Jackson back on payroll
Michael Jackson, back on stage for a £1,750-a-head party in Tokyo, says he would not change anything about his career, despite what he called "deliberate attempts to hurt me."
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The reclusive pop icon, in Tokyo for several "fan appreciation events," was the guest of honour at a lavish party in Tokyo aimed at a well-heeled business crowd - though the roughly 400 people who showed up were mainly die-hard fans and more than 100 orphans and handicapped children who were invited for free.
The paying guests laid down 400,000 yen for tickets, which included a buffet dinner, a show featuring several Japanese Michael Jackson impersonators and a chance to meet, greet and take photos with the singer.
Jackson appeared on the stage at the end of the six-hour party to read a brief thank you to the crowd. He did not perform for the crowd.
Jackson reflected on his career, which he is trying to revive after his 2005 acquittal on child molestation charges and a series of other legal battles over his personal finances.
"As Charles Dickens says, 'It's been the best of times, the worst of times.' But I would not change my career," he said.
Sat Mar 10, 2007 1:12 am
