Michael Jackson And Debbie Gibson: Former Teen Pop Idol Praises Jackson Amidst Molestation Rumors
As former child stars James Safechuck and Wade Robson bring up alleged allegations of child molestation against Michael Jackson, former teen idol-turned-actress Debbie Gibson has nothing but praise for the reigning King of Pop. Gibson recently opened up during an April 9 interview while promoting her upcoming movie.
Gibson may not be on the radar like she was in the late 1980s and early 1990s with her smash pop hits such as “Only in My Dreams” and “Shake Your Love,” but the 44-year-old is still making moves in the entertainment industry. She recently wrapped up the Lifetime movie, The Music in Me, scheduled to air on April 12. While talking to Sirius XM’s Jenny Hut about the film, she also detailed a special encounter with Jackson in 1989.
“When I met him, he was like, ‘I was just watching your Disney special last night.’ And I’m like, Michael Jackson is sitting home watching me on TV?!!!! So that was amazing.”
Although Gibson didn’t touch on the subject of the recent allegations against Jackson, it’s a breath of fresh air for Jackson fans and supporters to hear positive news about him during a time in which new accusations are surfacing.
While Jackson is not here to defend himself, his family is left to hear the allegations in a time in which they continue to mourn the singer, including his mother, Katherine Jackson. In a 2010 interview, she told Dateline that she always thinks about her son.
“There’s not a day go by that I don’t think about my son.”
Other celebrities came to Michael Jackson’s defense in the past after a then 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo accused him of molestation in the early 2000s, including rapper and actor LL Cool J, who, in a 2003 interview, said that he is on his idol’s side.
“I’m a fan. I support him a hundred zillion percent. Until I see evidence, I’m not going to be convinced. I’m not going to be brainwashed.”
After LL Cool J’s statement, Jackson was found innocent of all charges brought against him by the Garvizo family in a 2005 trial. Other celebrities who defended Michael Jackson include Alicia Keys, Nicole Richie, the late Rick James, and more.
Meanwhile, accusers Robson and Safechuck will have to wait another month for their hearing, as a California judge pushed their date at the Los Angeles Superior Court to May.
Gibson also touched on her meeting with Princess Diana. Although a young Gibson met the late princess while wearing ripped jeans and a bandana, Princess Diana didn’t mind. Gibson recalled the princess praising her for her music and saying that the “Electric Youth” singer looked more comfortable than her.
[Photo Courtesy of Harrison Funk]
