Michael Jackson - Photographer In Rowe Lawsuit Beaten Up

The paparazzo who is suing MICHAEL JACKSON's ex-wife DEBBIE ROWE has allegedly been beaten up by fans of the late King of Pop.

Photographer Ed Frommer is taking Rowe to court over claims she lied to police about an altercation between the pair just weeks after Jackson's death in June (09).

Rowe alleges Frommer lashed out at her as she tried to escape a crowd of paparazzi after dining out in Lancaster, California - but the snapper has denied the claims, insisting it was the former nurse who hit out at him.

He is suing Rowe in a small claims court alleging his reputation has been seriously damaged by her accusations.

But fans of Jackson have not taken kindly to Frommer's legal action against the Thriller star's ex-wife and the photographer was reportedly cornered and attacked with a bat while driving in Lancaster on Sunday night (22Nov09).

According to TMZ.com, Frommer told police he was run off the road by three men in two different cars at around 11.15pm. When his car came to a stop, the men approached him, and one prodded him in the chest with the bat while shouting at him to "leave Debbie alone".

Frommer is convinced Rowe had nothing to do with the reported attack, and is adamant the males were just defensive fans of the late singer.