Michael Jackson wanted to buy or partner with Apple and Disney, new book reveals

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michael.jackson
Jackson reportedly wanted a piece of Apple.
Photo: Constru-centro/Wikipedia CC

Michael Jackson once tried to raise a billion dollars in an effort to partner with or buy Apple, Disney Studios and Marvel Comics, his former manager contends in a tell-all book announced Wednesday.


Jackson’s friend and former manager Dieter Wiesner revealed the singer/songwriter once “desired business acquisitions and partnerships” with all three companies and approached a number of Swiss and German financial institutions in the early 1990s to bankroll the deal.

The new book, entitled Michael Jackson: The Real Story, is an e-publication providing additional source documents, including voicemails from Jackson.

In one [voicemail] message Michael can be heard saying, “This is Michael Jackson calling. When you get this message call me immediately. What I want to talk to you about is very top-top secret! I need a German or a Swiss bank, I want to raise a billion dollars with a Swiss or German bank, but you got to keep this completely confidential! It’s an incredible acquisition I want to make.” Michael Jackson’s desired business acquisitions and partnerships included Marvel Comics, Disney, and Apple. Had Michael been able to execute his plan he would have been one of the wealthiest people in the world, certain to have an even bigger impact on popular culture and the world than he did.

The interactive book is available for sale online as an Apple Book.

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