Responding to a "Dateline NBC" report that claimed he paid $2 million to silence a would-be accuser in 1990, Michael Jackson admitted Friday that "years ago, I settled with certain individuals because I was concerned about my family and the media scrutiny that would have ensued if I fought the matter in court."

In the report, which aired Friday night, a retired Santa Barbara County sheriff explained how his office uncovered a 1990 payoff to the 12-year-old son of a Neverland Ranch employee while investigating a 1993 molestation case in which the singer paid between $15 and $20 million in an out-of-court settlement (see [article id="1490750"]"Michael Jackson Accused Of Paying Hush Money To Boy In 1990"[/article]).

Jackson, who currently faces child molestation charges stemming from several alleged incidents in early 2003 (see [article id="1486721"]"Michael Jackson Hit With 10 Felony Charges At Arraignment"[/article]), called the press' reporting on this latest twist "untruths and sensationalism."

"These people wanted to exploit my concern for children by threatening to destroy what I believe in and what I do," he explained in a statement on his official news site. "I have been a vulnerable target for those who want money.

"I have spent my entire life helping millions of children across the world," the 46-year-old singer added. "I would never harm a child. It is unfortunate that some individuals have seen fit to come forward and make a complaint that is completely false. Quite frankly, I question the timing and motive of this report."

Jackson's trial is scheduled to begin January 31.

For full coverage of the Michael Jackson case, see [article id="1480530"]"Michael Jackson Accused."[/article]