Jackson to avoid baby stunt probe

Jackson held a baby over the railing of his fourth-floor hotel window in Berlin on Tuesday.

Story Tools

VIDEO Singer Michael Jackson dangles a baby over a balcony at his hotel in Berlin, Germany, as fans below call out to him (November 19) PLAY VIDEO RELATED • Jackson regrets baby 'mistake'

BERLIN, Germany -- Michael Jackson looks set to escape a criminal investigation after dangling his youngest baby over a Berlin hotel balcony.

Prosecutors said they would only investigate if they receive a complaint, The Associated Press reported.

Jackson, in Germany to receive a lifetime achievement award and to attend a benefit night for homeless children, held the boy over the fourth storey balcony as he greeted fans.

Jackson has apologised for the headline-grabbing stunt saying he made a "terrible mistake" but it has not stopped European media splashing with stories condemning the superstar.

In Germany, the BZ daily described Jackson as "foolish" but British tabloids were far harsher. "Lunatic" yelled The Sun while its big rival The Daily Mirror called Jackson the "mad bad dad."

However, Berlin prosecutors said they were not investigating the incident, although an inquiry could be opened if any complaint against Jackson were filed, The Associated Press reported.

The boy, his legs kicking, had what seemed to be a white cloth over his head as Jackson held him, with one arm around his waist, over the iron rail of the balcony of the luxurious Adlon Hotel on Tuesday.

The child, wearing a baby blue jumper, is the reclusive singer's third and youngest, Prince Michael II, Antje Sigesmund, a spokeswoman for the Bambi entertainment award ceremony, told The Associated Press.

In a written statement Jackson later said: "I made a terrible mistake. I got caught up in the excitement of the moment. I would never intentionally endanger the lives of my children."

Little is known about Prince Michael II. People Magazine reported in August that he was six months old. The magazine, citing an anonymous friend, said the boy was not adopted and did not identify the mother.

The singer also has two children with ex-wife Debbie Rowe: a five-year-old boy -- also named Prince Michael -- and a four-year-old girl, Paris. The couple divorced in 1999.

Review: 'Perfect Man' fatally flawed • CNN/Money: What TV's most popular dads earn • Poll: Most prefer to watch movies at home • Cruise, Holmes engaged to marry

CNN/Money: Security alert issued for 40 million credit cards • Bin Laden deputy sends message • U.S. House votes to keep U.N. dues • Iran poll to go to run-off