Exclusive: Reaction From Jackson Accuser to Acquittal

June 20, 2005 — -- The accuser in Michael Jackson's molestation trial feels the criminal justice system has let him down, according to a statement obtained exclusively by ABC News from a source who claims to have spoken to the boy and his family since the verdict.

The statement was the first apparent word from the accuser or his family since Jackson was acquitted of all 10 charges on June 13.

"A young 10-year-old boy, struggling for his very life during a battle with cancer, put his trust and confidence in Michael Jackson," the statement said, in reference to the age at which the accuser met Jackson for the first time. "Michael Jackson violated that trust. At the risk of great and personal humiliation, he placed that same trust and confidence in the criminal justice system. He believes that as in many criminal cases involving celebrities, the criminal justice system has let him down."

Last week, a panel of eight women and four men acquitted Jackson of molestation, attempted molestation, plying minors with liquor and conspiracy stemming from an alleged attempt to hold his accuser. Jackson had been accused of molesting the now-15-year-old boy, who spent time at his Neverland ranch and appeared with him in the 2003 British documentary "Living With Michael Jackson."

Jackson's defense cast doubt on the credibility of the accuser and his family, particularly his mother, who was portrayed as a welfare cheat who exploited her son's illness to contact celebrities and live lavishly off Jackson. The statement from the source close to the accuser and his family said the defense's attack on their character and the acquittal may deter other alleged victims from reporting crimes, especially if a celebrity is involved.

"Unfortunately, the ordeal and trauma suffered by him may deter other victims of crimes from having the courage to bring such crime to the attention of the authorities," the statement said. "He wants to thank those people who have supported him throughout this difficult period of time in his life and trusts that he will be given some privacy while he tries to heal from the wounds suffered as a result of trying to cope with the jury's verdict."