Libel case over Jackson TV show dropped

A FORMER bodyguard to Michael Jackson has discontinued his High Court libel action against Channel 4.

Martial arts expert Matthew Fiddes had sued over a November 2008 broadcast, The Jacksons are Coming.

Mr Fiddes, who acted as the local guide for the production, had alleged the documentary – which followed members of Michael Jackson's family, including older brother Tito, as they were planning to move to Devon – was "faked".

Reading from an agreed statement at what was due to be the start of a month-long trial before Mr Justice Tugendhat in London, Adrienne Page QC said: "The claimant has today discontinued his claim for libel that he brought in relation to the programme.

"Indeed, the claimant is here by his counsel now, publicly to acknowledge that the programme was not 'faked' as he has previously claimed."