Washington: US President Barack Obama has praised Michael Jackson as one of the "greatest entertainers of our generation" whose life was mired in tragedy.
Obama's remarks in an interview with CNN came as thousands of people flocked to downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday to attend a memorial service for the pop icon.
Obama, who is visiting Moscow, said Jackson "became a core part of our culture", and was someone who had to deal with "a big dose of tragedy and difficulty in his private life".
Jackson's public image was tarnished by accusations of sexually abusing children. One case was settled out of court in 1994 and he was acquitted of child molestation charges in a 2005 trial.
"I don't think we can ignore that, but it's important for us to affirm the best of him," Obama said.
Jackson died in Los Angeles of an apparent heart attack on June 25. He was 50 and about to embark on a series of live performances for the first time since 1997.
The Jackson family held a private service in Hollywood Hills before a public event at the Staples Center, the home of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team.
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