Geller warns friend Jackson away

The singer denies all the charges

Uri Geller, one of Michael Jackson's friends, has warned the singer against making a trip to the UK.

Mr Jackson, who has been charged with child abuse in the US, is planning a trip to Britain to promote an album.

But details of the trip, described by the singer's spokesman as "sneak in, sneak out", remain unconfirmed.

Geller, speaking from his Berkshire home, said he feared the UK media would "tear apart" the singer and said he should remain with the "few friends he has got in America".

The planned trip has attracted the attention of politicians at the highest level of the UK Government.

'Big lie'

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has expressed surprise that the star has been given permission by US authorities to travel to Britain.

Geller and Michael Jackson are close friends

Mr Prescott told BBC One's Breakfast with Frost programme: "There is always a presumption in this country that a man is innocent until proved guilty. It's a pretty strong rule."

He added: "I must confess I was a little bit surprised that someone in America can be released from their (bail) condition of not travelling abroad in order to launch a CD."

The singer will appear in court next month in Santa Barbara to answer seven charges of lewd conduct with a boy under 14.

He denies all charges, describing them as a "big lie".

Mr Geller said: "I do not think Michael should come here. My advice to him is that the media structure here is devastating towards him.

"I am not blaming the media but the viciousness of some reports will tear him apart."

He said it was not the time to "step off planes and to cause more controversy".

About 600 people attended a party in support of singer Michael Jackson at his Neverland Ranch on the weekend.

The singer returned to his California estate for the first time since being accused of child sex abuse.

Friends, family, stars and sports celebrities turned out for the gathering, given the title "You are not alone", after one of Jackson's songs.

The guests included the tennis star Serena Williams, the former rapper M C Hammer and comedian Eddie Griffin.