A writer who spent eights months working with Michael Jackson on an unpublished book has backed the late star over his relationship with children - insisting the singer was a wonderful father.
The Thriller hitmaker, who passed away last Thursday (25Jun09), was plagued by accusations of child abuse in the last few years of his life. He was cleared of all charges in his 2005 trial.
British writer Jonathan Margolis spent nearly a year shadowing Jackson in 2000 and 2001, as they collaborated on a writing project - and he is convinced the late legend was a positive influence on his kids - Prince Michael, now 12, and Paris, now 11.
Jackson's youngest son, Prince Michael 'Blanket' II was born a year later in 2002.
He says, "During the time we spent together, he put my efforts as a father of three to shame. He was certainly strict. As a result Prince and Paris were among the best behaved, the politest and happiest (kids) I've known. And they weren't spoiled.
"I believe he was uniquely attuned to children. Once, in a noisy restaurant, he held his hand up to stop everyone because he heard a four year old's tiny voice ask something. He asked her softly what she'd said, she asked for a glass of water. Michael poured it and took it over to her."
Margolis is adamant the rumours of child molestation which blighted Jackson's personal life could not have been true.
He adds, "I never saw anything strange happen between him and children. I honestly don't think he ever did anything dark or bad - ever.
"He was utterly determined that his own kids, and other people's, had a magical (childhood). Of course, what he thought was magical, many of us think is a bit odd. This was all about Michael's delayed childhood and absolutely not anything dodgy."