JACKO
VENTURES INTO DOT-COM PARTNERSHIP
By ALLYSON LIEBERMAN
Michael Jackson wants to be startin'
something - so he has become a major investor and
partner in a new Internet venture.
The self-appointed King of Pop inked
a deal with HollywoodTicket.com, which plans to be
launched this summer as an interactive entertainment,
promotional and marketing vehicle that "puts fans
into show business."
But Jackson, who according to
sources invested between $10 million and $15 million
in the venture, might want to beat it if his partners'
past problems catch up with them.
Derek Rundell and Court Coursey,
partners in Internet incubator Rundell, Coursey &
Co., were sued last year by WebMD, after selling their
Certifiedmail.com to the health site.
WebMD, which merged with Healtheon
Corp., charged the partners with providing false
financial information to deceive WebMD into acquiring
it.
While the two sides settled the
lawsuit, WebMD claimed last year in court papers that
Gary "Court" Coursey "did little more
than travel on first-class airline tickets and incur
business expenses for which he claimed
reimbursement."
But Jackson still wants to rock with
them.
"Through HollywoodTicket.com,
talent professionals have a business and artistic
opportunity to get involved on a much more active
level in the creation and distribution of innovative
entertainment for our fans," Jackson said in a
statement.
Rundell and Coursey told The Post
their past legal disputes were settled and resolved
"with no hard feelings."
The duo said they are now looking
forward to working with the Gloved One.
"He's a very active member of
the team. He's heavily involved in the creative
process and intends on using his entertainment
connections" to secure participation by major
figures in movies, TV and music, the execs said.
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