Jackson releases clip aimed at exposing 'exploitative' Bashir

Michael Jackson and Martin Bashir traded more blows yesterday over the making of the ITV documentary in which the television journalist raised questions about the reclusive star's treatment of children.

The singer gave previously unseen footage – shot by his own cameraman – to Sky TV, which broadcast the 16-second clip last night. The footage showed Bashir off camera, praising the singer for his fathering skills and describing his relationship with his children as "spectacular". He added: "It almost makes me weep when I see you with them because your interaction with them is so natural, so loving, so caring." Jackson released the clip to try to boost his claim that he felt Mr Bashir unfairly portrayed him as a child abuser and unfit father in the ITV1 documentary Living With Michael Jackson.

The clip will be broadcast in America on 20 February as part of a two-hour documentary provisionally entitled Michael Jackson, Take Two: The Interview They Wouldn't Show You. The film will not include any new comment from the star but will feature a supportive interview with Debbie Rowe, his former wife.

Jackson authorised the release of the out-takes after accusing Bashir of exploiting him during eight months of filming.

Bashir filmed the star in Germany, Las Vegas, and his Neverland home in California. In voiceovers, he expressed concern about distress caused to Jackson's children during a trip to Berlin and revealed that Jackson allowed children who were not related to him to sleep in his bed at home.

Last night Bashir defended his comments in the documentary. "I'm not accusing anybody of being a child molester or a paedophile. All I'm saying is that that was a concern," he said.