Video footage of Michael Jackson complaining about his fans has been stolen from his home and is now being offered to the press.

The video was filmed by Jackson's friend Dr Allan Merger in 1996 which features the Bad star moaning about the downside of his celebrity lifestyle - his fans. He complains that they insist on touching him and invading his personal space.

On the theft of the tapes from Jackson's California home, Merger said: "I thought the tapes were locked in a safe. That's stolen property."

The tape is expected to crop up under use of the press before Jackson stands trial in January. He is pleading not guilty to charges of child molestation, conspiracy and administering an intoxicating agent to his alleged victim.