Court hears of Jacko's bills
2008-11-19 22:39
London - Michael Jackson spent £175 000 ($274 000) on a "mind-mapping guru" to help re-launch his music career.
The star borrowed the sum from Sheikh Abdulla Al-Khalif to pay psychology expert Tony Buzan - author of memory technique book Use Your Head - to provide "creative assistance" for his comeback, London's High Court heard on Tuesday.
Jackson, 50, is currently being sued by the sheikh for borrowing £4.7m ($7.3m) and failing to repay the sum by recording two new albums, writing an autobiography and penning a musical.
"Mr Buzan didn't come cheap as he is very much in demand," the sheikh's barrister, Bankim Thanki QC, said.
British author Buzan was hired for a week's work at £25 000 ($39 000) a session.
Too ill to travel
Meanwhile, Thanki has accused Jackson of trying to avoid giving evidence in the case after a letter from the Thriller singer's doctor explained he is currently too ill to travel to the UK because he "may or may not have a condition".
The star could testify via a video link from California, but Thanki insists he should be forced to attend in person.
The lawyer - who said his client felt "a strong sense of personal betrayal" over the affair - pointed out that Jackson had claimed to have been bitten by a snake during a previous civil case.
"My client is rightly sceptical," he said.
The sheikh is demanding the entire £4.7m ($7.3m), which is made up of extravagances including:
£23 500 ($36 885) in utility bills for Jackson's Neverland estate,
a 10-day Paris hotel bill of £105 000 ($164 000),
bank funds of £655 000 ($1.02m),
court costs during Jackson's child abuse case in 2005 totalling £1.5m ($2.35m),
£335 000 ($525 000) living expenses during six months in the Middle East;
Italian and UK holidays coming to £234 000 ($367 000).
Jackson insists the money was a "gift" and claims he did not read the terms and conditions of the contract before signing.
The hearing continues on Thursday. - Bang Showbiz.com
- Bang