A day before his trial is to begin with jury selection, Michael Jackson issued a video statement declaring his innocence and calling recent leaks “false.”

“The information is disgusting and false,” he said.

Jackson refers to the many documents leaked to the media, including grand jury testimony of the boy accusing of child molestation.

Jackson posted the video on his web site, which was down for most of the day after being flooded with visitors, and it aired on Fox News with Geraldo Rivera.

The pop singer asks for a fair trial.

“Let me have my day in court,” he said. “I deserve a fair trial like every other American citizen. I love my community and I have great faith in our justice system. I will be acquitted and vindicated when the truth is told.”

Jackson says he let the accuser and his family into his home as he does with “thousands of children who were ill or in distress.”

“Neverland is my home. I allowed this family into my home because they told me their son was ill with cancer and needed my help.”

However, Jackson says he will not make the same mistake again.

“These events have caused a nightmare for my family, my children and me. I never intend to place myself in so vulnerable a position again.”

Like all grand jury testimony, the boy’s was secret and not supposed to be released, but it was leaked to ABC two weeks ago.

Judge Rodney Melville placed a gag order on the case, but allowed Jackson to issue this statement.

750 prospective jury members are going to be interviewed starting Monday at the Santa Maria courthouse. Jackson is expected to be in court, and the jury selection could take a month.

Jury members may need to be available for six months.

Jackson faces 10 charges and has pleaded not guilty.






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