Jacko lawyers dismiss fresh claims

Michael Jackson's lawyers have dismissed fresh child abuse claims as "a malicious smear campaign". They say the new allegations are aimed at damaging the singer's right to a fair trial in existing abuse charges.

Police in Los Angeles are investigating a fresh allegation of abuse against a young boy in the late 1980's but his lawyers say they "have to question the timing and purpose of this 20-year old false allegation being raised at this time."