Pop star Michael Jackson has taken the witness stand in a €22 million lawsuit over abandoned plans for two Millennium Eve concerts.
Concert promoter Marcel Avram is accusing Jackson of fraud and breach of contract over the concerts, which were to have taken place on both sides of the International Date Line.
During three hours of questioning at Santa Maria Superior Court in California, the singer denied the promoter's claims, saying it was Avram who cancelled the shows.
A lawyer for Avram claimed that Jackson had not planned or rehearsed for the shows. Jackson replied that he had rehearsed – in his bathroom.
The reclusive pop star wore a surgical mask when entering and leaving the heavily guarded court. He will continue his testimony today.
Avram, who filed the suit in June 2000, has worked with Jackson since 1972.
He settled a 1994 suit against Jackson over cancelled Dangerous tour concerts with an agreement that he would have the rights to promote the singer's next series of concerts.
Another $20m suit by Avram against Jackson over plans for an 'Invincible' tour is still pending.
Avram served nine months of a three-and-a-half year sentence for tax evasion in 1998/99.
