Comic gave cash to accuser’s family

A COMEDIAN who lent the family of Michael Jackson’s accuser $20,000 (€15,000) believed they were held hostage after receiving a distressing call from his mother, she claimed yesterday.

Louise Palanker, who met Gavin Arvizo when he was being treated for cancer, told Santa Maria court how his mother Janet had called her sounding tearful and frightened.

“She was extremely agitated and she was almost whispering. This was fear-based agitation,” Ms Palanker said.

Ms Arvizo told her not to call her back at the same number, the comedian claimed, and had described “them” as evil people who were listening to everything she said.

The prosecution accuses Jackson of conspiring to hold the Arvizo family captive after a controversial documentary by British journalist Martin Bashir was shown in the US.

Ms Palanker gave the family money on her own accord after she met them at a comedy camp, but said Gavin’s father had later asked for more to help pay the rent.

She admitted his explanation their money had been spent on “lots of statues and votive candles” did not make much sense and she had become concerned when she found out the family had bought a large-screen television set and DVD player.

She said two benefits were held at the camp to raise money for the family, but some performers believed the father was seeking more than they needed. Jackson’s defence team claims the Arvizo family tried to extract money from celebrities through the children.

The pop star managed to arrive at court on time and smiling yesterday.

He was dressed in a red shirt and black suit, complete with the ubiquitous armband.

He looked in better condition than Monday, when he arrived late and then proceeded to sob into a wad of tissues in the courtroom.

Jackson denies molesting 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo, plying him with alcohol and conspiring to hold him and his family captive.

The trial continues today.