Michael Jackson

(FinalCall.com) – “I would never hurt a child. It’s totally false. I was outraged. I could never do something like that,” Michael Jackson said during a December 28 interview with Ed Bradley on the CBS show “60 Minutes”–his first time speaking to the media since felony charges were brought against him December 18.

He was charged with nine counts, seven for child molestation and two for administering an intoxicating agent for the purpose of committing a felony. The incidents allegedly occurred in February and March of last year, according to Santa Barbara District Attorney Tom Sneddon.

However, his accuser said, in early February 2003 during a police investigation, that the singer had never molested him. That investigation found no evidence to justify charges at the time.

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“Somewhere, greed got in there,” the King of Pop said. “But it has to do with money. ‘It’s Michael Jackson–look what we have here. We can get money out of this.’ That’s exactly what happened.”

Many people have questioned the allegations brought against Mr. Jackson 10 years ago which settled out of court in a multi-million-dollar settlement.

“I remember what happened to him 10 years ago,” said his lawyer Mark Geragos, “It humiliated him in the worst way in terms of looking at his private parts and photographing his private parts.”

“He was subjected to some of the most, just intrusive kinds of things that you could ever imagine.”

Janice Thomas, a fan of 30 years, says she is still convinced that he is innocent after watching the show. “I was impressed with how Michael conducted himself. He defended his good name and maintained his position when Mr. Bradley tried to get him to say that what he was doing was wrong,” she said. “People have different lifestyles and Michael’s is different because of his experiences.”

Mr. Bradley asked Mr. Geragos about the charges of giving intoxicants to a minor.

“It’s ludicrous on its face. There are in excess of 100 employees at any one time at that ranch. There is full-time security at that ranch,” said Mr. Geragos. “The kids are nowhere near alcohol and liquor.”

Responding to a question on people’s perceptions of his actions, Mr. Jackson replied, “People think sex. … My mind doesn’t run that way. When I see children, I see the face of God. That’s why I love them so much.”

Despite the controversy, the sales of his latest album, Number Ones, has only been affected within the U.S., which Mr. Jackson called a conspiracy. “My album is number one all over the world, all over the world,” Mr. Jackson pointed out.

The interview concluded with Mr. Jackson saying that he loved his countless fans across the world very much.

“If you really want to know about me, there’s a song I wrote, which is the most honest song I’ve ever written. It’s the most autobiographical song I’ve ever written. It’s called Childhood,” he said. “That’s the one they really should listen to.”