Bahrain Royal Sues Pop Prince Jacko

A Bahrain sheikh has challenged fallen-pop star Michael Jackson at London's High Court over a reneged financial agreement to record new material.

Jackson allegedly backed-out of a creative arrangement he made with the king of Bahrain's son, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Khalifa, who reportedly financially supported the star.

A lawyer representing the Sheikh accused Jackson of failing to abide by the terms of the agreement; however, the performer has claimed the money was gifted, and that projects were never finalised.

Speaking in court yesterday, Bankim Thanki said his client had paid the pop star a series of cash sums since 2005 in exchange for a new album and an autobiography.

On one occasion, the sheikh helped 50-year-old Jackson clear mounting bills at his Californian Neverland Ranch worth $35,000 (£23,400), according to Mr Thanki.

In April 2005, Jackson reportedly asked the royal for one million dollars through an assistant, the court was told.

Mr Thanki said: "Sheikh Abdullah made many more payments on his behalf or to others,

"Sheikh Abdullah began to support Mr Jackson financially after 2005 when it became clear that Mr Jackson was in very serious financial difficulties, much to Sheikh Abdullah's surprise."

Jackson lived as a guest of the Bahrain royal family after his acquittal of child abuse charges in 2005.

At the time it was reported the star was facing financial ruin.

In April 2006, Bahrain music label Two Seas Records released a statement announcing Jackson would record a new album, due for release in 2007.

Jackson is now being sued for allegedly reneging on a $7 million "pay-back" agreement designed to repay money the sheikh had advanced to him.

The sheikh claimed he and Jackson entered into a "combined rights agreement" under which the star was committed to a recording contract, an autobiography and a musical stage play.

Jackson has contested that there was no valid agreement and that the case is based on "mistake, misrepresentation and undue influence."

The full court hearing is expected to commence in 12 days, with an application submitted to allow Jackson to provide evidence via a video link from LA.

(PR/JM)