The Nation of Islam is rallying to support Michael Jackson and has begun handling some security for the pop star as he prepares to defend himself on child molestation charges, sources said.
When defense lawyer Mark 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. The group also handled security for a Dec. 20 party at Jackson's Neverland estate, sources close to the Jackson camp said.
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 reporters, issued a statement Monday strongly denying that it has taken over some 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 denied any central 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," he said.
Geragos also downplayed Muhammad's presence at the Dec. 18 news conference: "He's one of Michael's supporters."
Sources who have been close to the Jackson camp and who are familiar with the entertainer's financial affairs said Nation of Islam members handled security during the Dec. 20 Neverland party.
As the Nation of Islam asserted itself, many of Jackson's regular advisers were unable to gain access to the singer, the sources said.
In a separate development on Monday, longtime Jackson spokesman Stuart Backerman said he resigned because of what he called "strategic differences." He refused to comment on the reports that the Nation of Islam had become involved with the Jackson camp.
Geragos said Backerman was fired five days ago because he spoke to the news media during the Jackson family get-together Dec. 20 at Neverland, the entertainer's estate near Santa Barbara.
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