It appears the Judge had some probing questions for the star’s former lawyer of decades John Branca when he appeared in front of him including explaining some of the lyrics to what many dub the King of Pop’s greatest ever hit. Referring to the album 'Thriller', Judge Holmes asked the lawyer 'What exactly does 'the funk of 40,000 years' mean?' Mr Branca explained that it meant Karma. 

Case details 

The IRS is claiming that Jackson's estate needs to pay some $700 million (£566 million) in taxes and penalties. However, the star’s legal team is arguing that Michael Jackson was worth much less after his image was adversely affected by a number of claims including child molestation, skin bleaching and drug use ultimately meaning sponsors would not endorse the singer. The argument is focused on the commercial value of the singer’s name and image when he died – and both parties have a dramatically different view of that worth. The IRS says he was worth $434 million (£350 million) while Jackson's estate says $2,105 (£1,701).

Debt

Mr Branca, said that when the star died he was deep in debt to the tune of $400 million. He is set to be called back to the stand for cross-examination when the IRS presents its case. The trial is expected to last three weeks. Source: BBC; Crack Magazine