Buying Peoples' Silence

It seems that, if reports are to be believed, Michael Jackson has tried to buy another person's silence.

Michael Jackson is alleged to have paid $2M, to the son of an employee at his Neverland Ranch in 1990; again to avoid child molestation charges.

This payola culture, if true, seems to be a habit with Jackson. He is alleged to have paid another accuser between $15M to $20M in 1993.

The report will be aired tonight on "Dateline NBC" TV news magazine.

In the report I understand that the retired Santa Barbara County Sheriff, Jim Thomas, says that he investigated Jackson in 1993; in connection with one claim, and stumbled upon this accusation.

The accuser alleged that Jackson fondled him. However, the payoff disbars the accuser from discussing it publicly.

Paying off people to buy their silence is self defeating:

• It encourage others to try to extort money


• It sends the wrong signal to the world, ie that there is something to hide


• It is financially unsustainable

The trial in Santa Barbara, this coming January, should put an end to this once and for all; irrespective of whether Jackson is found guilty or innocent.