Previously unheard audio of Michael Jackson has been released ahead of a new television documentary. The recordings reveal Jackson speaking emotionally about his strong attachment to children and how central those relationships were to his life.
The audio comes from private conversations in the early 2000s. In them, Jackson says children were naturally drawn to him and that their affection sometimes caused difficulties. He describes these bonds as intense and says they shaped how people viewed him.
The recordings will appear in a Channel 4 series, Michael Jackson: The Trial. The program revisits his 2005 criminal trial, when he faced multiple charges involving a minor. A jury later found him not guilty on all counts.
The documentary includes comments from people who knew Jackson well. Some speak positively about him, while others raise concerns about his behavior and judgment. The newly released audio adds fresh material to these differing views.
Although Jackson was cleared in court, accusations continued to follow him until his death in 2009. The release of this audio is likely to renew debate about his personal life and how it should be understood alongside his musical legacy.