Michael Jackson / Paul Anka Controversy

Paul Anka has spoken out after Michael Jackson's new single 'This Is It' was released without giving him any songwriting credit.

Michael Jackson's proposed run at the O2 Arena still looms large in the public's consciousness. Crafting a spectacular stage show, the 'Thriller' icon sadly died before he could begin his much discussed residency.

The singer's attempt to play 50 nights at the venue has been captured for posterity in the forthcoming film 'This Is It'.

Taken from the film, a 'new' Michael Jackson track was released as a single last week (October 12th). Available as a download only single, 'This Is It' is not eligible for the charts - and as it turns out, the song isn't new either.

Originally written in 1983 with Paul Anka, the new single was initially released without giving the songwriter full credit. A situation that has now been rectified, Anka has spoken out about the recent controversy.

Speaking to TMZ, the songwriter insisted that he did not detect any malice in his name being left off the single.

"(It was) an honest mistake. I want to clear the record. I have spoken to the estate, they have understood that this has been a mistake – an honest mistake. They have clarified the issue."

"We are proceeding forward in a very, very positive manner. I've heard the record, they've made some major adjustments on the production that I started with Michael in my studio in '83. I like the way that it sounds."

Paul Anka is also set to receive royalties from the single. "They've (Jackson's estate) been very forthright. They're giving me exactly what is fair and deserved in terms of my ownership of this track and the song, and we are moving forward."

Michael Jackson's 'new' single 'This Is It' is out now.