The King of Bahrain's son planned to revive Michael Jackson's career with songs he had written himself, London's High Court has heard.

Sheikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa also gave the pop star financial support, his lawyer said.

The royal is suing Mr Jackson for £4.7m for reneging on a music contract which would have paid back the loans.

An application has been made for the star to give evidence from the US via a video link during the 12-day hearing.

Sheikh's invitation

The sheikh and Mr Jackson had a "close personal relationship" during his six-month stay in Bahrain three years ago, the royal's lawyer Bankim Thanki told the court.

The singer travelled to the country, with his children and personal staff, at the sheikh's invitation "to relax" shortly after being cleared of child abuse charges in the US.

Prior to his stay, Sheikh Abdulla set up Mr Jackson with a recording studio on his Neverland ranch and sent him his own musical compositions.

A recording of a finished song will be played in court, Mr Thanki said. 

The court heard that under the agreement, an album, autobiography and stage play were to be produced.

In 2006, plans were announced for the star to release a new album on a label based in the Gulf state and owned by Sheikh Abdulla.

The sheikh claims that despite having paid the $2.2m (£1.5m) cost for Mr Jackson to record a song intended to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina, the singer failed to attend the studio for the final recording and the song was never released.

He also says he paid for and built a recording studio in Bahrain for Mr Jackson and himself to make recordings together

'Gifts'

In addition, he paid all the singer's living, travel and other expenses until his departure from Bahrain in May 2006, and advanced funds to retain legal and financial advisers.

Mr Jackson has contested the claim, saying there was no valid agreement, adding the sheikh's case is based on "mistake, misrepresentation and undue influence".

He has also said no project was ever finalised and payments were "gifts".

The singer has admitted that he signed a document which he understood gave him a substantial shareholding in the 2 Seas recording company.

But he challenges the sheikh's description of him as "an experienced businessman" and says he never read the terms of the document and was never advised to take independent legal advice.

He also claims that the sheikh, a powerful and influential public figure, exercised "undue influence" over him when he was emotionally exhausted after his highly-publicised criminal trial.

The dispute comes just days after the singer had to give up his Neverland ranch due to financial problems.

The hearing will continue on Tuesday.

I know alot of you don't like Michael Jackson, but I love his music! I don't like the guy either because my gut tells me he did do things with kids, but I'm still a fan of his music. Sorry, you like what you like! :-\\
I love his stuff from 'Off The Wall' to his 'History in the making' album. The 80s and first half of the 90's was his golden age. He will never reach the peak he once did in 1983 with Thriller, but I hope he makes a comeback because I like his music. But I hope he makes something better than his 2001 Invincible album and something innovative. That album was horrible! But I'm afraid he's lost his magic touch.  :-\\

Michael Jackson could be made to attend the High Court in London, despite his doctor saying he is unfit to travel

Good thing MJ only has one glove.

Because after angering the sheikh, he might leave Bahrain with only one hand.  :o :o :o

Michael Jackson sheikh making a comeback, eh?

Sorry....
:-\\

Michael Jackson could be made to attend the High Court in London, despite his doctor saying he is unfit to travel


He has been declared fit to travel and will be in London in two days

He has been declared fit to travel and will be in London in two days
To appear at the High Court on Tuesday

To appear at the High Court on Tuesday


I wonder if he will reprise his "dancing on the roof of my SUV" maneuver? ???

Can somebody clarify something for me please.

If Sheik Rama Lama Ding Dong is from Bahrain, then why is he taking Michael to LONDON in order to sue him? Why isn't it being held in his own country? That's what I can't uncderstand.

And unless he has a written contract with Michael's little signature on it, it will be a verbal contract and strcitly Michael's word against his.

(You really think I was gonna pop in here an not leave my two cents. LOL. )

"The case is being held in London by mutual agreement of both parties. "

BBC News report

This is the story I read but I didn't post a link.

Hey thanks Karen!

I must have missed that. I was wondering why Michael and Sheik Ring Ding were meeting there. Thank you!  :)

Hey thanks Karen!

I must have missed that. I was wondering why Michael and Sheik Ring Ding were meeting there. Thank you!  :)


Also there are a lot of ties between Britain and Bahrain

Dear Sheik Rama Lama Ding Dong Doodle Long Duk Dong,

How do you say "flit boy" in Arabic?

Sincerely,

Sultan LyricBoy bin Netscape al-Windows bin Google Al-Picksburgh

Michael Jackson has avoided a trip to London to give evidence in court by settling out of court. Yet to hear the amount.