Free Republic

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Michael Jackson has donated to so many charities that the Guinness Book of World Records in 2000 listed him as the world record holder for "most charities supported by a pop star." Now, as the singer faces new allegations of child molestation, charities, schools and even cities that benefited or hoped to benefit from his largesse are reconsidering their affiliation with the "King of Pop." Others say they will distance themselves only if Jackson is convicted of a crime. Despite concerns by sponsors and other groups, the allegations shouldn't hurt Jackson's popularity if he escapes prosecution...

Santa Barbara DA announces they are working "100 new solid leads" in Michael Jackson case. When The Gloved One was arrested last week, cops asked that anyone with additional evidence in "this or other cases involving Mr. Jackson" call them. There have been at least 1000 phone calls. At least 100 are being worked as solid leads. Looks like this case of the cancer kid was the one that broke the dam. Anyone want to guess that their are at least 10 other probable cases.... and this announcement will spur even more calls? Also, supposedly Jackson has real $ troubles...

The latest Michael Jackson controversy perfectly mirrors the shallowness and exploitation at the center of the entertainment business. Jackson now seems to have become the three-dimensional picture of Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray, the man who looked forever young but kept a picture hidden that recorded his layers of crime and sickness. Jackson's reputation carries the foulings so emblematic of our time, revealing themselves in spiritual pustules. It is a strange tale. Jackson evolves from cute little exploited boy and lead singer in a bubble gum group of brothers all the way to a progressively eccentric and repulsive tabloid favorite. In...

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Actress Elizabeth Taylor said on Sunday that she believes pop star and good friend Michael Jackson is "absolutely innocent" of child molestation charges and will be "vindicated." In a statement, Taylor also criticized the press for behaving "abominably" toward the self-styled King of Pop, who was arrested this week on suspicion of sexually abusing a young boy. "Their whole reaction is that he is guilty. I thought the law was 'innocent until proven guilty.' I know he is innocent and I hope they all eat crow," Taylor said of the press. The veteran actress, who...