BBC News | ENTERTAINMENT | Jackson to 'surprise world'

Superstar Michael Jackson has said his address to students at the Oxford Union will "surprise the world".

The superstar is set to speak in the debating chamber, at Oxford University, on 6 March.

His rare appearance in Britain has been set up to promote his worldwide initiative for children, Heal the Kids.

Jackson will be joined by the president and co-founder of the charity, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, who served as rabbi at Oxford University for 11 years.

The pair will be introduced to the union by their "close friend" Uri Geller.

Michael Jackson is to be best man at Uri Geller's wedding
Jackson said: "Heal the Kids is about doing something; about making a difference and trying to help adults and parents realise that it is in our power to change the world that our children live in.

"As a wise man once said, 'if not us, then who? If not now, when?'."

Huge demand

A spokesman said Jackson's speech would focus on the issue of the lessons that may be learned from children.

Demand for tickets from students has been so high the students' union has had to hold a ballot for seats.

While visiting Britain, Jackson will act as best man at Uri Geller's wedding, where Rabbi Boteach will be officiating.

Jackson will be appearing at the 10th annual Michael Jackson Day being held at Hammersmith Apollo on 7 March.

He will also be attending the launch of Rabbi Boteach's book Confessions of a Rabbi and a Psychic - a collection of letters between himself and Geller.


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