Jacko takes stand in lawsuit

Reclusive pop star Michael Jackson took the witness stand in a lawsuit by his long-time promoter that accused the singer of backing out of two millennium concerts.

Jackson spoke softly while testifying yesterday, saying yes or no or asking for questions to be repeated.

He paused frequently when asked about his business relationship with the plaintiff, concert promoter Marcel Avram.

The German-based promoter says he was left with hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses after Jackson dropped out of the performances, which were to take place on December 31, 1999, on both sides of the international dateline in Honolulu and Sydney, Australia.

Avram’s lawyer, Louis Miller, sought to point out discrepancies in Jackson’s testimony with what he said the entertainer told him during a deposition last June.

At one point he asked Jackson about a phone call the entertainer said he received from Avram cancelling the two concerts. Avram maintains the call never took place.

“I remember being in the bathroom, it was a private call,” Jackson said.

The lawyer then pointed out that Jackson earlier said he wasn’t sure where he took the call.

“Isn’t it a fact that you don’t know if you were even in the United States when you took this call?” Miller asked.

“That’s wrong,” Jackson replied.

Jackson wore a red shirt, sported shoulder-length hair and wore a surgical mask when entering and leaving the courtroom.

The singer routinely wears a mask to protect his throat from pollution and germs, said Lee Solters, his former publicist.

About 100 cheering fans greeted the performer outside Santa Barbara County Superior Court. Some held signs reading: “Free Michael.”

About 30 people watched inside the courtroom after winning a lottery for seats. As Jackson left for lunch, he waved to fans and flashed the V-for-victory sign before being driven off in a black stretch sport utility vehicle escorted by five police officers on motorcycles.

Jackson owns the Neverland Ranch in nearby Los Olivos.

Avram’s suit claims Jackson agreed to perform at two concerts for charity and the two millennium concerts, but only did the charity shows. The suit contends Jackson was paid a €1 million advance and had debts totalling €1.2 million covered.

Jackson’s lawyer, Zia Modabber, said in his opening remarks that it was Avram who postponed the concerts when he met with Jackson’s representatives in October 1999.