Michael Jackson has been ordered to pay an additional $175,000 to legal firm Ayscough And Marar, who successfully sued the singer over unpaid fees earlier this year. The latest figure is to compensate the law firm for having to hire an, erm, law firm to represent it in its original legal fight.
As previously reported, Ayscough And Marar assisted with some periphery matters relating to Jacko's high profile child abuse court case back in 2005, as well as on his dispute with former business associate Marc Schaffel. When their work went unpaid they sued Jackson, who promptly counter-sued, as you do. But Jacko's countersuit was thrown out of court and he was ordered to pay the law firm the $256,000 in unpaid fees. With the new legal costs judgement, Jackson now owes Ayscough And Marar $430,000.
Jackson's current attorney (who knows when he's getting paid, one hopes) Thomas Mundell has reportedly told reporters "We're very happy with this outcome", though it is unclear if that means the singer will now pay up. Ayscough And Marar confirmed this week it is yet to see the original $256,000 let alone the new monies.