Video bid to discredit Jacko film 'clumsy'

A BID to discredit Martin Bashir's documentary on Michael Jackson was last night rubbished by the programme-makers as "clumsy and expensive" - before it was even unveiled.

Jackson was expected to hit back at child abuse allegations by releasing private video footage of Bashir praising the star's treatment of his children.

But the much-anticipated film promised in a statement released late on Sunday night failed to appear.

No official reason was given for the non-appearance but programme-makers Granada insisted their reporter had "nothing to hide".

"Martin Bashir has nothing to hide he knew he was being filmed by Michael Jackson's aides at various times," a spokesman said.

"The resulting footage has been edited by Michael Jackson's aides, and as yet we've seen nothing of it. All we know of it is that it was being peddled to Sunday newspapers with an asking price of £60,000.

"This is becoming the most expensive, clumsy and desperate attempt at shooting the messenger we've ever seen. The film is candid, revealing and honest. There is nothing misleading about it, and no lies."

Jackson, 44, said his videotape was shot while investigative reporter Bashir was making his damning documentary Living With Michael Jackson, which was screened in the UK and US last week. He claimed it revealed how he was lulled into a false sense of security by Bashir.

Jackson has made an official complaint to TV watchdogs in Britain about Bashir's documentary, which he says "utterly betrayed" him.

His lawyers said the programme contained "clear innuendo" that the singer was guilty of inappropriate behaviour with children and that he had been "unfairly treated".

Jackson's most recent statement said his video showed "extraordinary scenes of Martin Bashir praising the way Michael treats children and commenting on how good a father he is".

The statement continued: "On the face of it, either Martin Bashir was lying to Michael or was misleading his audience in his voice-overs.

The star also vehemently denied "recycled" child abuse allegations made by 13-year-old Jordy Chandler.

"I have never, and would never, harm a child. It sickens me that people have written things that portray me as a child abuser," he said.

In 1993, allegations of sexual misconduct involving Jordy were made against the singer, leading to a police investigation. Jackson was never charged with any offence.