During the summer and fall of 1993 a story began to unfold which threatened the career of one of the world's most popular entertainers, Michael Jackson.
In July, a 13-year-old boy allegedly told his therapist that he was sexually abused by Jackson. The therapist reported the allegations to authorities, and on Aug. 17, Los Angeles police began an investigation.
On Sept. 14, the boy's attorney filed a civil suit against Jackson alleging molestation.
Jackson set off on a world tour but cancelled it Nov. 12, saying he was addicted to painkillers. He then disappeared for treatment at an undisclosed location.
On Dec. 8, LaToya Jackson, Michael's sister, said she believed the charges against her brother were true. That set off a storm of criticism and denials by the rest of the Jackson clan.
On Dec. 10, Jackson returned to his Neverland Ranch outside Santa Barbara, Calif., and on Dec. 22, he appeared in a satellite broadcast from the ranch swearing his innocence.
During the four-minute broadcast, Jackson, 35, told of undergoing a search in which most of his body -- including his penis, buttocks, and lower torso -- was viewed and photographed. He called it the most humiliating ordeal of his life.
At year's end , Jackson had not been charged by police with any criminal act. His civil trial was set for March 21, 1994.
