Jackson sued by 'Thriller' director

Michael Jackson has been sued for breach of contract by the director of his 'Thriller' music video.

According to The Wrap, John Landis has accused the singer of not paying him royalties from the video for the past four years.

Landis has filed a lawsuit in the Los Angeles Superior Court claiming that he is owed 50% of the net profits from the 14-minute video which he co-wrote and directed. He is also claiming royalties from an hour-long 'making of' documentary that he directed.

In the lawsuit, Landis accuses Jackson of "fraudulent, malicious and oppressive conduct". It is thought that he is suing for around $1 million.

A solicitor for the director said: "I can't understand what they are doing to John Landis's company. It is such a straight ahead thing. It makes no sense at all to me."

Jackson's representatives have declined to comment.

Landis's previous directing credits include The Blues Brothers and Animal House.