Michael Jackson was ‘almost killed’ in UK reveals close friend
Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter and dancer, who passed away in 2009, following a cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles. However, what many do not know, is that Mr Jackson was almost killed seven years earlier, during a visit to Exeter City Football Club. Following an invite from good friend Uri Geller – who was chairman of the League Two team at the time – the Thriller singer made a trip down to Devon.

Mr Jackson had agreed to make an appearance at St James’s Park to raise the club’s profile, as long as “some sick kids from hospital” could come along as well.

On June 14, 2002, the pop star headed to Paddington Station, in London, where a special train was waiting to take him on the three-hour trip southwest – along with 200 lucky fans.

However, things did not go to plan when Mr Jackson showed up at the station, Mr Geller revealed during Amazon Prime series “Michael Jackson – A Remarkable Life”.

Mr Geller said in 2003: “Michael was almost killed in Paddington Station, I can admit that.

Michael Jackson was almost killed in London (Image: GETTY)

Michael Jackson visited Exeter FC (Image: GETTY)

“We were pressed so hard to the train [by unexpected fans] and he almost fell under the wheels.

“He had agreed to come to Exeter but thousands of fans showed up and crushed us.

“Michael fell over on the pavement as our train arrived.”

Mr Geller, who had Mr Jackson as best man at his wedding, went on to reveal how they eventually made it on to the train.

He added: “He pushed himself into the compartment and slumped onto the couch.

Michael Jackson was adored in the 1990s (Image: GETTY)

“We rented a First Class carriage.

“That was the moment I thought he was going to look at me and say ‘Uri take me back to the hotel’.

“I was waiting for him to say that, but he actually said ‘Hey Uri, I’m okay, relax – I love those fans.’”

Michael Jackson’s legacy has been under scrutiny since his death in 2009, amid claims of sexual abuse.

Tonight, a controversial documentary titled “Leaving Neverland” will air on Channel 4, focusing on the case of two men – Wade Robson and James Safechuck – who say they were abused by Mr Jackson in the Nineties.

Michael Jackson was best man at Uri Geller’s wedding (Image: GETTY)

The two-part series has been met with fury by the Michael Jackson Estate, along with his die-hard fans, who claim Mr Jackson simply loved hanging around with children at his Neverland Ranch.

Sam Brown, a producer who knew Mr Jackson well, backs this theory, claiming the singer just enjoyed having fun.

He said in 2003: “Michael Jackson just likes to have fun and play – as I told you.

“For the most part, most adults want something from you.

Michael Jackson returned to England for his “Bad” tour (Image: GETTY)

Michael Jackson liked to ‘hang out’ with kids says Sam Brown III

“I realised early on, that was the real reason why Michael liked to hang out with kids.”

Mr Brown went on to claim that adults tried to exploit the singer, whereas children just wanted to enjoy themselves.

He added: “They had no other agenda other than to just hang out and have fun.

“He could let his guard down.

Michael Jackson now faces scrutiny (Image: GETTY)

“That’s the one time I saw Michael with his radar turned off, when he was around kids, because they’re sincere, real and have no agenda.”

The Michael Jackson Estate is now suing HBO – the original producers of Leaving Neverland – for £85million.