Ananova:

Michael Jackson has used a new website to tell fans the child molestation allegations against him are "predicated on a big lie" and he will be exonerated in court.

The entertainer's spokesman, Stuart Backerman, had said last week that Jackson was putting the site together so he could communicate with the news media and fans.

In a six paragraph statement on www.mjnews.us, Jackson said the site would serve as a source for "official communications on my case."

He said: "As you know, the charges recently directed at me are terribly serious. They are, however, predicated on a big lie. This will be shown in court, and we will be able to put this horrible time behind us."

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Taylor has broken her silence to defend her close friend and criticise the media. The actress had previously refused to speak about the charges against Jackson, who hosted her 1991 wedding at his Neverland Ranch.

Taylor said: "I believe Michael is innocent and that he will be vindicated." In a statement, she also criticised the media for the way the story was reported. "Their whole reaction is that he is guilty," Taylor said. "I thought the law was innocent until proven guilty. I know he is innocent and I hope they all eat crow."

Jackson surrendered to Santa Barbara County authorities on Thursday after an arrest warrant was issued alleging he committed lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, a charge punishable by three to eight years in prison.

He was released on £1.8 million bail and returned to Las Vegas the same day. Authorities have said they expect to file formal charges sometime after the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday. Jackson said his lawyers have advised him to say little about the matter until it is resolved.

"No doubt, this will be frustrating for all of us," he added. He also urged people to be sceptical of those representing themselves as his friends or claiming to speak for him.

"With few exceptions most of them are simply filling a desperate void in our culture that equates visibility with insight," he said. "We will not engage in speculation. We will not provide running commentary on every new development or allegation du jour. We intend to try our case in the courtroom, not in the public or the media."