Higher cause

Higher cause'

Mr Boteach is an orthodox Jewish rabbi who has written self-help books with names like Shalom in the Home and Kosher Sex.

The latter book, which encouraged Jews to have more sex, was publicly criticised and the rabbi was forced to resign from the synagogue where he preached in Willesden, north London.

Jackson with Uri Geller (left) and Rabbi Boteach (right) in 2001

He was introduced to Jackson in 1999 by entertainer Uri Geller and acted as his confidant for many years, helping to establish the star's Heal The Kids initiative.

Their conversations were taped with an eye to giving the public a more accurate image of the pop star.

Mr Boteach said he became disillusioned with the book - originally set for release in 2003 - after Jackson failed to adhere to recovery programmes they had worked out for his public image and private self.

On the Today programme, he insisted that Jackson would still have wanted the tapes to be released.

"He did all this because he wanted to consecrate his fame to a higher cause, and that was cause was 'parents prioritise your kids. Don't neglect them, because look what it did to me.'"