Daily Star

JACKO GUARD: STAR IN FEAR OF HITMEN

Bulletproo­f vest plan

- By HENRY HOLLOWAY news@dailystar.co.uk

MICHAEL Jackson was paranoid people were out to kill him during his final days, his ex-bodyguard has revealed.

The King of Pop even suggested he could wear a bulletproo­f vest on stage amid fears of hitmen.

The star was “erratic” and confided in pals his fears over his upcoming 50 nights at the O2 Arena in London.

Doubts

All this led to an overdose that landed his doctor Conrad Murray in prison for involuntar­y manslaught­er, according to Matt Fiddes.

Jacko’s ex-bodyguard and close friend spoke about the star’s final days, a day after the ninth anniversar­y of his death aged 50.

And he revealed even if Jackson had survived he doubts the music legend would have made it to 60.

Jackson confided in Fiddes and his actor pal Mark Lester over the tour. Jackson was £340million in debt at the time of his death and wanted to make sure his family was secure.

Fiddes said: “He was terrified about being assassinat­ed on stage and was making suggestion­s about wearing a bulletproo­f vest while performing.”

He offered to help him get back in shape for the big tour.

Fiddes last spoke to Michael just days before his death in Los Angeles.

He added: “He sounded like he was hyperactiv­e. He sounded erratic, and I asked him if he was sure he could do these shows – and he said he had to for financial reasons.”

Fiddes was unconvince­d the star would still be with us in 2018.

“My feeling is Michael would have ended up in jail for something he had never done – he was the biggest target in the world.”

 ??  ?? CLOSE FRIENDS: Fiddes with Jackson
CLOSE FRIENDS: Fiddes with Jackson
 ??  ?? STAGE FRIGHT: Jacko feared for life
STAGE FRIGHT: Jacko feared for life
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CHALLENGE: Victoria and her climbing mate Ben Fogle get ready for their attempt on summit
®Ê CHALLENGE: Victoria and her climbing mate Ben Fogle get ready for their attempt on summit

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