Michael Jackson's bed removed from planned auction

[November 16, 2011]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The bed where Michael Jackson died is no longer available for sale.

Julien's Auctions has removed the queen-sized headboard from its auction of items from 100 North Carolwood Drive, Jackson's last residence.

"This item is the only portion of the bed that had been listed for auction, and no part of the bed remains for sale," company president Darren Julien said Tuesday, adding that he removed the carved headboard seen in evidence photos during the criminal trial of Jackson's physician from the auction's lots at the request of Jackson's estate.

Dr. Conrad Murray was convicted last week of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death.

The day Murray was convicted, Julien's Auctions announced that it would sell the contents of the rented Bel Air mansion where Jackson lived as he prepared for his ill-fated series of comeback concerts. Among the items available are antique furnishings, oil and watercolor paintings and other effects, including a chalkboard with a message from one of Jackson's children that reads, "I (heart) Daddy."

Julien said that the mattress where Jackson took his final breaths "was never included in the auction and, in fact, is the property of The Estate of Michael Jackson." Only the headboard had been offered for sale.

"Michael Jackson has played a major part in the history of Julien's Auctions and we would never do anything that is not in the best interests of Michael's children, his mother or the Estate. We will always honor these requests," Julien said in a statement.

His company sold items from Jackson's Neverland Ranch and one of the singer's spangled gloves -- which fetched more than $400,000 -- in 2009.

"We want all of our events involving items associated with Michael Jackson to be a good experience for everyone and a celebration of his life and career," Julien said.

Julien's Auctions will host a free exhibit of items from the Carolwood house at the company's Beverly Hills, Calif. Headquarters beginning Dec. 12. The auction is set for Dec. 17. Photos of the house and the items available for sale are featured in a limited-edition auction catalog, which is being sold for $100.

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Online:

http://www.juliensauctions.com/ 

[Associated Press; By SANDY COHEN]

AP Entertainment Writer Sandy Cohen can be reached at http://twitter.com/APSandy.

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