I am taking it upon myself to post a comment (more like a prepared statement) on selected news sites that are publishing this story. Before I post it, however, I would like some feedback from members here. I am not always the best at expressing my thoughts, and I have to say that I felt more than a little intimidated by TheChosenOne's beautifully written statement.
Here is what I have written:
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"There are several shameful things taking place here, folks, and I am not referring to the alleged behavior on the part of Michael Jackson.
It was claimed in the original interview that Aaron Carter's mother called the police because of Mr. Jackson's behavior toward Aaron, and yet, the public is only hearing of this now. It seems hard to believe that it wouldn't have been brought up in the press during the VERY highly publicized trial of Mr. Jackson in 2005. Former Santa Barbara DA Tom Sneddon, who prosecuted Mr. Jackson in that case, was known to have searched far and wide for any evidence of improper conduct on Mr. Jackson's part towards minors. He even set up a website imploring the public to provide any damning information possible on Mr. Jackson's conduct with children. Had this phone call actually been made, he would have snatched it up in a heartbeat, and it would most certainly have been used as evidence against Mr. Jackson during the trial. That there seems to be no questioning of Mr. Carter's accusations and the holes in his story is shameful.
It should also be noted that Daphne Barak, who conducted the interview with Mr. Carter, had previously fabricated another story concerning Mr. Jackson, claiming that former nanny Grace Rwaramba had once had to pump his stomach for drugs. Ms. Rwaramba immediately refuted the claim, but not before the sensationalized story was regurgitated to many major news outlets, much like this situation. This speaks volumes, not only about Ms. Barak's ethics and values as a journalist, but also about the disturbing lack of fact-checking being conducted by news outlets that are supposed to report factual stories. The story about this interview originated from OK! Magazine, which is not known for being a reputable publication. It didn't take long for over 100 media outlets to take the story and run with it. It is apparent that facts are not of great concern to the media, which is shameful.
Lastly, it is a shame that the U.S. does not have a law in place regarding defamation of the dead. This sadly allows for the continued slander of Mr. Jackson that shows no signs of stopping, even two years after he has passed away. This is why his fans continue to fight for him. It is not because we are crazy people, or blinded by a person's celebrity, but because we have done the fact-checking, and we believe in ethics and integrity. Above all else, we truly believe in his innocence and are tired of witnessing one character after another selling him out for the almighty dollar. Enough is enough already."
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Thoughts? I feel like I used the word shameful a few too many times, but then, the same could be said for the words "Michael Jackson" and "child molestation" in the same sentence. Does it seem air-tight, or like it needs some improvement? It is important to me to represent Michael well as his fan.
