'Thriller' Actress Ola Ray Paid $75,000 in Royalties Dispute: Report

The Associated Press, Friday, January 4, 2013, 7:30am (PST)

Billboard -- Ola Ray, who played Michael Jackson's terrorized girlfriend in his iconic "Thriller" video, settled a long-simmering royalties dispute with the singer's estate last year for $75,000.

According to TMZ, the former Playboy Playmate received $55,000 of the payout with the rest going to her attorney.

Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' at 30: How One Album Changed the World

Ray filed a lawsuit against Jackson's estate in May 2009, just a month before the icon died, claiming unpaid royalties. The actress-model had made it known for years that she was not compensated much for the John Landis-directed video, released in 1983.

"Everyone thinks I made millions," she told the U.K.'s Sunday Mirror in late 2008. "But I don't care... I wouldn't change a thing."

Landis also filed a lawsuit against the estate concerning profits on the video. In August of last year, the estate told the Hollywood Reporter that an amicable settlement had been reached. Terms of the deal have remained confidential, however Landis and producer George Folsey Jr. had alleged they were owed $2.3 million.

Related article on Billboard.com:

Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' at 30: How One Album Changed the World

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