Jackson’s Man Sacked
Michael Jacksons publicist Stuart Backerman was fired and did not resign as he has claimed, says the Jackson camp.
A statement from one of the stars employees said, "Mr Backerman spoke to the press without authorisation and was terminated for refusing to acknowledge the agreement."
Backerman previously said he had quit over "strategic differences" with other members of the singers entourage.
Jackson, who will appear before a California court on January 9 over child sex abuse allegations, could also face further charges after he claimed he was "manhandled" by police when was arrested in December.
If his claims prove to be untrue, police have said they will bring charges of "false reporting" against the star.
Police hit back at Jacksons allegations at a press conference and played tapes of the star saying he was "wonderful, thank you very much" and "fine" while in custody.
'JB'