I would never harm a child - Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, saying he must respond to “untruths and sensationalism", issued a statement yesterday saying he would never harm a child but acknowledging that he has reached financial settlements with people in the past to avoid the public embarrassment of going to court.

Jackson’s statement was issued just hours before the scheduled broadcast of a television report alleging that the entertainer paid $2m (€1.66m) to the son of an employee at his Neverland Ranch in 1990 to avoid a child molestation accusation.

The statement made no mention of the Dateline NBC report, but began with the words, “It is unfortunate that, yet again, I must respond to untruths and sensationalism.”

Jackson, 45, is fighting charges that he molested a boy in 2003.

The entertainer, who is free on $3m (€2.5m) bail, has pleaded not guilty to committing a lewd act upon a child, administering an intoxicating agent, and conspiring to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. He is scheduled to face trial beginning Jan. 31.

Jackson acknowledged that he has made financial settlements in the past to avoid litigation but added, “I would never harm a child.”

“Years ago, I settled with certain individuals because I was concerned about my family and the media scrutiny that would have ensued if I fought the matter in court,” he said.

“These people wanted to exploit my concern for children by threatening to destroy what I believe in and what I do. I have been a vulnerable target for those who want money.”

Jackson was being investigated by Santa Barbara authorities in 1993 when he reached a settlement with his accuser.

“Dateline NBC” reported that in 1990 Jackson allegedly made a $2m payment to the son of an employee at his Neverland Ranch. The boy was not the same one Jackson settled with in 1993, according to the report.

Former Santa Barbara County Sheriff Jim Thomas told the television newsmagazine that authorities learned of the 1990 case during their 1993 investigation.