Michael Jackson’s estate has revealed that his sister La Toya’s ex-boyfriend stole some valuables from the singer’s mansion shortly after his death.
On Friday, the pop star’s estate filed legal papers claiming that movie producer Jeffre Phillips had been trying to sell items he claimed belonged to the Thriller singer.
Lawyers said Phillips, who was once engaged to La Toya Jackson, allegedly stole such valuable items from his $25 million Los Angeles mansion amid the chaos surrounding the singer’s death in 2009.
According to Jackson’s estate, Phillips reportedly stole the pop star’s iPhone, his children’s cell phones, his driver’s license, clothing, handwritten notes, prescription pills, and a briefcase with personal and business letters.
“In extremely appalling and inhumane act, Phillips even stole the pajamas Jackson was wearing in the final hours of his life,” the papers read. “And Phillips stole a resuscitator tube that seems to have been used on Jackson by those who were trying to save Jackson’s life in the short and frantic period before his passing.”
Jackson’s estate said they had been notified that Phillips was trying to auction off items belonging to the Billie Jean singer in December 2021.
The auctioneer who tipped off the family said that in an attempt to ensure the items’ authenticity, the movie producer allegedly admitted to taking the items from the late singer’s house, stating that he had stayed at the mansion for nine days after his death.
Phillips allegedly had a pair of sunglasses that he claimed Jackson wore and still had “makeup on their faces.”
Lawyers for the pop legend said the Jackson family had recovered some stolen valuables but believe Phillips still has some home videos and music the singer wrote and recorded before he died.
Jackson’s legal team has asked the court to order the film producer to return all the items he reportedly took from Carolwood House.
The legal papers were filed just before the 13th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death. The world-renowned singer passed away on June 25, 2009.
Phillips’ attorneys have yet to respond to media requests for comment.
