Michael Jackson fans around the world are marking the first anniversary of the pop star?s death.
In Hanoi, Vietnam, fans held a night of performances of Jackson's songs while 50 Japanese fans - one for each year of his life - were picked from 10,000 people to spend a night at Tokyo Tower among the singer's possessions in the Neverland collection, the only official Michael Jackson exhibition.
Jackson's sudden death at age 50 in Los Angeles sparked an outpouring of grief internationally for the former child star, who was rehearsing for a series of concerts aimed at reviving a career clouded by an acquittal on charges of molesting a 13-year-old boy.
Hollywood trade paper Billboard has estimated the earnings by Jackson in the past year hit $1 billion, including album sales generating about $383 million and revenue from the film This Is It hitting nearly $400 million.
But in death as in life, controversy surrounds the star with his personal doctor awaiting trial on a criminal charge of causing his death by giving him a powerful anaesthetic as a sleep aid.
Jackson's estate is also taking issue with a documentary, `King of Pop,? set to debut in Japan today as the estate said the film's promotion ?misled Michael Jackson's fans by making it appear as if this was an authorized film?.
?This movie cannot legally use any of Michael's songs or recordings in its soundtrack,? the estate said.
"Michael's fans should also know that none of the proceeds earned by this movie will be paid to his estate which, in keeping with Michael's stated wishes, strives to make sure his artistic legacy benefits his three children, his mother and the charitable causes that he cared about."
There are no major tributes planned today by the official Michael Jackson estate, which now controls rights to the Beat it singer's music, likeness and other memorabilia.
Reuters