Re: Breaking news: Michael ya está en Washington, visita el Capitolio hoy
Michael Jackson feted by black US lawmakers for his contribution to kids
WASHINGTON (AFP) - Singer Michael Jackson began two days of visits to the US Congress to meet with black lawmakers and offer his support for the fight against AIDS and help for children in Africa.
Jackson, who is facing child molestation charges that could land him a long jail stretch if found guilty, was due Thursday to receive a humanitarian award here from the African Ambassador's Spouses Association.
The award is in recognition of his years of contribution to a string of charities, including those set up for children's causes.
Jackson, 45, met Tuesday with Democratic representative Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania and was Wednesday due to meet with Texas representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat, followed by a press conference.
"Michael Jackson has given over 50 million dollars to fight AIDS in Africa and help the children of Africa," Jackson Lee's spokeswoman said.
"In Africa, Mr. Jackson has financially supported programs to build and equip hospitals, orphanages, homes and schools. He has also financially supported programs relating to child immunization, HIV-AIDS, education and apartheid," the AASA said in a statement. Jackson has given "millions to charities worldwide throughout his lifetime," his spokeswoman Raymone Bain said on Sunday.
She said that in 2000, the Guinness Book of World Records ranked Jackson as the pop star who has given to more charities than any other, with many of the donations remaining anonymous.
Jackson was arrested and released on three million dollars' bail on November 20 pending trial on charges that he molested a 12-year-old boy at his Neverland Ranch a year ago.
The internationally-known pop star has denied the charges and branded them a "big lie," while many fans have rallied to his side. His next court hearing is scheduled for Friday but he is not expected to be present.
The visit to Washington comes as a grand jury was reportedly hearing evidence against Jackson in a secret location in Santa Barbara County, north of Los Angeles, as prosecutors tried to secure a criminal indictment against him.Legal experts said the move would allow evidence to be heard behind closed doors instead at a series of open pre-trial hearings at which witnesses, including the alleged victim, could be grilled publicly.