Sheikh sues Jackson over music contract

LONDON, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The King of Bahrain's son is suing U.S. pop star Michael Jackson for about $7 million in London's High Court for allegedly backing out of a business venture.

The BBC said Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa alleges he gave Jackson financial support as part of a pact that was to produce an album, including songs the royal wrote for and planned to record with Jackson, as well as an autobiography and a stage play.

However, Jackson contends he never signed an official agreement and insists the payments he received from the sheik were "gifts," claiming the royal's case is based on "mistake, misrepresentation and undue influence," the BBC said.

A request has been made to have Jackson testify from the United States via video link at some point during the scheduled 12-day hearing, the BBC said.