A spokesperson for Michael Jackson issued a statement today saying the “scurrilous and totally unfounded” allegations against the pop star would be “proven false in a courtroom.”
Spokesman Stuart Backerman also said Jackson will be represented by attorney Mark Geragos, who is also defending Scott Peterson, the man accused of murdering his wife, Laci, and their unborn child.
Backerman added that Jackson “has already made arrangements with the district attorney to return to Santa Barbara to immediately confront and prove these charges unfounded.”
“Michael would never harm a child in any way,” Backerman said.
Commenting on the joviality of today’s proceedings announcing the warrant for Jackson‘s arrest, Backerman said, “We are disturbed by the levity of the environment surrounding the announcement of these very serious charges…. When the evidence is presented and the allegations proven to be malicious and wholly unfounded, Michael will be able to put this nightmare behind him.”
While Backerman may be convinced Jackson will ultimately be proven innocent, CBS isn’t taking any chances. In light of the charges against the pop star, the network has indefinitely postponed a TV special featuring him that had been scheduled to air next week, Reuters reports.
The network told the news agency that, “given the gravity of the charges against Mr. Jackson, we believe it would be inappropriate at this time to broadcast an entertainment special.”
“However,” they continued, “we are very mindful that Mr. Jackson is innocent until proven guilty. We will consider broadcasting the special after the due process of the legal system has run its course.”
