Arrest warrant issued for US top pop singer Michael Jackson: TV

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, November 20, 2003

Arrest warrant issued for US top pop singer Michael Jackson: TV

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of US pop superstar Michael Jackson for suspicion of child sexual molestation, KCAL-TV Channel 9 reported Tuesday tonight, citing confirmation from a Jackson family attorney.

A search warrant served Tuesday at Jackson's Neverland Ranch inSanta Barbara County, central California, stemmed from a 12- or 13-year-old Los Angeles boy's session with a therapist, local press reports said.

Santa Barbara Sheriffs Department said that about two dozen investigators were present when the warrant was served at the Neverland Ranch "as part of ongoing criminal investigation." The department has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday to tell about the raid.

No reason for the police search was given, but press reports said it stemmed from a 12-year-old boy, who spent time at the ranch and entered into therapy several months ago.

By law, health care workers are required to tell authorities ifthey know or suspect a child to be a victim of abuse.

Jackson, 45, reportedly is in Las Vegas, with members of his family, to make a music video. His album, "Michael Jackson Number Ones," was released Tuesday.

A Jackson family representative in Las Vegas called the raid unfortunate. "The family stands behind Michael. He's holding up." Steve Manning said.

Jackson's spokesman Stuart Backerman also refused to comment onany allegations, adding neither he nor Jackson knew the details ofthe investigation.

Backerman said Jackson and his three young children were not atthe ranch at the time and have been in Las Vegas, where Jackson is making a video.

In a statement issued by Backerman, Jackson denounced media coverage of the search. "I've seen lawyers who don't represent me and spokespeople who do not know me speaking for me. These characters always seem to surface with dreadful allegations just as another project, an album, a video is being released," the Jackson statement said.

Jackson's career began to collapse in 1993 amid allegations he molested a 14-year-old boy. He maintained his innocence, and charges were never filed after he reportedly reached a multimillion-dollar settlement with the boy's family.

Earlier this year, the US TV network ABC broadcast a television documentary, in which Jackson revealed that he had slept in a bed with many children. But he denied that was related to any sexual acts.

Jackson's revelations prompted calls for an investigation of his ranch by California child welfare authorities.

Questions?Comments? Click here

'S.W.A.T.' Captures North American Box Office

China slams AIT head's remarks on Taiwan issue ( 4 Messages)

Internet changes life in China: News focus ( 2 Messages)

2003, the first pageant year in China? ( 4 Messages)

US rushes to embrace strategy of "Iraqification" ( 4 Messages)

Traffic woes to ease with express thoroughfares ( 3 Messages)