Jacko's life a 'nightmare'
2005-01-30 18:19
Santa Maria - Pop superstar Michael Jackson expressed certainty he would be found innocent of child molestation at his trial that starts Monday, but said he is now going through "a nightmare".
He angrily dismissed accusations leaked from grand jury sessions in which his now 15-year-old accuser told in graphic detail how the entertainer allegedly fondled him and plied him with alcohol.
"In the last few weeks, a large amount of ugly, malicious information has been released into the media about me," Jackson said in a brief videotaped statement he released on his website on Sunday.
"Apparently, this information was leaked through transcripts in a grand jury proceeding where neither my lawyers, nor I, ever appeared. The information is disgusting and false," said Jackson, who was wearing a bright blue shirt.
"I love my community and I have great faith in our justice system. Please keep an open mind and let me have my day in court. I deserve a fair trial like every other American citizen. I will be acquitted and vindicated when the truth is told."
He pointed out that in 2003 he had invited the then 13-year-old cancer stricken boy and his family to his amusement park home near the small city of Santa Maria where the trial gets under way on Monday.
"I allowed this family into my home because they told me their son was ill with cancer and needed my help. Through the years, I have helped thousands of children who were ill or in distress."
A 46-year-old father of three, Jackson said the "events have caused a nightmare for my family, my children and me. I never intend to place myself in so vulnerable a position again."
- AFP