Jacko leads revolt against 'slavery'

Michael Jackson has declared war on record companies, accusing them of forcing artists into "slavery".

Jacko has even launched an offensive on his own record company, Sony, calling their accounting into question. And he has recruited a lawyer and a civil rights activist to spearhead his attack.

Madonna, Sting, Eric Clapton, REM, Neil Diamond and Elton John are among the many stars reported to be backing the campaign.

Jackson said: "Record companies have to start treating their artists with respect and financial justice." He demanded "emancipation" from unfair recording contracts that allegedly squeeze the profits out of artists by claiming spiralling costs.

Civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton said: "Economic servitude, no matter how comfortable the slave is, is still slavery."

Lawyer Johnnie Cochran Junior added: "This is a problem the record companies should be ashamed of. Artists have made billions for them."

Sony declined to comment but the Jackson attack follows claims by Sony that he owes them "something like $200 million for studio time and promotion".

Jackson has replied by stating: "For Sony to make a false claim that I owe $200 million is outrageous and offensive."

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