Boy in Jacko abuse claim ‘was prepared to testify’

THE boy who made original allegations of abuse against Michael Jackson in 1993 refused to testify in court only because he was not entered into a witness protection programme, it was reported yesterday.

The teenager was said to have been prepared to give evidence in court, even after he was given a reported pay-out of up to $20 million, according to People Magazine.

But the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office declined the protection request, and the offer was withdrawn, a source close to the investigation told the magazine.

Jackson is facing new allegations that he abused a teenage cancer sufferer at his Neverland Ranch, in California, earlier this year.

He has called the accusations a “big lie”.

Meanwhile, there were reports Jackson was effectively paid nearly $1m for an interview which was shown on US television on Sunday. During the CBS 60 Minutes programme Jackson repeated his belief that it was acceptable to sleep in the same room as unrelated children.

The New York Times said a deal brokered between the network and the Jackson team meant the star’s payment for both the interview and a “Jackson special”, yet to be broadcast, went up by $1m. The full amount Jackson would receive was not known.

A spokesman for 60 Minutes denied that there was any payment for the interview, saying: “CBS News doesn’t pay for interviews.”

Jackson has claimed that his shoulder was dislocated while he was in custody and said the pain caused by handcuffs prevented him from sleeping. He also claimed he was locked in a toilet for nearly an hour.

Santa Barbara Sheriff’s office, where Jackson was questioned and had his mugshot photo taken, has denied the claim.

Jackson, 45, is charged with seven counts of performing lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 14 and two counts of administering an intoxicating agent, reportedly wine. He is due to appear in court in California on January 16.