Michael Jackson to testify in British court

Michael Jackson will appear in a British court next week to testify in a lawsuit brought against him by a Bahraini prince, the singer's lawyer said yesterday.

The reclusive 50-year-old pop star is being sued by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Khalifa, the second son of the king of Bahrain, who says Mr Jackson reneged on a contract to record a new album and write an autobiography.

He also says Mr Jackson owes him $7 million after the prince paid for his legal costs, travel and other expenses.

Mr Jackson spent time in Bahrain as a guest of the royal family following a 2005 trial at the end of which he was acquitted of child molestation charges.

"He has been cleared by his medical advisers to travel in two days' time," Mr Jackson's lawyer Robert Englehart told the High Court in London.

"Mr Jackson is intending to travel to this country... and will be available to give evidence to your lordship." The US singer is expected to appear on Monday afternoon.

Dr Englehart had initially argued that Mr Jackson was unwell and should not travel, handing the judge a report earlier this week on the singer's medical condition.

Bankim Thanki, representing Sheikh al-Khalifa, said the medical evidence produced was "pretty unsubstantial" and that Mr Jackson had a habit of producing a "sick note" when he did not want to turn up in court.

Sheihk Al-Khalifa took the witness stand yesterday and faced a barrage of questions from Dr Englehart about his relationship with Mr Jackson and whether he had ever expected to be repaid the sums he paid to the star.

Mr Jackson contests that there was no valid agreement with Sheikh al-Khalifa and that the sheikh's case is based on "mistake, misrepresentation and undue influence".

In his pleaded defence, Mr Jackson said the payments he received were "gifts" and that no project was ever finalised.

"It would be fair to say that you are, at least by the ordinary standards of the English bourgeoisie, extremely wealthy?" Dr Englehart asked.

"I would see myself as someone who is very fortunate, yes," Sheikh al-Khalifa replied.

Sheikh Al-Khalifa said he had originally explored the idea of recording and working with Mr Jackson's brother Jermaine before collaborating with Michael.

The court heard how he spent $450,000 to fund Jermaine's travel to and expenses in Bahrain in late 2004 and early 2005, and paid for a Rolls-Royce car for him in California.

"You undoubtedly are an extremely generous person," Dr Englehart said.

Sheikh Al-Khalifa has said he felt betrayed by Michael Jackson.

"Michael is an individual who is very switched on," he said. "He is a fantastic businessman and a fantastic intellectual."