Michael Jackson, Bahrain prince sign legal deal

Michael Jackson and a son of the king of Bahrain signed an out-of-court settlement yesterday ending a legal dispute under which the prince sued the pop star saying he reneged on a recording contract and owed him money.

Neither Mr Jackson nor Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Khalifa were at London's High Court to hear their lawyers confirm to the judge that a deal had been struck.

Two hours later, both sides agreed on the wording of a short joint statement, which they said formally ended the dispute.

"Sheikh Abdullah and Michael Jackson are pleased to confirm that they have amicably settled their dispute which was in litigation before the High Court in London," said Philip Croall, senior partner at Freshfields law firm.

"They wish each other well in their own, respective endeavours," he told reporters. Both sides said details of the settlement would not be made public.

News of a settlement "in principle" was announced late on Sunday, sparing Mr Jackson the ordeal of having to travel to Britain to testify.

The reclusive 50-year-old originally said he would come to give evidence, sparking frenzied press interest and prompting court administrators to issue passes to media outlets to contain the crush in courtroom 73.

A small handful of die-hard fans came to the court yesterday to hear a lawyer address the judge for around 20 seconds, even though they knew Mr Jackson had cancelled plans to appear.

Mr Jackson's lawyers argued that there was no valid agreement with Sheikh Abdullah, and they tried to portray the prince as a generous but naïve, star-struck pop music amateur.

They also say Sheikh Abdullah's payments to Mr Jackson and his staff were intended as gifts, not part of a business agreement.