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In the End, Abuse Charges Eclipsed Career

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 26, 2009 12:56 PM CDT

(Newser) – Michael Jackson’s reputation will forever be tainted by the numerous allegations of child molestation levied against him, the New York Daily News reports. Jackson was never convicted of any crime, but he did settle out of court on two occasions, once for $20 million. A Jackson attorney said the singer settled because he didn’t like “courtrooms and lawyers.”

Even jurors who found Jackson not guilty in a 2005 molestation trial weren’t so sure of his innocence. “I feel that Michael Jackson has probably molested boys,” one said. Through it all—though he dropped out of view after the trial—Jackson seemed blissfully ignorant of public opinion. At the peak of one of his scandals, Jackson was asked if it was OK to sleep with children in the same bed. “Why not?” he replied.

Michael Jackson records.
Michael Jackson records.   (AP Photo)
Jackson arrives at court in 2005.
Jackson arrives at court in 2005.   (AP Photo)
Michael Jackson is greeted by Thai children in traditional dress in 1996.
Michael Jackson is greeted by Thai children in traditional dress in 1996.   (AP Photo)
Michael Jackson dangles child Prince Michael II over a balcony at the Adlon Hotel in Berlin.
Michael Jackson dangles child Prince Michael II over a balcony at the Adlon Hotel in Berlin.   (AP Photo)
The entrance to pop star Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch.
The entrance to pop star Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch.   (AP Photo)
Michael Jackson and lead defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. leave Jackson's child molestation trial in 2005.
Michael Jackson and lead defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. leave Jackson's child molestation trial in 2005.   (AP Photo)
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If you're going to be a pedophile, if you're going to be Jack the Ripper, if you're going to be a murderer, it's not a good idea. That, I am not. - Michael Jackson, on sleeping with children

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
drlarrymitchell
Jun 30, 2009 5:20 AM CDT
Michael Jackson < PRINCE.
2-bits
Jun 26, 2009 6:55 AM CDT
The throngs of people making pedo jokes on newser obviously got that memo.
plstyle
Jun 26, 2009 6:21 AM CDT
I think the throngs of people morning his death around the world missed that memo...

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