Michael Jackson threatens action over auction

Pop star Michael Jackson is considering legal action to stop an auction of a massive collection of items spanning the singer's career and that of his family.

Raymone K. Bain, a spokesperson for the star, says Jackson is "extremely upset" about the proposed sale, slated for the end of May. Bain said Jackson may go to court to halt the sale of 2,000 items.

Some of the objects up for auction include handwritten lyrics and a fedora the 48-year-old reclusive star once wore.

New York's Guernsey auction house has the collection on display.

"Buyers will be of every description, from the most dedicated fans to the corporate buyer who sees this as interesting material to display," predicted Aarlan Ettinger, head of Guernsey.

The collection previously made news back in 2004 when some items, including Jackson's underwear, were handed over to investigators as evidence in a child molestation case against the singer.

Jackson was acquitted in a California court in 2005.

The collection, which spans nearly three decades in Jackson's career, was also once the subject of a legal battle between the singer and a business partner.

Other keepsakes include Janet Jackson's ballet shoes and a Mae West costume she wore in her first performance with the Jackson Five.The black jacket with gold epaulets Michael wore during the 1980s, a gold record for his Thriller album and an autographed program for the Jacksons' Victory tour will also be on the block.

Fans will be able to bid on eBay during the live auction taking place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.