Michael Jackson will never tour again due to the media's intrusion into his private life, US rapper star Akon has claimed.

The rapper, who collaborated with Jackson over the summer, said constant scrutiny had left the singer unable to “focus” on his career.

Speculation about Jackson's touring future has been rife over recent months, with claims he could perform a huge residency in London next year.

"All of the good artists suffer from it these days. That's why they disappear and you've got people who don't even deserve to be there up there (in the charts) and people get tired and bored of that,” Akon told World Entertainment.

“If you want quality concerts and quality performances they (the media) have to lay off people.

“Michael Jackson is the best performer ever and he can't even focus - you will never see another tour from him. (The media intrusion) plays a big role in that.”

He added: "It affects the people they're writing about. It's a lot to do with Michael Jackson not coming out and being open.

"I think all he needs is a record, one hit record then he might get his confidence back."

As previously reported, Akon was forced to leave a collaboration with Michael Jackson off his new album after the song leaked online.

(by Jason Gregory)