Jacko Cleared for Takeoff, Testimony

Canada

Jacko Cleared for Takeoff, Testimony

Thu., Nov. 20, 2008 7:33 AM PST by Gina Serpe

AP Photo/Jockel Finck, File

When it comes to his newly launched breach-of-contract trial, Michael Jackson is not only joining it, he's hoping to beat it.

The long-dethroned King of Pop has withdrawn his application to give testimony in his London case via a video link from the U.S. The move comes just days after Jackson made the request, claiming an undisclosed, though seemingly bandage-cured, illness prevented him from making the trip across the pond.

"He has been cleared by his medical advisers to travel in two days' time," his lawyer, Robert Englehart, told London's High Court this morning.

Jackson is expected to fly to the U.K. over the weekend and will begin his testimony in the flesh—at least what's left of it—on Monday afternoon.

The 50-year-old is embroiled in a $7 million suit filed by Sheik Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the son of the King of Bahrain. He claims Jackson reneged on a music deal that included a recording contract and book deal and play, as well as millions of dollars in advances.

Al-Khalifa took the stand today and if he was trying to vilify his legal adversary and longtime friend, he did a fairly poor job, referring to Jackson as "delightful" and "with it," albeit "emotionally vulnerable."

"I regarded him in the same way as other businessmen," he said. "He is a person who is very switched on, a fantastic businessman and fantastic intellectual."

Here's hoping he's also a fantastic witness.