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Statement on Leaking of 1993 Settlement by “Court TV”

Michael Jackson, “MJJ Source” (June 17, 2004) (archived)

“I respect the obligation of confidentiality imposed on all of the parties to the 1993 proceedings.  Yet, someone has chosen to violate the confidentiality of those proceedings.  Whoever is now leaking this material is showing as much disrespect for the Santa Maria Court’s ‘gag order’ as they are a determination to attack me.

“No action or investigation has been taken to determine who is leaking this information or why they are permitted to violate the law in such a manner.  I respectfully request that people see these efforts for what they are.

“These kinds of attacks and leaks seek to try the case in the press, rather than to a jury who will hear all of the evidence that will show that I did not, and would not, ever, harm a child.  I have always maintained my innocence and vehemently denied that these events ever took place.  I reluctantly chose to settle the false claims only to end the terrible publicity and to continue with my life and career.

“I ask all of my neighbors in Santa Maria, the people to whom I give my loyal trust and admiration, to keep an open mind and give me a chance to show that I am completely innocent of these charges.  I will not let you down.”