I feel more betrayed than ever, says superstar
The reclusive American singer has been widely criticised following the ITV programme, Living With Michael Jackson, in which he revealed that he still shares his bedroom with children.
A spokesman said Jackson first saw the programme, in which he was interviewed by investigative journalist Martin Bashir, on Wednesday night.
He immediately released a statement saying the documentary was deceptive and that he would never harm a child. "I trusted Martin Bashir to come into my life and that of my family because I wanted the truth to be told.
"Martin Bashir persuaded me to trust him, that his would be an honest and fair portrayal of my life and told me that he was 'the man that turned Diana's life around.'"
Mr Bashir famously interviewed with Diana, Princess of Wales. Jackson added: "Today I feel more betrayed than perhaps ever before; that someone who had got to know my children, my staff and me, whom I let into my heart and told the truth, could then sacrifice the trust I placed in him and produce this terrible and unfair programme.
"Everyone who knows me will know the truth which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child."
Jackson said he had received many messages of support from fans since the documentary was aired on Monday night.
In the documentary, which was repeated on ABC in the United States on Wednesday night, the singer reveals he has formed a close friendship with a 12-year-old boy, who regularly spends the night at his Neverland mansion.
Jackson, 44, said there was nothing strange about the arrangement, adding: "It's very loving. What's wrong with sharing a love?"
Debbie Rowe, Jackson's former wife and the mother of two of his children, has joined with him in slamming the documentary. In a statement released yesterday alongside Jackson's, Ms Rowe said: "It breaks my heart that anyone could truly believe that Michael would do anything to harm or endanger our children: they are the most important thing in his life."
Mr Bashir spent eight months with the singer to make the documentary.
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 $30 million to drop a civil case against him.
His new friend is Gavin, 12, who suffered from cancer when he met Jackson and believes his relationship with the star helped cure him.
Jackson said that he always slept on the floor when Gavin was in the bed.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
