Jackson changed lawyers because 'life is at stake'
Less than a week before his next court date on charges of child molestation, Michael Jackson said he had replaced his high-profile legal team because “my life is at stake”.
Lawyers Mark Geragos and Benjamin Brafman “decided to step down” from representing the pop star, Brafman said on Sunday. He would not say exactly what prompted the move.
Jackson, however, said he had terminated their services.
“Contrary to reports, this is a decision that I have personally made,” he said in a statement issued by spokeswoman Raymone Bain yesterday.
Jackson did not give a specific reason for dismissing Brafman and Geragos.
Geragos has been busy with a high-profile murder case in which he has been defending Scott Peterson, a man accused of killing his pregnant wife.
“It is imperative that I have the full attention of those who are representing me. My life is at stake,” Jackson said.
“Therefore, I must feel confident that my interests are of the highest priority. I am innocent of these false charges, and will aggressively seek to clear my name.”
Thomas Mesereau, Jackson’s new lawyer, represented actor Robert Blake in his murder case until they recently parted company, citing irreconcilable differences.
Mesereau has met Jackson in the Orlando, Florida, area, where the singer is staying with his children.
He said he would join the singer in court when Jackson is arraigned on child molestation charges.
“I’ll have no comment on the developments until I appear in court Friday,” Mesereau said.
Geragos said he, Brafman and Mesereau would notify Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville of the substitution of counsel during a conference call today.
He and Brafman would not discuss reasons for the change.
“It was a decision that sort of has been happening over time, and I think at the end of the day it is probably better that it is resolved this way,” Brafman told ABC television tonight.
