MICHAEL JACKSON - BASHIR TO TESTIFY TODAY

The British journalist whose 2003 documentary sparked the MICHAEL JACKSON child molestation scandal is set to testify in court about his meetings with the THRILLER star today (01MAR05).

MARTIN BASHIR took the stand as the first witness for the prosecution in the child molestation trial in Santa Maria, California, this morning.

Bashir's LIVING WITH MICHAEL JACKSON special captured the pop star holding hands and speaking on camera with his future accuser, GAVIN ARVIZO, and also featured controversial footage of Jackson talking about sharing his bed with children.

Santa Barbara County District Attorney TOM SNEDDON opened the trial yesterday (28FEB05) by attempting to portray Jackson as a scheming sexual predator.