POP/ROCK - March 8, 1996

Jackson Sued for Sex Discrimination: Michael Jackson is facing yet another lawsuit, this time from a fired female employee who claims sex discrimination. Attorney Maureen Doherty, 36, is seeking unspecified damages in the lawsuit filed Wednesday in state court. She worked for 16 months as vice president and general counsel for Jackson’s company, MJJ Enterprises Inc., before being fired in 1994. Doherty claims she was treated differently from male colleagues who were all given support staff, while she had to do her own typing and answer her own phone. Jackson and his representatives had no comment on the suit.

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Remembering Minnie Pearl: Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire and Hank Williams Jr. were among the country music stars who paid tribute to legendary Grand Ole Opry comedian Minnie Pearl Wednesday at her funeral in Brentwood, Tenn. Also among the 1,600 mourners were singer Amy Grant and Grand Ole Opry performer Connie Smith, who both sang hymns. Pearl died Monday at age 83.