Jackson Memorabilia Items Held Back By Tohme

A treasure trove of MICHAEL JACKSON keepsakes that were stopped from going up for auction have yet to be returned to the late superstar’s estate - because the singer’s one-time manager has failed to sign the release papers.

Julien’s Auction House owner Darren Julien and his partner Martin Nolan agreed to return all 1,390 items they had hoped to put under the hammer in April (09) to MJJ Productions after the singer objected to the mass sale.

At the time of the settlement, MJJ Productions was being represented by Jackson’s former manager, Dr. Tohme. However, the two parties have now split and a dispute over who is in charge has held up the return of memorabilia.

Tohme has complicated matters by insisting Julien’s Auction House deal directly with him over the matter, while executives for MJJ Productions have warned against dealing with Tohme.

Julien and Nolan are keen to resolve the issue and send all the items back to the Thriller hitmaker’s family in the wake of his June (09) death, but insist Tohme is holding up the proceedings by refusing to sign away his claim.

Julien’s lawyer Jerry Hawxhurst tells TMZ.com Tohme was sent the release documents last month (Aug09) - but he’s still yet to return them.

Tohme faces a legal fight with Julien’s if he fails to sign the papers within weeks, but Hawxhurst admits taking the doctor to court would be costly and “completely unnecessary”.