Michael Jackson defended himself in court, but not against the allegations most people are talking about.

His testimony was videotaped for trial in a lawsuit brought by two unknown songwriters who claim Jackson stole parts of "The Girl Is Mine," "Thriller" and "We Are the World.""If someone wrote a song, we would be honest and give them credit," Jackson said in the videotape played Thursday for a federal jury. "Any songs that I take credit for on my album, any songs that say Michael Jackson are written by me."

Jackson's testimony was taped last month in Mexico City, about the time he canceled a world tour, saying he needed treatment for addiction to painkillers.

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The pop superstar has been accused in a lawsuit of molesting a 13-year-old boy. He has denied the allegation, and no criminal charges have been filed.

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