Estate of Michael Jackson Wants to Shut Down Casino Show

By Jane Shaw Senior Editor Updated: 02/03/2024

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Estate of Michael Jackson

It has recently been revealed that the estate of the late Michael Jackson is currently in a legal dispute with ‘MJ Live’, a popular Michael Jackson tribute show playing at the Tropicana Las Vegas, found in prime position on the famous Las Vegas Strip.

The estate claims that the show is using Michael Jackson’s image and trademarks without permission. In response, the producers of ‘MJ Live’, which performs six nights a week at the Tropicana, have gone to court asking for the right to keep their popular show running.

Lawyers for ‘MJ Live’ have now filed a complaint in a Nevada federal court. They argue that the show does not break any laws because Nevada allows impersonators to use celebrities’ likenesses in live performances. They also say that the artwork used to advertise their show is different enough that it does not confuse people.

However, the conflict isn’t just in Nevada. The Jackson estate is also trying to stop ‘MJ Live’ from performing in other states, like California, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The decision in Nevada might not affect these other states.

Performed Since 2012

The legal team for ‘MJ Live’ has pointed out that the show has been performed over 3,600 times since it started in 2012. It first showed at the Stratosphere Casino and Resort and then at the Tropicana.

Lawyers for ‘MJ Live’ said that over the past 12 years:

… plaintiff has spent millions of dollars advertising and promoting its MJ Live show. Plaintiff estimates that over 2,500,000 audience members, clapping and singing in their seats, jumping to their feet, and dancing in the aisles, have experienced the joy, excitement, and thrill of ‘MJ Live.’

They are arguing that since the show has been using the ‘MJ Live’ name for a long time, it has its own right to the name. They even suggested that it’s the Michael Jackson estate that is wrongly using their name because the estate is touring a show called ‘MJ The Musical’ across the U.S.

Similar Situation with Elvis Presley

This kind of legal issue is not new. In May 2022, a similar situation arose in relation to Elvis Presley’s image. This caused huge issues, as Elvis tribute acts were very popular in Las Vegas.

At that time, the Authentic Brands Group (ABG), which owns the rights to Elvis’ image, told several Las Vegas chapels to stop using Elvis impersonators unless they were licensed by ABG. This was to protect Elvis Presley’s legacy. Eventually, no lawsuit was filed, because a month later, some chapels agreed to pay an annual fee to ABG to use Elvis impersonators, which was reportedly less than the amount ABG initially asked for.

The situation between the Michael Jackson estate and ‘MJ Live’ has further highlighted the complicated issues surrounding the use of images and trademarks of famous people in tribute shows.

With tribute acts being hugely popular in Las Vegas and in other states, the legal action being taken could create complications when it comes to tribute shows.