Jackson replaces his legal team

Michael Jackson is replacing high-profile lawyers Mark Geragos and Benjamin Brafman in his child molestation case.

The pop superstar’s new lawyer will be Thomas Mesereau Jr, another well-known criminal defence attorney who represented actor Robert Blake in his murder case until they recently parted company, citing irreconcilable differences.

“Based on recent developments and discussions with various persons in the Jackson camp, it became clear that it would be best if Mark and I decided to step down,” Mr Brafman said. “And that’s what we elected to do.”

Asked why, he said: “For reasons we choose not to discuss publicly.”

He added, “We both wish Michael well.”

Mr Mesereau, who has been meeting with Jackson in the Orlando, Florida, area, declined to answer questions yesterday. “I’ll have no comment on the developments until I appear in court Friday,” he said, referring to a pre-trial hearing where Jackson is expected to be arraigned.

Jackson’s spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, said she was unaware of the change when asked about it by a reporter.

Mr Geragos said he, Mr Brafman and Mr Mesereau will notify Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville of the substitution of counsel during a conference call today.

He declined to discuss reasons for the change.

Jackson’s case moved into a new phase last week when a grand jury secretly indicted him on child molestation charges.

Contents of the indictment are not yet known and will be disclosed at his arraignment.

Jackson, aged 45, was originally charged with seven counts of lewd or lascivious conduct involving a child under 14 and with administering an intoxicant, reportedly wine, to a child under 14.

The indictment means that a grand jury has decided there is probable cause to hold Jackson for trial.

Jackson is free on bail and recently has been staying at a Florida compound with his children.