The short-lived business partnership between Michael Jackson and Sheikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the son of the King Of Bahrain, is being analysed by the High Court in London, because the Sheikh is using the UK courts to sue the singer over allegations he reneged on a business contract and failed to repay loans.
As previously reported, Jackson set up shop in Bahrain at the Shiekh's invitation after he had been cleared of those child abuse charges back in 2005. He spent six months there, and during that time there was much talk of Jackson working on new material that would be released by a new record company set up by Abdulla, but no releases ever materialized and the venture was eventually wound up having produced nothing. It was during this time Jackson said he was working on an all-star charity record to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina back home in the US. Said charity record never materialised either.
Abdulla claims that Jackson was in breach of contract when he abandoned their business ventures, which reportedly included plans for an autobiography and stage play in addition to a new album. Jackson argues there was no valid agreement between the two men, and that financial advances made by Abdulla during their short friendship were gifts.
Speaking for Abdulla in court yesterday, lawyer Bankim Thanki outlined some of the expenditure met by the Sheikh on Jacko's behalf, including the building of a recording studio in Bahrain, and covering living, travel and legal costs for the singer and his children. Abdulla, his lawyer says, considered Jackson a friend, and hoped to enjoy creative and business success with him, by collaborating on songwriting projects and releasing the singer's future recordings.
Jackson reportedly claims that, while he did sign a contract, he didn't read it, and thought it dealt simply with his shareholding in Abdulla's record company, 2 Seas, and not his business obligations to the Sheikh in return for the facilities he was using. Abdulla's people argue that Jackson is "an experienced businessman" and would therefore not sign a contract without first reading it, but Jacko disputes claims he has business acumen. He also says that none of the Shiekh's people recommended he seek independent legal advice, which he would have done had he understood the implications of the agreement.
An application has been made to force Jackson to testify in the case, albeit by video link from the US. It remains to be seen if that happens. The case continues in the High Court today.