Jackson 'brainwashed by black separatists'

The saga surrounding Michael Jackson 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 New York Times and other American media that the Nation of Islam was handling Jackson's security arrangements. They also claimed that members of the religious group were organising elements of his media and legal strategy. The 45-year-old pop star has reportedly moved to Los Angeles, accompanied by Nation of Islam members, after leaving his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara.

A senior Jackson employee told The New York Times that the Nation of Islam had "taken over completely and are in full and total charge" of the pop star's affairs. Another source added: "These people are basically brainwashing him. Everyone is scared of them. They pretty much keep Michael semi-captive."

The Nation of Islam, which advocates a separate African-American state, said in a statement that it had not taken over Jackson's business affairs, nor taken a central role in his defence strategy.