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Jackson's Accuser Said to Be Seriously Ill
Friday, November 28, 2003
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WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — A comedy club owner says he introduced Michael Jackson (search) to the cancer-stricken boy he is accused of molesting two years ago at a time when doctors had given the child three weeks to live.
Jamie Masada (search), owner of The Laugh Factory in West Hollywood, said the boy had expressed an interest in meeting Jackson and Masada made "a few phone calls."
The child remains in poor health and requires a kidney transplant, Masada said Thursday.
"The kid is not doing very good," Masada said at an annual Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless that he holds at the club.
Masada said doctors removed a large tumor from the boy's stomach some time ago, and at the same time took out one of his kidneys and spleen. Masada said he saw the boy earlier this week and the boy's remaining kidney is failing and he needs a transplant.
He said the teenager was being treated at home, not a hospital, but was getting dialysis treatments.
It was unclear what effect the boy's condition could have on the case against Jackson. Masada said he and the boy had not discussed Jackson, and Masada declined to comment on whether he believes the molestation allegations.
Jackson's attorney, Mark Geragos (search), said this week that the accusations are motivated by money and are untrue.
Jackson surrendered to Santa Barbara County authorities last week after an arrest warrant alleged he committed lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14. He was released on $3 million bail; authorities say they expect to file formal charges sometime after Dec. 15.
Masada said he met the boy at a camp where stars including Adam Sandler and Chris Tucker teach underprivileged children about comedy. He said he contacted Jackson's people and asked that Jackson watch a news report about the boy's condition and the efforts to help him.
He said he asked that the pop singer "call him, cheer him up."
Masada said that in the past, comedians have given blood for the boy and held benefits to help pay his medical bills.
Stuart Backerman, Jackson family spokesman, declined to comment on Masada's account but said he hoped the boy's condition would improve.
"I think it goes without saying that we all hope he recovers well and that everybody's heartfelt wish is for him to be healthy," Backerman said.
The boy's mother has an unlisted phone number and could not be located for comment. The Associated Press does not identify alleged victims of sexual abuse.
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