Michael Jackson has refinanced his $24.5 million ranch, saving it from an embarrasing public auction. Jackson attorney L. Londell McMillan told The Associated Press on Thursday that the pop star has worked out a “confidential” agreement with Fortress Investment Group, LLC. The deal allows him to retain ownership of the famed property in Los Olivos, Calif.
Well, ha-lay-luuuu-ya.

Meet Billie Jean Jackson, Michael Jackson’s wife. NOT! But that’s what the 60-year-old nut job’s been claiming. Billie Jean made news this week when she was arrested for trespassing on Neverland Ranch terrain, reports TMZ.com. Wonder what she was planning to do? Maybe she had money to help pay the mortgage bill? Anywho, Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies cuffed and took Billie Jean away on Monday night after Neverland’s security detained her.

Who wants to spearhead the “Save the Neverland Ranch” fundraiser? All we need is, like, $24 million. Whose with me? C’mon. The King of Pop is ’bout to lose everything — the the kiddie rollercoasters, the zoo, Bubbles, everything. We must act fast. The title company’s scheduled to auction off the ranch on March 8.

The December issue of Ebony magazine features an exclusive interview with Michael Jackson, the first since mainstream media suffocated him with all the child molestation stories. Got me to thinking: Isn’t it nice that he chose a Black publication, when he could of picked Rolling Stone or any other number of white-owned publications to tell his story? Perhaps, it’s because Black folk have always stood by him — pet llamas, monkeys, Webster, plastic surgery and all. At the end of the day, he’s still one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Don’t you agree?

According to TMZ.com, Michael Jackson will appear on the British version of “American Idol,” a Simon Cowell-produced show called “X-Factor.”  Sources say he’ll be mentoring the young contestants on the show. (No pedophile jokes from me!) I wonder if he could have gotten that same gig on American television? I love the man, but I personally woudn’t want to look at his pastiness every week. He hasn’t been cute since his “Off the Wall” album. Though he does keep a tight perm. Can I get an “Amen” from the sisters?