Michael Jackson's Swindon bodyguard speaks out (From Swindon Advertiser)

Michael Jackson's Swindon bodyguard speaks out

9:40am Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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A SWINDON man yesterday claimed Michael Jackson had a secret girlfriend whom he loved and adored.

Matt Fiddes, a former Greendown Community School pupil, acted as the singer’s UK bodyguard for more than 10 years.

He last saw the Thriller star when he visited London in March to promote his forthcoming tour.

Mr Fiddes, 30, told Sky News he was aware there had been a woman in the Jackson’s life before his death a week ago.

He said: “I’m not going to name who she is but I think the family were aware that there was someone special in his life who he loved and adored and had his ups and downs with. For some time I think she’s been present in his life and I would hope that he found a happiness in that.

“There are some of her personal things I am going to hold close to me. If she ever wants to speak out it’s up to her.“ Martial arts expert Mr Fiddes described how he and psychic Uri Geller would try and hide drugs from Jackson, who was 50 when he died.

He said: “I confiscated packages and Uri did too.

“Michael Jackson was not a druggie — there was no cocaine or anything crazy like that.

“It was prescription medication and painkillers.

“We went to great efforts to keep the doctors away but as soon as we said anything and it got back to Michael, Michael would have a screaming fit that we were interfering with his private life and he knew what he was doing.

“He was in denial.”

Mr Fiddes described a planned visit to London Zoo where it was clear that Jackson had taken something that morning.

Mr Fiddes said: “He was hard to wake we were extremely concerned. We never made it to the zoo.”

Mr Fiddes, who now lives in Devon, predicted an autopsy would show Jackson had taken or was given too much of a painkiller.