SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Jan. 19 (UPI) -- British journalist Martin Bashir asked a judge to deny prosecutors' request that he testify at the sex abuse trial of pop star Michael Jackson.
Bashir cited California's shield law in saying reporters cannot be forced to testify about what they learn while doing a story. Prosecutors, however, said Bashir spent seven months interviewing Jackson for a two-hour program and should testify, the Los Angeles Times reported.
At issue is Bashir's 2003 documentary, "Living With Michael Jackson," that caused a furor when Jackson admitted he enjoyed sleepovers with young boys. At the time, Bashir worked for Granada Television in England, but now works for ABC News and plans to cover the Jackson trial.
A hearing on Bashir's motion was set for Jan. 28 before Superior Court Judge Rodney S. Melville. Jackson's trial in Santa Clara County on charges he sexually abused a boy and trying to cover it up was scheduled to begin Jan 31.
