Neverland reduces staff but not closed

Michael Jackson's spokeswoman has insisted Neverland is not closing despite reducing its staff.

Most of the ranch's employees have been let go after the singer narrowly dodged legal action for not paying them.

"It is public knowledge that Mr. Jackson currently resides in the Middle Eastern country of Bahrain," said a statement from his spokeswoman Raymone Bain. "He therefore decided to close his house and reduce his work force."

She denied the California property is fully closing, however. She maintained: "Reports indicating that Neverland has been closed or 'shut down' for good are inaccurate."

State officials have confirmed that 46 employees have now been paid in full, though Jackson still faces more than $170,000 in penalty fines.

Investigators also revealed that the Neverland employees are now not working directly for Jackson. A family member is organising security, while responsibility for the more than 30 species of animals has been given to a vet in the area.