Judge approves deals to reprint Michael Jackson’s autobiography ‘Moonwalk’

Judge approves deals to reprint ‘Moonwalk’

LOS ANGELES — A judge on Thursday cleared the way for Michael Jackson’s autobiography, “Moonwalk,” to return to store shelves in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff approved a request by the temporary administrators of the pop icon’s estate to enter into new publishing deals.

Details of the agreements were filed under seal. But the deals will allow the 1988 book to be reprinted in the United States, Canada, England, Germany and France.

Publishing rights in the United States and Canada will be given to Shaye Areheart, who was the original editor of “Moonwalk.” Her company is a part of Random House Inc.

“Moonwalk” has been out of print for more than a decade. It was originally published by Doubleday and was acquired by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Other publishers will handle the overseas releases.

The “Moonwalk” rights are the first deal that the temporary administrators of Jackson’s estate have brought to Beckloff for approval. The estate is being handled by attorney John Branca and music executive and Jackson family friend John McClain.

Court records state “Moonwalk” could hit store shelves in France by August. The records don’t indicate when sales in other countries would begin.

AP National Writer Hillel Italie contributed to this report.