The man who first introduced Michael Jackson to the teenager accusing him of child abuse has given evidence at the pop star's trial in California.
Jamie Masada, owner of the Laugh Factory comedy camp for underprivileged children, said he took comedians to visit Gavin Arvizo in hospital.
Mr Masada said Gavin, who was then 13 and undergoing cancer treatment, wanted to meet Mr Jackson, who agreed.
The star denies 10 charges, including child abuse and false imprisonment.
Mr Masada said he met Gavin Arvizo when he was taken to the Laugh Factory by his family and introduced to comedians who organised benefit events to help pay for his hospital treatment.
Mr Masada said he promised to introduce Gavin to celebrities in an effort to cheer him up.
He told the court in Santa Maria that he gave the boy gifts to encourage him: "I would say, if you eat, I'll give you $50. I would give him every week, maybe some money."
Mr Masada said he promised to introduce Gavin to celebrities. It was Mr Jackson that he most wanted to meet, and the star responded to his appeals, he said.
'Past' allowed
On Monday, the judge in the case ruled that previous allegations of child abuse against the singer could be introduced as evidence in his trial.
Judge Rodney Melville said he would allow the jury to hear about five boys who, the prosecution claims, were either molested by the singer or were the object of his attentions.
These included former child film star Macaulay Culkin - although he has always said he was never mistreated.
However, prosecutor Thomas Sneddon said that only one alleged victim will testify.
The most widely reported case involved a teenager, Jordan Chandler, who said he was abused by the pop star in 1993.
The case was settled out of court, reportedly involving a payment of $26m.
Observers say the judge's ruling was a blow for Mr Jackson and could have a significant impact on the direction of the trial.
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