The "Dateline" episode about Michael Jackson is causing some controversy.
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Prosecutor Press Release

Courtesy Getty Images Mark Mainz



A Michael Jackson Exclusive!

September 3, 2004

In a new, two-part "Dateline" report, airing Friday, September 3 (8 p.m. EDT, on NBC), new information is uncovered concerning what authorities discovered in their 1993 investigation of child molestation allegations against the ubiquitous MICHAEL JACKSON. Tonight on ET, we show you exclusive legal documents revealing the frightening threats made against NORMA SALINAS -- a former housekeeper and nanny of the original accuser's father and stepmother -- soon after she was interviewed by the newsmagazine.

In the document, Salinas said she received a phone call from a man who spoke good Spanish and told her: "I don't want you to be talking more about the Michael Jackson case ... I don't want you to give any interviews to any journalist, nor no one in relation to the press because, remember, you have a son that something can happen to."

In the "Dateline" piece, Salinas claims that in 1993 she worked for the original accuser's family. She also says she cared for their young children. In her exclusive interview with "Dateline," and for the first time in public, she speaks out about what she says she personally saw inside the boy's home, including an alleged overnight stay by the "King of Pop."

In the fascinating special, "Dateline" also speaks to NBC News Analyst and former Santa Barbara County sheriff JIM THOMAS, who reveals what the focus of the 1993 investigation was, and who exactly they were looking to find.

Jackson was last seen in court in August when Santa Barbara County District Attorney TOM SNEDDON, the man prosecuting him for child molestation, took the stand. Jackson's parents KATHERINE and JOSEPH, along with his siblings JANET, LaTOYA, RANDY, JACKIE and JERMAINE, were there in support of their brother.

Jackson is charged with committing a lewd act upon a child, administering an intoxicating agent and conspiring to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. He has pleaded not guilty and is free on $3 million bail. The pop star's trial is set to begin in January.

For more on the frightening death threats made against Norma Salinas, check out tonight's ET!