Los Angeles- posted on tmz.com: Why did Michael Jackson hook up with a gay porno king? A jury may hear the real reason, and it could be explosive.

Marc (aka Fred) Schaffel is suing Jackson, claiming the singer swindled him out of nearly $4 mil. The case kicks off on Tuesday. The money stuff is boring, but the back story is baffling and fascinating.

Schaffel made quite a name for himself in the 90’s, producing gay porn. He was considered one of the best, paying special attention to lighting. He was also legendary in his business for his knack in coaxing guys into “performing” in his flicks. With that portfolio, Schaffel turned up at Neverland in 2001, starting a music production business with the singer. Of course, the question — what on earth qualified Schaffel to work with Jackson on musical projects, and why did Jackson want him?

I spent a lot of time digging on this very subject during the molestation trial last year, and it’s as intriguing as it is baffling. Schaffel knew he had no credentials; he even brought in an old friend of his who worked in the recording business so he didn’t look like a musical moron. So, I ask again — what was in it for Jackson?

During the case, Schaffel told me he spent hours talking with Jackson everyday — “about everything.” Schaffel never said what “everything” was, but he told me he knew a lot about what went on in Jackson’s private life and claimed it was “explosive.”

When I produced “Celebrity Justice,” Schaffel even tried selling me his story. I passed.

People connected with the molestation case have told me that they believed Schaffel was Jackson’s go-to guy when it came to allegedly muzzling the accuser and his family and even getting them out of the country for good. The jury didn’t buy it.

So now Schaffel takes center stage. In all likelihood, Jackson will be a no show and the jury will have to settle for his videotaped depo.

Does Schaffel seriously expect to see a dime from the man who is famous for stiffing almost everyone in his life? I highly doubt it. Which makes me think that Schaffel wants to make a splash in his case, maybe putting him on the radar screen again and making his story a hot commodity. Just asking.