Michael Jackson's long-term close friend Mark Lester spoke to Phil and Fern earlier today on ITV's This Morning, telling them that many of the claims being made about the star are totally untrue. Talking about the last time he spoke to his friend, Mark remembers, "It was the weekend before last. We had a long chat on the phone; he was really looking forward to the shows. The kids had never seen Michael performing live, this was their opportunity to see him." Mark is adamant that Jacko would never have agreed to the tour if he didn't feel up to it, explaining, "He was a perfectionist and if he couldn't have done it to how he wanted to do it, he wouldn't have taken it on." Asked what he thought about reports that the star was emaciated at the time of his death, Mark was sceptical. "Michael's always had a small frame," he says. "He definitely wasn't eight stone, he may have been 11, maybe just slightly under. We saw him in March and spent the weekend together – he was fit and healthy, we had fish and chips, his favourite meal whenever he comes to London." As for the allegations of abuse and drug-taking, Mark says, "I had never seen Michael take an aspirin... I'm just shocked, I never saw or had any indication that these things were happening. I never witnessed any form of abuse or anything like that." Mark also says Michael hated needles, explaining, "I suggested he try acupuncture for his bad back, but he hated needles. He really couldn't stand them." A clearly emotional Mark ended by saying Michael was "one of the most kindest, most generous, giving people – a truly unique and special person".
Michael's friend speaks out