Dotcom on TV: 'I'm no criminal'

'I'm no criminal,' Kim Dotcom told John Campbell on television tonight. Photo / TV3

Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom appeared for his first TV interview tonight since being arrested, and if early reaction on the internet is any indication, it may turn some public opinion on the alleged digital pirate.

Dotcom spoke on TV3's Campbell Live and defended himself against charges of internet piracy on his now-closed website. The US government is seeking to extradite Dotcom to America on claims of criminal copyright infringement.

"I'm no criminal, this website has not been set up to be a piracy haven," Dotcom told host John Campbell.

Dotcom also compared the US pursuit of him to the war on Iraq and the search for Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction.

"If you want to go after someone and you have a political goal you will say whatever it takes."

Read a transcript of the interview here.

Tonight's interview and an interview in today's New Zealand Herald were the first chance for Dotcom to defend himself after being released from prison on bail.

Dotcom also told Campbell he is not going to flee New Zealand.

"The company that was worth probably a billion dollars plus has been given a death sentence without trial, you know, what point is there for me to run away? "

"I mean I am a fighter and I am going to fight this thing," he said to Campbell. "I feel confident I am going to win because at the end of the day I know, my family knows, and everybody around me knows that I am no criminal and I have done nothing wrong."

Initial reaction posted on Twitter was mostly positive.

"I'm totally in support of Kim Dotcom after watching the interview on Campbell Live tonight," wrote The B_tch Blog.

"I'm totally on this guy's side now, and I didn't necessarily used to be." wrote Matt Ward. "...What are the FBI up to? It's outrageous."

"More I see of Kim Dotcom more I like him. The whole thing seems pretty wrong," wrote Mike.

Even one of New Zealand's musical legends chimed in. Neil Finn wrote on his account, "Kim Dotcom represents himself with eloquence and good grace. I'm happy he's out."