newsmakers

newsmakers

Jackson feared he’d be killed, sister says

NEW YORK

Michael Jackson spent the last months of his life frightened and on edge, convinced that he would be killed by people wanting to get access to his valuable music catalog, according to his sister, LaToya Jackson. Jackson makes the claims in her new book, “Starting Over,” which also chronicles her own troubles, including an abusive marriage to her late ex-manager/husband, Jack Gordon.

Today marks the two-year anniversary of the King of Pop’s death at age 50. Dr. Conrad Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter, accused of giving him an overdose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives. However, Jackson’s sister called Murray “the fall guy.” She said there were other people who needed to be investigated and described Jackson’s death as part of a wide conspiracy. Jackson was the co-owner of the lucrative Sony/ATV catalog, the copyright holder of the Beatles’ and other artists’ songs, and his older sister contends he was murdered for control of it.

Jerry Lewis cancels show due to health

SYDNEY

Jerry Lewis has canceled a show in Australia due to poor health. The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation Australia said the comedian’s show Friday night in Sydney had been sold out.

Foundation CEO David Jack apologized in a statement, saying the 85-year-old was “not well enough to take the stage.” It didn’t give details.

Lewis was on a national tour to raise funds for the Australian foundation. The statement said he arrived in Australia on Monday and had performed Wednesday in Brisbane.

He has in recent years battled a debilitating back condition, heart issues and pulmonary fibrosis.

Lewis is the longtime chairman of the U.S. Muscular Dystrophy Association. He announced last month he was retiring as host of its Labor Day telethon that is synonymous with him.

Miranda Lambert to sing on ‘Voice’

LOS ANGELES

Miranda Lambert is stepping into new husband Blake Shelton’s territory. On Wednesday’s season finale of NBC’s hit singing contest, “The Voice,” Lambert will perform a duet with the finalist who was on Shelton’s team, Dia Frampton.

Lambert, a Grammy winner for her single “The House That Built Me,” said she was “thrilled” to be part of “The Voice.”

“It’s been a joy watching my husband grow so attached to his team. Truthfully, I am a little jealous that I am not a coach myself. I can’t wait to be a part of it,” she said.

The other finalists competing with Frampton are Javier Colon, Beverly McClellan and Vicci Martinez. The four will perform Tuesday, with the viewers’ choice to be announced on the finale the following night. The winner gets a record contract and a $100,000 prize.

Vindicator wire services