- 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".
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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."
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- 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.
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- © 2003 Independent Digital (UK) Ltd
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- http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/story.jsp?story=477093
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