Michael Jackson

In a split decision yesterday (Jul 14), a jury awarded Michael Jackson?s former adviser $900,000 ? a sum much less than what he sued the singer for. Jackson then received $200,000 in a counter-complaint.

F. Marc Schaffel originally sued for $3.8 million, but his claims were later reduced to $1.6 million, and his attorney ultimately asked the jury for $1.4 million in unpaid loans and expenses before deliberations began Thursday. Jackson?s attorney had said Schaffel owed the pop star $660,000.

Earlier in the day, the jury asked several questions before deliberation, like if they could award damages significantly different than claimed by the parties in the legal action. They were told they could do so but had to follow jury instructions on the law. The panel also asked to hear the court reporter read back testimony from Schaffel on how much he claimed was due to him from his business relationship with Jackson.