Geller: 'I knew about Lester all along'

Uri Geller has backed Mark Lester following his allegations about the paternity of Michael Jackson's daughter Paris.

Former child actor Lester yesterday went public with his belief that he is the 11-year-old's father and vowed to take a paternity test for official confirmation.

The Oliver! star told the News Of The World that he had donated sperm to Jackson as a "gift" in 1996 and revealed that he felt a "definite bonding" with Paris.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Jackson's former friend Geller insisted that Lester is telling the truth and vowed to continue supporting him.

He commented: "As a close friend of Mark, I respect his own situation to reveal this information at this time. I knew it all along simply because Michael told me.

"Mark has his own reasons. I really have to respect them."

Last month, the TV psychic claimed that he had predicted Jackson's death after noticing the "devastating" effects of his alleged drug habit.

A spokesman for the Jackson family has already denied the suggestions made by Lester.