Media Psychologist Available to Discuss the Psychological Ramifications of the Michael Jackson Verdict.

LOS ANGELES -- Michael Jackson is an "American Tragedy," and regardless of the verdict of his molestation trial, "These proceedings have dealt a fatal blow to his overall image and future career goals that will be next to impossible to recover." This according to Los Angeles trauma psychologist Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D., who has extensive experience evaluating child abuse victims as well as observing firsthand Jackson interacting with fans.

Butterworth believes that, career-wise, the nature of the verdict is irrelevant. The taint of this child abuse trial will haunt Jackson's career for the rest of his life, guilty or innocent.

Butterworth also believes that due to Jackson's fragile psyche, "A verdict of guilty could drive the superstar over the edge, towards a severe emotional breakdown and even suicide."

"Michael Jackson has been able to establish emotional control by creating a Neverland state of mind by using money, power and superstar status. Incarceration would strip him of this ability to maintain this fantasy world, plunging him into a fierce reality that he may not have the emotional resilience to overcome," says the trauma expert.

The psychologist views Jackson as a truly tragic figure. A career that robbed him of his boyhood. A childhood lost that unfortunately Jackson has spent the rest of his life attempting to regain. A boy/man conflict focused on living a lost youth by means of a fantasy existence.

Butterworth, who has observed Jackson firsthand interacting with fans at his public birthday party, feels that in order for any semblance of a career to be resurrected, Jackson will have to move beyond cult figure status onto the music mainstream, a task that may prove impossible for this reclusive King of Pop.

Butterworth points to Michael's upbringing as the son of a stern, taskmaster father. Butterworth said many people in Michael's position invest their faith in children and/or animals.

They may be furious with adults for robbing them of part of their lives. Jackson's fame was at the expense of a childhood, Butterworth said. Whose fault was that?

Butterworth, who specializes in trauma, believes it's possible that Michael is forever suspended in childhood.

Bob Dylan sang don't look back. Michael Jackson seems to be saying don't look forward, Butterworth said.