MICHAEL JACKSON - JACKSON INTERVIEWER SUBPOENAED

The British journalist who exposed MICHAEL JACKSON's wacky lifestyle in his TV special will be called to the witness stand at the pop superstar's child molestation trial.

Prosecutors insist MARTIN BASHIR is a "necessary material witness" to support allegations the THRILLER singer sexually abused teenage cancer sufferer GAVIN ARVIZO at his Neverland Ranch home in Santa Barbara, California.

Footage from Bashir's high-profile documentary - which aired in Britain and America in 2003 - shows Jackson embracing his alleged victim and admitting he often invites children to spend the night with him in bed.

Jackson, 46, has pleaded not guilty to charges of molestation, conspiracy and giving alcohol to his accuser.