Ahmad Elatab recalled one such conversation: "He said [his illness] healed up because Michael taught him how to get rid of cancer through meditation and stuff like that. He said he never saw Jackson do anything inappropriate. He told me how he hates his parents a lot... He said Michael was like a father to him."

"He called Michael sometimes 'Dad' and stuff. I saw how they acted around each other. He gives all the kids fatherly love, nothing sexual... Michael never touches him inappropriately and he never touches Michael inappropriately. They just hold hands, all the kids hold hands with Michael. It's fatherly."

Elatab admitted that Jackson's people had encouraged him to speak out in support of the singer, but added he strongly believes Jacko is innocent of all charges.