Saying he was "forced to overpay" isn't a fair characterization. As a joke that went too far, he voluntarily offered to overpay at what in hindsight was the pea

Saying he was "forced to overpay" isn't a fair characterization. As a joke that went too far, he voluntarily offered to overpay at what in hindsight was the peak, then signed a contract making it official. He was only forced to uphold the contract.