The jury heard tapes of Mr Jackson's dealings with Mr Schaffel

But the sum was well below the $3.8m Marc Schaffel originally demanded and the court also awarded Mr Jackson $200,000 in a cross-complaint.

Mr Schaffel had said he was not paid for work on an unreleased charity record and documentaries with the star.

Mr Jackson alleged Mr Schaffel owed him a total of $660,000.

Abstentions

The jury in the civil court in Santa Monica had earlier asked a number of questions, heard repeated testimony and then wanted to know if it could arrive at a split decision.

Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Connor said some jurors could abstain from voting as only nine need to agree a verdict in a civil case.

Mr Schaffel had previously lowered his demand to $1.6m then further to $1.4m.

The court had earlier heard phone messages between the two men.

In a message from 2001, Mr Jackson said: "Marc, please never let me down. I like you. I love you.

"I really want us to be friends and conquer the business world together. Please be my loyal, loyal friend."