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Jackson decries 'disgusting' child molestation claims
Just hours before he goes on trial in California, pop superstar Michael Jackson said "disgusting" claims of child molestation made his life "a nightmare," but insisted he would be found innocent.
"I will be acquitted and vindicated when the truth is told," he said in a videotaped statement broadcast on his website just before the scheduled start of what has been dubbed the celebrity trial of the century.
The trial starts Monday in the small central Californian city of Santa Maria, 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Jackson's sprawling Neverland home and amusement park where he is alleged to have sexually molested a cancer-striken 13-year-old boy two years ago.
One of the world's best known entertainers, Jackson, 46, will see for the first time some of the people who will be given the power to put him behind bars, as the court starts the lengthy process of selecting 12 jurors from a list of 4,000 potential candidates.
Jackson angrily dismissed accusations leaked from grand jury sessions in which his now 15-year-old accuser told in graphic detail how the controversial star 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 the brief videotaped statement.
"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 pictured wearing a bright blue shirt.
The transcript quotes the alleged victim as saying that as he and Jackson lay in bed, "he (Jackson) put his hand down my pants and he started rubbing me, my private area -- he was masturbating me."
Jackson said he had wanted to help the cancer-stricken boy when he invited him and his family to Neverland.
"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 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."
He also pleaded for fairness.
"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."
Jackson has pleaded innocent, and claims the accusations are "a big lie" concocted by a greedy family.
The case has drawn worldwide attention because of the superstar status of the defendant, known for his catchy tunes, moondancing steps and signature crotch-grabbing, but also for his eccentric behavior and frequent plastic surgeries.
He had already been accused of child molestation in 1993, but settled the case out of court in a multimillion dollar deal.
His hard-core fans are convinced the "King of Pop" could not harm a child, and point out he is like a child himself -- his Neverland ranch is named after the fictional magical kingdom of Peter Pan, the storybook boy who would not grow up.
A small group of fans sat in their cars outside the gates of Neverland Sunday, saying they wanted to show their love and support for the embattled star. One car, had the word "INNOCENT" written on its side. "Michael has nothing to hide because nothing happened," said Wiedjai Sewgobind, 39, who traveled from Amsterdam to show his support. The fans plan to stand outside the Santa Maria courtroom during the trial. Last year, Jackson delighted supporters by dancing briefly atop his car after arriving 20 minutes late for his arraignment. But tough-talking Judge Rodney Melville made it clear he would brooke no such nonsense this time around, and has also warned lawyers to behave as the eyes of the world would be on his courtroom.
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