Jacko's Spokesman Splits

As Michael Jackson and his attorneys size up the impact - good or bad - from his dramatic interview on 60 Minutes, there's been a shakeup in his inner circle.

Jackson's spokesman Stuart Backerman has split - either fired or resigned - in a dispute over what Backerman calls "strategic differences."

According to Backerman, he quit - news he confirmed just one day after the interview Jackson gave in which the pop star denied doing anything sexual with children but also said he didn't see anything wrong with children sleeping with grown men and had done so himself as a child star.

In that same interview, Jackson accused police of mistreating him and causing injuries to his arm and shoulder - an account denied by police and questioned by several doctors interviewed by CBS News.

Backerman's claim that his exit as Jackson's spokesman was voluntary is disputed by Jackson defense attorney Mark Geragos, who says Backerman was fired six days ago for disregarding an order not to talk to reporters during a Jackson family gathering at Neverland, the entertainer's estate near Santa Barbara.

The event was designed to show support for the embattled singer after he was charged with seven counts of performing lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 14 and two counts of administering an intoxicating agent, reportedly wine.

Backerman, says Geragos, "was terminated by me personally for talking when I told him not to."

Backerman's departure is not the only change reported in the Jackson entourage. Sources tell The Associated Press that the Nation of Islam is lending its support to Michael Jackson and has begun handling some of his security as he prepares to defend himself against child molestation charges.

Backerman, on his way out, refused to comment on the Nation of Islam, but Geragos denies any major role for the group in aiding Jackson.

"They are not part of his defense," he said. "I'm certainly not pushing away support from anyone, but I don't ask people what their religious affiliation is when they offer support... A lot of people have reached out to Michael. Jesse Jackson has called, and I've spoken to him. Tons of people are supportive."

When Geragos held a news conference on Jackson's behalf after charges were announced on Dec. 18, one of those standing behind him was Leonard F. Muhammad, identified on the Nation of Islam's Web site as its chief of staff. Sources say the group also handled security for a Dec. 20 party at Neverland.

The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Chicago-based group's involvement may extend into Jackson's financial affairs. But the group, after receiving inquiries from the AP and other news organizations, issued a statement Monday strongly denying that it has taken over any of Jackson's business affairs or that it is taking a central role in his defense strategy.

"The Nation of Islam, in response to several inquiries, has said today 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. "The Nation of Islam joins thousands of other people in wishing him well."

Geragos also downplayed Muhammad's presence at the Dec. 18 news conference, describing him only as "one of Michael's supporters."

Geragos, who has had a long list of celebrity and other high profile clients including Scott Peterson, denies the claim by sources who say Nation of Islam members have been working out of the defense attorney's office.

The AP's sources furthermore claim that as the Nation of Islam became involved with the singer, many of his regular advisers were unable to gain access to him.

Attorney Brian Oxman, who is a close friend of the Jackson family and has represented some of them in litigation, said his attorney-client relationship with the family restricted what he could say.

"I'm aware of the claims about the Nation of Islam and the factors behind them," he said. "As to what the details are, I have no information. I've heard of the claims, but I do not know their validity."

Two of Jackson's advisers, Charles Koppelman and Alan Whitman, said they remain in charge of his music and finances.

Asked about the Nation of Islam's reported role in directing Jackson's affairs, Koppelman said, "It's not the case as to his music, finances and assets. I think it's primarily in security."

Koppelman, a former chief of EMI Records, said he negotiated with CBS for the broadcast of a Jackson television special, which is set to air Friday. He said he has not talked to Jackson about the Nation of Islam.

"If he gets involved on a spiritual basis, that's his business," he said.

Whitman, an accountant, said he continues to be Jackson's financial manager.

"I receive his bills and write his checks. ... Anything else I relate to Mr. Jackson is confidential," he said.

Jackson's brother, Jermaine, has converted to Islam but is not a member of the Nation of Islam.