America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 174. A Sensational Event in the Music World

The sun shines on the earth, and even though it's only a little past eight in the morning, the summer wind is already very hot.

Although the wind was hot, Howard Stringer felt nothing as it blew on him; his body was chilled.

The negative news and the sharp drop in stock price in the past few days have caused great dissatisfaction among Sony's Tokyo headquarters, which has demanded that he immediately stabilize the stock price and resolve this major problem.

However, things have already progressed to this point, how could it be resolved with just a few words?

Sony Music has been doing very well in recent years, and Howard Stringer is very satisfied with Tom Motora's work.

As for the conflict and disputes between him and Michael Jackson, Howard Stringer was actually very clear about it. Since taking office in 1997, he had been in favor of taking back the copyright from Jackson.

As for the specifics of how to proceed, that's Tom Motora's business; Howard Stringer wants results.

It was this negligence that led to the gradual deterioration of the situation, until it finally became irreversible and erupted completely.

Howard Stringer has already decided that Tokyo must give an explanation, the shareholders and investors must give an explanation, and Michael Jackson needs an explanation even more.

So, in order to appease Jackson during today's negotiations, it might be necessary to throw Tom Motorola out as a scapegoat if necessary.

This is such a big pot that most people couldn't carry it; your size and height are just right.

As long as Jackson is satisfied, the stock price will definitely soar once the news is released.

As for the copyright issue, I'll just ignore it and pass this hot potato to the next person in charge.

This is called believing in the wisdom of future generations.

Meanwhile, Howard Stringer also sensed something unusual because the series of actions was too smooth.

Sony is clearly being targeted. Michael Jackson doesn't seem like someone with that kind of shrewdness; there must be someone pulling the strings behind the scenes.

Thinking about those details, his gaze naturally fell on MGM, and he would soon find out whether it was Eric Cooper.

If MGM is behind this, then this feud is set in stone, and Sony will definitely find a chance to retaliate.

At the Dream Manor, he rode in a sightseeing bus, not interested in admiring the surrounding scenery. Soon he arrived at the fountain and went inside the house.

Upon seeing the arrival of the people, Mike shook hands with Howard Stringer and dismissed all the irrelevant personnel.

"Mike, nice to meet you. I'm Howard Stringer. You should know me."

Michael nodded: "Mr. Howard, your willingness to step in at least shows that Sony is still sincere in negotiating. Enough with the small talk, I think with Sony's current stock price, you're not in the mood for small talk with me."

Howard Stringer gave an awkward smile. "Let's begin. Tell me your demands. What exactly do you want?"

"No, it's not about what I want, but what Sony owes me. Over the years, I've generated over a billion dollars in profits and wealth for Sony, but the way you're repaying me makes me feel disheartened and uneasy."

Howard Stringer cursed inwardly, "Sony's market value has evaporated by billions of dollars in the past few days. Who can I complain to?"

However, he still maintained a serious expression and said, "Michael, you can't believe the various conspiracies circulating in the market. Of course, I don't deny your contributions to the company."

"It's normal for you to have grievances, I understand, especially the conflict between you and Tom Motora. I didn't know that before, but now I do."

"I can promise you on behalf of Sony that the company will conduct an internal investigation, and as long as you are willing to announce a settlement to the public, Tom Motora will be immediately suspended and dismissed."

Are you satisfied with this outcome?

Mike pointed to his nose: "Mr. Howard, do I look that stupid? The way you're suggesting is what Sony should do, not something to comfort or compensate me. We need to get this logic straight first."

"Tom Motorola persecuted me. I've already shown enough restraint by not filing criminal charges against him. Firing him is the basis for our negotiations, not a bargaining chip you should be using."

Howard Stringer listened quietly as Michael Jackson finished speaking, feeling a little strange. From what he knew, Michael Jackson wasn't that kind of person.

He should be a very kind and tolerant person, so why is he being so sharp and aggressive today?

However, when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head; Howard Stringer could only agree.

"Michael, you're right. Out of respect for you, I guarantee Tom Motora will be fired immediately."

"At the same time, in order to compensate you for the harm done, Sony is willing to improve your treatment, including all aspects such as song recording, distribution, and concert organization."

"Regarding the issue of your album sales stagnation, I have received the report. It was all Tom Motora's doing. Sony will pay you back the amount owed."

"Here's a contract regarding your future treatment. Take a look; it's really generous. You'll remain one of our most valued artists."

Howard Stringer said, pulling a document from his bag: "Mike, signing this is good for all of us; it's the best outcome."

Mike took the document and read it carefully. After reading it, he found that Howard Stringer had not lied to him. It was indeed a very generous offer, if not for the small print at the end.

Slamming the documents on the table, Michael said, "Mr. Howard, Sony wants to renew my contract for another fifteen years, and they also have the right of first refusal to buy the copyrights I hold. I don't think that's a good idea."

Howard Stringer explained, "Mike, your conflict with the company is essentially your conflict with Tom Motora. Rest assured, I guarantee he will never appear in front of you again."

"We will provide you with the best resources, just like we did in the 90s, so you can return to the top, defend your title as the King of Pop, and defeat all your challengers."

"That's enough!"

Howard Stringer's persuasive rhetoric was interrupted by Michael before he could finish.

"Mr. Howard, there's no need to twist the facts. We all know this isn't a conflict between me and Tom Motora; copyright is the core issue."

"Sony will not give up, and neither will I. You surely know what I want."

"Let's get straight to the point: Sony is terminating its contract with me, I'm leaving with the copyrights, and then I'll release a settlement statement to salvage Sony's reputation and stock price."

"Michael, you can't."

"I've said enough! This is my only demand. If the company doesn't agree, this war won't end."

The atmosphere instantly became awkward, and Howard Stringer's gaze turned cold: "Michael, who exactly is helping you behind the scenes? Is it Eric Cooper of MGM? Or Plantard?"

Mike's gaze remained unwavering: "There's no need to discuss such pointless topics. I'll give you two days to coordinate; I just want results."

Howard Stringer clenched his fists instantly; he had actually been ordered around—ordered around by a singer.

"Michael Jackson, you made a very wrong decision. Sony will never agree to your request, and players will never bow down to a playing card."

"Then let the stock price continue to fall. I'd love to know if the shareholders will have any objections to letting music drag down the entire group."

Howard Stringer stood up, picked up his briefcase, and walked toward the door.

"Michael, do you think you can make Sony compromise just by raising the stock price? You're too naive. We have plenty of funds to support the stock price, and it will recover over time because your fans and those self-proclaimed righteous people won't pay attention to this for long."

"Once the cooling-off period is over, new hot topics will overshadow your case. The media only chases traffic. When no one pays attention anymore, the stock price will return to normal."

"And that will be your death day. You will be blacklisted indefinitely, and I swear no company will take you in."

"Your records will be taken off the shelves, all your commercial performances will be canceled, and I heard you're heavily in debt now, the banks won't let you off the hook."

"This dream estate is amazing. When the bank auctions it off, I'm definitely going to buy it and then invite all the people you hate over for a party."

"Don't forget about those charitable organizations. Aren't you a big philanthropist? Don't you like donating? Let's see what you'll donate when your funding chain breaks down!"

"Those children and AIDS patients will no longer receive treatment and will die painfully in their hospital beds, all because of your selfishness!"

Having failed to achieve his goal, Howard Stringer's mask was torn off, his composure vanished, and he uttered a vicious curse.

Mike didn't care about being scolded, but his act of cursing the child instantly enraged him.

"Howard Stringer, Sony does indeed control my economic lifeline, but don't forget that I also hold your lifelines in my hands."

"I will exercise half of my copyright power to suspend all commercial activities of all artists under Sony Music. I may go bankrupt, but Sony Music will not have an easy time either."

"I really want to see how many singers will dare to sign with Sony in the future. Let's wait and see!"

Howard Stringer's eyes twitched violently when he was shocked that Mike would dare to use such methods to threaten him.

"Michael Jackson, if you dare to do that, you'll become public enemy number one in the music industry!"

"You're wrong, Howard. It's me and Sony who have become public enemies in the music industry. If I can't get my rights back, then let's all go down together."

"you"

Howard Stringer's eyes widened.

Michael continued, "I also want to tell you something else: I will announce that I am willing to share an additional 5% of the copyright revenue I control with other singers."

"What this means is self-evident. Singers and fans alike will only be grateful to me. You'll always be the bad guys. Can Sony really do that?"

"I'm just an individual, but Sony is a multinational publicly traded company. You're in it for the profits, and you're responsible to your shareholders."

Howard Stringer suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. He was absolutely certain that this was a premeditated operation, and that Sony had been caught in the trap all along.

Mike stood up as well: "Howard, Sony now only has two paths in front of it."

"Firstly, even if we both perish, Sony's losses will definitely be much greater than mine."

"Secondly, we parted ways amicably. Sony allowed me to leave with the copyrights, but I will abide by the rules and use these copyrights reasonably."

"And I can guarantee that I will not switch to Universal or Warner. The music market will remain a three-way competition, and the existing structure will not be broken."

"On the other hand, if we fight to the death, the only ones who will benefit in the end are the other companies."

"Mr. Howard, you are an excellent businessman. Excellent businessmen make the most appropriate decisions."

"However, as I said before, I'm only giving you two days to consider. If you don't give me a clear answer after two days, then I will consider Sony to have chosen the first option."

After saying that, Michael opened the door. Howard Stringer stared at him blankly for a while, then left without saying a word.

Watching Howard Stringer leave, Mike breathed a sigh of relief. The decision he had just made was the result of a long discussion between him and Eric. If Sony had remained stubborn, the outcome would have been disastrous.

Even with the air conditioning blasting in the car, Howard Stringer still felt unbearably hot after leaving Neverland Ranch.

It was a miscalculation. They thought they could easily control Michael Jackson, but instead, they were intimidated by him.

The most crucial point is that the other party only gave us two days, which isn't enough time to let things cool down.

Slightly annoyed, Howard Stringer slapped his forehead and said, "To the airport, I need to fly to Tokyo right away!"

Meanwhile, Michael let in the media gathered outside Neverland Ranch, telling them that there would be results in two days, which would be a major event that would shake the music industry.

Everyone waited anxiously, and two days passed in the blink of an eye.

During this period, Japanese media photographed Sony holding a shareholders' meeting, in which many wealthy individuals who hold shares attended as observers.

Eric and Michael had spoken on the phone several times. He had prepared all sorts of juicy details, ready to be released all at once should things turn bad.

As the black Cadillac drove into the Dream Estate, Howard Stringer, clearly in poor spirits, once again entered the room and began negotiating with Mike, just as he had two days earlier.

Midway through the negotiation, lawyer Meserio went in, and the three of them remained in the room until evening.

Looking at the food that had long since gone cold, the Black woman, Siti, sighed.

squeak

A moment later, the door finally opened, and the three of them came out.

"Michael, have something to eat. You've been hungry all day."

"Wait a moment, Siti, I'll be right back."

They let the reporters, who had been waiting all day, in again, and in front of everyone, Mike and Howard Stringer shook hands.

Reporters quickly pressed the shutter button, capturing this moment.

Howard Stringer cleared his throat and said, "After friendly negotiations, we are convinced that it was all a misunderstanding and the personal behavior of Tom Motora."

"Sony and Mr. Jackson have reached an agreement to terminate their contract early."

"From this moment on, he is an independent musician, but we are still good friends and will continue to be close partners in the future."

The reporters looked at him blankly. "Don't you want to listen to what you're saying? Aren't you going to court? Aren't you going to fight to the death?"

At this moment, Michael looked at Messerio. He wasn't thick-skinned enough to lie through his teeth.

Messerio then spoke in place of a mouthpiece: "Mr. Howard Stringer is right, it was all Tom Motora's doing, and he will be punished accordingly."

"Sony is a great company. They chose to let Mike leave with its own copyright, which is a great example of respecting the spirit of contracts."

"We appreciate Sony's grace and generosity, and we hope the rumors will stop. It's time to end this fight that has hurt both sides."

At this moment, Howard Stringer's heart was bleeding. Screw my elegance, screw my generosity, that's all money, billions of dollars worth of wealth.

The reporters watched in shock. Michael Jackson leaving Sony with half of the copyright meant he had won.

It is unheard of for an individual to force capital to compromise.

Does Mikey's ownership of these copyrights signify the rise of a new giant in the music industry?

Just as he said, this was a major event that shook the music world.

(End of this chapter)