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George shuns live Brits
By Ricahrd Simpson, Evening Standard Last updated at 00:00am on 20.02.03
George Michael was at the centre of a mystery today over his starring role in tonight's Brit Awards.
Organisers claimed the highlight of the show would be a live appearance by Michael via satellite from Los Angeles.
In fact Michael is definitely in London, where last night he dined out with Janet Jackson. Friends say they expect him to watch the show on television at home, having already prerecorded his part in a duet with rap star Ms Dynamite.
A source close to the former Wham! star said: "His performance was being billed as live but in fact he pre-recorded it a few days ago when he was in California. He simply did not want to go on stage in front of a live audience. That was his decision."
No one from the Brits was available for official comment. But a TV source said: "Who knows what will happen now that this has got out - but the fact that this has been billed as a live show may cause embarrassment today."
TV interviewer Martin Bashir will also be missing, having pulled out of the show last night amid claims that he would be the target of angry Michael Jackson fans after his recent Living With Michael Jackson documentary. Bashir, who was due to present the Best Female award with Cat Deeley, is said to fear for his safety.
Organisers said Bashir pulled out with virtually no warning after they received information that Jackson fans were planning a confrontation.
One Brits source said: "We got a phone call saying Martin would not be presenting an award. We were told the reason was work commitments - but we also know there has been a lot of negative feeling and that fans were planning a protest and a violent confrontation."
Stars due to appear at the awards had also warned organisers to keep Bashir away from them. Justin Timberlake - a close friend of Michael Jackson - was reported to have said: "That guy is despicable. He had better keep out of my way. Michael is a really nice guy who looks at the world through the eyes of a child."
However, John Miles, Bashir's manager, was adamant that work commitments lay behind his withdrawal. He said: "He's filming. We always said he would like to come if he can, and that he would only confirm today. He only said he would present an award if he could make it.
"It's nothing to do with Michael Jackson. We have moved on from that."
Bashir's place at the Brits will be taken by Ben Elton.
