Farrakhan denies racism charge; defends Michael Jackson in NYC speech

Jet, Jan 10, 1994

Minister Louis Farrakhan recently denied charges of racism and anti-Semitism during a fiery speech in New York City in which he defended Michael Jackson.

"I'm neither a racist nor an anti-Semite," the Nation of Islam leader said at the sold-out Jacob Javits Convention Center. "But if I point out your evil with the truth, call me a preacher of truth .... If I point out your evil tracks in the sands of time, don't blame me."

Farrakhan addressed more than 20,000 people in his first appearance at a major New York venue since 1985. Several thousand more people watched the speech on closed circuit television elsewhere in the building.

The audience included actor Wesley Snipes, rapper Freedom Williams, singer Johnny Gill and Mark Breland.

Farrakhan said that Jackson, accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy, was a victim of a conspiracy.

"This brother is not charged with a crime," Farrakhan said. "The powers that be can't stand to see Michael Jackson politically aware and using his money for the advancement of his people."