Jackson Launches Web Defense

Michael Jackson may be in hiding since his arrest last week on child-molestation charges, but the musician has made his presence felt on the Internet, where he has launched a Website.

Addressing his "fans, friends and family" via the mjnews.us Website, Jackson said that the allegations against him are "predicated on a big lie" and that he would be cleared of wrongdoing in court.

Jackson instigated a media blitzkrieg last Thursday when he turned himself in to Santa Barbara authorities after an arrest warrant was issued alleging he committed lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age.

Released on $3 million bail, the Gloved One went into seclusion this weekend. While Jackson remained holed up at an "undisclosed location" in the Las Vegas area, the music superstar didn't keep quiet on the controversy surrounding him.

"As you know, the charges recently directed at me are terribly serious," Jacko wrote in a five-paragraph statement. "They are, however, predicated on a big lie. This will be shown in court, and we will be able to put this horrible time behind us."

"Big lie" is the same phrase previously used by Jackson's attorney and spokesperson in the campaign to clear his name.

But, just to be clear, not all spin in the press is sanctioned. Beware those talking heads who claim to represent Jacko. The site is to serve as a "source of official communications" on his legal woes.

"You are right to be skeptical of some of the individuals who are being identified in the mass media as my friends, spokespeople and attorneys. With few exceptions, most of them are simply filling a desperate void in our culture that equates visibility with insight," wrote Jackson.

"We will not engage in speculation. We will not provide running commentary on every new development or allegation du jour. We intend to try our case in the courtroom, not in the public or the media," added the onetime King of Pop.

Another voice raised in Jackson's defense was that of longtime friend Elizabeth Taylor. On Sunday, she issued a statement through her publicist that said Jackson "is absolutely innocent" and will be "vindicated."

Taylor, whose 1991 nuptials to construction worker Larry Fortensky took place at Jackson's Neverland Ranch, had previously refused to comment on the multiple charges of child molestation, "because the press have behaved so abominably toward Michael," she said.

Indeed, Hollywood's grande dame blasted the media for its take on the sordid tale. "Their whole reaction is that he is guilty," said the 71-year-old. "I thought the law was 'innocent until proven guilty.' I know he is innocent, and I hope they all eat crow," added Taylor.

Ten years ago, Taylor flew to Singapore to lend support to Jackson when he was on tour and accused of child molestation. Jackson avoided criminal charges in that case by settling a civil suit filed by the boy's family for an alleged $15 million to $20 million.

However, not everyone feels like singing Jackson's praises. A marching band from Indiana has scrapped its plans to perform Jackson's megahit "Thriller" at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade this week. Bloomington High School North's band director told the New York Times that playing the song would be inappropriate in light of the child-molestation charges leveled against Jacko.