Michael Jackson Case Latest: Rivera States Hes Being Framed

JACKSON INTERVIEWER RIVERA: 'HE'S BEING FRAMED'MICHAEL JACKSON has found a powerful supporter in American news man GERALDO RIVERA after agreeing to a rare one-on-one interview with him as he prepares for his child molestation trial.The pop superstar's hour-long chat with Rivera, which was filmed recently, will air on America's FOX NEWS channel tomorrow night (05FEB05). During the candid interview, Jackson insists, "I'm very strong; I have rhinoceros skin but, at the same time, I'm human," and claims a report he fathered twins last year (04) is "another made-up rumour".Calm and collected Jackson also admits he's coping well as his trial date nears: "Does it affect me? Erm, yes, but I become immune in a way."

And, when Rivera asks Jackson if he thinks his Neverland Ranch zoo and fairground is a little childish for a man in his mid-40s, the pop singer states, "It's calling God silly if you do that, because God made all things great and small."

The chat impressed Rivera and, after carrying out his own investigations, he's convinced Jackson will be found not guilty.

The news man says, "I do not believe there's a snowball's chance in hell he's going to be convicted. Examining the case against Michael Jackson, I've come to the conclusion that he's being framed."

Rivera has offered to shave off his famous moustache if Jackson is found guilty.

But Rivera, a longtime friend of the Jackson family, admits the pop superstar has learned a valuable lesson from the scandal.

He adds, "Michael Jackson will never have sleepovers with boys not related to him again. He understands however innocent his conduct has been that it violates a social norm."