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Michael Jackson Claims Documentary Betrayed His Trust - 2003-02-07

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Pop star Michael Jackson has filed complaints with two British broadcasting monitoring groups over a documentary in which he admits he sometimes lets children sleep in his bed.

Jackson's lawyers have filed complaints with Britain's Independent Television Commission and the Broadcasting Standards Commission. His lawyers say the TV program "Living With Michael Jackson" contained "the clear innuendo" that Jackson is guilty of inappropriate behavior with children.

The complaint says the show's voice-overs, questions and editing support allegations that Jackson committed sexual offenses against a child a decade ago. No charges were filed at the time against Jackson, who reached a financial settlement with the boy's family.

The 44-year-old pop star's legal team also claims the documentary invaded his privacy by including footage of the singer's three children, contrary to an agreement reached beforehand.

The documentary was filmed over an eight-month period and was first broadcast Monday in Britain. The program was shown in the United States Thursday, on ABC TV.

Granada Television, which produced the show, says it stands behind the filmmaker, Martin Bashir.

Michael Jackson shot to fame with his four brothers in the Motown group the Jackson Five. As a solo artist, Mr. Jackson has been one of the top selling artists of all times.

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