Jackson pays US$20 m to stop child molesting case

Los Angeles – Michael Jackson paid more than US$20-million to settle a civil suit by a boy who accused the pop superstar of molesting him in 1993, according to a copy of the agreement obtained by Court TV.

The document stated that the settlement should not be construed as an admission that Jackson had “acted wrongfully” towards the child, and stressed the singer had only chosen to pay because of the impact the molestation allegations could have on his future income. “Whoever released this agreement, whether it is actual or not, did it deliberately and wilfully, with the intent of influencing potential jurors – which is outrageous and an act of desperation,” said Jackson spokesperson Raymone Bain.In the 31-page agreement signed in January 1994, Jackson agreed to pay US$15,3-million to be held in a trust fund for his accuser, now 24, as well as US$1,5-million to each of his parents.A further US$5-million was set aside for the plaintiff’s lawyer.In exchange, the accuser and his parents agreed to not pursue civil claims against Jackson.The self-styled “King of Pop” pleaded innocent in April to a 10-count indictment that included charges of child molestation, conspiracy to falsely imprison and abduct someone, and extortion.Jackson, 45, is currently awaiting trial on charges of molesting a 12-year-old boy at his Neverland Ranch in California last year.- Nampa-AFP”Whoever released this agreement, whether it is actual or not, did it deliberately and wilfully, with the intent of influencing potential jurors – which is outrageous and an act of desperation,” said Jackson spokesperson Raymone Bain.In the 31-page agreement signed in January 1994, Jackson agreed to pay US$15,3-million to be held in a trust fund for his accuser, now 24, as well as US$1,5-million to each of his parents.A further US$5-million was set aside for the plaintiff’s lawyer.In exchange, the accuser and his parents agreed to not pursue civil claims against Jackson.The self-styled “King of Pop” pleaded innocent in April to a 10-count indictment that included charges of child molestation, conspiracy to falsely imprison and abduct someone, and extortion.Jackson, 45, is currently awaiting trial on charges of molesting a 12-year-old boy at his Neverland Ranch in California last year.- Nampa-AFP