Nov 25 2003
I was trying to help this boy but now i feel guilty
The Sun
November 25, 2003
I WAS TRYING TO HELP THIS BOY BUT NOW I FEEL GUILTY
BYLINE: Antonella Lazzeri in Los Angeles
LENGTH: 427 words
Charity boss sent lad to Jacko
A CHARITY boss who introduced Michael Jackson to the 12-year-old lad he is accused of repeatedly molesting said last night he is tortured by guilt.
Jamie Masada, who runs a charity for sick children, was told by Gavin Ar-vizo’s relatives that the boy had just weeks to live -and it was his dying wish to meet Jacko.
Jamie said: “I got on the phone to arrange it but now I think, ‘Was it a mistake?’
”I was trying to help this boy but now I feel so guilty. When I heard about the charges my first thoughts were, ‘Oh my God!’
”I have felt bad ever since. I keep thinking, ‘Is it really true or is it not true?’ I just don’t know.” Jamie told how Gavin’s concerned mum contacted him before the sex abuse allegations were made to say Jacko had asked her to sign some kind of agreement.
He added: “She was worried because she didn’t know what she was signing. It was around the time of the Martin Bashir documentary.”
The notorious programme showed Jacko cuddling Gavin -and admitting he had shared a bed with him.
Jamie also denied claims that Gavin’s family want a cash settlement, adding: “They are not after money. His mother is very religious and she just wants jus-tice.”
Jacko’s legal team have hired the man who dug up dirt on the main witnesses in the OJ Simpson murder trial to investigate the Arvizo family.
Private eye Zvonko “Bill” Pavelic is said to be investigating the back-grounds of family members in a bid for information that might discredit them as witnesses.
Drugs
The news came as sources close to Jacko claimed Gavin’s mum has previously threatened to sell her story unless the star hands over cash.
Other employees of the singer claim they saw her high on drugs and in angry rows with Jacko.
The singer is due to make his first court appearance on January 9. But yes-terday a legal expert said it might take a year for a proper trial to start.
Professor Carol Chase said the star’s legal experts could delay the trial for months by claiming they needed time to prepare a case.
When Jacko was accused of molesting 13-year-old Jordy Chandler a decade ago, the case was eventually dropped after a multi-million dollar deal with the lad’s family.
But a change in the law means Gavin would be forced to give evidence at court even if he had accepted a pay off.
Meanwhile, Jacko has cancelled plans to attend a tribute concert at London’s Dominion Theatre on December 14.
The conditions of his Pounds 1.75million bail ban him from leaving America.
LOAD-DATE: November 26, 2003
LANGUAGE: English
PUB-TYPE: Newspaper
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