Michael Jackson accuser gravely ill

Michael Jackson accuser gravely ill

        A comedy club owner who says he introduced Michael
Jackson to the cancer-stricken boy he is accused of
molesting said today the child is in such poor health
that his remaining kidney is failing.

        Jamie Masada, owner of the Laugh Factory in West
Hollywood, said he brought Jackson and the child
together about two years ago — soon after doctors gave
the boy three weeks to live. He said the boy expressed
an interest in meeting Jackson and Masada made "a few
phone calls."

        "The kid is not doing very good," Masada said at a
Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless that he holds at
the club each year.

        Masada said doctors removed a large tumour from the
boy's stomach some time ago, and at the same time took
out one of his kidneys and spleen. He said the boy's
remaining kidney is failing, and that he needs a transplant.

        Masada said he saw the boy earlier this week. He said
the boy was being treated at home, not a hospital, but
was getting dialysis treatments.

        It was unclear what effect the boy's condition could
have on the case against Jackson. Masada said he and
the boy had not discussed Jackson.