Bashir said it would be about the family..but he only ever had Michael in his sights

Diana journo accused of lying to get access to star

- TOM BRYANT

UNDER-FIRE Martin Bashir has been caught up in a new row over his infamous Michael Jackson interview amid claims the journalist duped the pop legend’s family to gain access.

Music producer Denis In goldsby has alleged he was tricked into setting up a meeting with Jackson’s brother Tito to discuss the documentary.

And Tito has said he too felt double-crossed by Bashir, who allegedly claimed the 2003 ITV film would be a celebration of the entire Jackson family.

It raises fresh questions after Lord Dyson’s damning 2021 report concluded the journalist used deceitful behaviour and faked bank statements to secure a high-profile 1995 Panorama interview with Princess Diana.

Eight years later, Bashir’s explosive documentary Living with Michael Jackson caused a sensation as the King of Pop admitted sharing his bed with children.

Denis, 64, became friends with Jackson, having met him through the star’s girlfriend, actress Brooke Shields. He said he is speaking up now in the wake of thousands of emails released by the BBC this year relating to the Diana scandal.

In one, Bashir, 61, claimed that the furore was sparked by pro fessional jealousy and racism within the BBC.

But Denis, who was responsible for breaking an array of acts including girl band Eternal, said he felt compelled to speak up.

He said: “The way he acted to get me on side and exploit my friendship with the Jacksons has driven me mad for years but I haven’t said anything. To then see him por traying himself as some sort of victim was the final straw.