Jackson splits from lawyers

Michael Jackson has parted from lawyers representing him in a court action, with the law firm claiming it quit but the pop star saying he fired them.

The firm, Wachtel & Masyr, quit the case after it said it had not been paid and had difficulty contacting the singer. However, a letter from Michael Jackson said he had fired the lawyers last month.

Finance company Prescient Acquisition Group is suing the singer, saying it is owed $48m (€37.5m). The firm alleges it helped Mr Jackson find investors to help pay off a $272.5m (€213m) debt, and arrange $537.5m (€419m) in financing to secure the Beatles' back catalogue.

US District Judge Kevin Castel said he wanted the parties back in court on September 5, and that Michael Jackson had to hire a new lawyer or appear himself.

A California court last month awarded $900,000 to an ex-business associate of the troubled star who sued for $3.8m (€3m) he said he was owed. The court awarded Michael Jackson $200,000 (€156,000) in a cross-complaint.