony owes him royalties for recorded music Michael and his brothers made prior to 1983. Among other things, Arons is suing for breach of contract and improper accounting.
Arons became the Jackson family attorney in 1969. He became co-manager with Joe Jackson in 1972. Arons and Joe Jackson split 15 percent of the gross proceeds that Michael and his brothers earned from all their activities. After numerous disputes between Arons and the Jackson family, Arons stepped down as manager in 1991, but retained the 7.5 percent royalty rights from pre-1983 record sales.
Arons claims he is owed his portion of income from the record sales of popular albums including Thriller, Off The Wall, Victory, and The Jackson Live.
In 2012, Arons alleged that Andrew Ross of Sony Music agreed to review Arons claims but incorrectly calculated royalties owed to him. Arons responded by filing suit, claiming that Sony refused to give him a proper accounting of how much the recordings have earned for his share of the royalties.
Arons is seeking lost royalties, costs and damages, and any future payments for the Jackson brothers’ record sales.
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