Michael Jackson became a recluse

Jul 16, 2009, 9:11 GMT

Michael Jackson was turned into a hermit by his doctors and bodyguards, his father has claimed.

Joe Jackson says his 50-year-old son - who died of a suspected cardiac arrest last month - refused to venture out in the months leading up to his death and compared his life to that of eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes who died a recluse in 1976.

Joe alleges Michael's entourage forced the pop legend to cut him and his mother Katherine out of his life.

He said: "His relationship was different because he was protected by the security guards. It was not only me but Katherine too. They treated him just like they did Howard Hughes.

"I knew the people weren't treating him right in the beginning but there was nothing I could do, he was his own man. All of them were cheating him."

Joe also spoke again of his belief that Michael's entourage played a part in his death.

He said: "I do believe there was foul play. When he left rehearsals he was waving and all this stuff.

"Then he went upstairs and this doctor was there and he must have given him something to make him rest."

Meanwhile, it has been revealed Michael - who was due to start a 50-night residency at London's O2 arena on Monday (13.07.09) - used to cure his insomnia by dancing.

Publicist Rob Goldstone said the 'Thriller' singer had a dance floor installed in hotel rooms during his 'Bad' tour in the 80s.

He said: "At the end of a show it took him eight to 10 hours to wind down. So he'd dance the entire time."

It has also been claimed Michael had been in negotiations to buy an assortment of raunchy picture of naked celebrities before he died.

Website and magazine owner Celebrity Sleuth, who had been working on the photos with Las Vegas businessman Jack Wishna, told E! Online: "Michael was one of the people to show the most interest right away and, up until literally the day before he died, I had an email from Jack saying 'MJ wants to do this' and so forth."

He would not reveal the exact amount Michael was offering, but says it was "eight figures".

He refused to name the celebrities Michael wanted.