ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Left: Former Michael Jackson manager Tom Mandible with his dog, Jacko, in his office "adjacent to" Rodeo Drive

REBUFFED JACKSON MANAGER: “I TOLD YOU SO”
Tom Mandible Advised Jackson to Die in Yearly Business Plans as Early as 2002

Los Angeles--Citing the 100 million dollars in revenue, the 100 million dollar movie deal, and pending deals for books, CDs, and novelty items--all since Jackson’s heart attack 48 days ago--former Michael Jackson manager Tom Mandible stood at Jackson’s grave Wednesday and said quietly, “I told you so.”

In business plans presented to the popular singer over the last ten years, Mandible had “strongly suggested” that, rather than tour or make a new CD, the singer should simply die. “Look at Elvis, I told him. Sure he sold some records when he was alive, but after he collapsed on his throne, the king was absolutely golden.” But, year after fiscally disastrous year, Jackson “scoffed” at Mandible’s proposal.

“The business model is solid. It starts with Jesus Christ,” Mandible said while he huddled in a Rodeo Drive doorway and dismantled a pack of crumbled cheese-flavored crackers. “You think anyone’s talking about Jesus this and Jesus that, the light of the world, all that, if he doesn’t die on the cross? You think he’s got any marketing legs if he lives to 85 and dies in a rest home on the shores of the Red Sea crocheting shrouds or whatever? No. Death sells. Early death sells absolutely. Write it down.”

Mandible, homeless since Jackson fired him in 2006, wears a single rhinestone-studded glove, in honor of the late singer. “No hard feelings,” he says. “It’s just . . . I wish he’d listened. I could have made a difference.”

When asked about Mandible’s claims, Jermaine Jackson, spokesman for the Jackson estate, was contrite. “Tom’s correct,” he said. “Michael considered the Death Option many times. He took it seriously. We discussed it, but it just seemed too drastic. It’s a big step. You can’t go with the Death Option and then say, ‘OK, that didn’t work. What do you want to do next? The Resurrection Option?’ I mean, that worked once, but what’d Christ have? Like, one book, right? We wanted something sustainable.”

Meanwhile other washed-up singers and actors, watching Jackson’s sales figures, have been seeking out Mandible’s advice. Tom Fogerty, a founding member, with his more talented brother John, of Creedence Clearwater Revival, is among those who have called. “Rather than do the casino tour, maybe this death thing will work for us,” said Fogerty. Fogerty has been on the casino circuit with his new band, Creedence Cleardaughter Revival, a band which features Fogerty’s daughter, Clamidia, singing the songs Tom's more talented brother John made famous.

Mandible is quick to point out that the “Death Option” only works for a handful. “Dylan,” he said. “Dylan should die. A few others. Madonna, of course. I’d advise Madonna to pursue the Death Option – after a steep decline in creativity and sales, of course. But I’d advise her to stop working out and to begin eating poorly right now, maybe begin popping some pills or whatever, to facilitate her sudden tragic end.”

Meanwhile, in London, surviving members of Cream have postponed a reunion tour while Eric Clapton considers the “Death Option.” “Clapton,” said Mandible, pulling his sleeping bag closer against the evening chill, “Clapton I would consider. It’s a risk, but he should call me. We should talk.”