People News

Michael Jackson passes health test

Mar 5, 2009, 9:35 GMT

Michael Jackson fans call his name outside the Lanesborough Hotel where he is staying in London, Britain, 04 March 2009. Michael Jackson is set to play a residency at the London O2 Arena later this year. The initial summer dates will be announced at a press conference 05 March. Further dates are expected to be added following the initial announcement and depending on fan demand. EPA/ANDY RAIN

Michael Jackson passed a 50-point health check to prove he was capable of performing again.

The 'Thriller' star - who is rumoured to be suffering from a "flesh eating" disease and is often seen in a wheelchair during his infrequent public outings - underwent a stringent medical to convince insurers he could cope with his planned residency at London's O2 arena.

A source said: "Every physical test under the sun was done to ensure all bases were covered. They are confident his health is good enough to perform."

The cash-strapped singer reportedly rejected three offers to perform the concerts, which are expected to take place in June. He eventually agreed a deal which will reportedly see him earn £500,000 per show, plus a slice of profits from merchandise sales.

The residency is due to be confirmed later today (05.03.09).

An insider said: "The bosses were sweating he wouldn't accept but he finally put pen to paper."

Meanwhile, the 50-year-old star has filed a lawsuit against a Los Angeles auction firm to halt the scheduled sale of thousands of his personal possessions.

Papers filed yesterday (04.03.09) by his company, MJJ Productions, claim he allowed Julien's Auction House to remove the items from Michael's Neverland Ranch, but not to sell them without his permission.

Darren Julien insists they had returned some items on the singer's request but had always intended to sell the items they had taken from the property.

He said: "The suit is a total surprise to us, because Jackson had been apprised of everything since the day we started. His manager... has approved everything.

"Up until two days ago we were working with his managers, including final details such as a date for the catalogue to be ready and signed."

In December, Julien's company announced a five-day auction in April featuring more than 2,000 of the 'Black or White' star's personal items, including his American Music Award for 'Thriller', a velvet cape given to him by his children for Father's Day in 1998, a pair of rhinestone-trimmed socks from 1981, a customised Harley Davidson and a basketball signed by Michael Jordan.