Jackson molested Culkin, prosecution claims

Showbiz

13:30 29 March 2005

Michael Jackson groomed and sexually abused former child star Macaulay Culkin, it has been claimed by prosecutors in the star's trial.

According to sensational new evidence, Culkin - who has always denied he was sexually molested by Jackson - is one of five more alleged 'victims' of the star.

The jury will now hear previous claims that the singer had abused a number of boys, dubbed 'The Jackson Five', throughout the 1990s.

Actor Culkin, 24, was a regular visitor to Jackson's Neverland ranch over 10 years ago and has always claimed their relationship was perfectly innocent.

Now the prosecution, who aim to show Jackson as a serial paedophile, say Culkin will be one of their key witnesses.

However, only Jason Francia, the son of Jackson's former maid, is likely to take the witness stand.

The decision could devastate Jackson's defence which has centred on undermining the credibility of Jackson's current accuser, a teenage cancer sufferer.

Prosecutor Tom Sneddon told the courtroom that evidence showed almost identical choice of victims, method of grooming and abusing them.

He added: "The molestations were very similar. They involve the genitalia of the child, two incidents outside the clothing and the third where the hand was thrust under the child's clothing."

Jackson denies all charges against him.

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