Michael Jackson, in seclusion in California since his acquittal on child molestation charges, has thanked his fans for their "love, support and loyalty."

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"You were there when I really needed you," Jackson said in a statement posted on his Web site. "I will never forget you. Your ever-present love held me, dried my tears, and carried me through."

While Jackson's appeal has dimmed in recent years and sales of his albums have slumped, he has millions of fans, some of them devoted enough to travel hundreds of miles to Santa Maria, Calif., to wait outside the courthouse during the trial.

Jackson was acquitted of all charges connected to his alleged molestation of a teenage cancer patient two years ago.

"I will treasure your devotion and support forever. You are my inspiration," the message ends, with Jackson signing off with "Love."

Jackson and his family have not been seen in public since the trial ended and are reportedly at his Neverland Ranch.