Jackson Thanks Fans On His Site

Michael Jackson says his family, fans and God "dried my tears" and helped him through the hardship of child molestation charges and a four-month trial that ended in his acquittal.

"Your love, support and loyalty made it all possible. You were there when I really needed you. I will never forget you," Jackson said in a statement posted Sunday on his official Web site.

"Your ever-present love held me, dried my tears, and carried me through. I will treasure your devotion and support forever. You are my inspiration."

Signed "Love, Michael Jackson," the message is apparently his first public statement since being acquitted on all counts June 13.

Jackson's family and fans, and at least one of the jurors who acquitted him of child molestation gathered earlier this month for a huge party that was billed as a celebration of thanks. The pop star himself was nowhere in sight at the Chumash Indian Casino, but reporters were kept out by tribal police.

The boy who accused Jackson of child molestation and his mother were portrayed during the trial as targeting celebrities.

Last week, Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, said on NBC's "Today" show that she felt sorry for the boy and his mother. "From what I hear about their past I feel sorry for their future if they don't change their way," she said.