In a setting as controlled as a hyperbaric chamber, Michael Jackson defended himself against child-molestation allegations in a TV broadcast that afforded no opportunity for questions.
"Don't treat me like a criminal because I am innocent," he pleaded Wednesday in a live message carried by satellite worldwide, an opportunity usually reserved for heads of state.CNN carried the four-minute broadcast live. The ABC, CBS and NBC networks broadcast excerpts later but made the statement available live to affiliates.
During the broadcast, he told of being subjected to a body search by investigators.
"They served a search warrant on me which allowed them to view and photograph my body, including my penis, my buttocks, my lower torso, thighs and any other areas that they wanted," he said in a quavering voice.