Bahrain prince sues Michael Jackson in UK court

Michael Jackson in Court

Michael Jackson is to travel to London to defend allegations that he owes an Arab sheikh £4.7 million.

His lawyer, Robert Englehart QC, told Mr Justice Sweeney that he was withdrawing his application for Jackson to give his evidence via video link from Los Angeles because of health fears.

He said: “He has been cleared by his medical advisers to travel in two days’ time.”

Jackson is expected to arrive in the UK over the weekend to give his evidence on Monday afternoon.

The case involves Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, second son of the King of Bahrain, who is suing Jackson to get back what he says he spent on the star.

Bankim Thanki QC, representing the sheikh, told Mr Justice Sweeney that Jackson signed a contract for recording albums, writing an autobiography and staging shows in which it had been agreed that £4.7 million would be deducted from Jackson’s agreed royalties to pay for the expenses.

Jackson insists there was no valid agreement and that the sheikh’s case is based on “mistake, misrepresentation and undue influence”.

In his pleaded defence, Jackson says the payments he received were “gifts” and that no project was ever finalised.

Source: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20081120/ten-jackson-to-appear-in-uk-court-ea4616c.html

Madonna Divorce – “Never about the Money”

Madonne Guy Ritchie Divorce

Guy Ritchie has said “it was never ever about the money” as he and Madonna are set to get a “quickie” divorce at London’s High Court.

According to reports, Ritchie, 40, has done a “Piper” – by refusing to take a penny of 50-year-old Madonna’s estimated £300 million fortune.

Actress and former singer Billie Piper was praised when she walked away from her marriage to Chris Evans without taking any of his cash. Ritchie has had his own successful career and is believed to be worth around £30 million.

Ritchie, on hearing the news, said: “Thank God.” He added: “it was never ever about money.”

Proceedings will take just a matter of minutes at Court 10 of the Principal Registry of the High Court’s Family Division in High Holborn, central London.

The case is listed under the names Ciccone M L v Ritchie G S and will be heard before District Judge Reid. Their decree nisi will be announced at 10am. A decree absolute can then be granted after six weeks and one day, making the divorce final.

A compromise has also reportedly been reached over their children, which will see the couple’s sons Rocco, eight, and three-year-old adopted David Banda, splitting their time between Britain and the US.

Lourdes, 12, from Madonna’s relationship with Cuban-born fitness instructor and actor Carlos Leon, will remain with her mother.

Ritchie and Madonna announced they were splitting on October 15, ending months of speculation. They married seven years ago at a lavish ceremony in Scotland.

Source: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20081120/ten-madonna-divorce-never-about-the-mone-ea4616c.html