Michael Jackson

A Jewish group has accused pop singer Michael Jackson of anti-Semitism based on remarks he allegedly made in 2003, the BBC reports.

According to the Chicago Tribune "Good Morning America" aired on Tuesday what it claimed was a telephone message in which Jackson referred to Jews as "leeches." In response, the Anti-Defamation League called on the star to apologize, claiming he had "an anti-Semitic streak."

Jackson's spokeswoman said the singer had no comment.

The message was among several released by an attorney for Jackson's former adviser Dieter Wiesner, who is suing the pop star for $64 million, alleging breach of contract and fraud.

In the message, Jackson allegedly said: "They suck ... they're like leeches ... It's a conspiracy. The Jews do it on purpose."

Abraham Foxman, the Anti-Defamation League's national director, said, "It is sad that Jackson is infected with classically stereotypical ideas of Jews as all-powerful, money-grubbing and manipulative."

In 1995, Jewish groups reacted angrily to Jackson's song "They Don't Care About Us," which included the lyrics: "Jew me, sue me, everybody do me."

The singer apologized, saying he had intended to demonstrate the hatefulness of racism.