David Gest Sues Michael Jackson Auctioneers for $1 Million

David Gest pictured as he transported to his gate for a flight from Heathrow Airport to Los Angeles. (Photo Agency)more pics »Music producer David Gest was a close friend of Michael Jackson before the pop singer's death. Now, Gest is demanding damages from Julien’s Auctions for attaching his name to items they sold shortly after Michael died in June.

Papers filed in Shelby County Chancery Court in Tennessee by David allege "The Collection of David Gest" was used to describe items he had never owned and claim no discussions ever took place to give the auction house permission to use his name. Lots included a signed Jackson 5 album (which was expected to fetch up to $600 at the auction, but sold for $33,750) and a childhood painting done by Michael of Mickey Mouse and Pluto (which sold for $25,000, 25 times more than expected).

David and Liza (via People.com)
David said: “Julien’s Auctions deceived buyers by letting them believe I owned many of these items when I did not. Every individual who purchased items I never owned was falsely duped into thinking they were part of my collection. Each individual who bought an item I never owned needs to be notified of that fact. This is an act of fraud and I will prove that in court. Julien’s Auctions was notified of their wrongdoing by my lawyer Edward Bearman months ago and they did nothing to rectify their actions.”

Darren Julien, who runs the auction house, has filed a federal lawsuit to ask the judge to see through David’s legal action. In his filing, Darren insists he would never have used the name of the producer, who was previously married to Liza Minnelli, without good reason, because potential buyers would not be impressed by a man who "reportedly sued his wealthy ex-wife for $10 million."

Jerry Hawxhurst, the lawyer acting on behalf of the auctioneers, blasted David’s action. He said: "A complaint like the one that was filed is what happens when people make ridiculous claims against good, honest folks like Darren Julien and his company, Julien's Auctions. Gest should be ashamed of himself for trying to trade on Michael Jackson's memory."

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