Michael Jackson buys palace in Bahrain?

Aug 1, 2005, 15:02 GMT

Michael Jackson has reportedly bought a palace in Bahrain.

Sources claim the troubled singer has splashed out an undisclosed sum on the luxury property, after enjoying a recent holiday in the Middle Eastern country.

According to America's New York Post newspaper, the mansion sits on 14 acres of land and is next door to a palace belonging to Jackson's friend Sheik Abdullah bin Hamad al Khalifa.

He is said to have fallen in love with the country because he can enjoy relative anonymity there.

Last month, Jackson jetted to Bahrain for a "relaxing" holiday after his child abuse trial.

The acquitted singer flew by private jet to the Gulf state and was said to be staying as a guest of the Royal family, with whom he has been friends for many years.

A state official, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed at the time: "Michael Jackson is here in Bahrain on a friendly visit to relax and enjoy the hospitality.

"He is a long time friend of the royal family."

The eccentric singer's brother, Jermaine, is said to be very close to the country's royal family.

The star and the King's son, Sheik Abdullah, earlier this year announced they were releasing a charity record together.

A source revealed to Bahrain's Gulf News newspaper recently: "Jackson is here to rest, relax and spend time with long-standing friends.

"We are delighted to have him here He didn't want to go anywhere else, he came straight here."

However, Jackson's lawyers claim they no nothing about him buying a property in Bahrain.

Copyright 2005 BANG Media International