The media always just promotes what they want to hear themselves. That is why this article was published hardly anywhere else but NBC 4.
Father Of Jackson's Accuser Denies ChargesBoy In Center Of Bitter Divorce, Custody Battle
POSTED: 7:45 a.m. PST November 21, 2003
UPDATED: 8:00 a.m. PST November 21, 2003
LOS ANGELES — The attorney for the father of the 12-year-old boy in the center of the Michael Jackson controversy spoke to the media Thursday evening.
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More About Alleged Victim
H. Russell Halper told reporters that his client believes the boy's mother is unfit and does not believe that the pop superstar victimized his son.
"Either she places a child in a home in which he's in danger of being molested, or the alternative, she is encouraging a child to make false accusations," Halper said. "Either way, it makes her unfit."
The alleged victim was featured in a British documentary with Michael Jackson. It was aired earlier this year. The boy is a cancer patient who stayed at Jackson's Neverland Ranch on a few occasions and a child in the center of a bitter divorce and custody battle.
The boy's mother had nothing negative to say about Jackson when she told a British newspaper earlier this year that "at no time has (her son) ever been treated with anything other than love, respect and the deepest kindness by Michael."
Article comments
1 - Existentialistgirlie
What are the credentials of the psychiatrist? Creating false memories may be a factor in this case. Lots of quacks out there.
2 - Natalie Davis
Curiouser and curiouser.
I will presume him innocent until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
3 - Michelle
Natalie, I think that's the safest one can do.
I currently sense, Michael has lots of support on his side. Even many in the media have already expressed their doubts. I hope he'll get a fair trial.
4 - Natalie Davis
I've missed fair media treatment.
5 - Tom Johnson
Yeah, I can't say I've seen any examples where this story isn't being presented as if he's guilty already. I hold out hope that the father's claim is true. This does look very odd - I read somewhere yesterday that the mother had been receiving money from MJ until recently, and when he stopped the money flow she took this story to the police. You can look at it two ways - she's blackmailing Jackson because she knows this issue is already a weakness for him, or she was exploiting her son all along to get money from Jackson. Either way, it looks bad for the kid, who's either been abused by one or the other - but he's definitely been abused in some form. Sad, very sad.
6 - Michelle
From FOX News:
Michael Jackson Defense Plan Emerges
Sunday, November 23, 2003
By Rita Cosby
LOS ANGELES -- Michael Jackson's (search) defense team plans to vigorously attack the credibility of the mother of the boy now making the allegations against the superstar, Fox News has learned.
In addition to videos, first reported about by Fox News this past week, in which the mother and the boy say they love Jackson and have never seen any inappropriate behavior, sources said there are written statements saying the same thing, which were signed late February by the boy and his mother in front of Jackson's attorney Mark Geragos (search).
Also, Fox News has learned the Jackson team has been flooded in recent days with calls from witnesses who were at Neverland Ranch (search) when the boy was there. These witnesses say the boy always acted happy and did not seem troubled.
There are also some employees of Jackson who will say they saw the mother of the boy often arguing with him -- sometimes, they say, high on crack -- and that she made demands.
The mother was becoming such a concern to the Jackson team, that sources told Fox News they brought in two employees from late January to March to specifically keep an eye on her at Neverland, so she, "would not freak out."
Some members of the Jackson team told Fox News they believe this case is all about greed from that mother -- they said as early as late January she was making verbal threats saying, "she could go to the tabloids and tell some stories if they didn't take care of her."
The defense team also plans to launch a massive assault on the district attorney, who they've said from the beginning was out to get Jackson.
Police seized a dozen explicit love letters and poems allegedly written by the pop icon to the young boy accusing him of molestation, according to several international newspaper reports.
Fox News has learned of a number of reports claiming that about 12 love letters and some poems were taken from Jackson's Neverland Ranch during Tuesday's raid, which stemmed from allegations of child sexual abuse.
Court TV's Diane Dimond, who broke news of the raid, confirmed those reports Sunday on Fox News.
Also Sunday, another superstar and longtime friend of Jackson's came out decrying the sex abuse accusations and the intense media coverage of the case.
"I thought the law was, 'Innocent until proven guilty,'" said actress Elizabeth Taylor. "I know he is innocent, and I hope they all eat crow."
In other developments, a story in the U.K.'s Sunday Mirror reported that Jackson was an emotional wreck during Thursday's flight on his private jet from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara, Calif., where he ultimately turned himself in to authorities peacefully.
The Mirror reported that Jackson's handlers had to practically drag him aboard the airplane and once in flight, he was in a state of panic, shaking and rocking back and forth so much that he had to be sedated. He was heard saying, "Why, why, why are they doing this to me?" over and over again, according to the Mirror.
At one point, the singer demanded to be flown to South America to avoid confronting the arrest warrant on counts of child molestation, the Mirror reported.
Jackson surrendered to Santa Barbara County (search) authorities without incident on Thursday after an arrest warrant was issued alleging he committed lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14.
Authorities have said they expect to file formal charges sometime after Thanksgiving. Jackson's arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 9.
After posting $3 million bail, Jackson flew back to Las Vegas, where he had been working on a music video. But attorney Geragos told The Los Angeles Times he planned to meet with Jackson at the star's Neverland Ranch near Santa Barbara on Saturday.
Media reports have said Jackson's alleged victim is a 12- or 13-year-old cancer survivor who visited him at Neverland where the singer was known to hold sleep-overs for children and share his bed with youngsters.
Stuart Backerman, a spokesman for Jackson, said the pop star was feeling "very positive" despite the allegations against him.
"He's fine. He's fighting mad, that's what he is. He's outraged at these allegations. But he is doing fine," Backerman said Saturday.
Small gatherings of Jackson's fans held candlelight vigils around the world Saturday to support the pop megastar.
There were rallies from Los Angeles to Toronto to Rome, but each typically drew just a few dozen fans. Vigils were planned over the weekend in more than a dozen cities, and others were to follow in China and Australia.
In Los Angeles, about 25 supporters gathered at Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame outside Grauman's Chinese Theater. They chanted "Michael's innocent!" and set candles in the shape of a heart around the star.
Faisal Malik, 29, a Los Angeles fan who helped organize the gathering, said he believes the performer is innocent.
"No other entertainer ever has opened his house so much to people," Malik said in a telephone interview. "True charity comes from the heart."
Geragos, who has said Jackson denies the charges, did not return repeated calls Saturday from The Associated Press.
In Las Vegas, about 25 fans gathered outside the CMX Productions studio, where Jackson had been working on the video.
"It's important for all his fans to come together at a time like this," said Christina Lowhorn, 21, of Las Vegas.
In Paris, about 60 fans gathered on the Champs Elysees and marched through crowds of shoppers to the Arc de Triomphe. They held candles and banners with slogans of support and sang "We Are the World," the 1985 African famine relief anthem written by Jackson and Lionel Richie.
"It's really hard for us," said Pascale Hatot, a 37-year-old fan from the suburbs of Paris. "I haven't been able to sleep or eat for three days."
Supporters in Rome gathered at the foot of the Spanish Steps just after darkness fell. They held candles and a sign in Italian that read: "Michael: Accused but not guilty!"
"There is an interest to see him fall as a man and as an artist," said Fabrizio Basili, a 30-year-old man from Rome who wore a black shirt bearing the image of Jackson's face. "His album 'Number Ones' came out with some of his great hits, and the same day the accusations came and this is why we're suspicious."
In Toronto, about 30 fans huddled over candles as rain and wind swept over the midtown square. A few fans held handmade signs supporting Jackson, some with photos clipped from magazines and "Michael We Love You" in six-inch-tall letters.
Some fans felt that Jackson is simply misunderstood.
"Is he creepy, no. Is he eccentric, yes. Different? Absolutely. I think that's what draws me to him," said Evan Williams, 28, who cranked a radio that played Jackson tunes.
Backerman said Jackson had received hundreds of supportive e-mails and was buoyed by his fans' loyalty. He added that a Web site, www.mjnews.us, will be launched as early as Sunday and will have official information from Jackson's camp for the media and fans.
"Michael Jackson has said in the past that his fans are his most precious resource. Clearly, the demonstrations around the world reinforce his long-standing feelings for his fans," Backerman said. "He's grateful."
Fox News' Anita Vogel and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
7 - TDavid
Liz Taylor ... now there's someone to have in your corner!
Police seized a dozen explicit love letters and poems allegedly written by the pop icon to the young boy accusing him of molestation, according to several international newspaper reports.
Depending on what these letters actually say, whether they are doctored or not, and whether they were actually written by Michael Jackson, this could be some powerful stuff to deflect, even if the mother is on crack and has other issues.
8 - Natalie Davis
Yeah, it's kind of hard to overlook a 45-year-old man giving a pet name like "rubba rubba buddy" to a pre-teen boy. Still, you have to wonder: A guy smart enough to have alarms around his bedroom ought to be smart enough to know that one shouldn't write love letters to a kid.
9 - RP
Fox News has learned of a number of reports claiming that about 12 love letters and some poems were taken from Jackson's Neverland Ranch during Tuesday's raid, which stemmed from allegations of child sexual abuse.
I'm curious though what the love letters and poems were doing at Jackson's home. They were, after all, for the boy...
10 - Star
The alleged love letters and poems were all lies. Also, Michale being an emotional wreck is also a lie. Several news outlets had to take it back after the truth came out. The bad thing is, the lies are permitted to ring loudly while when the truth comes out, it's like buried in the back page or reported only once or twice.
U must question media stories. Wait until the real deal comes out. They care more about ratings than truth or fact.
11 - Eric Olsen
very important points Star, thanks.
12 - Mac Diva
The mother does sound like an utterly confused chickadee or someone with larceny in her heart. Still, we must wait and see what evidence the prosecutors have. It had better be good or the whole thing is going to backfire on them.
The long wait until trial? A criminal defendant has to waive the right to a speedy trial. Generally, that is a good idea to provide time for preparation. In this case, I think Jackson should go to trial as soon as possible.
13 - shaleyra
michael jackso is a kid lover, and i am a fan nuber one of michael jackson
we love you michael, we are with you
14 - jack e. jett
i am no fan of michael jackson..okay that is a lie. i am pissed that i can not moonwalk like he can but i love his music.
court tv has done the absolute WORST JOB (see i am so mad i typed in caps...serious) of covering this trial.
they have been on one big witch hunt. the coverage is so onesided and biased against mr. jackson. (michael if your nasty). that diane dimond has made an entire career out of her hatred of him.
she always drawls out the words....caaaaancer victim and moooooooolestation. then she gets all giddy with herself.
to me, michael jackson is too weird to be a child molester....i thought most of them were christian camp counselors, coaches, teachers etc.
you know what i mean..he just seems too obvious.
jack e. jett
15 - victim
i know the reality of being controlled by a sexual abuser. i know how they drag you into their sickness with great ability and manipulate your even ability to calculate that its wrong. abusers use alcohol, manipulation, lies..and worst of all threaten you with your honesty will be held against you if you tell. i had eveything from my pets taken away to being left as a child alone if i told because i wouldnt be beleived. predators offer you money, or anything they can see as a manipulation. it makes me sick to see the victim suffer here because the abuseres actions are working. think if it was you or your own child. would you then hold up signs or throw up knowing you cant help your own childs conviction?
16 - Eric Olsen
powerful points Vitim, and very sorry about your suffering