Never Mind, Neverland: Michael Jackson Auction Halts

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Yesterday, as a 30,00 square foot exhibit of Michael Jackson's personal effects opened to the public in Beverly Hills, lawyers were working behind the scenes to cancel the auction set to follow. The items on display—including the glove from "Billie Jean," a life-sized Darth Vader, and a carousel horse signed by Elizabeth Taylor—come from Jackson's shuttered Neverland Ranch.

The auction house says Jackson handed everything over happily, but back in March he sued to stop the sale. A judge ruled that it could move forward, but auction director Darren Julien agreed yesterday to stop the event and return everything. (Reuters on the terms of the agreement: Julien "did not say how much Jackson had agreed to pay under Tuesday's settlement but added; 'We are very happy. We are happy because he is happy.'") While you can't actually purchase any of the stuff now, it will remain on display in Beverly Hills until April 25.
· Michael Jackson auction halted [All the Rage]
· Michael Jackson auction canceled, exhibit continues [Reuters]
· Shopping Thriller: The Michael Jackson Auction Kicks Off in Beverly Hills [Racked]