Rep. King slams media coverage of Jackson

LOS ANGELES, July 6 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., says the media should limit its coverage of Michael Jackson as the late singer was a "child molester."

Appearing at the American Legion Hall in Wantagh, N.Y., King said the lavish media coverage given to the singer following his June 25 death is questionable in relation to previous allegations the "Thriller" star sexually abused children, CNN reported Monday.

"He was a child molester. He was a pedophile. And to be giving this much coverage to him day in and day out, what does it say about us as a country," King said Sunday of Jackson, who was acquitted on sexual abuse charges. "We're too politically correct. No one wants to stand up and say, 'We don't need Michael Jackson.'"

Meanwhile, executors of the late singer's will were given control of Jackson's assets in Los Angeles Superior Court Monday, CNN reported.

CNN said the pop star's will placed those assets into a trust for Jackson's three children, several charities and his mother, Katherine Jackson, who was removed as temporary administrator.

The executors are John Branca, who was Michael Jackson's personal attorney, and John McClain, a music industry executive who was a longtime friend of the singer.

Judge Mitchell L. Beckloff set another hearing for Aug. 3, saying the two special administrators will be responsible for protecting the estate from immediate losses but adding they cannot enter into new ventures without court approval.

Katherine Jackson's attorneys objected to Beckloff's decision.

"To award unfettered control to the other side would not serve justice," Burt Levitch said. "Quite frankly, Mrs. Jackson has concerns about handing over the keys to the kingdom."