‘Semi-captive Jackson in hands of Islamic black separatists’

THE Michael Jackson saga took a new twist yesterday amid reports that a black separatist group was taking over his affairs and keeping him “semi-captive”.

The claims were made as it emerged that Jackson's official spokesman Stuart Backerman had parted company with the star's team, citing "strategic differences" over the handling of child abuse allegations against the pop star.

Sources told the media that the Nation of Islam was handling Jackson's security arrangements.

The sources claimed that members of the religious group were also organising elements of his media and legal strategy.

The 45-year-old pop star has reportedly moved into a house in Los Angeles, accompanied by Nation of Islam members, after leaving his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara.

A senior Jackson employee said the Nation of Islam had "taken over completely and are in full and total charge" of the pop star's affairs.

Another source an unnamed business associate of Jackson's said: "These people are basically brainwashing him.

"They offer a false sense that they can control everything. Everyone is scared of them. They pretty much keep Michael semi-captive."

Another was quoted as saying: "Michael doesn't know what to do with them."

The employees and associates said they spoke out because the Nation of Islam, which advocates a separate African American state, went against Jackson's multi-cultural philosophy.

Jackson's multi-racial ideal has itself come under scrutiny in recent years as his appearance changed from black to white due to what he described as a medical condition.

Signs that the Nation of Islam had an interest in Jackson's case first emerged on December 18 when the pop star's lawyer Mark Geragos delivered a public defence of his client to the media.

During the address, Leonard Muhammad, the group's chief of staff, was seen standing in the background.

But the Chicago-based group said in a statement it had not taken over Jackson's business affairs, nor taken a central role in his defence strategy.

"The Nation of Islam, in response to several inquiries, said yesterday 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.

It added: "The Nation of Islam joins thousands of other people in wishing him well."

While Jackson's brother Jermaine has converted to Islam he said that his star brother had no plans to do the same.