NEW YORK, Jan 16: Michael Jackson has been "isolated" by the radical Nation of Islam group, the singer's former spokesman said Friday as Jackson pleaded on child sex charges.

"I wouldn't say he's kept semi-captive but he has certainly been isolated by the Nation of Islam," said Stuart Backerman, who resigned December 31 as Jackson's spokesman because of what he called "strategic differences".

"They are in control," Backerman told ABC television. "Their influence is very substantial. They are in essence making most of the decisions regarding the communication strategy. They are overseeing some of the financial decisions and thus really in essence running the show."

Nation of Islam, which is led by Louis Farrakhan, is controversial because of anti-Jewish and anti-homosexual comments by its leadership. Backerman said Jackson had been introduced to Nation of Islam by Gracie Ruwamba, the woman who looks after Jackson's three children. Backerman said the radical group had decided to portray Jackson as a victim of racism.-Reuters