Jackson defends change of lawyers

Jackson says his life is at stake

Michael Jackson has said he replaced the two lawyers representing him in his child abuse case because he needs his legal team's "full attention".

He spoke a day after Mark Geragos and Benjamin Brafman announced they were resigning to be replaced by criminal defence lawyer Thomas Mesereau.

The singer is due to appear in court on Friday for his latest hearing.

"My life is at stake," said the star, adding that he was innocent and would "aggressively" seek to clear his name.

Mr Jackson said he had not replaced his defence team, only his "lead attorneys".

"And, contrary to reports, this is a decision that I have personally made," he said in a statement.

"It is imperative that I have the full attention of those who are representing me. My life is at stake. Therefore, I must feel confident that my interests are of the highest priority."

Star lawyers

Until recently, Mr Jackson's new lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, represented the 1970s TV star Robert Blake in his murder case but they parted company in February, citing "irreconcilable differences".

Thomas Mesereau is a high-profile lawyer

Dana Cole, a lawyer who has worked closely with Mr Mesereau, said Mr Jackson had been impressed by his record.

"Michael Jackson is very impressed with Tom's credentials with what he's done for the African American community," the lawyer was quoted as saying by AFP news agency.

The BBC's Peter Bowes in Los Angeles says Mr Jackson's former lawyers, Mark Geragos and Benjamin Brafman, have a reputation for being the best in the business.

Both lawyers have worked with high-profile entertainers before.

Mr Brafman told ABC television he did not think it was a "good idea to change lawyers when they are doing a good job".

Charges

Mr Jackson was arrested last November amid accusations that he molested a 12-year-old boy.

In December he was charged with seven counts of lewd acts on a child under the age of 14 and two counts of plying the boy with alcohol in order to seduce him at his Neverland ranch.

The case moved into a new stage last week when a grand jury in California secretly indicted the singer, 45, on child abuse charges.

The new charges will not be revealed until he appears in court.

Mr Jackson has dismissed the accusations as "a big lie" aimed at extorting money from him and he is expected to enter a "not guilty" plea at Friday's court hearing.