Jackson-Sheik Settlement Is Hush-Hush

(AP)  The details of pop star Michael Jackson's settlement with a Bahraini prince are to remain confidential, a lawyer for the royal said Monday.

Attorney Bankim Thanki confirmed to London's High Court that Jackson and Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa had settled their legal dispute over a planned music project that fell apart in 2006.

Thanki said details of the agreement would not be disclosed.

In a joint statement e-mailed to reporters after the brief hearing, lawyers for Al Khalifa and Jackson confirmed that the dispute had been resolved.

"They wish each other well in their own, respective endeavors," the statement said.

Al Khalifa first befriended Jackson in the wake of his trial on child molestation charges in California. The sheik took the singer under his wing after he was acquitted in June 2005, moving him to Bahrain and showering him with money.

The sheik said the cash was an advance on a joint pop music venture that Jackson never fulfilled. Jackson denied the charge, saying the money was freely given. Al Khalifa was suing for $7 million, the amount he claims he gave Jackson as part of their project.

The singer had been due to testify Monday before the case was settled - but neither he nor the sheik showed up in court.

[gatofeo]

I heard that Michael had to pay up the ***!
But then, I''m sure he''s used to that sort of thing. Or not. Perhaps being the receiver, instead of the giver, was something new to him.
I''m sure he found it difficult to leave all those boys'' behind.

[eferrell2]

So quit running the story if there''s nothing to say!

[danielle_mom]

The latest rumor is that Big 3 and the automakers is courting MJ to do lobbying for them. Their only fear of MJ is that they might not see the money.