In 2017, Quincy Jones was awarded $9.4 million in a trial against Michael Jackson’s estate over unreceived royalties for his work on Off the Wall, Thriller, Bad, the This Is It soundtrack, and two Cirque du Soleil shows, as well as the ability the remix that work. Now, a California appeals court has reversed the decision, stating that the judge overseeing the original case did not adequately interpret relevant contracts, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
As THR notes, the new ruling nullifies two large chunks of Jones’ initial award: $5.3 million in royalties on record sales and licenses and $1.6 million “for fees Jones claims he would have received if [MJJ Productions] had given him the right of first opportunity to remix Jackson’s master recordings.” A trial judge will now adjust Jones’ award.
In a statement, Howard Weitzman, one of the lawyers for Michael Jackson Estate and MJJ Productions, said, “We knew the verdict was wrong when we heard it, and the court of appeal has completely vindicated us.”
Pitchfork has reached out to Quincy Jones’ lawyers and representatives.