Can things possibly get worse? Well, yes. Back in 2005, Jacko stayed for six months in Bahrain with (deep breath) Sheikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa in order to keep his profile low after being acquitted of child abuse allegations.

While he was there, the Sheik reportedly cobbled together a recording studio and paid Jackson a £4.7m advance to create new material. Ironic, really - 4.7 million is the exact number of copies of 'Invincible' that can be found rotting in bargain buckets nationwide. Along with a couple of discarded noses.

The Sheik also wanted Jackson to pen an autobiography. Needless to say: not only did the music never arrive, but the book didn't either. Although maybe Jacko was just a bit unhappy with the proposed titles: 'The Little Boy That Could (Become A Freak)' or the more brutally honest 'Jesus Christ, I Really Am A Fucking Laughing Stock, Aren't I?'

The Sheik claims that Jacko simply took the money and ran. So he's going to bring a lawsuit before the High Court in London today. Jackson's thoughts on the whole issue? He claims that the money was given to him as a "gift".

Still - should Mikey-boy end up in court himself, it'll surely make a nice change to deal with defendants who don't have to rush away at 4 to do their paper-round…

by CJ