'Jacko never abused us'

Two young men who repeatedly shared Michael Jackson's bed when they were children insisted yesterday that the pop star never molested them.

Wade Robson, an Australian-born dancer and choreographer, said he first met Jackson when he was five and usually slept with the singer during his 20 or so stays at Jackson's Neverland ranch in California.

When asked by defence lawyer Tom Mesereau whether the star ever molested him or touched him sexually, the 22-yearold replied: 'Absolutely not.'

Brett Barnes, 23, told the court he slept in Jackson's bed 'countless times'.

The roulette dealer from Melbourne, Australia, first visited Neverland in 1991 with his mother, father and sister.

When Mr Mesereau asked if he was ever abused by the singer, Mr Barnes said: 'Absolutely not. I can tell you now, if he had, I would not be here right now.'

The two men were the first witnesses called yesterday after the judge rejected a defence motion to acquit the 46-year-old entertainer of abuse charges. They are two of five boys that prosecutors allege were molested in the 1990s, before the claims that brought Jackson to trial emerged.

Another of the five, actor Macaulay Culkin, is also scheduled to testify.

Mr Robson said he slept in the star's bedroom on most of his visits to Neverland.

They would play video games, watch films, talk and have pillow fights but he insisted Jackson never touched him in an inappropriate or sexual way.

He denied claims that Jackson showered naked with him, as a former Neverland maid claimed last week.

Prosecutor Ron Zonen asked Mr Robson: 'What you are really telling us is nothing ever happened while you were awake.'

'I'm telling you nothing ever happened,' Mr Robson said.

Jackson denies abusing 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo after plying him with alcohol in 2003. The trial continues.