Michael Jackson’s recent passing has touched the world in a way I don’t think anyone expected. Through the years, Jackson has been the center of numerous lawsuits - in all areas of law. As one CNN reporter said, “Michael Jackson was a one-man cottage industry for the legal profession.”

Among the lawsuits involving Jackson were some out-of-court settlements as well. Back in 1992 when Jackson started a friendship with the then-13 Jordan Chandler, Chandler’s family did not approve.

The relationship continued, and in the summer of 1993 Chandler’s father, on behalf of his son, accused Jackson of sexual abuse. The story was all over tabloids and other media, and had an immense effect on the pop-singer’s career.

After the accusations and descriptions of Jackson’s actions and a physical description of his genitals from Jordan Chandler, the allegations were settled outside the courtroom. In January of 1994, Jackson ended up paying the Chandler family $22 million for the civil suit.

This incident marked the first accusation against Michael Jackson for sexual abuse. In the years following, other accusations were made blaming Jackson for other personal injury issues, and there were criminal trials involved.

This pop icon had a tumultuous relationship with the media, and with the public. His popularity ebbed and flowed like the tide, and though Jackson is sadly no longer here to perform his planned come-back tour, his ‘thrilling’ music and contributions to pop culture will not soon be forgotten.

Read more about Michael Jackson’s criminal defense trials: Criminal Defense Blog