Photo: Press
Michael Jackson's nephews, who make up the boyband 3T, are suing Radar Online for linking them to the 'Thriller' star's alleged history of sexual abuse against children.
Last month, Radar Online shared police reports that images depicting nude children were discovered at his home in 2003, before he would face trial for child molestation charges in 2005.
The 'Thriller' pop icon denied all charges and would later be acquitted.
A "book depicting nude children" and images of "pre-teen or early teenage individuals" who were either "nude or semi-nude" were found among the items. It is also claimed that images of Jackson's nephews, Taj, TJ and Taryll Jackson of 3T , were used to "excite young boys".
Now, as THR reports, the trio are suing - claiming that "Radar has tried to profit by launching a vicious and unrelenting attack on [Jackson] based on claims that, years ago, he was guilty of sexual abuse, even though, at the time, he was found 'not guilty' of that very charge."
They continue that the "plaintiffs knowingly allowed themselves to be photographed in salacious, lascivious poses and that they know or should have known that their photos would be, or at least could be used 'to excite young boys'".
"Radar's stories were false and defamatory," their lawyer writes in the lawsuit. "As a direct and proximate result of the publication of Radar's libelous stories, each of [the Jackson nephews] has been damaged personally and professionally."
Jackson's daughter Paris responded to the claimswww.gigwise.com/news/107467/michael-jackson-daughter-paris-responds-on-twitter-to-child-porn, saying: "I urge you all to ignore the trash & the parasites who make a career trying to slander my father. The most pure people are always torn down.. It will continue to be proven that my beloved dad has always been and forever will be innocent."
Jackson faced similar accusations from 13-year-old Evan Chandler in 1993, who sued him for allegedly sexually abusing him, before they reached a financial settlement and a criminal investigation was dropped due to a 'lack of evidence'.
Michael Jackson died on 25 June, 2009 ahead of his final 'This Is It' run of farewell shows at The O2 arena in London. He died of a heart attack after taking propofol and benzodiazepine.
