An American politician has branded Michael Jackson a “pervert” and a “paedophile”.
Republican Peter King also criticised the media's coverage of Jackson's recent death – and called instead for greater focus to be given to the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
King, who is currently serving his ninth term in the US House of Representatives, launched the attack in a video posted on YouTube.
"Let's knock out the psychobabble. He was a pervert, a child molester; he was a pedophile,” King said.
“And to be giving this much coverage to him, day in and day out, what does it say about us as a country? I just think we're too politically correct."
The Republican Congressman from the State of New York said no one had the courage to “stand up” and say “we don't need Michael Jackson”.
“He died, he had some talent, fine," King said in the video, which was shot on the lawn of Wantagh American Legion Hall.
He added: "There is nothing good about this guy.
“He may have been a good singer, done some dancing, but the bottom line is would you allow your child or grandchild to be in the same room with Michael Jackson. That would be horrifying."
Jackson, who died last month, faced two separate allegations of child molestation during his career.
The first, in 1993, was settled before it was taken to court.
Jackson was also acquitted in 2005 on all charges following a separate four month child molestation trial.
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