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Shying Away From Michael Jackson
Aired December 03, 2003 - 15:03 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Michael Jackson still has not been formally charged in connection to allegations of child molestation against him. But the media storm surrounding the case is causing some groups to step back from their association with the pop singer.
CNN's Gary Tuchman looks at the bind facing some charities who have grown to depend on Jackson's generosity.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): He made his reputation as a pop star. But Michael Jackson has made additional fans as a philanthropic star. He co-wrote the famous "We Are the World" song to benefit USA For Africa. Jackson is actually mentioned in the 2000 "Guinness Book of World Records" as the pop star who supports the most charities. Over the years, Jackson has invited children to his Neverland Ranch for charitable functions, like this one for anti-drug DARE program.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We play on the trampoline and we talk to the chimps.
TUCHMAN: The Make-A-Wish Foundation just had an event at Neverland this past summer for children with cancer. But now the organization is saying, "We will not speculate on future activities involving Neverland or Mr. Jackson while the legal proceedings are taking place."
While emphasizing Jackson is presumed innocent, Make-A-Wish's spokesman did say no future events are planned right now. Charitable groups Jackson has supported find themselves in a difficult situation. Back in 1989, Jackson donated a considerable amount of money to his old elementary school in Los Angeles and was honored.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: As a token of our respect and our love for you, not only as a performer, but as a fine human being.
TUCHMAN: The honor being the naming of the school auditorium after him. But now his name has been covered up.
OLGA QUINONES, LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT: We didn't want the school to be disrupted and the children to be disrupted, mostly for the safety of the children.
TUCHMAN: He hasn't even been formally charged yet. But it's clear charities are mulling over how publicly charitable they should be to Michael Jackson. Gary Tuchman, CNN, Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired December 3, 2003 - 15:03 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Michael Jackson still has not been formally charged in connection to allegations of child molestation against him. But the media storm surrounding the case is causing some groups to step back from their association with the pop singer.
CNN's Gary Tuchman looks at the bind facing some charities who have grown to depend on Jackson's generosity.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): He made his reputation as a pop star. But Michael Jackson has made additional fans as a philanthropic star. He co-wrote the famous "We Are the World" song to benefit USA For Africa. Jackson is actually mentioned in the 2000 "Guinness Book of World Records" as the pop star who supports the most charities. Over the years, Jackson has invited children to his Neverland Ranch for charitable functions, like this one for anti-drug DARE program.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We play on the trampoline and we talk to the chimps.
TUCHMAN: The Make-A-Wish Foundation just had an event at Neverland this past summer for children with cancer. But now the organization is saying, "We will not speculate on future activities involving Neverland or Mr. Jackson while the legal proceedings are taking place."
While emphasizing Jackson is presumed innocent, Make-A-Wish's spokesman did say no future events are planned right now. Charitable groups Jackson has supported find themselves in a difficult situation. Back in 1989, Jackson donated a considerable amount of money to his old elementary school in Los Angeles and was honored.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: As a token of our respect and our love for you, not only as a performer, but as a fine human being.
TUCHMAN: The honor being the naming of the school auditorium after him. But now his name has been covered up.
OLGA QUINONES, LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT: We didn't want the school to be disrupted and the children to be disrupted, mostly for the safety of the children.
TUCHMAN: He hasn't even been formally charged yet. But it's clear charities are mulling over how publicly charitable they should be to Michael Jackson. Gary Tuchman, CNN, Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
