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Jackson Reveals Childhood Abuse, Pays $20 M Settlement, Acquitted

5/17/2026

45 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Producer Geoffrey Mark said Michael Jackson told him he was inappropriately touched by an adult as a child.
Jackson never identified his molester, called the touching “playtime,” and turned to drugs and alcohol to cope.
Jackson was found not guilty on all 10 felony counts in his 2005 criminal trial.
Jackson paid Jordie Chandler $20 million in an out-of-court settlement before the trial and kept bringing children to Neverland Ranch.

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Story summary

Producer Geoffrey Mark said Michael Jackson told him he was inappropriately touched by an adult as a child.
Jackson never identified his molester, called the touching “playtime,” and turned to drugs and alcohol to cope.
Jackson was found not guilty on all 10 felony counts in his 2005 criminal trial.
Jackson paid Jordie Chandler $20 million in an out-of-court settlement before the trial and kept bringing children to Neverland Ranch.