Rep. King on Jackson: 'There's nothing good about this guy'
(CNN) - New York Rep. Peter King called on the media to "knock out the psycho-babble" and stop covering Michael Jackson because "this guy was a pervert."
"He was a child molester. He was a pedophile. And to be giving this much coverage to him day in and day out, what does it say about us as a country," King said Sunday in front of the American Legion Hall in Wantagh. "We're too politically correct. No one wants to stand up and say, 'We don't need Michael Jackson.'"
King, a nine-term Republican representative from New York's Third Congressional District, said the media has "disgraced itself," noting that there are people dying everyday.
"There are men and women dying today in Afghanistan. Let's give them the credit they deserve," he added.
Jackson went on trial for child molestation allegations in 2005, but was acquitted after a 14-week media circus of a trial in Santa Maria, California. A decade earlier, prosecutors in Los Angeles declined to file charges in their own 13-month child molestation investigation. That case settled out of court, reportedly with Jackson paying millions in damages.
"There's nothing good about this guy. He may have been a good singer, did some dancing, but bottom-line is - would you let your child or grandchild be in the same room with Michael Jackson? What are we glorifying him for?" King said, asking instead that the public honor people like servicemen, teachers and firefighters.
King defended his comments in an interview Monday with CNN radio affiliate WOR, “The fact is that what he has done as far as young children are concerned, young boys are concerned, is a horrible example to set to the world.”
“…Anyone who causes evil or endangers children, to me that supersedes anything else. And do we as a culture really want to be defined by Michael Jackson's singing and dancing or by the fact that he became a worldwide spectacle for abuse of children? “
King was chairman of the powerful House Homeland Security Committee from 2005 until the Democrats took over the House in January 2007.
He won 64 percent of the vote in his re-election victory last November.
Earlier this year he said he was considering a run for the Senate next year, taking on Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, who replaced Hillary Clinton as New York's junior senator.
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I agree totally.
Don't be hating on the King of Pop for he's the Smooth Criminal.
Have you completely lost your mind? Are you more informed than the judge who acquited him?. Go and take care of your sinking party and stop demonizing the dead. He was the KING OF POP.Pay some respect and get some respect yourself.
Amen honey. It's about time people see the light. It's disgusting how the media is carrying on about him. Going into the second week now since his death and that's all you still see when you turn on the TV. This is an embarassment.
Rep King, you are an embarrassment to yourself, your position and your party (also MY party). Think what you'd like about Michael Jackson, but everything you accuse him of was alleged, NOT proven. How many crimes has he been convicted of? Zero. Here in America, we're innocent until proven guilty. You blast the media for their coverage, yet the media are the only people who have ever convicted the man of anything. Was MJ perfect? Certainly not. But, he brought joy to a lot of people and is mourned by millions – including his family who you slapped in the face with your thoughtless and moronic comments. You should be ashamed of yourself. How many lives have you positively impacted? Would 1.6 million people want to come to your funeral? Try focusing on your job and leave the celebrity insults to Bill Mahr.
Michael Jackson was found not guilty of all 14 counts.
All I know about King is that he is full of hate and wants to build a fence on the Canadian border.
I find it disturbing that this is a lawmaker speaking, and under our law sa person is innocent until proven guilty. Jackson was acquitted on all charges, so unless you have indisputable proof he did what he was accused of doing then you are speaking out of turn. Nevermind this person has a family mourning for him. To speak ill of him during their time of grief is completely disrepectful. You, sir, are the one who has disgraced himself.
Besides, politicians are the LAST people in this day and age who should be taking any moral high-ground. Too many of them are corrupt, dishonested, and especially "perverted."
finally , someone who has the courage to stand up and call a discracful media a discrace..take that LARRY KING you discraceful butt boy...shame
Thank you, Mr. King
It is impossible to say what exactly transpired behind closed doors. But MJ is no role model or hero and the coverage of him is quite strange to say the least.
He was a great performer at one time but his eccentric personality, bizarre behavior and strange relationship with children trumps anything he did on stage.
Normally, I totally disagree with Rep. King. But in regards to Michael Jackson he is right on the money. There are more important stories to cover!!! K.D.
I didn't know the media could disgrace itself any more than it already had with all the slobering its done over nobama.
Mr. King,
Let us be clear on this.....Michael Jackson was aquitted by the so called justice system that you represent.
More than one generation grew up with Michael Jackson. His music, dancing, personality, desire to help the world has affected us all. Until today I had never heard of you but I promise that you now have the attention of all of these generations.
I am now ashamed to say I have ever voted Republican. Based on your comments, everyone sees what the Republican party has become full of. Explains all the problems my FORMER party is having!
And by the way, I am one of the Vets you are referring to. I love Michael and my children love Michael. It's called AQUITTED! Remember?
You are absolutely correct. Pay attention to the men and women who are dying to protect our country. I understand Michael was a great Pop star, but he was simply that. He was and is not a hero as the people in the military are!!
Dear Rep. King,
As an officer of the United States Legislature, you should be aware of the form and function of our judicial system; namely, that a U.S. Citizen is innocent of any allegations against him/her unless a jury of his/her peers finds him/her guilty of said allegations.
Don't start babbling about media coverage over the loss of one of the most beloved pop-culture icons of the 20th century unless you take your very large foot out of your mouth first. Thank you.
This guy should be ashamed calling himself a state representative. MJ was acquitted and he has the nerve to accuse him of a crime. he really needs to concentrate on the governor of S.C. There is proof that he left his position unattended and not a word from him on that. Why because he is a republican and thay can do no wrong. There are perverts in that party and they all get a slap on the wrist. Just a hypocrite.
Michael Jackson has done more for this country than you have ever done in your PATHETIC life.
GOP talked about Family Value ....again? Wait until we hear another confession ....coming soon. I betcha (sorry Salin)
I agree 100%. Unfortunately Peter King will be called a racist because of his comments. I see no racial overtones in his comments but the MJ lovers will. Like I said, I agree 100%.
Awwww...King wants to be in the news, that is so cute! You know what, obviously he is not gonna be a good senator because he is defying the ruling of the courts. MJ was acquitted, someone explain to this guy what that means.
It is time to end this freak show.
Neither he not I can be certain about his accusations, but I agree that some of the media overplays these type of stories.
I would like to agree with him. I have the same opinions. Why should John Doe that dies over in Iraq get little attention while Michael Jackson hog the spot light?
Hey man,
What's it say about President Reagan honoring this guy...who are you?
In general I agree with Peter King, you media cover too much on the death of a weird and in-normal person. He is famous, also he is talent, but he did destructive more to our society than constructive, especially to younger generation.