'I HELPED THEM HEAL'
Michael Jackson defended sharing his bed with kids as ‘beautiful thing’ and hit out at ‘ignorant’ abuse claims
The King of Pop hit said sleeping with children helped them 'heal' in a rambling 2003 interview
MICHAEL Jackson once tried to defend sharing his bed with kids by saying it would help them "heal", it has been revealed.
The King of Pop hit out at the "ignorant" abuse claims in a rambling 2003 interview with ITV journalist Martin Bashir.
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When asked if he saw why people would "worry" about Jackson - then 44 - sharing a bed with thirteen-year-old cancer patient Gavin Arvizo, the music legend replied: "because they are ignorant."
He defended the practice as "a beautiful thing" - adding that he wasn't the "Jack the Ripper in the room."
He blasted: "There's some guy trying to heal child. I have slept in a bed with many children.
"It's very right. It's very loving, that's what the world needs now, more love more heart?
I have slept in a bed with many children
Michael Jackson
"What's wrong with sharing a love? You don't sleep with your kids?
"Or some other kid who needs love who didn't have a good childhood? My children sleep with other people all the time."
The star was cleared of all counts of child sex abuse and grooming of Gavin Arvizo in criminal trial in 2005.
Allegations against Jackson first became public in 1993, when Jordan Chandler, 13, sued Jackson for sexual abuse, leading to a criminal investigation.
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The child was able to draw distinctive marks on Jackson’s penis and buttocks – as the legendary entertainer suffered from skin condition vitiligo.
Following the strip search, Jackson agreed a massive settlement with the Chandler family reported to between $20m and $24m.
More allegations against Jacko have came to light following the screening of explosive documentary Leaving Neverland at the Sundance Film Festival last week.
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The film, which will air on television in spring, features the singer's former boy companions Wade Robson and James Safechuck who both claim they were sexually abused by Jackson over several years.
Michael Jackson strongly denied all allegations of sexual abuse made against him.
His estate has slammed Leaving Neverland as "an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in."
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Michael Jackson describes 'humiliating' strip search by cops following Jordan Chandler allegations
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