How I Know Michael Jackson Wasn't a Child Molester

Michael Jackson's death brought out the irrational sides of those who believe he was a child molester. Even though Michael was acquitted of all child molestation charges back in 2005, plenty of people assumed he sexually abused the boys who came to stay at his Neverland Ranch. I don't consider myself one of Michael's fans, but something deep inside of me says he was innocent.

People like republican Peter King who told reporters and anyone who would listen, that Michael Jackson was pedophile and a child molester, just days after his death in my opinion aren't thinking straight. They look at the surface with unwavering doubt, despite not knowing for sure what took place at Michael Jackson's ranch. People hear acquittal and equate it to the O.J. Simpson trial where, in my opinion, a guilty man was set free. I don't believe this was the case for Michael.

Here's what I know. Michael's father Joe Jackson made him perform from a very early age - young enough, that performing like a marionette was all he ever knew. We all know that Joe was an abusive, controlling man who did not allow his sons to be children. Anyone who suffered from abuse at the hands of a mentally ill, controlling parent at an early age knows that you have to grow up fast. In my case, in my 20s, I longed to regain some of that childhood, even if it was reconnecting with lost friends or purchasing nostalgic items.

I believe this is that spawned the Neverland Ranch. Michael was denied a childhood, and happiness, and wanted to create an environment where he felt carefree and in control. He filled the grounds with animals and carnival rides. Since Joe didn't allow him to play with children outside of the family, he felt bonded to children who were missing out on their childhood, whether it was due to sickness or otherwise unfortunate kids.

I am a parent of two young girls. Would I have allowed them to sleep over at his house unsupervised? No, not because I didn't trust him, but because it's just not something a rational parent does. If my daughters and I had our own bedroom and I was with them the entire time, then sure, why not?

During the trial, Michael Jackson's accuser mentioned a birthmark that was on Michael's penis. While this is the fact that made many people think he was guilty, I offer another possibility. Now that we know about Michael's addiction to Demerol and Propofol, there's a very real possibility that he was high while children were at his house. Since he slept on the floor during these sleepovers, it's possible that in a drug-induced stupor, he changed into pajamas while a child was in the room. Children are naturally curious, so if he was naked, there's a chance the boy could have sneaked a peek at his genitals. The birthmark might have been hard to miss, causing fuel for the child during the trial.

Some of you might wonder how I can call myself a parent and yet run to Michael's defense. I know firsthand that being raised by an abusive parent can mess you up well through your adult years unless you find a way to let go. Just because you were abused doesn't mean the cycle of abuse will perpetuate itself, but there's a great chance that methods used to escape won't be healthy. The Neverland Ranch and the drugs were his escape.

Assuming Michael was high during visits with all those children, he had a serious case of poor judgement and shouldn't have been interracting with them while high, but I don't believe he touched a child in an inappropriate way. I don't believe it for a second.