Sideshow | M.J. ends fight over family items

Michael Jackson

has given up a legal campaign to block a Florida luggage transportation company, the Universal Express Inc., and Guernsey's Auction House from selling a treasure trove of 1,000 Jackson family items, said to be worth $50 mil.

Michael's legal team yesterday told a Las Vegas court that they had reached a confidential agreement with the three parties.

The stuff, which includes the former King of Pop's gold record for Thriller, was initially in the hands of an ex-biz partner who had won it in a bankruptcy case against M.J.

The New York Post and TMZ.com have said Michael's real worry wasn't the collection, but a few embarrassing items, including sex toys and portraits of naked kids.

Guernsey's says the May 30-31 auction - at the Hard Rock in Vegas - is still on.

Anne Heche

's divorce from some freelance videographer guy you've never heard of (

Coley Laffoon

) has gotten really nasty.

According to E!Online, Laffoon says he wants joint custody of the couple's 5-year-old son, Homer, but primary physical custody since he's the primary caregiver. He said Heche can't do the job because she is an unstable woman prone to "bizarre and delusional behavior." He also seeks $33,000 a month in child support and $15,000 in attorney fees. Heche's people have blasted Laffoon, and implied he's just after easy money.

A dark day for

Joe Simpson

: His girl

Jessica

and her bf

John Mayer

- the one Joe has said he loves very much - are done.

Some say it was inevitable. TMZ.com opines that John, who is on Time mag's 100 Most Influential list and has hung out with would-be prez John Edwards, was slumming with Jess, whose great achievement is marketing a line of hair extensions.

Then there's People.com, which quotes an Anonymous Source saying the bustup ain't permanent: "They have broken up and gotten back together at least 10 times before." Other sources say the couple have a solid history of PDAs, including public cuddling and snuggling, and have even taken a joint vacation in Italy.

Matt Groening

will mark

The Simpsons

' latest milestone - the 400th episode airs Sunday - with special guest Ludacris.

The 29-year-old Atlanta rapper - and nascent actor of some promise (Crash, Hustle & Flow) will guest-star on the animated classic.

But don't look for the hip-hopper: The energetic thesp will emote as Luda-Crest, a living, rhyming tube of toothpaste who stars in an infomercial about dental health that Lisa watches.

Walking With Dinosaurs: The Live Experience

, a show of 17 life-size fake dinos powered by animatronics, will be the main attraction at the Wachovia Spectrum from Aug. 15 to 17. Tix cost $25 to $50 and go on sale today at 10 a.m. Info: 1-800-298-4200 or

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