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70 employees at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch are being told by California labor authorities not to show up for work, the pop star let their workers compensation insurance lapse, and most workers haven't gotten a paycheck since December.
Dean Fryer: Those wages are at least $306,000, and maybe higher. Uh, there is also penalty associated with that, and we know that those penalties will be at least $100,000.
Jackson must pay up by Tuesday, or the State will take him to court. His spokeswoman declined to comment, but says they're taking steps to fix the problem.
Dean Fryer: But they're working closely with us to secure workers' compensation, but they also have to step up to the plate, and you know, take responsibility for these wages that have owed these, these employees.
While the state is looking out for employees, federal officials are keeping an eye on Jackson's menagerie of exotic animals. Last week officials made a surprise inspection, so far the animals appeared to be in good shape. But if workers can't care for them, they may also have to be removed.
Problems at Neverland are just a latest financial setback for the pop star, this weekend Jackson's accountants are working to come up with nearly half a million dollars to save the ranch.
For Good Morning America, H.N, ABC News, Los Angeles.
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