Split MJ Decision

A Southern California jury delivered a split decision July 14th in the bitter money dispute between Michael Jackson and former adviser F. Marc Schaffel.

Schaffel, who originally sued Jackson for $3.8 million, was awarded $900,000 on his claim that he wasn’t paid for commissions, loans and expenses before he was fired in November 2001. He was allegedly fired after Jackson discovered Schaffel’s background producing and directing gay pornography. The former King of Pop was awarded $200,000 in his cross-complaint that claimed Schaffel owed the singer $660,000 before he was fired.

“Obviously, I’m very happy,” Schaffel said outside court. “We got less than I asked for but considering all the factors on what we were able to present, I’m pleased.”

The trial, which began June 29th, covered financial minutiae stemming from Schaffel’s claim he wasn’t paid for work he did on two television productions and Jackson’s failed 2003 charity single “What More Can I Give,” which was intended to raise funds for victims of the September 11th terrorists attacks.

Schaffel also claimed he used $300,000 of his own money to make a secret payment to a “Mr. X” in South America at Jackson’s request. Schaffel didn’t say why.

During his cross-examination about his ties to the gay porn industry, Schaffel reportedly blurted out that Jackson wanted his help finding boys to adopt in Brazil. He later changed his statement to say Jackson wanted to adopt more “children.”

Jackson, whose taped deposition was played for the jury, said he was sure Schaffel had been paid because “he always seemed to be happy.” MJ’s countersuit accused Schaffel of pilfering funds and pretending he was still affiliated with the pop star after the two parted ways.

Schaffel was the executive director for the single and allegedly owned the song rights. Jackson denies that claim, saying he wrote the song and the rights belonged to him.