Custody Judge Says Jackson Committed Fraud
Custody Judge Says Jackson Committed Fraud
TMZ has obtained documents in Michael Jackson's custody case, in which the singer's lawyer accused the judge of being prejudiced against his famous client. In the legal papers, Jackson's attorney claims that Judge Steven Lachs made comments that Jackson "obtained passports for (his) children by the use of subterfuge."
In the papers, Jackson's lawyer claims the judge made other comments indicating bias, including:
-Jackson has been reported to have made anti-Semitic statements.
-The Kingdom of Bahrain is the most or one of the most anti-Semitic countries in the world.
-The Kingdom of Bahrain would make it difficult for Jackson's children to be Bar Mitzvahed.
Lachs allegedly made the comments in a hearing last November in connection with Jackson's custody dispute with his former wife, Debbie Rowe. Rowe, who is Jewish, has expressed concern in the past about the religious infuences on her children while in Jackson's care.
In the papers, Jackson's lawyer Michael Abrams, wrote, "Judge Lachs is Jewish, as am I. He has made me aware of this in the past and I understand Judge Lachs' concern about anti-semitism and anti-Israel sentiments." Abrams takes issue with the comments, alleging no evidence was ever presented on issues of Jackson's alleged anti-Semitism.
Last November, ABC News aired phone messages in which Jackson allegedly said of Jews, "They suck - they're like leeches."
Last month, Jackson's lawyer filed papers demanding that Lachs withdraw from the case. Lachs stepped down last month.
The custody dispute is ongoing.
In the papers, Jackson's lawyer claims the judge made other comments indicating bias, including:
-Jackson has been reported to have made anti-Semitic statements
-The Kingdom of Bahrain is the most or one of the most anti-Semitic countries in the world
-The Kingdom of Bahrain would make it difficult for Jackson's children to be Bar Mitzvahed
Lachs allegedly made the comments in a hearing last November in connection with Jackson's custody dispute with his former wife, Debbie Rowe. Rowe, who is Jewish, has expressed concern in the past about the religious infuences on her children while in Jackson's care.
In the papers, Jackson's lawyer Michael Abrams, wrote, "Judge Lachs is Jewish, as am I. He has made me aware of this in the past and I understand Judge Lachs' concern about anti-semitism and anti-Israel sentiments." Abrams takes issue with the comments, alleging no evidence was ever presented on issues of Jackson's alleged anti-Semitism.
Last November, ABC News aired phone messages in which Jackson allegedly said of Jews, "They suck - they're like leeches."
Last month, Jackson's lawyer filed papers demanding that Lachs withdraw from the case. Lachs stepped down last month.
The custody dispute is ongoing.