AFP

Los Angeles, May 7: Michael Jackson's former spokeswoman said Wednesday she is suing the pop star for 44 million dollars, accusing the US singer of  breaching an employment contract.

Lawyers for Raymone Bain, who was Jackson's publicist for five years, a period that included the "King of Pop's" 2005 child abuse trial, filed suit against the star in Washington.

"It is with deep regret that I find myself at this place, having to file a lawsuit against my longtime employer, and someone whom I have greatly admired and respected, Michael Jackson," Bain said in a statement.

"Mr Jackson and I have had a long, productive and mutually beneficial business relationship. Unfortunately, Mr Jackson has elected not to honor the financial obligations of our contractual relationship."

The suit is the latest legal drama to surround Jackson, who has struggled to rebuild his career since his acquittal on abuse charges four years ago.

Jackson, who is to give a series of concerts in London starting in early July, recently cancelled an auction of belongings from Neverland Ranch, the sprawling California estate at the center of his 2005 trial.

Bain said meanwhile that she expects her lawsuit to lead to speculation about the nature of her relationship with Jackson.

"This lawsuit will result in some discussion about the relationship between Mr. Jackson and me," she said.

"Hypothetical theories, accusations and rumors, if gauging from the past, will be many. However, all of these will be replaced in court with the truth." However she insisted she was still a fan of Jackson, saying she harbored no regrets about working for the eccentric star.

"Despite the action I have been compelled to take for professional and business reasons, when looking back, I have no regrets," she said.

"Michael Jackson, in my opinion, is the 'King of Pop,' and I wish him, and his family, only the best."