Michael Jackson agreed to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in back wages owed to employees at his Neverland ranch, in payments to be distributed Thursday, according to California state officials.
The payments will help prevent a potential lawsuit.
"There is no need to take legal action in this matter at this time as our main concern that all employees receive wages owed to them is being addressed," said Robert Jones, acting California labor commissioner. "Arrangements have been made to ensure that all employees are paid wages owed them."
The department said at least 30 workers complained they had not been paid since Dec. 19 and were owed $306,000. Jackson also was told he would have to pay about $100,000 in penalties.
Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone K. Bain, told the Associated Press she "never doubted (the matter) would be resolved." She said Jackson has not commented because he considers his financial matters private.
Since his exoneration by a jury on charges of child molestation last year, Jackson, 47, is said to have taken up residence in Bahrain.
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