Culkin Testifies At Jackson Trial

Ex-Child Actor Takes Stand On Behalf Of Defense

(CBS/AP)  For the first time in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial, the defense has put a Hollywood star on the witness stand.

Former child actor Macaulay Culkin took the stand Wednesday at the Michael Jackson child molestation trial in California. CBS News Correspondent Steve Futterman reports Culkin is expected to say that Jackson never behaved inappropriately with him when the he was a frequent guest at Jackson's home.

"He's already said that he and Michael Jackson were very good friends and he's never seen Michael Jackson act inappropriately toward a child," said Jackson spokeswoman Raymone Bain.

Culkin is certain to face a very vigorous cross examination from the prosecution and is likely to be asked how many times he slept with Jackson and whether he believes that was proper.

Jackson called Culkin personally and asked him to testify, but sources in the Jackson camp say Culkin has wavered and even delayed his testimony. He really gains nothing by testifying and has a lot to lose.

"His attorneys have been a little bit concerned that some of the testimony involving Macaulay Culkin in this trial really wasn't so critical to the proceedings," says CBS News Consultant J. Randy Taraborrelli. "We heard from three former employees who talked about, you know, a kiss on the cheek, a pat on the butt, and some groping. They thought perhaps they didn't want to overplay that testimony. Plus they're concerned about the credibility of those witnesses who have a tabloid history."

Taraborrelli, a biographer of Jackson, says Culkin and Jackson have been friends for about 15 years.

"Michael Jackson actually called Macaulay Culkin when he saw the movie "Home Alone" in 1990. Macaulay was only 10 years old, and Michael was 32," Taraborrelli said. "They became very good friends, and Macaulay Culkin was at Neverland during the 1990s when all of the alleged activity was taking place there with some of the witnesses we've seen here."