Former Michael Jackson publicist Bob Jones, along with Jackson family friend Stacy Brown, have written a tell-all tome about the trouble-plagued "King of Pop," 'Michael Jackson: The Man Behind the Mask' (Select Books Inc., $21.95). In the book, Jones, who also worked for years as a publicist for both Rogers & Cowan and Motown Records, explores Jacko's problems with African Americans, his own self image and how he created a derogatory name for blacks -- "slaboos." BV Buzz spoke with the legendary public relations practitioner, and he offered his insight on Jackson and some other personalities in the entertainment business.
On criticism he's received for writing this book: "It was a book about my tenure. I did not have a confidentiality agreement. I think loyalty rings both ways. That pretty much says it. People say what they want to say but those people don't pay my bills."
That he was paid anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000 annually by Michael Jackson: "S**t! Not to any black person that I know! Need I say more? There were some Rolls Royces that were given to attorneys, etc., but I don't know of any gifts that were of that nature that were given to any blacks who were on the payroll. I don't know where people came up with those figures."
On the downfall of Diana Ross: "The public has shown her what she is. She's such a pain in the a**, she can't get work. The same thing you meet on your way up, you meet it coming down. You can make life very difficult by your actions. Isn't it rather ironic that Gladys Knight, who really wasn't a top priority when she was at Motown, has a year-long gig in Las Vegas and Diana Ross can't get arrested?" Didn't Gladys Knight really discover the Jackson 5? "That is correct!"
Paula Abdul's affair with Jackie Jackson: "That supposedly took place when they were getting ready to do the Victory Tour. The rumor has it that Jackie's ex-wife Enid, who's now deceased, followed them to a drive-in theater out here in Los Angeles, out in the valley, and created quite a bit of havoc there." Was there a physical altercation? "There was. Paula is no angel."
On Michael Jackson's skin-lightening: "I would imagine and the only thing I can attribute it to is self-hate. I never visited his dermatologist with him, but I have heard the rumblings as well as you have that he could have possibly been a, hell, guinea pig for some new drugs. I don't know because I have no reason to change my color or to have plastic surgery. And it was offered to me too! My boss offered it to me if I wanted to have my nose done."
On the alleged feud between Michael Jackson and Prince: "That was primarily a publicity stunt. I do know that when we were on one of the tours and we played Minneapolis, Prince came by to visit him at the hotel." So they were secret pals? "Of course! Of course!"
Pick up a copy of 'Michael Jackson: The Man Behind The Mask' for more revelations from Jones and his writing partner Brown who, in addition to being best friend to Rebbie Jackson, is an analyst/consultant for MSNBC. The book has reportedly sold more than 25,000 copies since its release two weeks ago.
No Laughing Matter
If you're not funny, then you'd better stay off of Sheryl Underwood's stage. The popular comedienne, known for her Republican shtick, is the host of the upcoming season of BET's 'ComicView' and is taking comics to task for their humorless material.
One comedian -- you'll have to watch the fall season of the show to see who -- performed during one of the recent tapings in New Orleans and Underwood ripped his performance to shreds. "Hello, is TP Hearns there? Hi TP! There's a comic here with your mannerisms, but you're not here," began Underwood. She continued, "Hello, is D.L. Hughley there? Hey, it's Sheryl Underwood. I'm at 'ComicView' and though your jokes are here, you're not here."
The audience erupted with laughter! And she wasn't done. "I hope next year he doesn't come back and perform my routine," she quipped.
During a segment called the 'New Jack Segment,' Underwood came out on stage before a new comic, who was faring miserably with the highly intoxicated crowd at the Orpheum Theatre, could even finish. Spraying air freshener as she entered stage left, Underwood asked, "Why are you out here stinking up my stage like this?"
"I wanted you to be funny because you're so handsome," she continued. "Because you're so handsome, I'm gonna make you my road manager. Because you're definitely going to make more money doing that than trying to work as a comic."
Be sure to check out Underwood's antics when the new season of 'ComicView' debuts Oct. 3.
Moving Ahead
Apparently Karrine Steffans has turned tragedy into triumph because her debut book, 'Confessions of a Video Vixen,' landed her the number seven spot on the New York Times Best Sellers list on July 10. The book is already approaching its fourth printing, with a family-friendly cover being printed for Wal-Mart and Target chains as well.
Steffans' book is as much self-help as it is drugs, abuse and, ah, well, "Superhead." "I'm just glad that people recognize that my book is more about me helping young women rather than just some dishy tell-all book," said Steffans.
While the unexplainable abuse from her mother, her tumultuous marriage with Kool G Rap and her being raped are tear-jerking stories, readers are just as enticed by the sexual escapades with everyone from Ja Rule, Fred Durst, Bobby Brown, Ray J and Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, who apparently sent a legal letter to Amistad/HarperCollins declaring he'd only heard of Steffans the day the book was released.
Hip-hop mogul Irv Gotti is a fixture in the book. Steffans says of Gotti: "The sex became more like a boxing match than anything else. We would compete against each other, and on most every occasion, I would win. There were a few times when he actually got up and ran and even locked himself in the bathroom in order to get away from me." And that's a mild story.
I bet you there are others in the entertainment industry who are sitting somewhere mad because they hadn't decided to write a book like this years ago!
Can't Say Names...
... Sources say that a Hollywood actress/mistress is supporting her very married baby's daddy, who has been unable to financially support his actual wife and other kids because of several failed businesses. "He owes people money all over New York City, so he's been hiding out," offered the source. This wouldn't be the first time that said actress hooked up with somebody else's guy, however we're certain she didn't anticipate that this guy's money troubles would be so bad that his daughter couldn't get her high school transcript because her pop owed the school money.
Buzzworthy
... Actress LaTanya Richardson graces the Summer 2005 issue of the African-American Christian women's magazine, PRECIOUS TIMES. In the issue, Richardson talks about the struggles of working opposite her husband Samuel L. Jackson in the upcoming film, 'Freedomland.' "It's mind-boggling. His talent is so enormous that people believe that [my husband] handed me the part in his movie... He did not hand it to me. I auditioned like everyone else, and I receive the same treatment as every other actor in the movie," shared Richardson, who also starred in 'The Fighting Temptations.' "On the other hand, because Sam is the star of the movie, he is treated like one. It's difficult as the wife to watch others take care of my husband on the set. Yet, I understand those are the perks of being the lead."
... Syndicated radio personality and Hollywood insider Tanya Hart is returning to her roots. The diva of celebrity dish began selling her CD, 'Tanya Hart Sings,' July 5 on
www.CDBaby.com. Having sung with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Stevie Wonder, performed with her own band Streetdancer's Bash and continuing to sing at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ, Hart decided to make an album available for friends, family and fans to experience. In addition to checking out 'Tanya Hart Sings,' you can see the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning talent in the Oscar-nominated documentary 'Tupac: Resurrection.'
... Jazz newcomer Lizz Wright -- well she's not that new since this is her second CD -- may not be selling Norah Jones numbers, but the Georgia peach is still happily exploring her creativity through music. "Have a little mercy on a preacher's daughter. I feel like someone let me loose in a toy store, and I'm kind of taking over everything, rattling it, throwing it around and having a good time. I promise I am not completely random, and I don't even know why I said all of that," said the smooth contralto, during an intimate concert at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Va. Wright's newest, and critically acclaimed, offering 'Dreaming Wide Awake' is in stores now.
... Prince Azim, son of the Sultan of Brunei, flew celebrities like Lil' Jon, Mischa Barton ('The O.C.'), Kid Rock and Scarlett Johansson ('Lost in Translation') to London to celebrate his 23rd birthday at Frankie's Italian Bar & Grill in Knightsbridge. "Lil Jon was surprised Prince Azim was so hip, and now wants to fly him to the U.S. to host one of his 'crunk' parties in Atlanta," said our tipster.
BTW: I think I know who they are talking about in Can't Say Names. We talked about this before.
This will set race relations back 100 years. 
Condoleces to the family.
Hybrid Mode
