QUICK TAKES - May 7, 2009

Michael Jackson’s publicist and general manager has filed a $44-million lawsuit against the pop star, claiming he has not paid her for deals she’s made.

Raymone Bain of Washington has been Jackson’s spokeswoman for more than five years, speaking on his behalf in all sorts of matters including his child molestation trial. Three years ago, Jackson expanded her role by appointing her as head of the Michael Jackson Co. Inc. and his personal general manager.

In her lawsuit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Washington, Bain says Jackson agreed to pay her 10% of any agreements that she handled. She says he didn’t pay her for negotiating the release of a CD to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his “Thriller” album, refinancing his loan to keep the Beatles’ song catalog, and negotiations that led to an upcoming sold-out concert series in London.