Elizabeth Taylor Defends Michael Jackson

By Associated Press

8:48 AM EST, November 24, 2003

LOS ANGELES - Actress Elizabeth Taylor has broken her silence about the child molestation accusations surrounding Michael Jackson, defending her close friend and blasting the media.

"I believe Michael is innocent and that he will be vindicated," Taylor said Sunday in a statement released through her publicist.

Taylor had previously refused to speak to the press about the charges against Jackson, who hosted Taylor's 1991 wedding at his Neverland Ranch compound near Santa Barbara.

In the statement, she also criticized the news media for the way the story was reported.

"Their whole reaction is that he is guilty," Taylor said. "I thought the law was 'innocent until proven guilty.' I know he is innocent and I hope they all eat crow."

Jackson is charged with lewd or lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14, punishable by three to eight years in prison, law enforcement officials said.

He surrendered Thursday to authorities in Santa Barbara County and returned to Las Vegas the same day after posting $3 million bail.

Taylor, 71, has been friends with Jackson for decades. His giant ranch home includes a shrine to the two-time Oscar winner, where her movies are played 24 hours a day.