Michael Jackson pleads not guilty

SANTA MARIA, California, Jan 30 - Pop superstar Michael Jackson pleaded that he is not guilty on the atrocious charges made against him. As what is said to be one of the biggest celebrity trails in recent history, Micheal Jackson is accused of molesting a 15- year old boy.

He angrily dismissed accusations leaked from grand jury sessions in which his now 15-year-old accuser told in graphic detail how the famous pop star took advantage of him two years ago.

“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 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.

The transcript quotes the alleged victim as saying that as he and Jackson lay in bed, “he 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 his Neverland 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.”