Michael Jackson, addressing his fans directly via a new web site, claims the child molestation allegations made against him are "predicated on a big lie"and he will be exonerated in court.
The entertainer's spokesman, Stuart Backerman, had said last week that Jackson was putting the site together so he could communicate with the news media andfans.
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Jackson said in his statement that it would serve as a source for "official communications on my case."
"As you know, the charges recently directed at me are terribly serious," Jackson said in the six paragraph statement.
"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."
Meanwhile, actress Elizabeth Taylor broke her silence about the child sex abuse accusations surrounding Jackson, defending her close friend and blasting the media.
"I believe Michael is innocent and that he will be vindicated," Taylor said.
Taylor had previously refused to speak about the charges against Jackson , whohosted Taylor's 1991 wedding at his Neverland Ranch near Santa Barbara, California. In the statement, she also criticised the media for the way the story wasreported.
"Their whole reaction is that he is guilty," Taylor said. "I thought the law was innocent until proven guilty. I know he is innocent and I hope they all eat crow."
Jackson surrendered to Santa Barbara County authorities on Thursday after an arrest warrant was issued alleging he committed lewd or lascivious acts with achild under 14, a charge punishable by three to eight years in prison. He was released on $1.8 million bail and returned to Las Vegas the same day.Authorities have said they expect to file formal charges sometime after the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday.
Jackson said his lawyers have advised him to say little about the matter untilit is resolved. "No doubt, this will be frustrating for all of us," he added. He also urged people to be sceptical of those representing themselves as his friends or claiming to speak for him.
"With few exceptions most of them are simply filling a desperate void in our culture that equates visibility with insight," he said. "We will not engage inspeculation. 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."
Taylor, 71, has been friends with Jackson for decades. His giant ranch home includes a shrine to the two time Oscar winner, where her movies are played 24 hours a day.
Text of Michael Jackson's statement proclaiming his innocence: "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 willbe 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 Web site must be considered unauthorised. "You are right to be sceptical 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. "God bless you, Michael Jackson."
AP