Jackson Scraps Concert Tour, Cites Addiction

Michael Jackson canceled his worldwide “Dangerous” tour Friday, saying he is addicted to painkillers.

In a taped statement released in the office of his Beverly Hills publicist, Jackson said the pressure of child molestation allegations recently made against him by a teen-age boy had prompted him to abuse the painkillers he had been taking under prescription.

“My friends and doctors advised me to seek professional guidance immediately in order to eliminate what has become an addiction. It is time for me to acknowledge my need for treatment in order to regain my health,” the entertainer said in the statement.

“I realize that completing the tour is no longer possible and I must cancel the remaining dates. I know I can overcome the problem and will be stronger from the experience.”

Jackson had been in Mexico City, where he canceled several concerts earlier this month complaining of dental problems.

He had been in the midst of a tour that included dates in Asia, Russia, Israel and Latin America.

But while on tour he had been dogged by a child molestation investigation by Los Angeles authorities. He also faces a lawsuit filed by the teen-ager who claims the entertainer befriended, then abused, him.

The boy’s allegations prompted the police investigation, which has included searches at several of Jackson’s Southern California homes.

Jackson has not been charged with any crime.

His statement continued: “As I left on this tour, I had been the target of an extortion attempt, and shortly thereafter was accused of horrifying and outrageous conduct.

“I was humiliated, embarrassed, hurt and suffering great pain in my heart. The pressure resulting from these false allegations coupled with the incredible energy necessary for me to perform caused so much distress that it left me physically and emotionally exhausted. I became increasingly more dependent on the painkillers to get me through the days of the tour.”

He credited actress Elizabeth Taylor with giving him the advice he needed to cancel the tour and repair his health.

“Elizabeth Taylor, my close friend, has been a source of strength and counsel as this crisis came about. I shall never forget her unconditional love and encouragement in helping me through this period.”