WEST HOLLYWOOD—An auction of more than 2,000 items from Michael Jackson's now-defunct Neverland ranch scheduled for next week has been canceled, after the king of pop sued last month to have it stopped, reports the Associated Press.

Julien's Auction House had planned the sale, which included the ranch's entry gates, a jeweled white glove, a Rolls Royce limousine, gold and platinum records, and art, for April 22–25, but Jackson's production company, MJJ Productions, sued in early March, saying Jackson had not authorized the sale. A judge blocked the attempt by MJJ to halt the auction earlier this month.

Another hearing, before a different judge, was scheduled for today, but MJJ and Julien's reached a settlement yesterday, the terms of which were not disclosed.

"There was so much interest from so many of Jackson's fans that instead of putting the items in the hands of private collectors, Dr. Tohme and Julien's Auction House have made arrangements that will allow the collection to be shared with and enjoyed by Jackson's fans for many years to come," said a somewhat cryptic statement from Jackson spokesman Tohme R. Tohme and auction organizer Darren Julien.

MJJ Productions and Julien's Auction House will also be making a "substantial" donation to the MusiCares program, which helps artists in need.

An exhibition of some 2,000 of Jackson's personal items opened for public viewing yesterday in Beverly Hills; as part of the settlement, it will remain on view, as scheduled, through next week. The entry fee is $20, and auction catalogues, which run $50 for a single volume and $200 for a five-volume box set, are still on sale.

Afterward, Jackson's possessions will be returned to him.

"I guess you could call it the greatest auction that never happened," said Julien.