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LAS VEGAS - Michael Jackson (news)'s roots run deep in Las Vegas, his playland away from Neverland, where he holds a key to the city, loves browsing magic shops for a clever card trick and his family owns property in exclusive neighborhoods.
In the neon desert, where practically anything goes, there are no warrants for his arrest. No lewd allegations. No "big lie" as the singer proclaims on his new Web site about the child molestation charges he's facing.
The ties were apparent when Jackson surrendered Nov. 20 after an arrest warrant alleged he committed lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14. After posting $3 million bail, he shunned his Neverland Ranch in California and flew to Las Vegas.
Jackson hopscotched around the city for three hours as media helicopters hovered overhead and giddy fans swarmed to get a peek of the King of Pop.
"There are places he goes and people scream negative things but it never seems to happen in Vegas," said Sean Renio, 22, a Las Vegas resident who spent time with Jackson last year while the singer was staying at the Four Seasons hotel.
Plus, Renio added, "there are so many places he can hide."
After all, Jackson had returned to Las Vegas, a city that revels in the outrageous and even boasts that what happens here, stays here.
People cried and literally shook after touching or seeing Jackson's spindly fingers sticking out of the cracked window of an SUV. There were nasty hecklers, but they were outnumbered by supporters.
"Oh my God," a crying Ofelia Felarca, 35, screamed at an intersection. "I got to see his hand. I'm so happy. He's my idol."
Jackson eventually made his getaway to the Green Valley Ranch hotel-casino in Henderson and gave the media the slip. Gossip columnists report Jackson might be staying at one of his family's redoubts. His parents and sister LaToya Jackson (news) own homes in Las Vegas.
But Las Vegas is more than a convenient hideaway that leaves paparazzi and reporters guessing where Jackson has escaped. The city serves up everything the eccentric superstar craves — especially that "glitter" Jackson loves, said Robert Wegner, Jackson's former head of security, who now lives in Reno, Nev.
The casinos offer shopping extravaganzas where Jackson can spend while being blanketed in impenetrable security.
He was filmed last year in a British documentary during an outrageous spending spree at The Venetian hotel-casino, and reportedly has a $25,000 bill at The Mirage hotel-casino for trashing his villa before returning to Santa Barbara to face the warrant for his arrest.
These are places he has been coming for years, ever since the Jackson Five first played the old MGM Grand hotel-casino on the Strip in 1974.
He claims friendship with casino developer Steve Wynn (news) and was recently given a key to the city by former mob lawyer-turned-Mayor Oscar Goodman. He's also known to like Las Vegas shows, such as Celine Dion (news)'s "A New Day ... " at Caesars Palace.
Dion's high-octane voice isn't the only act that Jackson enjoys. He penned the theme song for the now-closed Siegfried & Roy show and once fed Apollo, their white male Siberian tiger.
"This is what I always wanted to capture in my shows," Jackson said on the pair's Web site. "Music and magic is a fantastic combination."
When not witnessing magic, he's buying it at one of the city's many stores.
"He likes all kinds of things," said Scott Alexander, 33, manager of Denny and Lee Magic Studio near the Strip. "He's interested in different types of magic — everything from card tricks to coin tricks."
Jackson's frequent jaunts to the city have prompted rumors that he could be planning a show in Las Vegas with a magical theme.
A city known for second chances, Las Vegas would probably embrace Jackson, who some critics claim is washed up.
Experts say anything is possible in this fantasyland. Everybody gets another shot, no matter how they look.
"Elvis bombed here when he was young, taut and ripped," said Hal Rothman, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas history professor. "He succeeded here when he was a blimp."
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(CBS) The boy accusing Michael Jackson of molestation turned 14 Dec. 2. Waging a fight against cancer and dealing with the aftershocks of his parents’ bitter divorce, he now finds himself at the center of a custody battle.
The Early Show national correspondent Hattie Kauffman reports on this troubled family's history.
Russell Halpern, the attorney for the father of the boy, says, “What we're trying to do now is regain custody of the children.”
The boy's mother has sole custody. And Halpern says she's the one who allowed her son to have unsupervised sleepovers at Neverland, Jackson's ranch.
“It's one thing to be invited to a slumber party at some children's home to play with other children," Halpern says. "It's another when an adult male asks you if your son or daughter can spend the night with them.”
The young boy met Jackson when he was given only weeks to live after being diagnosed with cancer. According to medical records, the boy endured "chemotherapy" and "had his left kidney and his spleen removed."
Halpern denies rumors that the boy's condition is deteriorating.
“That in fact, this boy is in the same condition he was six months ago," Halpern says. "That his condition has not changed. That he is all right.”
The boy’s troubled childhood is a matter of court record. Divorce documents reveal the father was forced to enroll in a domestic violence batterers program. A progress report states: "he blames most of their family problems on his wife's mental condition."
Michael Jackson was the boy's idol. In fact, before there was trouble in paradise, the mother made statements praising Jackson.
Harvey Levin "Celebrity Justice" says, “The mother signed something, and the mother is also on videotape, as is the boy. I am told this was done before the boy revealed any of this alleged molestation. And the mother had no inkling of it when she said that Michael Jackson is such a great guy.”
But Halpern says the father also knows Michael Jackson, and feels conflicted over the charges against the singer.
Halpern says, “On one hand, he thinks of Michael Jackson as a friend of his. He's been in Michael Jackson's ranch. He's socialized with Michael Jackson. Had many conversations with him and doesn't believe him to be a pedophile. On the other hand, he has a son who, he would like to believe, would not lie, saying that Michael Jackson molested him in some form.“
Although the mother and her attorney have no comment, the boy reportedly told a therapist Jackson "fondled him in his private parts."
Levin of "Celebrity Justice" says, “I'm told this boy was a very reluctant kind of witness, that he didn't just come out and say, 'Here's what happened to me.' He had to have it pried out of him. He held it unto himself for a long, long time and then slowly started to talk about this. So this is not a boy that literally spilled his guts one day.”
The father's attorney says he will file for a change in custody arrangements by the end of this week. The father is seeking sole custody of his children
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Michael Jackson Wins Court Order on Illegal Videotape
LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David Yaffe granted Michael Jackson a court order against the aircraft company XtraJet, which was attempting to sell a surreptitious videotape of Michael and his attorney to the highest media bidder.
"The videotaping of my client conferring with me was illegal and outrageous, as was the aircraft company's attempt to sell that tape for profit," said Mark Geragos, Michael's attorney. "This entire case is about cash, and anyone who believes differently is living in their own Neverland. We will be absolutely relentless in our pursuit of any and all extortionists regardless of how they try to gift wrap their lies in the cloak of justice. Michael is not going to be a piñata for every money-hungry publicity seeker to strike in the hopes of hitting it rich."
The videotape was made on November 20th while Michael and his attorney flew from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara for the singer's processing on criminal charges. The judge's ruling prohibits XtraJet from releasing the tape until a hearing next month where a permanent prohibition will be sought.
Anyone watching this case can see that new lows are being hit every day. Motivated parties are taking obscene measures to injure Michael with false allegations. We will aggressively challenge the rogue's gallery of grifters who are seeking dividends from Michael's ordeal. There is a very real, human price being exacted here, and Michael will do what it takes to safeguard his family and his name.
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Gavin avoids spotlight
The 12 year old boy who talked openly of his close friendship with Michael Jackson has dipped out of the media spotlight following the broadcast of the documentary.
In Martin Bashir's film, Gavin told of how he struck up a friendship with the megastar two years ago after being told that he was dying of cancer. But Gavin and his family have remained tight lipped since the programme was broadcast.
Gavin stayed at Neverland with his family's blessing and spoke on camera of occasions when he has shared a bedroom with Jackson.
When Bashir put to Jackson that many people would think it inappropriate for a 44-year-old man to share a bed with a young boy, Jackson dismissed them as "ignorant" and "wacky".
"Why can't you share your bed? The most loving thing to do is to share your bed with someone. It's a beautiful thing. It's very right, it's very loving. Because what's wrong with sharing a love?" He added.
Reaction by the American public towards Jackson ranges from anger to pity.
One viewer said: "When you suffer trauma as a child you don't grow up. Give a six year old kid $40 billion and he's going to build a theme park with giraffes."
Gavin and his family could not be contacted at their home in California on the day that the documentary was premiered in America.
Jackson said he always slept on the floor when Gavin was there.
Asked if they ever shared a bed, he replied: "No. But I have slept in a bed with many children."
They include former child actor Macauley Culkin, his brother Kieran and their sisters, who all slept in the same bed with Jackson.
The star said it was always the children's choice to sleep in his bedroom and he was happy to oblige.
He said: "It's not sexual. We're going to sleep. I tuck them in and I put a little music on and when it's story time I read a book. We go to sleep with the fire on and I give them hot milk and cookies. It's very charming and very sweet. It's what the whole world should do."
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Jacko: 'Children sleep in my bed'
Outrage has followed the latest revelations from Michael Jackson that children share his bedroom at night.
The singer has admitted he has formed a close friendship with a 12-year-old boy, Gavin Arvizo, who regularly spends the night at his Neverland mansion. (Picture: Living with Michael Jackson - a Tonight Special, ITV1)
Gavin said he was suffering from cancer when he first met Jackson, but that his relationship with the star has helped to cure him.
Jackson said he always slept on the floor when Gavin was there.
More than 14 million TV viewers in the UK saw the revelations, made in an ITV1 documentary, Living with Michael Jackson - a Tonight Special.
And broadcast rights have been bought up for the US and Europe. Child care authorities in the US have promised to look closely at the film when it is broadcast there.
Asked in if he and Gavin ever shared a bed, Jackson replied: "No. But I have slept in a bed with many children."
He said: "It's not sexual. We're going to sleep. I tuck them in and I put a little music on and when it's story time I read a book.
"We go to sleep with the fire on and I give them hot milk and cookies. It's very charming and very sweet. It's what the whole world should do."
Gavin said his parents are happy about his friendship with the star, who phones him often in a series of late-night calls.
When told many people would think it inappropriate for a 44-year-old man to share a bed with a young boy, Jackson dismissed them as "ignorant" and "wacky".
"Why can't you share your bed? The most loving thing to do is to share your bed with someone," he said.
"It's a beautiful thing. It's very right, it's very loving. Because what's wrong with sharing a love?"
His comments were made in the programme in which award-winning Tonight journalist Martin Bashir was given unprecedented access.
Bashir said he was "astonished" to discover Jackson still enjoyed close relationships with young boys.
Jackson was once the undisputed King of Pop, but his reputation never recovered from the scandal which shocked the world in 1994.
He was accused of molesting 13-year-old Jordy Chandler - allegations he has always denied - and paid the boy's parents £18 million to drop a civil case against him.
The other children the star says he has shared a bed with include former child actor Macauley Culkin, his brother Kieran and the Culkin boys' sisters. He said it was always the children's choice to sleep in his bedroom and he was happy to oblige.
ITV's Martin Bashir is to answer questions about his extraordinary interview in a web chat next week.
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Jackson court action over TV doc
Unseen TV footage of Michael Jackson will be kept under lock and key as part of legal action in the High Court.
The Living With Michael Jackson TV special, made by Granada Television and shown on ITV1, featured interviews with Martin Bashir.
Out-takes will be kept off the screen until all the legal issues surrounding it are resolved.
Geoffrey Hobbs QC, for Granada, said it maintained there has been "absolutely no wrong-doing or impropriety". The temporary undertakings are "without any admission of liability".
The programme featured Jackson admitting sharing a bed with children. It prompted Jackson to lodge a complaint with broadcasting authorities and accused Bashir of "betrayal".
Jackson and his company claim it was agreed that they would own all the footage, subject to Granada's licence to broadcast - which did not cover out-takes or release of the finished programme on DVD or video.
Granada had promised to hand over the out-takes, say Jackson's team, but has not done so.
Earlier, a Granada spokesman said: "Proceedings against Granada relate to attempts by Michael to claim copyright in our footage. We shall be resisting such claims vigorously."
In the wake of the furore over the revelation in the ITV1 show, the singer's own production company released footage of the Bashir interviews in which the interviewer praised the way Jackson treated children.
Andrew Hochhauser QC, for Jackson and his company MJJ Productions, told Mr Justice Etherton that the star, in agreeing to take part in what he believed would be a faithful and truthful representation of his life, asked only that Granada make a substantial donation to charity.
According to press reports, said Mr Hochhauser, Granada made millions out of the programme.
Yet when Jackson asked how much had been donated, "they said it was none of his business". The programme turned out to be "a travesty of the truth which misrepresented his life and his abilities as a father".
Jackson's counsel also alleged Granada breached an agreement that Jackson's children would not be included in the documentary, filmed between last July and January.
"His paramount concern is for the safety of his children," he told the judge. "Granada has further footage containing images of the children in which they are readily recognisable."
The programme-makers deny there was any such agreement.
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Jackson will not face sex probe
Troubled superstar Michael Jackson will not face a new probe into allegations of child abuse despite TV documentary admissions that he shares his bedroom with children.
A US child protection charity wants singer investigated after he told interviewer Martin Bashir that youngsters sleep over with him at his Neverland ranch.
But Santa Barbara County District Attorney Thomas Sneddon said that under Californian law, merely sleeping with a child without "affirmative, offensive conduct" was not a criminal offence.
Mr Sneddon said police would require co-operation from a victim before any charges could be brought, he said.
"Sleeping in bed with a kid is not a crime that I know of," he said.
Mr Sneddon said a high-profile 1993 investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against the singer involving a 13-year-old boy remained "open, but inactive."
Jackson was never charged, but later reached a multi-million-dollar out-of-court settlement with the boy's family, which he would not discuss Mr with Bashir because of a confidentiality agreement.
The 44-year-old singer said in ITV1's - Living With Michael Jackson - a Tonight Special, that he had slept in a bed with "many children", including actor Macaulay Culkin and his brother Kieran.
"It's not sexual. We're going to sleep. I tuck them in," he said. "It's very charming. It's very sweet."
But Gloria Gruber, president of Prevent Child Abuse California, called for state authorities to interview the children with whom he had shared his bed after the programme was screened in the US last night.
"The fact that he sleeps with children who are unrelated to him is definitely a red flag and concern," she said.
"In light of the fact that over ten years ago there was one incident that was actually a prosecution, which was then dropped, leads us to further concern.
"Our major concern is the protection of children and I feel this needs to be investigated further.
"We did actually request the District Attorney to launch an investigation and to interview children as well as parents of children who do allow Michael to sleep over and we feel that's totally inappropriate."
Jackson has made an official complaint to TV watchdogs about the documentary, which he says "utterly betrayed" him.
It was showed in the US on Thursday night when 27 million people tuned in to watch.
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LA group prays for Jackson
Members of a Los Angeles youth group, fearing that Michael Jackson will kill himself over Martin Bashir's documentary on him, have held a prayer vigil for the embattled star.
Some 200 teenagers participated in the vigil at Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, hoping to inspire people around the world to pray for the onetime "King of Pop" amid revelations that he sleeps with young boys.
Alex Poe, director of Right Way Youth Activities Inc, said: "We are convinced that he is on the verge of suicide right now. After watching this documentary and looking at the situation ... the kids themselves encouraged me. They said: 'Mr Poe, the only thing we can do is pray.'"
The 90-minute documentary generated blockbuster ratings in the United States as more than 25 million people tuned in to watch.
It showed Jackson, 44, frolicking with children on the grounds of his Neverland ranch and defending his practice of sleeping with young boys - including a cancer sufferer named Gavin who is seen holding hands with the pop star.
Jackson has said he was "devastated" by the documentary and vowed to release video footage of his own to prove that Bashir had been misleading and unfair.
Poe said most of the children in his group, who range in age from 12 to 16, believe that Jackson has lost his way and can find it again with prayer, support and counselling.
"For the most part they love Michael," Poe said. "They do not think Michael is a paedophile. They want to start a prayer movement for Michael because he needs prayer. He doesn't deserve to be kicked to the side like this."
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Las Vegas: Michael Jackson's favourite playland away from Neverland
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Michael Jackson (news)'s roots run deep in Las Vegas, his playland away from Neverland, where he holds a key to the city, loves browsing magic shops for a clever card trick and his family owns property in exclusive neighbourhoods.
In the neon desert, where practically anything goes, there are no warrants for his arrest. No lewd allegations. No "big lie" as the singer proclaims on his new website about the child molestation charges he's facing.
The ties were apparent when Jackson surrendered Nov. 20 after an arrest warrant alleged he committed lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14. After posting $3 million US bail, he shunned his Neverland Ranch in California and flew to Las Vegas.
Jackson hopscotched around the city for three hours as media helicopters hovered overhead and giddy fans swarmed to get a peek of the King of Pop.
"There are places he goes and people scream negative things but it never seems to happen in Vegas," said Sean Renio, 22, a Las Vegas resident who spent time with Jackson last year while the singer was staying at the Four Seasons hotel.
Plus, Renio added, "there are so many places he can hide."
After all, Jackson had returned to Las Vegas, a city that revels in the outrageous and even boasts that what happens here, stays here.
People cried and literally shook after touching or seeing Jackson's spindly fingers sticking out of the cracked window of an SUV. There were nasty hecklers, but they were outnumbered by supporters.
"Oh my God," a crying Ofelia Felarca, 35, screamed at an intersection. "I got to see his hand. I'm so happy. He's my idol."
Jackson eventually made his getaway to the Green Valley Ranch hotel-casino in Henderson and gave the media the slip. Gossip columnists report Jackson might be staying at one of his family's redoubts. His parents and sister LaToya Jackson (news) own homes in Las Vegas.
But Las Vegas is more than a convenient hideaway that leaves paparazzi and reporters guessing where Jackson has escaped. The city serves up everything the eccentric superstar craves, especially that "glitter" Jackson loves, said Robert Wegner, Jackson's former head of security, who now lives in Reno, Nev.
The casinos offer shopping extravaganzas where Jackson can spend while being blanketed in impenetrable security.
He was filmed last year in a British documentary during an outrageous spending spree at The Venetian hotel-casino, and reportedly has a $25,000 bill at The Mirage hotel-casino for trashing his villa before returning to Santa Barbara to face the warrant for his arrest.
These are places he has been coming for years, ever since the Jackson Five first played the old MGM Grand hotel-casino on the Strip in 1974.
He claims friendship with casino developer Steve Wynn (news) and was recently given a key to the city by former mob lawyer-turned-mayor Oscar Goodman. He's also known to like Las Vegas shows, such as Celine Dion (news)'s A New Day ... at Caesars Palace.
Dion's high-octane voice isn't the only act that Jackson enjoys. He penned the theme song for the now-closed Siegfried and Roy show and once fed Apollo, their white male Siberian tiger.
"This is what I always wanted to capture in my shows," Jackson said on the pair's website. "Music and
magic is a fantastic combination."
When not witnessing magic, he's buying it at one of the city's many stores.
"He likes all kinds of things," said Scott Alexander, 33, manager of Denny and Lee Magic Studio near the Strip. "He's interested in different types of magic, everything from card tricks to coin tricks."
Jackson's frequent jaunts to the city have prompted rumours that he could be planning a show in Las Vegas with a magical theme.
A city known for second chances, Las Vegas would probably embrace Jackson, who some critics claim is washed up.
Experts say anything is possible in this fantasyland. Everybody gets another shot, no matter how they look.
"Elvis bombed here when he was young, taut and ripped," said Hal Rothman, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas history professor. "He succeeded here when he was a blimp."
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November 18, 2003
From Stuart Backerman
Official Spokesman for Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson Responds to Media Uproar
Over Search of Neverland Ranch
And a Who's Who of Hucksters Preying on His Name
LOS ANGELES - We cannot comment on law enforcement's investigation because we do not yet know what it is about.
We can comment on the malignant horde of media hounds claiming to speak for Michael on this and many other issues. A rogue's gallery of hucksters and self-styled "inside sources" have dominated the airwaves since reports of a search of Neverland broke, speculating, guessing and fabricating information about an investigation they couldn't possibly know about.
Michael himself said, "I've seen lawyers who do not represent me and spokespeople who do not know me speaking for me. These characters always seem to surface with a dreadful allegation just as another project, an album, a video, is being released."
Michael will, as always, cooperate fully with authorities in any investigation even as it is conducted, yet again, while he is not home.
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November 19, 2003
From Stuart Backerman
Official Spokesman for Michael Jackson
Statement on Behalf of Michael Jackson
The outrageous allegations against Michael Jackson are false. Michael would never harm a child in any way. These scurrilous and totally unfounded allegations will be proven false in a courtroom. Naturally, the implications are distressing to everyone who hears them, which is precisely the point.
We are disturbed by the levity of the environment surrounding the announcement of these very serious charges. When the evidence is presented and the allegations proven to be malicious and wholly unfounded, Michael will be able to put this nightmare behind him.
Michael through his attorneys, led by Mark Geragos, has already made arrangements with the District Attorney to return to Santa Barbara to immediately confront and prove these charges unfounded.
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November 20, 2003
From Stuart Backerman
Official Spokesman for Michael Jackson
Statement on Behalf of Michael Jackson
The big lie against Michael Jackson is anchored in the most vicious allegation imaginable, one that resonates across every culture: the spectacle of harming a child. That spectacle invites outrage, and it should. But this spectacle is rooted in a lie.
Michael said, "Lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathons. The truth will win this marathon in court."
Michael is going to defend himself with the force of his spirit, as would anyone falsely accused of something so monstrous.
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Your comments
You have written to us with your comments about reporter Martin Bashir's exclusive interview with itv.com/news about Michael Jackson, and we publish a selection below:
I think Martin Bashir tried to make Michael Jackson into a child molester. He saved the life of a 12-year-old boy with cancer by being his friend, caring deeply and no doubt giving to the family.
I have never thought more or Michael than I do now. He's a truly amazing human being!
Loretta James
Hmmm, let's see. Michael Jackson says Martin Bashir "betrayed" him. Exactly what form did this betrayal take? Jackson agreed to let Bashir interview him, film him and tell the truth about him. That's what Bashir did.
Betrayal? I think the documentary was fair and even-handed. There simply isn't any way to put a positive spin on Jackson's bizarre, twisted actions.
Chuck Miller
In response to the absolutely nasty job that was done by the interviewer, I feel a fair shot was by no means given to Mr Jackson. I am not really a fan of his music but I am a fan of his humanity. He himself said he is Peter Pan and with that thought in mind and thinking and living as Peter Pan would.
Jeffry E Dodson, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US
I suppose it doesn't make a great headline, does it - "Michael Jackson invites underprivileged children to Neverland for days out"?
Alison Hayes Christchurch, Dorset
As for the way he brings up his children, that was a bit strange, but his two eldest obviously adore him. How many people out there who have got children can put their hand on their hearts and say that their children adore them? Not many!
Rebecca Moore
Like Martin Bashir, I found Michael Jackson's emotions especially childlike (ie transparent), and admittedly Mr Bashir is 'guilty' of using his own 'gut feelings' to get to the truth.
However, I believe it was acceptable and perceptive journalism. In fact because of the insightful reporting, I now have more knowledge of how Michael Jackson ticks and consequently, have considerable empathy and understanding for him as a person.
Esther Lewis
How his children are conceived are his own business and if he wants to pay a surrogate to have a child for him, it is his own money and he has that right, just as we would have that right.
Pat Smith, Ohio
I think Martin tried to put words into Michael's mouth, and make the documentary more interesting by making Michael Jackson look weird and perverted. I personally think it all got out of hand and Michael is a very good father, and clearly loves children.
Angela Drizen
In my view, it's unfair the way Michael has been portrayed by the reporter, who only compiled the part that drew an audience to the programme.
From the outset he had his plans, he wormed his way to Michael's heart, then destroyed him. I am still yet to see a baby that doesn't cry to be fed.
Patrick Gloria
Martin Bashir must not be allowed to be made into a scapegoat. There is no way he could have manipulated that series of interviews - the words were spoken by MJ himself.
I think he treated him and the awkward job of asking him "icky" questions with tact. And this wasn't easy at times - it looked like he was having to tap into all the eccentricities of MJ. Job well done, Mr Bashir!
Shanila Foolheea
Long after Martin has moved on, children will still be sleeping in Jackson's room. Only Jackson and those children know what happens in there. Jackson's defenders certainly don't and Martin Bashir never claimed that he knows - but like any sensible, concerned human being he HAD to question it.
Kate Smith
I just wanted to say that I feel that Martin Bashir handled it pretty well. As much a fan as I am of Michael Jackson, the truth is, that he did contradict himself in some areas and I think Bashir had a right to press it a bit.
Having said that, however, I also wish to say that the entire programme did seem to have a bit of a slant to it, and I do feel that some things were stretched to look highly damaging and inappropriate.
Denise L. Verrier
I feel that Martin Bashir falsely gained Michael's respect for 8 months to get a good story, with only the intention to hurt and damage his character which I have absolutely no support in.
Christine Manning
I feel terrible about the question such as the question about plastic surgery. Everybody knows what happens. In my opinion, if you had surgery until your face looks strange, I'm sure you would feel regret inside and wouldn't want anybody to ask that question.
I still don't understand what Martin Bashir asked that question for.
Raphael Pedroza Damasio
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To my fans, friends and family:
As you know, the charges recently directed at me are terribly serious. They are, however, predicated on a big lie. This will be shown in court, and we will be able to put this horrible time behind us.
Because the charges are so serious, I hope you all will understand, on the advice of my attorneys, I will be limited in what I can say about the situation. There will be times when I cannot comment at all. No doubt, this will be frustrating for all of us.
For that reason, I have set up this website to serve as a source of official communications on my case. Any statement that does not appear on this website must be considered unauthorized.
You are right to be skeptical of some of the individuals who are being identified in the mass media as my friends, spokespeople, and attorneys. With few exceptions, most of them are simply filling a desperate void in our culture that equates visibility with insight. We will not engage in speculation. We will not provide running commentary on every new development or allegation du jour. We intend to try our case in the courtroom, not in the public or the media.
I thank you all for your support and understanding
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