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Jackson 'fighting mad' about allegations
« on: Dec 21st, 2003, 6:14am » |
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Hundreds gathering at ranch to show support for pop icon
Sunday, December 21, 2003 Posted: 4:14 AM EST (0914 GMT)
(CNN) -- Michael Jackson is "fighting mad" about the allegations surrounding the multiple charges of child molestation he is facing, his spokesman told reporters Saturday. "He's doing fantastic. He's doing well. He's holding up fine," Stuart Backerman said at a news conference outside the pop superstar's Neverland ranch in California. "He's clearly fighting mad regarding the allegations."
Backerman spoke before a gathering at the ranch of several hundred family members, friends and fans, who he said were there not to celebrate, but to show their support for Jackson.
"This is what friends are all about, what friends often do, and that is come to the aid of, and support, and sorry to be so mushy, but give love, to people who are ... in somewhat difficult times," Backerman said.
Speaking to The Associated Press on Friday, Backerman described the event at the ranch, about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, as a homecoming. The entertainer has been in Las Vegas and various undisclosed locations since surrendering to authorities last month and being released on $3 million bail, the AP reported.
Jackson was charged Thursday with seven counts of engaging in lewd or lascivious acts involving a child under 14 and two counts of administering an intoxicating agent to the youth.
Jackson publicist Kevin McLin said Saturday that about 600 guests were expected at Neverland. Backerman said the guest list includes celebrities and what he called "longtime fans who have become friends," including many from nearby the ranch.
Musician Edwin Birdsong told the Associated Press that Jackson was reticent but smiling. "He just said 'Hi,' and smiled," Birdsong said. "It was very festive and happy."
Speaking to the Associated Press, actor David McKnight described the event as "a lot of food, a lot of eating, and a lot of celebration, camaraderie, holding hands, cheering and praising Michael Jackson." Another guest told the AP that Jermaine Jackson performed a song and Michael Jackson appeared "relaxed."
McLin also announced that a Web site had been set up as a forum for Jackson's fans. The site (http://www.MJNetworks.com/) contains a form where comments may be written for posting.
"This was in essence ... a function of the fans wanting to show their support and love," Backerman said.
The fan Web site echoes a site set up in November (http://www.MJNews.us/) that contains official statements put out on Jackson's behalf.
Backerman said the celebrities include musician MC Hammer, tennis star Serena Williams and "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest, as well as LaToya Jackson and other members of Michael Jackson's family.
Backerman said he couldn't comment on whether Jackson's children -- Prince Michael I, Paris and Prince Michael II -- were attending the gathering.
With Jackson's arraignment scheduled for January 16, legal experts told the AP that the pop star would do well to try to stay out of the headlines. Jackson's plans for the coming weeks may help him do that. He is heading for England to fulfill contractual obligations, his lawyer has said.
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