After the now infamous Martin Bashir documentary was aired around the world (the one where Michael Jackson says he likes to sleep in the same bed as children), Jackson realized he needed to do some damage control.

A video was shown in court Friday in Santa Maria, California, during Jackson’s child molestation trial, showing his accuser and the accuser’s mother praising the pop singer.

The video was shot after the February 2003 documentary aired, but was never shown on television. In the Bashir tape, which the court also watched earlier this week, Jackson was also seen holding hands with his accuser.

“He makes sure my kids are safe and happy; happiness they have never had,” the mother said on the tape.

Although it would appear to help Jackson’s case?having his accuser say only good things about him?it was the prosecution, not the defense, that showed the tape.

They claim that the accuser and his family were coerced into doing the interview and were coached on what to say.

They claim that the Jackson team provided a script.

They also claim the tape was made before any molestation occurred. Jackson is facing 10 counts. He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

In the tape, the mother is asked about the Bashir documentary, specifically about the scene where her son and Jackson are holding hands.

“That’s what a father does with a son,” she said in the interview, “They are trying to make it something wrong and dirty.”

The boy did not hint at any wrongdoing.

“If you hear something bad about Michael, its not true, because Michael is such a loving man,” he said.

Also Friday, the accuser’s 18-year-old sister returned to the stand. She said that she would often see Jackson hugging her brother and kissing him on the head and cheek.

Jackson’s lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, admitted the mother was coached?but not on the tape; in her testimony.






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