As Michael Jackson"s manager in 2008 and 2009, Dr. Tohme Tohme focused his time and energy on and reviving the reclusive pop star"s finances and career. Although Michael Jackson had earned a large fortune and gave millions of it to charity in previous years, by 2008, Michael Jackson"s finances were on the verge of collapse as a result of his high-interest borrowing and excessive expenditures.
Sadly, Michael Jackson"s once-stellar career and reputation had been severely tarnished by child molestation accusations, a $20+million dollar settlement payment to an accuser, and a high profile 2005 child molestation trial in Santa Barbara. Although Michael Jackson was acquitted of all charges of child molestation by a California jury in mid-2005, unfavorable news stories about Jackson continued to appear in the media. Damaging rumors and innuendo regarding Jackson"s poor health and personal life abounded in gossip columns and online blogs, and the notion that entertainment industry insider"s considered Michael Jackson "radioactive" or "too risky" continued to plague Jackson. On top of Jackson"s tainted public persona and financial woes, a lawsuit filed against him in the UK was preventing him from performing; stalling any hopes of a Jackson comeback.
Michael Jackson"s assets were in jeopardy, especially Jackson"s Neverland Ranch in California"s Santa Ynez Valley. After Jackson"s acquittal of child molestation charges in 2005, Jackson and his young children abruptly departed Neverland for Bahrain. By 2008, Neverland appeared neglected and on the brink of final foreclosure proceedings. About to lose Neverland forever, Michael Jackson summoned the help of his good and trusted friend, Dr.
Tohme R Tohme, a prominent international businessman. Dr. Tohme had vast experience in the business world and had many well- to do friends who he turned to for help. Racing against clock, Dr. Tohme Tohme quickly put together a last-minute real estate deal that saved Neverland from foreclosure and allowed Jackson to retain possession of priceless memorabilia and amusements that had been listed as loan collateral. Pleased that his equity in Neverland was safely secured, in 2008, Michael Jackson entrusted Dr. Tohme Tohme to oversee all of his business affairs and to be his manager.
Among the many crucial items on Jackson and Tohme"s agenda was resolving Jackson"s legal battle in the UK that was preventing him from performing. Once accomplished, Dr. Tohme Tohme sought out lucrative business deals for Jackson. Dr.
Tohme Ramez Tohme and Michael Jackson soon set their sights on a wide range of profitable ventures that celebrated the superstar"s amazing legacy. Among them, was a deal with the famed Nederlander Organization for a Broadway show based on "Thriller" and "Off the Wall". The Nederlander deal was signed by Michael Jackson in late 2008. Negotiations with another production company were also undertaken for an animated television series inspired by "Thriller". Dr. Tohme Tohme and Michael Jackson also spent months working with fashion designers on a clothing line and "moonwalk-inspired shoes". In addition to musical re-releases involving collaborations with other famous artists, Tohme and Jackson had plans for an interactive video game inspired by Michael Jackson"s music and iconic dance moves.
When Michael Jackson announced his historic O2 arena concert in March 2009, Dr. Tohme traveled with Jackson and his children via his private jet to the UK. Dr. Tohme Tohme had devoted months working with Jackson on the preparations and negotiations of the deal signing, and it was Dr. Tohme Tohme who escorted Michael Jackson through the O2 and proudly watched as Jackson"s press conference aired throughout the world. Jackson"s O2 concert announcement was a very special occasion for both Tohme and the King of Pop. However, it was especially significant for Michael Jackson, who was very excited to be performing on a grand scale in front of his children for the first time. Jackson was also very enthusiastic about creating an amazing show for his loyal fans who stuck by him through his career hiatus.
In addition to putting together Jackson"s real estate and career deals, and overseeing Jackson"s day to day business affairs, Dr. Tohme Tohme worked feverishly to renegotiate more favorable terms for Jackson"s primary asset - Jackson"s fifty percent share of the Sony-ATV Music Publishing Catalog - which was burdened by high interest loans. The Sony-ATV Music Publishing Catalog, which includes Beatles songs and other famous titles, was Michael Jackson"s most valuable asset, and renegotiating the loan terms was an imperative and wise business maneuver for Jackson.
Dr. Tohme Tohme fondly remembers Jackson as a wonderful human being who loved his fans and cared for his children immensely. Michael"s sudden passing deeply saddened Dr. Tohme.
