MTV News Round-Up 24/05/2004

*** Michael Jackson's bid to have his $3 million bail reduced has been blocked by prosecutors, due to fears that he may flee the country. "The defendant here is 'Michael Jackson, international celebrity', a man whose lifestyle to date would not have prepared him to adapt readily to a prison environment and routine," said Deputy District Attorney Gerald McC Franklin.

*** Madonna has cancelled three gigs in Israel after apparently receiving death threats. According to reports, the threats, believed to have come from a Palestinian group, are aimed at the superstar and her two young children, Lourdes and Rocco. The threatening letters were sent to Madonna's LA headquarters.

*** Victoria Beckham has broken her silence on the controversy surrounding her marriage, saying: "I know my David's never cheated on me. I really do believe deep down that I have the most faithful husband I could hope for." Victoria also dismissed reports that she stayed with David to make money through the 'Beckham brand'. "I couldn't live a lie and it would be unfair on our children."

*** Dido is leaving Britain to live in the US. The singer/songwriter is believed to be house hunting in Beverley Hills, with plans to move there after the V Festivals in August. "It's a really fertile writing place. Sometimes you have to be lonely to write, it really helps," Dido explained. "It can also be helpful if you've got a lot of stuff inspiring you and you're felling a bit alienated, weird and lonely."

*** Christina Aguilera has dismissed claims she cancelled a US tour due to poor sales, blaming a throat condition. "They are saying I could not sell out the venues but they were all sold out. I'm suffering from a bad throat," the singer explained. Christina pulled out of a three-month tour earlier this year and subsequent reports blamed poor ticket sales.

DL