The British journalist, Martin Bashir, might be prosecuted for contempt of court after refusing to answer questions yesterday during Michael Jackson's trial.
His documentary "Living With Michael Jackson" is the centre of the case against Jackson.
After Bashir took the stand, the documentary was shown to the jury.
Jackson was seen to wipe his eyes with a tissue during one part of the programme, in which he said that his children are his reason for living. He also appeared agitated when Bashir was in the witness box, putting his arms out as if to tell him to speak up.
Jackson was shown holding hands with boy, Gavin Arvizo, who accuses him of abuse. Arvizo says the Thriller star is perpetually childlike and understands children.
As Bashir was being questioned, Bashir's lawyer Theodore Boutrous invoked California's shield law for reporters and the First Amendment; saying that as a journalist Bashir did not have to answer questions about unpublished materials.
Quote:
"We today invoked the California shield law, which is part of the constitution, and it protects the independence and autonomy of journalists who report the news, and gather the news...The judge has taken our objections under consideration and has also indicated that the defence may be allowed to call Mr Bashir as a witness in their case, but only if they meet the standards of the constitution and of the First Amendment."
As Jackson left court, reporters asked him how he was feeling.
He said "good," then added "angry."
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