CMU reports:
How it will all impact on sales of his greatest hits compilation, released
last Monday, remains to be seen, but all things considered it aint looking so good for Michael Jackson this morning. Police yesterday issued a warrant
for his arrest and said they plan to file multiple charges of child abuse against him. The latest word is officials are negotiating with Jackson's lawyers for the singer to hand himself in.
Jackson's people continue to deny all allegations. Stuart Backerman told
reporters: "Michael would never harm a child in any way. These scurrilous
and totally unfounded allegations will be proven false in a courtroom." That
last point is key. Many feel Jackson - assuming he is innocent - was wrong
to pay off the family of 13 year old Jordan Chandler who accused the singer
of sex abuse back in 1993. Jackson paid the family a reported $12 million to
drop their allegations. While this avoided any short term court room embarrassment it meant Jackson never proved his innocence - leading many in
the media to assume there was something in Chandler's allegations. Reports
suggest the family making the new allegations aren't interested in a pay-off
and want to go to court. Although cynics might suggest that's the sort of
talk that just increases any pay off, some of Jackson's advisors may well
recommend the singer faces the court room to clear his name once and for
all.
Confirming bail has been set at $3 million, Santa Barbara Sheriff Jim
Anderson told reporters their raid on Jackson's Neverland home was designed
to find "evidence that would corroborate the victim's statements". He added:
"We encourage the public to come forward if they have any information to
lead us to believe there are other victims in the community."
Both ITV in the UK and CBS in the US have decided to cancel Michael Jackson
biography programmes due to air this week alongside the release of the
aforementioned greatest hits album. CBS told reporters: "Given the gravity of the charges against Mr Jackson, we believe it would be inappropriate at this time to broadcast an entertainment special."
Article comments