Wwwacko Jacko uses web to claim innocence

Beleaguered star Michael Jackson has turned to the internet to protest his innocence on the charges of child sex abuse that saw him arrested in the US last week.

The surgically altered star has set up his own website proclaiming to address 'fans, friends and family' - despite the words 'the official press room' plastered large across the site – and says on the site that he will be using the website to "serve as a source of official communications on my case" and that "any statement that does not appear on this website must be considered unauthorised".

Quite what the Prince of Pop and sultan of surgery is up to with publishing his internet communiqués is anyone's guess.

In a letter penned by Jackson on the site, he says "We will not provide running commentary on every new development or allegation du jour" – users will be able to have a read of a variety of press releases about Jacko's woes, including a reaction to the search of his home and a reaction to a news conference - and goes on to say "we intend to try our case in the courtroom, not in the public or the media".

Which obviously explains the reason for setting up a press website with public access, then.

Jackson uses the site's homepage as a platform to restate his innocence, saying that the case is based on a "big lie" and he will be able to put "this horrible time" behind him. To have a gander at Jacko's ramblings, go here.

The charges don't seem to have touched the performer's album sales, however, with Jackson beating off teen pin ups Busted to grab the number one spot in the album chart this week.