A Thriller on Capitol Hill
Michael Jackson paid a surprise visit to Washington, D.C., Tuesday. The pencil-thin pop idol wore sunglasses and pink lipstick to a meeting with members of the Congressional Black Caucus. When asked why he was there, Jackson replied, "to learn."
Jackson and the lawmakers discussed a cause close to his heart -- the AIDS epidemic in Africa, and Jackson pledged his continued support in the fight against AIDS.
After the meeting, Jackson smiled as he was whisked past the press and flashed a peace sign. Would sightseeing be next on Jackson’s agenda? Raymone Bain, Jackson’s spokeswoman, said, "Maybe we'll have some really nice weather soon and he can go out and look at the cherry blossoms."
Bain downplayed the curious timing of Michael’s visit, which occurred just as a California Grand Jury reportedly was hearing testimony from Jackson’s 14-year-old alleged sex victim. She also downplayed the fact that only eight of 39 black caucus members agreed to meet with the star, after refusing his request for a full caucus meeting.
"People want to sensationalize things," Bain maintained.
Congressman Chaka Fattah defended Jackson’s right to visit Capitol Hill, saying, "In the United States of America, every person is presumed innocent until proven otherwise. We were happy to have a chance to talk to one of the leading celebrities in the world that has used that celebrity to actually help other people."
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