Jackson documentary to premier in British capital

LONDON (AP) - As the world awaits the closing arguments in the trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor, a documentary celebrating the singer’s life and defying his detractors premiered in Britain.

“Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon” was shown at London's Empire Leicester Square on Wednesday, with two of Jackson’s siblings, Rebbie and Tito, in attendance.

Producer David Gest said the documentary aimed to set the record straight about the late King of Pop, who died in 2009.

“I woke up one morning and said I’m going to make a movie about Michael’s life because I was tired of reading … all these tales that were so fictitious, and I thought let’s set the story straight but let’s give the people a movie that says something new,” Gest said.

Gest said the film features interviews with family and close friends, as well as never before seen footage and photographs of the star.

Jackson’s mother, Katherine, canceled a planned trip to London to attend the final days of the Los Angeles trial of Dr. Conrad Murray.

Rebbie Jackson said the singer’s three children _ Prince Michael, Paris and Blanket _ were coping well with the trial.

“I’ve been around them and seen how they are and they are aware of it,” she said. “They’re dealing with it OK from what I understand, what I’ve seen, as best can be expected.”

The movie was released on DVD and Blu-ray in Britain on Monday.

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