Rev. Jesse Jackson said Sunday that he has counseled Michael Jackson — whom he has known since the early 1970s, during the days of the Jackson 5 — financially and spiritually since the start of the singer’s 2005 child molestation trial.
“There were all these decisions that he had to make,” Jesse Jackson told the Tribune. “I was simply one voice that had some access to him. I do not credit myself with having the determining voice.”
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Jesse Jackson said he met with bankers on the performer’s behalf, told him to reduce spending and suggested charging for admission to Neverland Ranch. When some people urged the singer to rid himself of debt by selling off his music publishing holdings, Jesse Jackson said that he urged him not to do so.
He said the singer’s business deal with Sony that owns and administers copyrights of thousands of songs is one of Jackson’s most valuable long-term assets.
“[I’ll do] whatever I can do to make sure that the Sony coalition continues, I think it’s mutually beneficial,” Jesse Jackson said. “Its success has worldwide ramifications.”
A Santa Maria, Calif., jury acquitted Michael Jackson of child molestation in June 2005.
Citing court transcripts, the New York Daily News reported Sunday that the singer said he turned to Jesse Jackson and billionaire Ron Burkle for guidance after suspecting other advisers were exploiting him.
“Michael’s resources are substantial,” Jesse Jackson said. “Wherever there is money, there are predators and greed.”
Jesse Jackson said he referred the singer to Burkle.
“Burkle was capable, credible and honest with no need to exploit Michael,” he said.
Jesse Jackson added that Michael Jackson is “business-focused” these days and will soon come out with a new “product,” but he declined to elaborate.
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Personals was compiled by Alan Leo from Tribune news services and staff