11 November 2004 - Michael Jackson Interview by Fax on 11 November 2004

Geraldо: I think we have a surprise on the line right now... the person who, as far as I know, is the first one to have this broadcast live on television during the course of this past year. I believe Michael Jackson is here. Michael, are you there?

 Michael: How are you, Geraldo? ... Hello?

 Geraldо: Very good, buddy. Let me ask you—what are your feelings about your fans, who have always supported you through everything you’ve been through?

 Michael: Geraldo, I’m calling you because of my fans. I mean, they are the best fans in the world... and I decided that instead of letting someone else speak for me, I would speak for them myself... and I want to thank them for their support all these years. They could have been anywhere today, you know? And they decided to be in New York—"Times Square"—and I truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank them. They sent thousands of letters and made hundreds of calls for the video, and I love them. In London, 4000 people showed up on my behalf, and I’m grateful. I’d like to thank Reverend Jesse Jackson, JohnsonMinister Pharacon, Reverend Al Sharpton Jesse Hughes, and Radio One, and everyone who helped me. And Geraldo, I also thank you for your friendship and for everything you’ve done—everything wonderful. Thank you so, so much.

My message about my video is clear. In my opinion, it’s meaningless and it’s insulting. But I also want to make this clear: it’s not just about me. It’s about a role of disrespect and insult that he has shown to all of us—it shouldn’t continue, and it should stop right now.

Geraldо: Michael, let me say that I’m a fan of yours, because I believe he’s making a raw, out-of-the-ordinary deal with you. Not only with regard to the video, but in many other ways in life that I don’t need to explain. But let’s, for a moment, focus on the positive side of things... what new things do you have coming up? Is there something we can promise your fans? Something that will reassure them?

 Michael: Yes, I’m always working on good music. Right now I’m working on several albums, and today I was working on some music. Just at this moment, while we’re talking, I’m working, Geraldo—and I’m planning some wonderful things that I’ll tell my fans about very soon. And I’m also—I'm really looking forward to it... you know. And I’ll call you soon, Geraldo.

 Geraldо: I’m willing to bet you’ll call. Okay—please call. But before I let you go, do you have a message?

Michael: I love my fans. I love you. And I’m so, so grateful for the fact that you’re always with me, and representing me... and again, thank you, Geraldo. Thank you so, so much.

Geraldо: All right. Thank you, Michael. Thank you for calling. And now, ladies and gentlemen—Michael Jackson.