MICHAEL JACKSON - JACKSON HITS OUT AT JOURNALIST'S 'LIES'

MICHAEL JACKSON has hit out at U.S. journalist ROGER FRIEDMAN for writing "lies" about the pop superstar in his internet column. On Tuesday (14Aug07) Friedman claimed Jackson was "homeless, wandering, carting around three school-aged kids" and alleged the singer had developed a friendship with "former imprisoned crack addict and Washington D.C. Mayor Marion Barry", after being introduced by his spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain. Bain has written to the journalist denying all of the claims, hinting Jackson may sue over the allegations. She writes, "All of this is a complete lie. You continue to write untruths which can be verified as untruths. I do not know why you do not check to determine the accuracy of your sources. And, I do not know why you have such venom for Michael Jackson. "But, let me state for the record: Michael Jackson has neither met, nor does he know former Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion S. Barry, Jr. While former Mayor Barry and I are friends, and, while we have oftentimes indicated our desire to have lunch, because of schedule conflicts, I have not seen him in at least two years. "Michael Jackson is not homeless, carting around with three school-aged kids... While where Mr. Jackson is currently residing is his own private business, Mr. Jackson will never be 'homeless' as long as he owns the 3,000 acre estate called Neverland Valley Ranch, which to my knowledge, and at this date, he has not sold. Mr. Jackson has a tutor for his children who is certified and qualified. As we are in the summer months, and most children in the United States are on vacation until classes begin later in the month, the same applies to Mr. Jackson's children. "I will let Mr. Jackson's attorneys deal with other issues you have raised should they see fit."