LIVING WITH MICHAEL JACKSON

TV3 GROUP RELEASE
IMMEDIATE: Wednesday 1st July 2009


• Before his sad and sudden death, 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson gave unprecedented and exclusive access to his very private life for this groundbreaking documentary.

• During the programme it emerges that children still sleep overnight at Jackson's house despite allegations of abuse

• Tune in to LIVING WITH MICHAEL JACKSON on TV3, airing Friday 3rd July 2009 at 9pm

This extremely eye-opening documentary originally aired in 2003 and attracted an astonishing 14.1 million viewers, one of the highest ever figures for a TV documentary and taking 53.9% of viewers.

Before his sad and sudden death, 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson gave unprecedented and exclusive access to his very private life for this groundbreaking documentary The landmark film offers viewers a fascinating personal insight into a very special talent and performer who was the world's biggest star. Acclaimed interviewer Martin Bashir spent eight months with the music legend, and in a series of interviews shot in America and Europe, talks candidly to the reclusive star about all aspects of his life.

During the programme it emerges that children still sleep overnight at Jackson's house, despite allegations of abuse - which the singer has always denied - made in 1993. Jackson said he sometimes slept on the floor while giving the children his bed, which he said was a "beautiful thing", "charming" and "sweet". Michael said: "Why can't you share your bed? That's the most loving thing to do, to share your bed with someone."

In the programme, Jackson introduces Bashir to a 12-year-old named Gavin, who he befriended as the youngster fought cancer. The boy says he battled his illness with the help of Jackson and maintained his parents were happy with their friendship. Jackson insisted his feelings for children was entirely innocent and had nothing to do with sex.

The singer grows emotional as he describes his hard-working childhood, singing with his brothers in the Jackson Five group and his "hated" violent father, who taunted him about his "fat nose". But when Bashir asked him about reports of multiple plastic surgery, he denies having more than two operations on his face, saying only: "Oh God, oh please... it's stupid, none of it's true."

The special film also features a unique look behind the scenes at 'Neverland', Jackson's previous home and extraordinary fairytale ranch in California, which was equipped with its own fairground and zoo.

“LIVING WITH MICHAEL JACKSON” on TV3, Friday 3rd July 2009 at 9pm

ENDS.

For further information:
Ciara Byrne
TV3 PRESS OFFICE
+353 1 419 3329
Ciara.byrne@tv3.ie
publicity@tv3.ie
www.tv3.ie