Hackers forced Michael Jackson to 'suicide'

Amsterdam - Emails claiming that pop star Michael Jackson, on trial on sex abuse charges, has tried to kill himself are being spread by hackers as a means to break into computers, a British anti-virus firm said on Friday.

The hackers have sent emails with the subject “Re: Suicidal Attempt” and the following message text:

“Last night, while in his Neverland Ranch, Michael Jackson has made a suicidal attempt.”

These details were disclosed by software security specialists at Sophos.

Jackson is awaiting a California court verdict on charges of child molestation.

The email asks recipients to click on a link that takes them to a website which secretly installs malicious code on their computers.

“If you click on the link, the website displays a message saying it is too busy, which may not surprise people who think it might contain genuine breaking news about Michael Jackson,” said Carole Theriault, security consultant at Sophos.