Janet Jackson Receives Gay Rights Award

The Associated Press reports Janet Jackson received a humanitarian award from a gay rights group, but was in no mood for jokes following the acquittal of her brother Michael Jackson on child molestation charges just days prior to Saturday’s event from the Human Rights Campaign. “My family and I have just gone through the least humorous chapter of our lives,” Jackson told the crowd. “I’m going to leave the jokes to the late-night (comics), if that’s OK.” The singer continued, “What I’ve learned in these recent months is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And it’s real, it’s a beautiful light that both comforts our minds and strengthens our souls. Tonight my heart is filled with gratitude for that light. I’m so grateful that prayers are answered, that faith is rewarded and tolerance is celebrated as a virtue. I’m grateful that God is of unconditional love.”