Jackson is reported to have told friends in 2004 that Mr Bhatti was born after a one-night stand in 1984. Mr Bhatti, from Norway, is seeking a DNA test to establish the truth.

After the singer’s death, Mr Bhatti’s mother Pia said: “He was the King of Pop. But for us he was so much more.”

During his childhood Mr Bhatti lived at Jackson’s Neverland mansion for several years. Home video-footage shows a long-haired Mr Bhatti, then about 14, unwrapping Christmas presents with Jackson at the ranch.