Britney Spears Security Ruling Favors Pop Star  6/21/06

Pop star Britney Spears may escape paying the substantial overtime bill demanded by three former security guards, after a judge ruled the dispute must be settled through arbitration.

Silas Dukes, Lonnie Deshawn Jones and Randy Jones sued Spears in March (06), claiming they were owed money after being hired by Britney Brands Inc and Britney Touring Inc to watch over the 24-year-old singer and her home.

But they were left fuming at yesterday's (19JUN06) ruling, insisting they never agreed for the wage dispute to be arbitrated.

In addition, two of three arbitration meetings will be held in New York City instead of under California's more favorable laws, prompting concerns the men's case may suffer a disadvantage.

Their lawyers plan to appeal.