SANTA MONICA, CA (CelebrityAccess) – Michael Jackson’s former manager Tohme Tohme settled a nearly decade-long contractual dispute with the late King of Pop’s estate mid-trial earlier this week.
The trial began May 14, however, ended after just five days in court.
Tohme had sought nearly $20 million from the Jackson estate in the lawsuit filed in 2012, claiming that he was entitled to a 15% commission on funds generated by deals he arranged for Jackson that were received after Jackson’s death in June 2009. Tohme also claimed he was due a finder’s fee for securing a 2008 loan, which prevented foreclosure on Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.
The Jackson estate held that Tohme’s contract terminated with the singer’s death and he was entitled only to a percentage of income Jackson himself received while he was alive.
Before the trial began, Judge Mark A. Young dismissed part of the lawsuit in which Tohme sought some of the profits of the concert film “This Is It,” which was released after Jackson’s death.
A joint statement released by the two parties on Thursday read: “The Estate of Michael Jackson and Jackson’s former manager, Tohme Tohme, confirm that they have amicably settled a lawsuit that had been underway in the Santa Monica Superior Court. The Estate acknowledges his efforts on Michael’s behalf. The confidential settlement marks a resolution to an almost decade-long contractual dispute.”
