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​Michael Jackson Is A 'Victim', Claims Former Publicist

​Michael Jackson Is A 'Victim', Claims Former Publicist

She said it in a press conference to open his legacy foundation

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

In a surprise press conference on Thursday (22 August), Michael Jackson's former publicist described the pop star as 'the victim' in the controversy surrounding his relationship with children following his death.

The conference was held on Thursday to announce an new organisation that is starting in the late musician's name.

Having worked for Jackson for eight years prior to his death in June 2009, Raymone Bain addressed reporters, saying that the Michael Jackson Legacy Foundation will 'preserve and defend his name while supporting the numerous organisations he supported in his life'.

Gavin Arvizo (left) accused Jackson of child molestation; the star was acquitted in 2005.
ITV/Granada Studios

She said: "He may no longer be with us, but we're hoping through the foundation he'll continue to live through us."

In one of the main documentaries that accused Jackson of child abuse, Wade Robson and James Safechuck claimed they had been abused by the star.

Bain continued: "Child molestation and paedophilia are serious and unacceptable, sick, psychotic behaviour. I consider myself a strong advocate for children.

"Not only am I appalled that at the beginning of this special year, we were all confronted with a biased documentary.

"If it were not Michael Jackson, would it be nominated for five Emmy Awards?"

She questioned the claims, saying 'it doesn't seem to matter' that the singer was acquitted of child molestation in 2005.

She said: "Is this the order of the day now to wait until someone dies to destroy their image?

Wade Robson (right) was one of the subjects of HBO and Channel 4's Leaving Neverland.
HBO/Channel 4

"That man, Michael Jackson, has been a victim since his death. It's time for it to stop. I believe that it's morally, ethically and legally wrong. But how much blame should the very estate, whose job is to preserve and protect Michael's legacy?"

Speaking of his children, she added: "These last 10 years have been difficult. It has been a long hard and emotional road for many of us including Michael's family and his mother Katherine.

"I would like to acknowledge Katherine and the Jackson family who are celebrating 52 years in the entertainment industry. What a milestone."

Then, speaking about Jackson's daughter Paris, who has on numerous times stood up for her dad, Bain added: "I would like to send a special message to Paris - like your father you have shown immense grace and class under fire. You're beautiful, smart, articulate, you're giving and the apple of your father's eye."

Michael Jackson has come under fire since his death, with allegations of child abuse being documented on several occasions, most notably from Robson and Safechuck in the recent Leaving Neverland documentary. He was acquitted of separate allegations of child molestation from Gavin Arvizo in a 2005 trial before his death.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Michael Jackson, US News