Michael Jackson Sued By "Thriller" Director
Michael Jackson
"Thriller" director John Landis has filed a lawsuit accusing Michael Jackson of breach of contract over unpaid royalties, The Wrap reports.
In a lawsuit filed last week at a Los Angeles Superior Court, Landis claims Jackson has not paid him his share of the profits from the classic 14-minute video and the clip's "making of" documentary since at least 2005. Accusing the singer of "fraudulent, malicious and oppressive conduct," Landis, who also helmed Animal House and The Blues Brothers, says he is entitled to 50 percent of the net profits, per his original 1983 contract with Jackson.
The complaint does not state the amount Landis says he is owed.
"I can't understand what they are doing to John Landis' company. It is such a straight ahead thing," said Landis' attorney, Miles Feldman. "It makes no sense at all to me."
The legal action comes just a day after theater group Nederlander Organization acquired the rights to develop "Thriller" into a Broadway musical.
Jackson's rep has yet to comment on the suit.
