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Travolta Recounts Effort to Save 'Autistic' Jett

Continuing testimony could be key in $25M extortion case

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 23, 2009 12:59 PM CDT

(Newser) – John Travolta appeared in a Bahamian court today and recounted his efforts to save dying son Jett earlier this year, E! reports. He also publicly acknowledged Jett's troubles for the first time: "He was autistic. He suffered from a seizure disorder." After a nanny woke them to say Jett was unconscious, “I ran downstairs with my wife to help my son," Travolta said. He immediately joined in the CPR. “Jeff, the other nanny, was doing some compressions. I was doing the breathing.”

The trial centers on an attempt by two Bahamians to blackmail Travolta with a document suggesting the actor did not take the proper steps to save his son. The defendants allegedly sought $25 million to bury a “refusal-to-transport document” signed by Travolta indicating he did want Jett taken to the hospital. But a police inspector testified Travolta signed the release with the intention of speeding Jett to the airport, and then to the US, where he could get treatment just as quickly as on the island.

[Images (4)]

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John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston leave the court building in Nassau, Bahamas. (AP Photo)

The defendants, former Bahamas' Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater, right, and paramedic Tarino Lightbourne. (AP Photo)

Jett Travolta. (AP Photo)

John Travolta and Kelly Preston leave the court building in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Kris Ingraham)

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Travolta said his son suffered seizures every five to 10 days and that each seizure lasted around 45 seconds. Jett would usually sleep for 12 hours after an episode. - Gena Sirpe, E!

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Travolta Recounts Effort to Save 'Autistic' Jett