DOWNLOAD - Michael Jackson files suit against accountants

Jackson Wants His Money Back - Files Suit
Michael Jackson blames his financial mess on his former accountants, and he's suing to make things right.

TMZ has obtained a lawsuit filed by Jackson against Bernstein, Fox, Whitman, Goldman & Sloan, the singer's former CPAs. In the suit, filed late Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Jackson claims the firm withdrew $2.5 million a year from his accounts but did not pay the bills as ordered.

Jackson alleges the firm hired and paid people on Jackson's dime, without his authorization. Jackson has been dogged by claims he has stiffed his staff. The lawsuit also alleges that the firm entered into various agreements on Jackson's behalf, without his approval.

Jackson does not specifically allege where the money went, but claims the firm was negligent and violated its duty of trust. He also claims the firm has not come clean with his financial records, and says he's requested his accounting file but it has not been presented.

Jackson is seeking unspecified compensatory damages, punitive damages and a full accounting. Reps from Bernstein, Fox, Whitman, Goldman & Sloan had no comment.

Download the court docs here