Activists 'running Jacko's business affairs'

The Nation of Islam is rallying to support Michael Jackson and has begun handling some of his security as the pop star prepares to defend himself against child sex abuse charges, it was reported today.

As defence lawyer Mark Geragos held a news conference on Jackson’s behalf after charges were announced on December 18, one of those standing behind him was Leonard Muhammad, identified on the Nation of Islam’s website as its chief of staff.

The group of black activists also handled security for a December 20 party at Jackson’s Neverland estate, sources close to the Jackson camp said.

But the Chicago-based group has issued a statement strongly denying that it has taken over some of Jackson’s business affairs or that it is taking a central role in his defence strategy.

“The Nation of Islam, in response to several inquiries, has said today that it has no official business or professional relationship with Mr. Michael Jackson,” said a statement issued by The Final Call, the group’s newspaper.

“The Nation of Islam joins thousands of other people in wishing him well.”

Geragos also denied any central role for the group in aiding Jackson.

“They are not part of his defence,” he said. “I’m certainly not pushing away support from anyone, but I don’t ask people what their religious affiliation is when they offer support.

“A lot of people have reached out to Michael. Jesse Jackson has called, and I’ve spoken to him. Tons of people are supportive.”

Geragos also downplayed Muhammad’s presence at the December 18 news conference: “He’s one of Michael’s supporters,” he said.

Sources close to the Jackson camp and who are familiar with the entertainer’s financial affairs said Nation of Islam members handled security during the December 20 Neverland party.

The sources also said the group began taking over some of Jackson’s business affairs, and Muhammad and other Nation of Islam members had been working out of Geragos’ office. Geragos denied that claim.

As the Nation of Islam inserted itself, many of Jackson’s regular advisers were unable to gain access to the singer, the sources claimed.

Meanwhile, yesterday, long-time Jackson spokesman Stuart Backerman said he had resigned because of what he called “strategic differences”. He refused to comment on the reports that the Nation of Islam had become involved with the Jackson camp.

Geragos said Backerman was sacked five days ago because he spoke to the news media during the Jackson family get-together on December 20 at Neverland, the entertainer’s estate near Santa Barbara, California.

The event was designed to show support for the embattled singer after he was charged with seven counts of performing lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 14 and two counts of administering an intoxicating agent, reportedly wine.

“He was terminated by me personally for talking when I told him not to,” Geragos said.

Backerman responded: “That’s untrue. I was the spokesman up until I just resigned. I was not fired.”

Backerman, who has been Jackson’s spokesman for a year and a consultant for six months before that, acknowledged that Geragos asked him after the party to not speak to the media again until they had further discussions.

Lawyer Brian Oxman, a close friend of the Jackson family who has represented some of them in litigation, said: “I’m aware of the claims about the Nation of Islam and the factors behind them. As to what the details are, I have no information. I’ve heard of the claims, but I do not know their validity.”

Two of Jackson’s advisers, Charles Koppelman and Alan Whitman, said they remained in charge of his music and finances.

Asked about the Nation of Islam’s reported role in directing Jackson’s affairs, Koppelman said, “It’s not the case as to his music, finances and assets. I think it’s primarily in security.”

Jackson’s brother, Jermaine, has converted to Islam but is not a member of the Nation of Islam. He was asked during an appearance on CNN television whether his brother planned to convert and answered no.

Geragos also ridiculed the Nation of Islam reports on the same show.