Jackson in Trouble After Anti-semitic Phone Rant

Michael Jackson has been taped making overtly anti-semitic remarks during a phone call, describing Jews as "leeches" that conspired to leave him "penniless".

"They suck," said Jackson. "I'm so tired of it ... they start out the most popular person in the world, make a lot of money. It's a conspiracy. Jews do it on purpose."

National director of the anti-defamation league, Abraham Foxman, which campaigns against anti-semitism, said yesterday: "It is sad that Jackson is infected with stereotypical ideas of Jews as money-grubbing and manipulative."

The message, aired on Good Morning America, was taped two years ago. It was provided by the lawyer of Dieter Wiesner and Marc Schaffel, both ex-advisers to Jackson who are suing the star. Tapes from Mr Schaffel, a gay-porn producer, also reveal Jackson begging for money that would be delivered to him in cash in fast food bags. Good Morning America said it could not verify Mr Wiesner's tapes beyond any doubt but had fully verified the voicemail messages made to Mr Schaffel.

Mr Wiesner filed a civil case against Jackson in Los Angeles for $64m (£37m), claiming fraud and breach of contract. Jackson's attorney, Brian Oxman, has not denied it was the singer on the phone but insisted the "conversations were recorded without permission". Jackson moved to Bahrain after he was acquitted of child molestation charges. Mr Wiesner and Mr Schaffel used to help the singer get around banking restrictions so he could have more money. Jackson tells Mr Schaffel in one message. "Please, I really like you. I love you ... Mark, I really need you to get ... 7m for me as soon as possible."