Michael Jackson sued for $44m by former spokeswoman

Michael Jackson is being sued for $44 million (£29m) by his former spokeswoman Raymone Bain, who claims the singer breached an employment contract.

By Caroline Hedley in Los Angeles

The singer, who is currently rehearsing for a series of 'comeback' live dates in London in July, has been served with a lawsuit by Bain, who worked as Jackson's publicist for five years.

In a video statement released on the internet, Bain alleged that her erstwhile employer "elected not to honour the financial obligations of our contractual relationships", despite her "numerous attempts" to amicably resolve the matter.

She added that she was "sincerely disappointed in Mr. Jackson's failure to honor his obligations".

Blain worked as Jackson's representative during one of the most turbulent periods of his career - including his 2005 child abuse trial.

She added: "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".

Jackson's much-vaunted comeback - over a million tickets have been sold for 50 shows at London's O2 arena - has been marred by a string of legal troubles.

He recently went to court to prevent a Los Angeles auction firm from selling the contents of his now-defunct former residence, Neverland.

Earlier this year, Jackson was sued by the director of his iconic Thriller music video. John Landis claims the 'King of Pop' failed to provide any accounting for the Thriller profits for the past four years 'and earlier', "and failed to pay Landis his 50 per cent cut of the net proceeds".

Last year, the beleaguered star was sued for $7 million (£4.6m) by a Bahraini prince, who accused him of failing to deliver an album he had financed.

Jackson has yet to comment on the latest lawsuit.