Michael Jackson - NAACP Image Awards 1994 - INNOCENCE Speech [Remastered - FULL HD (1080p)]

Michael Jackson - NAACP Image Awards 1994 - INNOCENCE Speech [Remastered - FULL HD High Definition (1080p)]

Michael Jackson makes surprise appearance at NAACP Image Awards

In his first major U.S. public appearance of the year, superstar Michael Jackson told a black-tie crowd at the 26th Annual NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, CA, that he is not guilty of any allegations leveled against him and that he is strengthened by a belief in God and the support of fans.

Jackson was on hand to present a special Image Award to Debbie Allen for her choreography work on last year's Academy Award telecast.

He told the crowd: "For decades, the NAACP has stood at the forefront of the struggle for equal justice under the law for all people in our land. They have fought in the lunch rooms of the South, in the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court and the board rooms of America for justice, equality and the very dignity of all mankind. Members of the NAACP have been jailed and even killed in noble pursuit of those ideals upon which our country was founded. None of these goals is more meaningful to me at this time in my life than the notion that everyone is presumed to be innocent and totally innocent until they are charged with a crime and then convicted by a jury of their peers. I never, I never really took the time to understand the importance of that ideal until now, until I became the victim of false allegations and the willingness of others to believe and exploit the worst before they have a chance to hear the truth."

To the enthusiastic applause of the sellout crowd, Jackson added: "Not only am I presumed innocent, I am innocent, And I know the truth will be my salvation."

He thanked the organization for its support and commitment to fairness and justice. "You have been there to support me when others weren't around and I thank you for that. I have been strengthened in my fight to prove my innocence by my faith in God and by my knowledge that I am not fighting this battle alone. Together, we will see this thing through and I'm very proud to be here."

Jackson's surprise appearance overshadowed the controversy of the evening which was the nomination of rapper Tupac Shakur as best actor for his work in Poetic Justice. Some groups felt his Controversial music and current legal troubles should have precluded him from being nominated. It turned out to be a moot point anyway as Denzel Washington ended up with the award for his role in Malcolm X.

While not necessarily defending Jackson or Shakur, Jasmine Guy told reporters that the two "are innocent until proven guilty."

Other winners included Whitney Houston, Ms. Guy, Angela Bassett, Al Freeman Jr., Jaleel White, Martin Lawrence, Danny Glover, Halle Berry, Arsenio Hall, Luther Vandross, Levar Burton, Patti LaBelle and En Vogue. The film Malcolm X was named best picture.

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[10104851]

How sad o be a victim of false allegations.

[michaeljosephine1]

pure LOVE and INNOCENT...that what HE is!!!he is the GOD of LOVE here on earth...love you so much Michael i love you and i still believe in you always and forever!! it's all for LOVE....

[AnotherPart0fMe]

In the end everyone has their day in court. Michael devoted his life to helping and loving others despite ENDLESS obstacles and is now reaping the rewards. All the evil people who exploited him (and continue to) for their own gain will reap their rewards as well....

I love you, Michael.

[PopMJJmusic4ever]

Infinite INNOCENCE right there.