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Jacko's debt deadline
Showbiz
13:30 14 March 2006
Michael Jackson has until the end of today (14.03.06) to pay his Neverland Ranch staff - or face a court battle.
California state regulators gave the 'Bad' singer the deadline after workers claimed he owed them $306,000 in back pay.
Dean Fryer, a spokesman for the California Department of Industrial Relations, said: "We've got all these wage claims. People are telling me they haven't been paid from December 19.
"If they don't comply then we file suit to get a judgment."
The ruling means that if Jackson fails to pay up on time, he will be taken to court and made to the outstanding wages plus a $69,000 fine and $100,000 in penalties.
The singer's spokeswoman, Raymone K. Bain, told state regulators the eccentric star "is aware" of the problems and is "sure this will be resolved."
However, Jackson - who was last year cleared of child sex charges - has been rumoured to be in financial trouble.
Forensic accountant John Duross O'Bryan testified at the star's trial claiming the entertainer had an "ongoing cash crisis" and was spending $20 million to $30 million more per year than he earned.
Jackson's people deny the 'Black Or White' singer is short of funds.
(c) BANG Media International
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