Jackson mother clarifies reason for leaving court

Michael Jackson’s mother has denied she left the court during her son’s child molestation trial last week to avoid hearing graphic testimony.

Katherine Jackson, who has attended every day of the trial, said her brief absence from the courtroom on Thursday had been misinterpreted.

“Accusing me of leaving due to graphic testimony when I simply went to the rest room is not fair, not accurate,” she said.

Her spokeswoman, Angel Howansky, said Mrs Jackson stepped out during a break when lawyers were meeting in the judge’s chambers. When she tried to re-enter, the jury had already been seated and she had to wait until the next break.

Michael Jackson, aged 46, is on trial for allegedly molesting a 13-year-old boy at his Neverland ranch in 2003.

On Thursday, a former security guard at the ranch claimed in a lurid story he saw Jackson kiss, fondle and perform oral sex on a boy who later received a financial settlement from the pop star.

Defence lawyers have accused the guard of making up the story after he lost a lawsuit against the singer.

The trial resumes in Santa Maria, California, today.