Kanye West has denied reports that he claimed in the aftermath of the death of Michael Jackson that he was the new “King of Pop”.

It had been reported that West supposedly saw himself as the new pop superstar for the 21st century following on from the legacies of Elvis and Michael Jackson.

The spoof interview, which West says is unsubstantiated, claimed that "First there was Elvis, then there was Michael, now in the 21st century it is Kanye's time to rule".

It added: "I have nothing but respect for Michael but someone needs to pick up where he left off and there's nobody better than me to do that. I am the new King of Pop."

In response West posted on his online blog the following reply: "Not only did I not say that, I haven't said anything.

"It makes me feel bad that obviously I made people feel that I would be corny enough to say something so whack after the passing of an idol, a legend and more than that a human being with feelings and family."

"It scares me to think what people will believe, without even a source. Any random person can type something on the Internet and then the world believes it. I don't talk to press or do TV or do promotions of any sort.

"I've stopped chasing and buying into fame. Fame is like cigarettes with no Surgeon General warning. It destroys most people as it did to the true and only King of Pop. We exploit ourselves and eat our own egos 'till there is nothing left.

"I have a feeling that this won't be the last false statement with my name on it, but this will be the last time I defend myself. I'm done."

West is a keen admirer of the late Jackson and was one of the first stars to speak out about his personal influence after the King of Pop's death.

(by Andrew Almond)