Panel Discusses Latest Developments in Michael Jackson Trial
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CNN LARRY KING LIVE


Aired March 10, 2005 - 21:00 ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


NANCY GRACE, GUEST HOST: Tonight: Michael Jackson threatened with jail this morning by a furious trial judge, Judge Rodney Melville. Jackson late to his own child molestation trial, showing up in his pajamas, claiming he's got a bad back. And coincidentally, Michael Jackson managed to overshadow today's testimony from his boy accuser.

We go live to the Santa Maria courthouse for the latest on today's drama with Court TV's Diane Dimond. Also with us, Lisa Bloom from Court TV, high-profile defense lawyer Trent Copeland -- he was also in court today -- Dr. Michael Welner, forensic psychologist who has consulted on many sex abuse cases, and at the courthouse, Jim Moret of "Inside Edition." It's all next on LARRY KING LIVE.

Hello, everybody. I'm Nancy Grace from Court TV and Headline News, in for Larry King tonight. Thank you for being with us. Without any further ado, we all know Michael Jackson showed up in his pajamas. Let's go straight out to Diane Dimond.

No. 1, Diane, welcome. Give me the latest. And I also want to hear about the highs and lows of the boy's testimony today.

DIANE DIMOND, COURT TV: Well, you know, Nancy, we work really hard here, all of us reporters, and we were inside, of course, taking our furious notes about the boy's testimony. But it seems that part of the big headline is Michael Jackson winding up in his pajamas in court. I got to be one of the two pool reporters right there at the door as he arrived an hour and 10 minutes late, I might add, after the judge has said, I have an arrest warrant issued. I'm going to forfeit his bail. It's there. It's ready if he isn't here in an hour. Well, he showed up in an hour and about five minutes. But in the end, the judge didn't do anything to him. There were no sanctions. There were no fines. He was not placed under arrest. And he vacated the orders about the bail and the arrest warrant.

But I was standing there as he approached. And I've covered this man for a long, long time. I've never seen him look so bad. He was disheveled. His hair was not combed. It's, like, he didn't comb his hair all day. He had on, as you say, these pajama bottoms, a pair of, like, sandal slippers. And I called out to him, and I said, Mr. Jackson, are you OK? And he sort of looked over in our direction. Linda Deutsch of AP was with me. But he couldn't seem to focus or couldn't -- didn't focus on us. I should be fair. He didn't focus on us. And I repeated, Are you feeling OK? And he didn't answer.

He went into court, stayed there 15 seconds, left, went to the bathroom. And then we all sat in the courtroom waiting for the judge. He called the attorneys back, and you could tell he was pretty upset about it.

GRACE: Jim Moret, what's your take on what went down? Is Jackson spiralling downward?

JIM MORET, "INSIDE EDITION": I talked to a close family friend, and he told me some weeks ago -- if you remember, Michael Jackson had the flu during jury selection. And that person told me then, Mark my words, this will not be -- at that point, it was believed to take five months. He said, This will not be a smooth five months. And that friend told me today, You are seeing, in his view, a slow deterioration of Michael Jackson.

Diane and I were in court this morning. I remember looking at the clock at about 8:29. I looked over at Diane, and we both knew something was wrong. Michael Jackson's always early because sine that first time when he showed up late and the judge admonished him, he's been on time. And today we knew something was wrong, and it was a circus out here today.

GRACE: Well, now, Jim, now, be honest. It hasn't been that long. You said he's been on time every day. It's only been about a week, right? I mean, this is day eight of the trial and --

(LAUGHTER)

MORET: I know that. But you know, this family friend said to me this. He said, Michael Jackson is very fragile emotionally. You're laughing. I can hear it. I can't see you...

GRACE: No, I'm laughing...

MORET: ... but I can hear you laughing.

GRACE: Go ahead.

MORET: I'm just telling you that Michael Jackson looks like -- he looked today like he was on the edge. I mean, emotionally on the edge. We were told that he hurt his back, that he threw it out this morning. He looked horrible when he walked in. It wasn't just wearing pajamas. It was clear to the jurors. They didn't know what was wrong, other than the fact that he was out for what the judge called a medical situation. But he didn't look like the Michael Jackson who comes in every day very proper, very, very put together. He wasn't the same person today, at least from an appearance standpoint.

GRACE: Trent Copeland, a lot of people...

(CROSSTALK)

GRACE: Go ahead, dear.

DIMOND: I was going to say, he sat at the defense table and he grabbed Kleenex and started to wipe his eyes, and I motioned to somebody on that side of the bar and I said, Is he crying? They said, yes.

GRACE: Wow. OK, Diane, that's actually the first I've heard that. Thank you, friend.

Very quickly, Trent Copeland, a lot of defense attorneys today are saying that this has actually been some type of a victory for Michael Jackson because all the focus has been on him, coming to the courtroom late in his PJs, somehow deflecting from this boy's testimony. Trent, you're a veteran defense attorney. You've won a lot of cases. How can it possibly be a victory for your guy to show up with his hair all messed up, in his pajamas -- how could -- and sit in court? I mean, Trent, would you go try a case in your PJs? I don't even want to think about it!

TRENT COPELAND, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: You know, look, Nancy, I don't think -- if you're suggesting from that question whether or not Michael Jackson and/or his defense team sort of manufactured this so that they could take away...

GRACE: No, I don't think that.

COPELAND: ... the scene from the...

GRACE: No.

COPELAND: ... the alleged accused's therapy -- no, then I agree. I don't think that's the case.

But what I do think happened today was -- you know, look, we saw a drama unfold in real time. And I think everyone agreed that this event that took place this morning, with Michael Jackson sort of shuffling into court in his pajama bottoms, really overshadowed the testimony. But the reality is, Nancy -- you know what? The substance of the testimony today was, again, I think, in a large part to the benefit of the defense. And I think Michael Jackson and his the defense team have to be happy, clearly, with how today ended, and I think they clearly have to be happy with how yesterday's events were, and the previous testimony days were because Michael Jackson's defense team, I think by any estimation, are really on the offensive, and I think they're doing a very good job. So I don't think that Michael Jackson would have risked...

GRACE: OK...

COPELAND: ... rebuke from this judge...

GRACE: ... Trent, that was...

COPELAND: ... would have risked a rebuke from this judge...

GRACE: ... a beautiful spin.

COPELAND: ... by coming in -- by coming in late.

GRACE: That was a beautiful spin on your guy showing up in his pajamas. Good job! You know, if I'm ever on trial for a felony, I'm going to consider you, Trent, because that was...

COPELAND: Look...

GRACE: That was -- that was beautiful! Hold on. But somebody has something to say back to you. Lisa Bloom?

LISA BLOOM, COURT TV: But you know, Nancy, there's a big difference between what's going on outside the courtroom, where we have cameras and we can show Michael Jackson arriving, looking terrible, and what's going on inside the courtroom, where we don't have cameras. The jury wasn't focused on his late arrival and his shuffling. They were focused on the accuser's testimony, which I thought was very compelling, talking about how Michael Jackson allegedly said to him that if he didn't masturbate, that he'd become a rapist...

(CROSSTALK)

GRACE: Let me warn the viewers before -- before we talk about the testimony, some of this is graphic. If you have children, it's -- it's -- well, the whole point of the trial is that children shouldn't be hearing and seeing things just like this! OK.

BLOOM: Well, maybe. On the other hand, older children maybe should be aware about child abuse. And so I'd leave that to the discretion of each parent.

GRACE: Well, I mean...

BLOOM: I myself...

(CROSSTALK)

BLOOM: I can tell you, by the way, I have two children who talk a lot about this with their friends. This is a big topic among children.

But having said that, I don't think it's a win for the defense at all. Look, I think Michael Jackson is a very sad, poignant figure who's deteriorating before our eyes. But I question the timing, Nancy. You know, this is an accuser who started testifying yesterday and who said yesterday that he beat cancer. And he sat across the courtroom from Michael Jackson and looked right at him and made it very clear he's going to see this thing through to the end. Now, that's a formidable opponent. Compare that to Michael Jackson, who gets the sniffles or gets a backache and runs to the hospital every week or two when the trial's going bad for him. And I think that's not lost on this jury.

GRACE: With me here in the studio, Dr. Michael Welner. He's a forensic psychiatrist. Michael, I know you have a lot to say. I've been seeing you going back and forth in your chair!

(LAUGHTER)

GRACE: Now, my first question is, do celebrities -- do they think differently than we do, or is it rich people -- really, really rich people, and they...

DR. MICHAEL WELNER, FORENSIC PSYCHIATRIST: Well, I mean, lookit, Nancy, you're a celebrity now, and how much have you changed?

(CROSSTALK)

GRACE: Wait a minute, if you'd seen me out in the middle of 3rd Avenue trying to catch a cab today, you would not accuse me of celebrity!

(LAUGHTER)

WELNER: And you know what? And that's my point because Michael Jackson will never have to catch a cab on 3rd Avenue. What distinguishes Michael Jackson's celebrity from anyone else, except for perhaps, of all people, Kim Jong Il, is that he is cloistered, under, literally and figuratively, an umbrella. He never has to face anybody. He doesn't even live in California. He lives in Neverland.

He never has to have the experience of confronting someone that he doesn't say, Shut up. He doesn't have control over a situation. It is highly stressful. And we all know that in certain ways, he's very developmentally backward. How does he cope? How does he experience anxiety and stress? Do I think that he's falling apart? I don't know. I live in New York. This is the same town where we saw the head of the Gambino family wander into court in pajamas while he was trying to inspire an impression that he had lost his mind. When he went to prison, he was running a crime family business as the godfather.

BLOOM: But it's up to the judge to do something about this, Nancy. And you know, his last album was called "Invincible." And I think he proved in the courtroom today, when the judge let him go, in the way he would not have let a burglar or a drug dealer go, he let Michael Jackson walk.

GRACE: We'll go straight back out to the courthouse in just one...

(CROSSTALK)

GRACE: Is that you, Trent?

COPELAND: Nancy, I think that's...

GRACE: Tent, hold on one second. We've got to go to a really hard break. We'll be right back. We'll head straight out to Trent Copeland and Diane Dimond. Stay with us.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIAN OXMAN, JACKSON FAMILY ATTORNEY: Mr. Jackson asked me to make a statement here. He tripped this morning and he fell in the early morning hours while he was getting dressed. His back is in terrible pain. He was in terrible discomfort during the entire trial proceedings. He's going to go home, recuperate, rest and relax, and he'll be back on Monday, and he's looking forward to being here. And he went to the emergency room this morning and was given medications. So he'll be back Monday. And we all thank you so very much. You take care.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRACE: Welcome back to LARRY KING LIVE. I'm Nancy Grace from Court TV and Headline News, in for Larry tonight. And I want to thank you for being with us.

Guess you've heard by now that Jackson showed up to his child molestation trial wearing his pajamas, apparently, down in the back, while Judge Rodney Melville threatened to have his bond forfeited -- in other words, land him in jail and Jackson miraculously was healed and showed up.

But Diane Dimond, in my mind, the big story -- I mean, a lot of defendants have antics. People do get sick. They're late to court. This happens. Although I can't think of many that have shown up in their PJs. The reality, though, Diane, is the testimony -- the testimony, the evidence is what matters. Where did we stand at the end of the day? What did we learn today from this boy?

DIMOND: Well, what we learned when the state cross -- or I'm sorry -- did the direct testimony, we heard a lot about a lot of liquor. We heard a lot about a lot of pornography. We heard a lot about sexual games that they played and drinking games that they played. And toward the end of the state's case, we heard about the actual molestation.

I tell you, one of the things that stuck out in my mind that may not make a headline, but -- in the opening statement, Tom Mesereau said that this family was getting to close too fast to Michael Jackson and it made him uncomfortable. And the mother told her kids to call him Daddy.

Well, today we saw two notes from Michael Jackson. I'll just read you one real quick. It was in his handwriting to this boy. It says, "I want for you to have a good time in Florida, and I am happy to be your daddy." And it's signed "Dad." So you know, that kind of stuff just had this jury spellbound today.

This young boy is 15, but in some respects, he seems more mature than that. He has a military sea (ph) cadet background, and so he stands very tall and he has a military haircut. And I noticed a few times today he would not only look directly at the jury and tell them what he had to say, but during breaks, when people were reaching for exhibits and whatnot, he would have this sort of steely sort of -- again, I thought of military -- this gaze, and he would look right at Michael Jackson, as if to say, I'm here, and I'm your worst nightmare.

But in the end of the day, I think Tom Mesereau had some really vital cross-examination. It was a little aggressive. The judge admonished him, told him to stop going so fast. The boy got a little into it, too, and would answered things like, Well, you have to understand, Mr. Mesereau, that -- and then the judge would admonish the boy, as well. So it was very heated, very back-and-forth.

At one point, Mesereau said to him, Are you going to look at this jury and say that Michael Jackson didn't help you? I mean, didn't you stay in his house? Didn't you drive in his cars? Didn't you eat his meals? Didn't you play in his zoo and his rides? And it went on and on, bantering back and forth like that. I'm not quite sure what the jury made of it, but boy, they sure were paying attention.

GRACE: Were they taking a lot of notes, Diane?

DIMOND: Yes. Yes. This is a real note-taking bunch, I'll tell you, Nancy. And in the front row -- they bought these seats for the jury. There's 20 of them because there's so many alternates. And they're very big and they have cup holders on them. And I found out they bought them over E-bay from someplace in the South, and they were from a movie theater. And the front row...

GRACE: Well, I was just about to say we have movie theater seats like that.

DIMOND: Yes.

(CROSSTALK)

GRACE: ... a big Diet Coke right there, your popcorn, everything...

DIMOND: Well, no, bottles of water only in the court. But they actually prop their feet up against the bar in the jury box, and they take their notes on their laps. It's -- it's a -- there's a lot of note taking going on.

GRACE: You know, to you -- Dr. Michael Welner is with us, forensic psychiatrist. I think I need a shrink on this one. Why would he be writing letters to these kids about calling him daddy, "I want to be your daddy"? Explain.

WELNER: Well, Daddy's got the power, and you don't say no to Daddy. I think what we may come to learn from this case, if Michael Jackson is guilty, is that we have an image of people who exploit children as boogie men, as aggressive, as sniveling. And what I encounter in my own professional experience is that much more frequently than we imagine, it's a seduction. And that's why people who are in a position of trust -- sometimes teachers, sometimes school officials, sometimes Boy Scout leaders -- this is how it happens. It isn't just that they position themselves in these jobs, it's that they're seductive to the people in their care. And You don't get any more of a position of power and obedience than being Daddy.

GRACE: Jim Moret, you were in the courtroom today. What was your observation of Jackson's demeanor, once he finally made it there and the testimony resumed? MORET: Well, Jackson appeared -- needed help to stand up, at one point. At least, his attorney -- one of his attorneys motioned to help him. I saw a very different demeanor not only in Michael Jackson, but in this witness. Diane was talking about the witness's testimony. You know, yesterday, this witness -- let's face it, this is a sympathetic character. He's a young boy who's beaten cancer, allegedly molested. It's hard, as a parent, not to look at this kid and feel for him. But we saw a very different young boy on cross- examination.

You know, Tom Mesereau has been walking this fine line with this boy's sister and this boy's brother. He's been very reticent to go on the all-out offensive. But boy, he came out swinging with this witness, with just a half hour left. And on cross-examination, we saw a very different demeanor. This boy was mumbling a great deal, and I thought that many of his answers were somewhat questionable.

And the jury goes home. Remember, they're not here tomorrow. They have a three-day weekend where they have one image, and they have this image where Tom -- that Tom Mesereau left them with, and that's, perhaps with a shaky story. You have to believe this kid. If you don't believe this kid, you don't have a sexual molestation.

GRACE: But Jim, when you say some of his answers were questionable, what specifically was questionable?

MORET: He gave the impression on direct examination that Michael Jackson wanted to appear like he was very giving and very altruistic, and this boy almost made it seem that he was not even seeing Michael Jackson. Today on cross-examination, we learned that Michael Jackson called this boy in the hospital when he was recovering from cancer two to three times a week and would talk to him for an hour, two, three hours at a time. He invited Michael Jackson's (sic) family to stay with him at Neverland ranch for weeks at a time. He gave them an automobile. He flew them to Miami. He gave this boy a $75,000 watch.

So Michael Jackson, you could say that, as this doctor suggests, that this is a predator and he's trying to insinuate himself into this young boy's life, into his family's life. But it's a very different Michael Jackson...

GRACE: Well, Jim...

MORET: ... that was...

GRACE: Jim? Jim?

MORET: ... painted on cross-examination. Yes?

GRACE: You're married, right?

MORET: Yes. I have three kids.

GRACE: When you were dating your wife, didn't you -- didn't you, like, take her out to expensive places, buy her things? I bet you bought her a watch, didn't you, somewhere along the way, jewelry. I mean, it sounds like a courtship!

MORET: In many ways, that's the way it's being portrayed, as a courtship. You're absolutely right. And if you're to believe the prosecution, this man is a predator. And who did he pick? He picked a kid who came from an abusive family. This boy has said on direct examination that his father hit him, hit his brother, hit his sister, hit his mom. And he was a cancer survivor.

GRACE: Right.

MORET: So yes, if you're looking for a victim, this is a perfect kid to take advantage of. But the defense says, Wait a minute. Everything isn't as it appears. Don't believe that this boy is a victim. Perhaps Michael Jackson's the victim.

GRACE: OK. At the courthouse, Jim Moret and Diane Dimond. We'll all be right back. Stay with us.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Innocent! Innocent! Innocent! Innocent!

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Innocent! Innocent! Innocent! Innocent!

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Innocent! Innocent! Innocent! Innocent!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRACE: Welcome back to LARRY KING LIVE. I'm Nancy Grace from Court TV and Headline News, in for Larry tonight. And I want to thank you for being with us.

Let's go straight back out to California. We're taking a look at the developments in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial. To defense attorney Trent Copeland, Trent, what do you do with a client you can't control?

COPELAND: Well, you know, Nancy, I'm not sure that we can reach the conclusion that Michael Jackson can't be controlled. I mean, look, remember, Tom Mesereau walked out on Robert Blake because he couldn't control him. Robert Blake continued to give interview after interview, firing lawyers from Tom Mesereau's staff. Michael Jackson hasn't done that. I mean, Michael Jackson has...

GRACE: Trent, he showed up in his pajamas!

COPELAND: He showed up in his pajamas, Nancy, but he showed up. And that's the reality. I mean, look, he was an hour late...

BLOOM: He showed up an hour and 10 minutes late!

COPELAND: He clearly...

BLOOM: And it's not the first time, Trent!

COPELAND: He clearly -- he clearly had -- and on both occasions, Lisa, he clearly had a viable excuse that this court has accepted. I mean, look, whether you like it or not, no matter how we dice it or slice it, Michael Jackson has come to court early each and every occasion. On the two occasions that he has not come to court on time, he's had excuses. I mean, look, you know, whether you want to buy it, I mean, there has been a medical practitioner, a doctor, who has clearly visited with Michael Jackson, examined him and said, You know what? This guy's got some issue going on here, sufficient enough that that medical doctor can talk to the judge and get him on the phone and explain it to him.

GRACE: Trent...

COPELAND: And the judge...

GRACE: Trent...

COPELAND: ... is satisfied. The judge is satisfied. And this is not a judge, Nancy, who has not told Michael Jackson he's on thin ice. So I don't think that Michael Jackson...

GRACE: Trent!

COPELAND: ... would risk...

GRACE: Trent, hold on!

COPELAND: ... rebuke from this judge if he didn't have a doctor...

GRACE: I hate to cut off his sermon. It was beautiful. But Diane Dimond, the judge has, in fact, rebuked Jackson. When he was incredibly late at the beginning, the judge rebuked him on that day about being late. And when Trent Copeland is talking about this impressive track record of being on time or early, this is only day eight of the trial.

DIMOND: You know, though, Nancy, I tell you, the judge said way back when, when right there across the street, Michael Jackson showed up about 30, 40 minutes late for his first arraignment...

GRACE: Yes.

DIMOND: ... he said, Mr. Jackson, you have started out on the wrong foot with me, and I won't take it. And I'll hold you in contempt of court. There were a lot of people in court today -- and I think Trent and I were talking about this earlier -- a lot of people in court said, Well, look, he had an arrest warrant. He was going to take away his bail. But in the end, this judge didn't even slap him on the wrist. And there are a lot of court veterans that hang around the media, and some of them are the media, who really expected the judge to do something -- fine him, rebuke him in open court, something. And as far as we know, Michael Jackson never went back to chambers. There wasn't anything like that.

GRACE: Lisa? BLOOM: You know, Nancy, I think there is a different level of justice for celebrities. And only somebody like Michael Jackson could get away with this over and over again. I was very impressed this morning when the judge said that he was going to revoke bail. I thought it was going to actually happen. Jackson not only violated his initial order because he showed up late, he violated the extra hour that the judge gave him, and still the judge did absolutely nothing. And you mean to tell me some ordinary defendant would have been treated that way, Nancy? There is no way!

COPELAND: That's just an outrageous, outrageous statement.

BLOOM: Well, it's absolutely true, Trent!

COPELAND: Unless you -- unless you...

BLOOM: He's done this over and over!

COPELAND: No, it is not, Lisa. Unless you...

BLOOM: You mean to tell me a defendant who...

COPELAND: ... reviewed his medical file...

BLOOM: Let me say something, Trent, for one second. You mean to tell me that an ordinary drug dealer defendant who shows up in his pajamas an hour and 10 minutes late, after being rebuked, would be treated the same way as Michael Jackson? Oh, we'll just go on? I don't think so!

COPELAND: Lisa, the fact of the matter is, you weren't there, I wasn't there. None of us are aware of whether or not this judge reviewed the medical history with Michael Jackson's doctor and sufficiently came to a conclusion that, You know what? I'm not going to substitute my judgment for Michael Jackson's doctor. To suggest that Michael Jackson is some drug dealer on the street and that he...

BLOOM: I'm not saying he's a drug dealer!

COPELAND: ... strolled into court and that he...

BLOOM: I'm saying an ordinary defendant...

COPELAND: ... and that he strolled into court...

BLOOM: ... wouldn't be treated this way! And by the way...

COPELAND: No. No.

BLOOM: ... I read the transcript...

COPELAND: No, that's not true.

BLOOM: ... from the morning...

COPELAND: That is absolutely not true. BLOOM: ... nothing was offered from any doctor! The judge...

GRACE: Hold on, Trent. Let her finish.

BLOOM: ... cut it off -- the judge cut it off before anything from a doctor was offered. The doctor last time around said only that he had flu-like symptoms. This time, it's back pain.

COPELAND: No. Not true.

BLOOM: It's not something a doctor can substantiate...

COPELAND: No.

BLOOM: ... conveniently. It's always at a convenient point in the trial, too. Now it's the time of the accuser's...

COPELAND: He clearly had a conversation. He clearly had...

BLOOM: ... testimony. Last time it was during...

COPELAND: ... a conversation with the doctor.

BLOOM: ... jury selection. The time before that, it was his arraignment. I'll tell you, if other testimony comes in from other victims, I think Jackson's going to get sick again.

GRACE: OK, guys. We've got to take a break. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRACE: Welcome back to LARRY KING LIVE. I'm Nancy Grace in for Larry tonight. I want to thank you for being with us.

Here on the set with me, Dr. Michael Welner along with Lisa Bloom. Dr. Welner, you heard this description that Diane Dimond just gave us, and Jim Moret as well: the gifts, the expensive trips, $75,000 watch. What do you make of the relationship?

WELNER: Well, Michael Jackson has the wherewithal to make people dependent on him financial, materially. And for someone who is going through a difficult time in his life, who needs companionship, who needs support, that could be substituted emotionally. Friendship, a person who might be isolated, because he has cancer, because his friends may not deal with him in such an accepting and embracing way.

What we tend to view that is with an expression called love bombing. Really, literally, love bombing. That you surround someone with so much affection, attention, material, emotional, that eventually that person, without truly realizing what's happening, becomes dependent upon the relationship in more ways than one.

And exploiting that is easier when you have complete control over someone. And when someone is living in your home, around people who are under your control and your command, it's easy to set a situation like that into motion so that you, a given person -- of course, we don't know what happened there, but a given person can take advantage when the time and moment is right. When the moment is right, because he has complete custodial control over someone.

GRACE: Well, put. Jim Moret is a senior correspondent with "Inside Edition." He's also a lawyer. Jim, if Jackson is taking pain medication, and earlier Diane told us he had a difficulty focusing over on her when she called out to him. His demeanor clearly was off today. If he is on pain medication, is that something the lawyers have to tell the judge? Will that have an affect on a further delay?

MORET: Well, I mean, you heard Trent mention earlier, we can't suppose that we know Michael Jackson's medical condition, but it's certainly realistic to assume that the judge is being kept apprised of his condition.

I also want to make one point, this is the heart of the case, this is a sexual molestation case. The boy in this case, as to 2 of the counts, is the only witness. So, it's his word against Michael Jackson's. Now, if there's no DNA evidence, no physical evidence, it's his word against Jackson's. You better go to another guest. It's very loud here right now.

GRACE: All right, Jim. I will do that.

Everybody, we're talking, also, about graphic testimony by Jackson's boy accuser today. I'm going to go out to Diane Dimond. I think the ambulances have gone by. Diane -- yeah. OK. I think it's gone.

Diane, what was, exactly, the nature of the testimony? I know it was graphic, but what is the testimony in a nutshell?

DIMOND: Well, the testimony today when he was under the direct from Tom Sneddon talked about the about the Bashir documentary, how he went and did it, how afterward Michael Jackson left. They didn't have any more contact for months until it actually aired on television in the UK, then all the bad media started.

And Michael Jackson called him. And he said to Michael Jackson, I just don't think it's fair what all this media is saying about you. This is just wrong. Michael invited him to Miami. And that's where he says the first drinking started.

In Miami, he also gave some testimony that seems to go towards the conspiracy charge which, of course, Jim Moret says is the weakest part of this case, and it might well be. But he puts Michael Jackson in a room with a man, named Deter Weisner (ph) and Ronald Conater (ph), two of the unindicted co-conspirators. And this boy says that they started talking about a plan they had to spin the media around, to turn the media negative coverage into positive coverage, the clear indication was that this boy would be part of it.

Then in a second meeting in Miami, Michael Jackson takes the boy aside and says how are you? Are you OK? Let's do a little improv. Let's do another audition tape, like the audition here like you did with Bashir. And he has the boy improv a situation where Michael Jackson is the principal, he is the student and he is trying to defend himself against a girl who says that he has stolen something.

And after that, they crack open a diet coke, according to the kid, empty the contents and fill it with white wine. And this, he said, was his first taste of wine except for sometime I drank it in church.

GRACE: Jim Moret, did this boy accuser's testimony match up to his brother and sister's.

MORET: Yes, it did. In many ways it dove-tailed quite a bit. The brother testified that Michael Jackson would serve alcohol to the boys. And we heard today the boy said Michael Jackson called it Jesus Juice and he would put wine, as Diane said, in a Coke can. They drank it in Miami, according to this boy's testimony and his brother's testimony. They had it as well on the plane coming back from Miami. They had it routinely at Neverland.

There was a wine cellar that you only could get to by moving this juke box and the arcade, going down this secret stairway where there were allegedly some sleeping bags and there was a wine cellar. The sister testified it was down there that Michael Jackson served cups of wine to kids.

So, yes, a lot of this testimony was dove-tailing. And it was very disturbing to listen to a lot of this testimony today.

GRACE: Michael:

WELNER: You know, it's a familiar quality of having a secret that only you 2 share. And that's how that intimacy gets cultivated. It may have nothing to do with sex and it may have everything to do with a secret, however harmless, seeming, but something that they have to keep secret and it keeps them close.

GRACE: Hmm, interesting. I hadn't thought of that. I see exactly what you're saying.

To you, to Trent Copeland. Trent, regarding Mesereau's cross, did he score any points today?

COPELAND: You know, he did. You know, while Jim Moret mentions the testimony seem to do dove-tail with the daughter -- with the sister and the brother. I mean, there are a lot of instances where it didn't, you know, in very, critical, important areas Nancy.

You know, look, there's been a lot of talk about Michael Jackson walking into the bedroom in an aroused state. And obviously aroused state, you know, this young boy, without prodding from the prosecution, couldn't remember that. This young boy could not remember that there were guards, according to the prosecution's theory of this case, stationed down at the Calabaster Center (ph), guarding this family from leaving. He couldn't remember that.

He also couldn't recall and remember that this trip, this alleged trip to Brazil where the family was going to be spirited away, he couldn't recall that being something that was urgent. He did recall that.

He also didn't recall that his mother did anything. Once he told his mother that Michael Jackson had given him alcohol. Remember, the prosecution had said all along that the mother, once she learned her son was being served alcohol, this young cancer survivor, that she rushed over to Michael Jackson's room, pounded on the door and confronted him. He didn't remember that.

There are a lot of instances that simply don't dove-tail with the testimony of the brother and sister. And those critical areas are very, very damaging to the prosecution.

BLOOM: If these kids were all getting together with the mom to make it up, wouldn't they have a script that they were reciting from chapter and verse? And you and I know from trying cases, that it's innocent misrecollection is very common. In fact, that's a jury instruction out there in California that witnesses are not expected who have all witnessed the same thing, to know exactly every detail and to recite it exactly the same as every other witness.

To me, that only adds to their credibility.

GRACE: So, what do you make of those points on cross-examine, for instance, that he didn't know there were guards outside a hotel. How would he know that? And some of the other issues. I think Trent is right that Mesereau was scoring points, but how significant are they?

BLOOM: Well, he may not know all the facts necessary for each of his claims. And he doesn't have to. In the false imprisonment, it may be enough that someone told him you have to stay in the room. And we know there was a sign up at Neverland saying not to let him out. They may the best evidence of false imprisonment. But his key testimony is on the molestation point.

You know, I was surprised to hear that he was relatively flat in his affect when he described the molestation. In fact, at points, he was even joking around with Tom Sneddon, the DA today. That surprised me. If anything, that might cast a little bit of doubt on his credibility. That's not what's consistent with what I know.

DIMOND: He'd wanted to be a comedian, Lisa. That's where...

(CROSSTALK)

BLOOM: I know, Diane, but this is not the time for that. And I've represented a lot of child sexual abuse victims, and I never saw somebody testify that way. That's all I'm saying.

GRACE: Guys, we've got to take a quick break.

DIMOND: I don't think there was a lot of joking around.

BLOOM: Not a lot. Not a lot. I'm not saying that. But a few times.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Clearly light hearted.

DIMOND: It was clearly light hearted at times.

GRACE: Guys, we've got to take a break. We'll be right back. Stay with us.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WENDIE CAPPETTA, SANTA YNEZ VALLEY HOSPITAL: He was here very briefly this morning. He arrived early in the morning. He was released about an hour later, and made his way back to court per the judge's order. So that's all we have to say. And thank you very much for being here, but that's it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRACE: Welcome back to LARRY KING LIVE. I'm Nancy Grace. Thank you for being with us. Let's go straight to the calls.

Pleasanton, California, you're on LARRY KING LIVE.

CALLER: Yes, I would like to know in that hour and a half that they break for lunch, where does Michael Jackson go, and what does he have for lunch? Can anybody answer that for me?

GRACE: Well, Diane's nonverbal communication...

(CROSSTALK)

GRACE: She's shaking her head strenuously, no. Go ahead.

DIMOND: We're all on what Rodney Melville calls the Melville diet. We come in at -- well, all the media has to be in by 8:15. And we get three quick little breaks throughout the day, where you're supposed to bring like a power bar or some fruit or something, and there is no lunch. Michael Jackson doesn't go anywhere for lunch. Nobody goes anywhere for lunch. And yeah, I've lost a couple of pounds, Nancy.

GRACE: Let's go to New Orleans. You're on LARRY KING LIVE, friend.

CALLER: Hi, Nancy, you're great. Do you think Judge...

GRACE: Thank you.

CALLER: ... Melville will tolerate another late arrival by Michael Jackson?

GRACE: You know what, New Orleans, I thought he would throw the book at Jackson this time, because Jackson has already been reprimanded for being late before.

I am going to throw that one back out to Jim Moret. Jim, I thought Melville would do something today, but he didn't.

MORET: It sure looked like he was. I'll tell you something, there was a hush in that courtroom, and Melville wasn't listening to anything from the attorney. I've never seen Tom Mesereau look more upset than I did today. This was clearly not a defense ploy. Mesereau was on the phone, pacing outside, and when Jackson's attorney tried to give the judge an explanation, the judge heard none of it. He said, I'm issuing a warrant, I'm holding it for an hour, bail is revoked. And that's it.

And yet, nothing happened at the end of the day. We were all shocked. We thought that when the jury left -- because basically the witness and the jury left, and the attorneys and Michael Jackson were still in the courtroom, we thought we'd at least hear an admonishment. Don't let this happen again. We heard nothing. So the teeth were taken out of it.

I'm hopeful that the judge wouldn't stand for anything else like this, but I don't know. I'm shocked.

GRACE: Diane, when Mesereau, Tom Mesereau was speaking to the judge trying to explain where Jackson was, is it true the judge gave him the hand, "talk to the hand, I don't want to hear it?"

DIMOND: It wasn't that bad. But you know, he said, "And Your Honor, there's a doctor standing by at Cottage Hospital to talk to you." And he said, "I'm issuing an arrest warrant." I mean, he just didn't even entertain the question of talking to a doctor this time. Remember last time when he had the flu, Michael Jackson's doctor called the judge, and he was convinced he really was sick.

You know, I think the shot of the day, Nancy, besides Michael Jackson arriving in his pajamas, was Tom Mesereau standing out here on the curb, all by himself, cell phone in hand, like, looking around, where is the convoy? Where is my client? What's going on? I think it was pretty clear that he was caught unaware by all this. And can you imagine being in his position, having to stand up and tell the judge, yeah, you're right, Your Honor, my client isn't here today.

GRACE: You know, what's interesting, Trent Copeland, of course Diane is right about that, but I don't know if you've ever been in this spot or not, Trent, but you're standing in front of the judge, either your client isn't there, or in my case, the witness wouldn't be there, and you're fumbling, you're making a legal argument and you're trying to say anything. And then finally you don't have anybody and you have to take the wrath of the judge.

COPELAND: Yeah, you know, it's true, Nancy. Listen, you know, when a client is out on bail, in many instances lawyers like to say, you know, I'm vouching for this client. And Tom Mesereau is in essence vouching for Michael Jackson's appearance, as well as that $3 million bond. And you know, really, Tom Mesereau, you know, they don't teach this in law school. This isn't the kind of thing that you have a law school class about. This is less about legal relations and more really about human relations, and particularly when you're representing high-profile clients. This is an increasingly difficult job, particularly if the case goes on and it's a very stressful case. So I think Tom Mesereau handled it, and I think he handled it well. And I should think, frankly, the judge was satisfied with it. I think the judge was satisfied with the medical excuse.

GRACE: All right, let me clue you in with something, Trent. This judge is not satisfied with Jackson being late to court and showing up in his pajamas. He just had an extreme act of self- restraint by not totally reprimanding Jackson, if not forfeiting his bond, Trent. Today, Michael Jackson, Christmas came early, buddy. Christmas came early for you.

I want to ask Jim Moret. Jim, regarding the testimony today, do you think the jury understood why they were being held up?

MORET: Well, the judge said that there was a medical situation for Michael Jackson, and he made it very clear that if one of them didn't show up, that he would have done the exact same thing.

The testimony they heard, though, you mentioned earlier, it was graphic testimony, and it was. And that's really the heart of this case. And you've got to focus on that, because that's what these jurors had to hear. Many of them have kids. And the picture that was painted by this witness, of Michael Jackson having this boy in his bed and then molesting him, explaining to him that masturbation is something -- he basically said to this boy, "do you masturbate?" And the boy said no. And Michael Jackson gave him this argument, according to the testimony, that if he doesn't, then he could become a rapist, or he could end up basically attacking dogs. It was insane, what we were listening to, and very disturbing.

And then he paints this picture of two nights where he said Michael Jackson molested him. And, you know, aside from the false imprisonment issue, that's nothing. The key, the heart of this case, is this horrible, graphic testimony we heard today. And that's what the jury has to think about.

DIMOND: And you know, Nancy, there was testimony from this boy who he said, you know, after the first time I was really embarrassed, and, you know, Michael Jackson comforted me and told me it was OK. And then he did it again.

And so the jury at that point is hanging on this kid's every word and writing furiously and looking from him to Michael Jackson to Mr. Sneddon to Tom Mesereau. I mean, it was like a tennis match in there at some points, because that's how closely many of the jurors -- I won't say all of them -- one guy seems to doze off every afternoon -- but they are really paying attention to this.

DIMOND: We'll be right back with Lisa Bloom. Stay with us.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAEL JACKSON: These events have caused a nightmare for my family, my children and me. I never intend to place myself in so vulnerable a position ever again. I love my community and I have great faith in our justice system. Please keep an open mind and let me have my day in court. I deserve a fair trial like every other American citizen. I will be acquitted and vindicated when the truth is told.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRACE: Welcome back to LARRY KING LIVE. I'm Nancy Grace in for Larry tonight. Thank you for being with us.

Lisa Bloom, what will the jury take home with them from today?

BLOOM: I think they're going to remember the three teenage nobodies who had the guts to take the stand this week and testify against the most famous man in the world, Michael Jackson. And you know, this defense attorney is very experienced, he's very good, and, yes, he was able to trip them up on cross-examination, just as any of us who are attorneys could beat up a teenager on cross-examination. Big deal. Their central stories didn't change. They go back to the witness protection program. Michael Jackson goes back to Neverland. I think the jury goes home with the idea fresh in their minds of this testimony from these three young people.

GRACE: Let's go to Melbourne, Florida. Florida, you're on LARRY KING LIVE.

CALLER: Yes, hi, Nancy.

GRACE: Hi, dear.

CALLER: This is my question. I wonder if Michael Jackson has ever entertained any little girls at Neverland, or -- and their families? Has it always just been little boys?

GRACE: Good question. Diane?

DIMOND: Yes, he has. You know, in all fairness to Michael Jackson, his home is a beautiful 2,700 acres, and he often opens it up to boys and girls. In fact, the jury saw a tape here, like a tour of Neverland, that the little brother narrated. And there he was with his little, you know, Neverland microphone. And in the background were all of these boys and girls wearing Neverland T-shirts, having a great time. And I know from the past, Michael Jackson has often had, you know, groups of boys and girls to visit.

GRACE: Well put. Dr. Welner, after today, many court watchers, legal experts are wondering if we're going to end up in an incompetency hearing.

WELNER: It wouldn't be surprising.

(CROSSTALK)

WELNER: It wouldn't be surprising. Look, he is on trial and being accused as a molester. What an incredible stigma for him, for his family, for his future. And this is a guy who lives a protected existence. He never gets confronted by anyone. He has never had to deal with anything that even approaches the stress of trial. In my professional experience, I've seen on a number of occasions, immature individuals, younger defendants, people who don't have as much experience with the system, unraveling, becoming desperate to get out of a trial situation.

One story I will never forget, someone who was an accused sex offender, so desperate to keep from going to trial, and not psychotic, he starved himself to the point that he needed IV fluids, he smeared his bodily fluids on himself, and when that failed and the judge said you have to go to trial, he took a break from armed correction officers, who shot him in the behind. So what did he get? He had to go to court, and it was even more painful, because he had to sit.

GRACE: So I take it that means you don't think Jackson is going to go for an incompetency hearing?

WELNER: No, the judge may not have no choice but to order a competency hearing, because he may be so desperate at this point.

GRACE: I want to thank all of my guests tonight. What a great panel! Here in the set with me, Dr. Michael Welner, forensic psychiatrist. Also with me, Lisa Bloom, Court TV anchor. At the courthouse, Jim Moret. Jim is a senior correspondent with "Inside Edition," also a lawyer. Veteran defense attorney, also at the courthouse, Trent Copeland. And of course, Diane Dimond, executive investigative editor with Court TV.

Diane, I've got about 30 seconds left. Tell me what's going to happen tomorrow.

DIMOND: Well, we'll have more of this cross, probably just as aggressive from Tom Mesereau. And I think it's pretty clear the boy will still be on next week. There will be redirect by the state, I'm positive, and then I have been reporting all day on Court TV that the next witness up I believe is Dr. Stan Katz -- this is the psychologist that the boys went to.

GRACE: Do you think that the cross-exam of this boy will then be followed by a redirect, then a re-cross, redirect, re-cross like a tennis match?

DIMOND: No, not really. This district attorney asks very few questions on redirect. He seems to just have a plan and stick to it. And we've all been surprised that he asked so few questions on redirect.

GRACE: Good night, panel. Thank you very much for being with us, and especially to you for tuning into LARRY KING tonight. Larry is back tomorrow night, so please join him then.

Stay tuned for Aaron Brown and "NEWSNIGHT" coming up next. I'm Nancy Grace, signing off for Larry.

Good night, friend.

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'I was teenage friend of Michael Jackson'
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Prosecutor Press Release


Jan 26 2005


By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner


A MILLIONAIRE from Calderdale could be called as a key witness in the Michael Jackson child abuse trial.

Club owner Terry George, 39, who lives in Stainland, spoke to the Examiner today and confirmed he had been contacted about a phone conversation he and the pop megastar had when he was just 13.

The schoolboy met Jackson when the star was touring with The Jackson 5 in 1979. The pair became friends and spoke regularly on the phone.

But Mr George, who owns a string of bars and nightclubs in Leeds, says that during one of the calls Jackson told him he was fondling himself and asked him to join in.

He said: "He was masturbating. It made me feel a bit uncomfortable, but afterwards I never thought that much about it.

"It only happened once. Normally, we would just talk like friends. It was amazing for a teenager to be able to say: `I am friends with Michael Jackson', especially as time went by because he became more and more famous."

Detective Paul Zelis, of Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department, contacted Mr George to ask him about the phone call while he was in New York filming a documentary with Martin Bashir about his friendship with Jackson.

It has not yet been confirmed whether Mr George will be called to appear in court in California when the trial starts next Monday.

Mr George, who also owns several flats in Huddersfield town centre, said he hopes Jackson is found not guilty.

"I do not feel like a victim and I never did feel like a victim," he said. "I forgot about it quite quickly.

"We only stopped talking on the phone when my mum got a #350 phone bill. That was what put an end to the relationship, not anything Michael did.

"I have not been in contact with him since 1983, but the way he has been treated by the media has been wrong.

"I do not know whether he is guilty of abusing the other boys. I hope he is not.

"It has been so sad to see a man with so much talent fall from grace like he has."

Mr George appeared on TV last night, on Channel 4's Jackson's Boys. He is also set to appear on an American documentary after the trial.

* Jackson reportedly reached a multimillion-dollar settlement with a boy who accused him of molestation in 1993. No criminal charges were brought in that case.

* In an interview with Martin Bashir in 2003 Jackson admitted to camera he had shared a bed with young boys.

* The King of Pop was indicted last April on 10 counts for the alleged sexual abuse of a Los Angeles boy in early 2003. He has pleaded not guilty to all 10 counts.

* The trial is expected to be the most high-profile since OJ Simpson was cleared of murder in 1995.

Jackson prosecutors want to show 'erotic materials'
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Prosecutor Press Release

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Prosecutors want to show jurors "erotic materials" seized from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch when the pop singer goes on trial on child molestation charges, according to newly released court documents.

The request covers books, videos and magazines seized in searches in November 2003, and three books and two photographs taken by investigators in August 1993, when Jackson faced similar allegations.

The self-proclaimed "King of Pop" resolved that case with a multimillion-dollar, out-of-court settlement, and no charges were filed.

"The listed materials are admissible and relevant as circumstantial evidence on the issues of the defendant's intent, motive and method," prosecutors argued in court papers.

Jackson, 46, is scheduled to stand trial next Monday on four counts of child molestation, four counts of administering an intoxicating agent, one count of attempted child molestation and one count of conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. He has pleaded not guilty on all counts.

In a motion filed January 18, and released Monday with large passages blacked out, prosecutors wrote that Jackson's prior conduct "demonstrating a particular state of mind" can serve as evidence of his intent and should be allowed.

The defense filed a motion Friday seeking to prevent prosecutors from referring to certain material as "pornographic" in front of jurors. Defense attorney Brian Oxman said Tuesday that the defense cannot comment due to a gag order imposed by Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville, who will hear the case.

In a related matter, Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon and Sheriff Jim Anderson said their offices are investigating the leaks of confidential grand jury testimony, investigative reports and other documents related to the Jackson case. Those records are covered by the gag order, they said.

"We consider the release of these materials to be a violation of the law," the county officials said in a written statement. "Some media commentators have alleged that we are responsible for these leaks. We are not. These accusations are irresponsible, unfounded and untrue.

"We are actively investigating this matter."

Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/01/25/jackson.case/index.html

Michael's Psychic Friend
Mood:  quizzical
Topic: Main News


Nov. 22, 2003

Case Against Jackson

"I am a father. I have two children. I would never send my children to anyone's bed, not even to Michael Jackson's bed, although knowing that he won't do anything to them.?

Uri Geller


(CBS) There are two things you need to know about psychic Uri Geller. One is that he can still do a spoon trick that made him famous all over the world.

The other thing you need to know is that it was Geller?s signature spoon trick that made him and Michael Jackson fast friends.

?When Michael was a teenager, he read about me in American text books and school books, and I think he always wanted to meet me to see how I bend a spoon or read a mind,? says Geller. ?And then a few weeks later, I flew to New York, and we met and became friends.?

In fact the two became such good friends that the singer accepted an invitation from Geller to speak to the crowd at his favorite English soccer club.

Not too many people can get a stadium full of notoriously, belligerent English soccer fans to hold hands, but Michael Jackson apparently can. His visit provided a unique glimpse into the sort of devotion Jackson?s fans still have for him.

But exclusive footage obtained by 48 Hours, most of it shot by Geller, also offers a view into the seeming innocence that Jackson displays about most things -- and that gets him into trouble.

Michael Jackson lives in his own world and by his own rules. And even his friends think that's a big part of his problem.

?You know, when you invite children into your bedroom overall to the society outside Neverland, or to people who don't know Michael Jackson personally, closely and intimately, that looks wrong, it is wrong,? says Geller. ?I am a father. I have two children. I would never send my children to anyone's bed, not even to Michael Jackson's bed, although knowing that he won't do anything to them. But it's just not acceptable in today's day and age. It's not right.?

Geller says he once sat Jackson down and read him the riot act.

?I really screamed at him. I told him, ?Michael, you've got to change your behavior,? says Geller. ?'Mainly with children, because again, although you know, you are innocent and you are doing nothing to them, it just doesn't look good. It doesn't look right.'?

He told his friend, he says, that inviting children into his bedroom would one day be his undoing. Geller now wonders whether that day has now arrived.


? MMIII, CBS Worldwide Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Michael Jackson Case Latest: Brothers Question Accusers Credibility
Mood:  incredulous
Topic: Main News

January 23, 2005, 10:41:28 BROTHERS QUESTION THE CREDIBILITY OF JACKSON'S ACCUSER

The credibility of the woman accusing MICHAEL JACKSON of fathering her twin sons and holding them hostage has again come into question after her half- brothers dismissed her claims.

SHOLEH BOCCHELLI claims she gave birth to the pop superstar's twins in November (04) and has now been barred from seeing her kids after alleging Jackson has stopped paying her child support.

But Bocchelli's half-brothers, CHRIS and SEAN SALAMIPOUR (corr), insist their sister isn't telling the truth.

Appearing on American scandal show CELEBRITY JUSTICE last week (19JAN05), Chris says, "I'm very surprised. I don't believe it. It sounds too fake."

** Michael Jackson Article Continues Below **
** The Michael Jackson article continues now **
He and brother Sean claim they saw their sibling last autumn (04), shortly before she claims to have given birth and she didn't appear to be pregnant.

Meanwhile, Bocchelli has been exposed as the suicidal subject of a restraining order brought against in her in 2001 after a Los Angeles chiropodist accused her of stalking him.

Mesereau Slams Accusing Family
Mood:  incredulous
Topic: Main News
MJJF eNews #472 - Friday Jan 21, 2005

Michael Jackson's defense attorney, Tom Mesereau, came out swinging today in court to object to motions filed by the prosecution to allow an expert witness to testify regarding how children behave after child abuse.

Judge Rodney S. Melville granted the motion this morning, however Melville said there will be strict limits that will be discussed before the expert testifies.

Tom Mesereau argued that the prosecution is making a desperate attempt to bolster what he described as a "horrific problem" with their case.

Here are some of the more colorful quotes that came from Tom A. Mesereau today regarding the accusing family:

"What if they are flat out liars?" Mesereau said of the witnesses. "What if they have a history of lying? What if the boy lied in the past to help his mother obtain money through the legal process?"

Tom Mesereau on cross examining the accusing family: "We're quite confident of what they're going to look like after they're subjected finally to cross-examination," Mesereau said.

Mesereau also said the defense would show the family had lied "in their community, in their school, in their acting school" and "aren't victims at all." Mesereau repeatedly referred to the accusing family as "flat-out liars."

In more MJ case news, Melville used his judicial discretion today and decided to keep the jury questionnaires out of public view. The judge also conveyed his dissatisfaction with the lengthy questionnaire that both the prosecution and defense submitted.

"Quite frankly I've gutted it," Melville told attorneys. "I don't know how many pages you gave me. But there is about seven pages left."

Stay tuned to MJJForum for more details about the MJ Case, and other Michael Jackson news and information!

Source: MJJForum/La Times/ Monterey Herald

Jackson Judge Okays Abuse Expert
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Main News


by Sarah Hall
Jan 21, 2005, 2:45 PM PT


Not a great day in Neverland.

Over objections from Michael Jackson's defense team at a pretrial hearing Friday, Superior Court Judge Rodney S. Melville ruled that the prosecution can call an expert witness to describe how children behave after abuse.

The prosecution specifically wants the expert's testimony to help "dispel myths commonly associated with child sexual abuse traumas," according to Ronald Zonen, a deputy district attorney.

Zonen said that there are four myths that commonly confuse jurors and are played up by the defense in molestation cases: the late reporting of child abuse by the victim; piecemeal accounts of what occurred; the fact that children often do not confide in those close to them; and that they retain affection and sometimes even love for their abuser.

He said the unnamed expert would be able to testify to how such perplexing behavior is part of a "grooming process."

Jackson attorney Thomas Mesereau said that calling a molestation expert to testify was part of a desperate attempt by the prosecution to shore up a "horrific problem" with their case.

He argued that there was no need to call the expert to discuss the testimony of Jackson's accuser, now 15, and his brother, 14, if he can prove that they "aren't victims at all, they're flat-out liars."

"What if they have a history of lying?" Mesereau said of the witnesses. "What if the boy lied in the past to help his mother obtain money through the legal process?"

In spite of Team Jackson's strenuous objections, Melville granted the prosecution's motion, but said there will be strict limits that will be discussed before the expert takes the stand.

Also at the pretrial hearing, Melville said he had decided to keep the questionnaires that will be passed out to prospective jurors out of the public eye. He said he was dissatisfied with the lengthy questionnaires presented by both sides and that he was in the midst of making major changes.

"Quite frankly, I've gutted it," Melville said. "I don't know how many pages you gave me. But there is about seven pages left."

In other Jackson news, LaToya Jackson, who once made remarks indicating that she thought her brother was guilty of the child molestation charges he faced in 1993, has taken to the airwaves in support of her brother in an interview scheduled to air Friday on ABC's 20/20.

According to the middle Jackson child, her brother is simply "misunderstood."

"I love my brother...Michael is one of the sweetest persons on this earth. You have no idea," LaToya said in the interview.

"He's been so sheltered from the world that it's to extremes...He is so, I believe, well, I know, disconnected with the outside world, that he doesn't understand how they view him, and it's really sad," she said.

She said she did not think Jackson would ever veer from his Peter Pan-esque persona.

"I don't think that he will stop seeing children because...when you don't see anything wrong that you're doing, it's like, 'but I'm doing nothing wrong,'" LaToya said.

"He loves children. We all love children...It's been quite difficult, having this great love for children, because people take it the wrong way, and the results are upon us today, as we can see."

Indeed we can. Jackson faces trial on 10 felony charges ranging from child molestation to conspiracy. He has pleaded innocent across the board and remains free on $3 million bail. Jury selection in his trial is due to commence Jan. 31.

Judge rules against Jackson camp on child abuse expert ahead of trial
Mood:  sad
Topic: Main News


AFP: 1/21/2005

SANTA MARIA, California, Jan 21 (AFP) - The judge in Michael Jackson's child sex case on Friday gave prosecutors permission to call an expert to explain to trial jurors why young victims often show love for their abusers.

The specialist is expected to help prosecutors explain why Jackson's now 15-year-old alleged victim delayed reporting his alleged molestation at the hands of the "King of Pop" to family or authorities.

The expert will be summoned to appear at Jackson's trial, which is set to begin in 10 days time with the process of selecting a jury.

The testimony will help "dispel myths" about child abuse and show "why a child might demonstrate affection of even love for the person who does the offence," prosecutor Ronald Zonen told Judge Rodney Melville.

Melville said he would allow the testimony, but indicated that the expert would not be allowed discuss issues such as whether Jackson, 46, fitted the profile of a child molester.

Zonen said he wanted the specialist to explain why the boy's claims may have emerged in a "piecemeal" fashion and why he did not immediately raise the alarm.

The testimony will "dispel myths associated with child abuse trauma," Zones told the judge at a hearing in the California hamlet of Santa Maria, which is gearing up for the celebrity trial of the year.

Jackson's lead lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, had strongly urged Melville not to allow the testimony.

He maintained that the expert may distort the jury's view of the case and implied that the alleged victim and his younger brother may have had a history of lying in school and in the community.

"What if they are flat out liars?" Mesereau said, appealing to the judge to bar the expert's testimony.

Lawyers from both sides in the case also went over details of the how a 12-person panel would be selected for the trial, which is expected to last around six month, according to court officials.



01/21/2005 20:27 GMT - AFP


Copyright ? 2004 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AFP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of Agence France Presse.

LaToya Jackson Defends Michael
Mood:  happy
Topic: Main News
Singer Talks to '20/20' About Her Marriage, Career and Family

Jan. 20, 2005 - LaToya Jackson is looking for a fresh start by first clearing up her past. The middle child of the famed family is speaking out about her life and defending her brother Michael while preparing to release a new album, "Starting Over."

In an exclusive interview airing Friday night on "20/20," she tells ABC News correspondent Don Dahler her brother Michael is simply misunderstood.

"I love my brother ? Michael is one of the sweetest persons on this earth. You have no idea. He is so misunderstood," said LaToya, 48.

Michael Jackson is awaiting trial on child molestation charges. He has pleaded not guilty and denies any wrongdoing.

More than a decade ago, when Michael was first involved in a scandal involving sexual molestation allegations, LaToya made comments suggesting she believed he might have done it. But she is now defending her sibling.

LaToya says the same sheltered upbringing that she believes led to her troubles has also contributed to her brother's. "He's been so sheltered from the world that it's to extremes ? He is so, I believe, well, I know, disconnected with the outside world, that he doesn't understand how they view him, and it's really sad," she said.

She says her brother loves children, but his motives for spending time with them are misunderstood.

"I don't think that he will stop seeing children because ? when you don't see anything wrong that you're doing, it's like, 'but I'm doing nothing wrong,'" said LaToya. "He loves children. We all love children ? It's been quite difficult, having this great love for children, because people take it the wrong way, and the results are upon us today, as we can see."

LaToya also takes viewers behind closed doors with an explicit account of the man she alleges physically and emotionally abused her for 10 years. "He grabbed me and said I own you," she says about her ex-husband, Jack Gordon, whom she says turned her publicly against her brother Michael and the rest of the Jackson family.

She also tells Dahler that Gordon once "took my head and he started banging it on the corner of the table in the room and just banging it and banging it."

Gordon has denied LaToya's allegations that he beat her.

The report also features an interview with Katherine Jackson, mother of Michael and LaToya.

Copyright ? 2005 ABC News Internet Ventures

Famous pair willing to testify for Jackson
Mood:  happy
Topic: Main News

12jan05

LOS ANGELES: Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin and Britney Spears' famous choreographer Wade Robson are willing to testify their pal Michael Jackson did not molest them on their childhood sleepovers at Neverland.

The pair, who hung out with Jackson when they were kids more than a decade ago, may be called as defence witnesses at Jackson's upcoming child molestation trial, a source close to Jackson said.
"Mac and Wade have always said very clearly from the beginning ? nothing ever happened. Michael did not molest them," the source said.

The pair and another young Jackson pal, Australian-born Brett Barnes, 21, have said that if they are called, they will testify on Michael's behalf. Culkin's representative Michelle Bega, however, yesterday said: "He's not involved in the proceedings at this time."

Culkin, godfather to Jackson's son Prince Michael, has admitted he and his brothers slept in Jackson's bed but he says they amused themselves with food fights, not fondling.

Jackson is charged with molesting a then-13-year-old cancer survivor in 2003 and conspiring to hold the boy and his family hostage at Neverland. He denies all charges.

Prosecutors want jurors to hear testimony about seven other boys who allegedly have been linked to Jackson sexually in press reports or public or private accusations, ABC News in the U.S. reported.



privacy terms ? Advertiser Newspapers Pty Limited

Jackson Transcripts Graphic
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Prosecutor Press Release

By Associated Press

January 14, 2005, 10:21 AM EST

LOS ANGELES -- Michael Jackson's accuser told a grand jury that the pop star closed his eyes tightly while molesting him on a bed, according to an ABC News report that quotes from transcripts of the testimony.

The boy described Jackson's alleged crimes in graphic detail, according to the network, which said its "Primetime Live" program reviewed more than 1,900 pages of testimony.

Details on the transcripts, which have not been released, were reported Thursday on ABC's Web site and quoted on "Good Morning America." A fuller report was planned Thursday evening on "Primetime Live."

The defense initially declined comment, citing a gag order in the case. But later Jackson attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. said in a statement that the defense strongly objected to the leak of sealed grand jury testimony.

"The witnesses who testified before the grand jury were never subjected to cross-examination or impeachment by the defense," he said. "By law, no judge or defense lawyer was allowed to be present in the grand jury room. Furthermore, the defense had no opportunity to call its own witnesses to refute or criticize this one-sided proceeding."

A note on the statement issued by a Jackson spokeswoman noted it was approved by the court.

The accuser told prosecutors who questioned him before the Santa Barbara County grand jury that Jackson never spoke to him during the alleged abuse and the two didn't discuss it later, ABC reported.

According to transcripts, the boy said that when he was molested, he looked over at the pop star and "his eyes were like squinching really tight."

Jackson was indicted in April on multiple counts of molestation and a count of conspiracy involving child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion.

Some counts accuse him of administering alcohol to further child molestation. The accuser, who had cancer and lost a kidney when a surgeon removed a tumor, said he told Jackson he shouldn't drink alcohol because of his medical condition, according to the transcripts.

"And so it harms my kidney for I drink that stuff," the accuser was quoted as saying. "But he would just say, 'It's OK.' And he would just keep on telling me to drink."

Normally, grand jury transcripts are made public in California 10 days after they're received by a defendant. But the judge has kept the Jackson transcripts sealed, along with most other documents in the case.

Jury selection in the case begins Jan. 31. Pretrial hearings have been set for Jan. 21 and Jan. 27 to consider issues such as whether a child-abuse expert can testify and what should be included on the questionnaire to be given to jurors.

Copyright ? 2005, The Associated Press

Latest Jackson ruling shields evidence
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Main News
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Less than a month before Michael Jackson's child-molestation trial is scheduled to begin, the court continued a pattern of shielding all evidence from public view Monday, releasing rulings and motions with blacked-out pages.

Only one written order by Judge Rodney Melville was released in detail -- a decision to deny in part and grant in part a defense motion to suppress evidence seized from the office of Jackson's personal assistant.

But the language of that decision was oblique and provided only vague clues to what was being admitted and what was suppressed.

"I've never seen a case with this level of secrecy," said Loyola University law professor Laurie Levenson. "You'd think we were dealing with the Pentagon Papers.

"Everyone is filing papers in code and we're on the eve of trial. It may be that the prosecutors are bending over backwards to protect the rights of Michael Jackson. But it's impossible to tell."

Jackson's trial is scheduled to start January 31, and one more pretrial hearing is scheduled for January 12.

One of the documents released by the judge in a heavily blacked-out form was a prosecution report on a search of Jackson's Neverland ranch on November 18, 2003.

The cryptic entries included a statement that investigators had received information from a confidential informant who told them that Jackson had told the informant something. But whatever was stated was blacked out in the released documents.

The prosecution had asked to seal from public view all parts of specified search warrants. The judge went through them and blacked out sections he felt should not be public because they might prejudice Jackson's right to a fair trial.

The judge's ruling regarding suppression of seized evidence had to do with a search last September 15 at an office in a detached garage where his personal assistant kept Jackson's file cabinets and computers.

He found that Jackson had "a reasonable expectation of privacy" as to materials kept in that office.

Melville said, "There is a concern for invasion of the defense camp when the case has been pending for a number of months and records of correspondence with counsel are kept by the client."

But he added, "The search warrant was not intended to reach any such materials and careful efforts have been made to avoid disclosure of attorney-client matters."

He said one folder labeled with the name of Jackson's attorney, Thomas Mesereau Jr., contained only newspaper, magazine and Internet pages and clippings. However, he ordered sections of that file suppressed as well as others whose contents were not described.

Jackson, 46, has pleaded not guilty to charges of molesting a boy, conspiracy and administering an intoxicating agent, alcohol, to his alleged victim.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/01/03/michael.jackson.ap/index.html

Did the mother of Michael Jackson's accuser go looking for support from the readers of a local newspaper?
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Main News
MJJF eNews #460 - Monday Jan 3, 2005

Did the mother of Michael Jackson's accuser go looking for support from the readers of a local newspaper? That's what "Celebrity Justice" is exclusively reporting.

It is said that in 2000, the year that Jackson first met his accuser, an article about the boy and his family appeared in Mid Valley News, a community paper of the town El Monte, just outside of Los Angeles. The paper ran a emotional appear to its readers, asking for financial charity.

"Our car has been repossessed," the boy's mother was quoted as having said. "One chemotherapy injection costs more than $12,000."

Connie Keenan, Mid Valley News editor, has come forward and spoke exclusively with "CJ" regarding the incident. She characterizes the accuser's mother most uncharitably.

"My gut level: she's a shark. She was after money," Keenan said to the show. "My readers were used. My staff was used. It's sickening."

In this same year (2000), Keenan also explained, the mother had approached the newspaper and pitched her story. "She pleaded her case that her son needed all sorts of medical care and they had no financial means to provide it."

Keenan agreed to run the story inviting her readers to assist the family, however, she recalled that almost from the very beginning, there were signals, including the fact that the mother "wanted the money sent to her in her name, at her home address."

That is said to be just the beginning. According to Keenan, the story regarding the family's plight was assigned to reporter Christie Causer, who was so touched by what she had heard that she brought food to the family on Thanksgiving Day. But, Keenan relayed that "the mother, instead of being grateful that this woman brought her a complete Thanksgiving dinner, said 'I'd rather have the money. This is nice, but I'd rather have the money.'"

Keenan promised that her paper would solicit funds to cover the ailing boy's medical expenses only if his mother opened a trust account to receive them. "CJ" reports that nine days before the story ran in the paper, the mother opened an account in her name for the benefit of her son at a Washington Mutual Bank and deposited one cent. That account, they say, was not a trust account.

The Mid Valley News article provided its readers with a road map as to how to make their donations: the name of the bank, the account number, and even the routing number. In the first three weeks following the run of the article, $965 was deposited into the account and $750 was promptly withdrawn.

Keenan said that the raised money wasn't enough for the boy's mother.

"She really wanted another story done on her son because they just didn't make enough money on the first article," Keenan remarked. "And I told her -- and I can be a crusty old broad -- 'we're not doing another story on your son.'"

Keenan recalled the mother having told her, "'Well, I'll take it someplace else,'" and Keenan said she responded to her with a "'Fine.'"

There's more. It turns out that the boy in question was then being treated at Kaiser Permanente at absolutely no cost to the family. There were no medical bills. All treatments the boy was receiving at the time were covered by insurance. The boy's father had been a teamster member who worked at a supermarket facility in the Los Angeles area.

Paul Kenny, head of a teamster's union in Los Angeles, spoke with "CJ" and confirmed that the teamsters negotiated a super health care coverage deal for members.

"They're covered 100% under HMOs," Kenny stated. "Including Kaiser, which is an HMO."

Kenny added, "There was no cost to [the boy's father] out of pocket, at all. Everything should be covered 100% under his contract. Everything. There is [sic] no exceptions."

When Keenan was asked if it was her impression that the family had to pay for the boy's treatment out-of-pocket, she said that it was.

"Of course it was," she was quoted.

Years following the article's run, when Santa Barbara prosecutor Thomas Sneddon filed molestation charges against Jackson, Keenan realized that the boy from her paper's article and Jackson's accuser were one and the same, and made contact with Jackson's former counsel Mark Geragos.

"I just had this gut feeling that something was wrong here. So I sent a copy of the [Mid Valley News] to Mr. Geragos, who was representing Michael Jackson at the time," Keenan stated. "Because maybe there's a grain of truth to what Michael Jackson is saying -- 'I didn't do it' -- or maybe it's just to stop a shark."

Both Keenan and Causer reported that Jackson?s defense team has recently contacted them.

A source close to the accuser's mother insisted that none of the money collected was misspent. The source wouldn't reveal how exactly the money was spent.

Source: Celebrity Justice/MJJForum





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Michael Jackson Case Latest: Ex May Testify Against Him
Mood:  surprised
January 2, 2005, 2:21:15

LATEST: MICHAEL JACKSON's ex-wife DEBBIE ROWE is reportedly so furious the troubled singer is witholding her alimony payments - she's considering testifying against him at his child molestation court case, reports British newspaper the DAILY STAR.

The BAD star faces 10 charges relating to claims he sexually abused a teenage boy at his Neverland Ranch home.

And Rowe has threatened to reveal intimate secrets about Jackson which could jeopardise his case, unless he agrees to pay her annual $1 million (#526,315) alimony. She is also considering fighting for sole custody of their children, PRINCE MICHAEL, seven, and PARIS, six.

Prosecution Subpoena's Bob Jones!!
Mood:  surprised

Court TV has confirmed that Jackson's long-time right-hand man, Bob Jones, was served a subpoena in the Los Angeles office of attorney,Richard M.Steingard. This 20-year veteran of MJJ Productions has been told by the prosecution that he should be ready to testify at Michael Jackson's child molestation trial sometime in April. The subpoena orders Jones to turn over to authorities all relevant files, diaries and photographs in his possession. Jones has also been ordered to hand over the chapters of his in-progress tell-all book which is said to be about half written.

Jones had worked for the Jacksons since their Motown days and was one of Michael's most trusted confidants until he was summarily fired recently by Michael's youngest brother, Randy. No severance pay,no vacation pay, no "thank you very much." The termination could turn out to be a mammoth mistake, as Bob Jones traveled the world with Michael Jackson for decades. He's the only top-ranking insider who never signed a confidentiality agreement. He knows the pop star's secrets and now he's finally able and willing to write an insider's expose all about it.

To get an idea of how devastating Jones' book could be for Jackson,consider this excerpt from his recent book proposal, which is making the rounds of New York publishing houses:

"Bob Jones knows where every single body is buried in Jackoland ? imagine the possibilities. Any ambiguity about the nature of Michael Jackson's many relationships with young boys will be laid to rest here ?"

Bob Jones recently spoke out saying he didn't want to be a witness for either side, but if called, "I won't lie for Michael Jackson."

Source: Court TV..

Jackson Defense To Invite Jurors To Neverland
Mood:  suave
Defense attorneys for Michael Jackson plan to ask the jury in his child molestation trial to visit his Neverland ranch in a strategy designed to show that he used his home to entertain children, not lure them, ABC News has learned.

Jackson's legal team, sources told ABC News, has launched a double-barreled defense that will attempt to show that he is a protector and benefactor of children and that the boy he is accused of molesting and his family are troubled and out to get money from him.

Source: ABC News

Jackson hosts kids' party
Mood:  party time!

Sunday, December 19, 2004 Posted: 1:22 AM EST (0622 GMT)

LOS OLIVOS, California (AP) -- Christmas came early for some 200 children who got to play at Michael Jackson's amusement park and meet Santa Claus.

"I hope you have a wonderful day. Merry Christmas. I love you," the pop singer called out to the children Friday from the driveway of his estate.

Jackson, who faces trial next year on child molestation charges, appeared happy during the few minutes he spoke to the arriving throng.

One of the youngsters shouted, "We love you."

"I love you more," Jackson replied before putting an umbrella over his head and walking back toward his house.

Jackson spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain said the entertainer chose to make an unusual personal appearance as a surprise for the last group of children touring Neverland before the Christmas holidays.

Bain said there was no relationship between the event and Jackson's upcoming trial.

Santa Barbara County authorities have charged Jackson, 46, with molesting a boy, conspiracy and administering an intoxicating agent, alcohol, to his alleged victim.

Investigators have carried out raids on Neverland, and in a recent court filing that seeks to introduce evidence of other purported crimes that went uncharged, prosecutors described the estate as "a veritable paradise" for children.

Friday's visitors, from six organizations and ranging in age from about 3 or 4 years to their teens, were bused to Neverland and then rode a train up from the parking lot. They included children with special needs from Santa Barbara and some affiliated with the First AME Church in Los Angeles, according to a list of groups issued to reporters. Jackson defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. attends the First AME church.

The Rev. Brenda Lamothe, executive assistant to First AME Pastor John Hunter, said the church did not authorize a group to go to Neverland.

Bain said charitable and civic groups bring children to Neverland at least three times a month to play on the amusement park rides, see its zoo and watch movies.

Neverland, in the scenic Santa Barbara County countryside, is a fairy-tale theme park with streams, waterfalls and a lake. The grounds are decorated with bronze statues of children at play.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Michael Jackson hosts 200 children at Neverland party
Mood:  happy

LOS OLIVOS, Calif. (AP) ? Christmas came early for some 200 children who got to play at Michael Jackson's amusement park and meet Santa Claus.

Michael Jackson invites charitable and civic groups to bring children to Neverland.
By Aaron Lambert, AP/Santa Maria Times

"I hope you have a wonderful day. Merry Christmas. I love you," the pop singer called out to the children Friday from the driveway of his estate.

Jackson, who faces trial next year on child molestation charges, appeared happy during the few minutes he spoke to the arriving throng.

One of the youngsters shouted, "We love you!"

"I love you more," Jackson replied before putting an umbrella over his head and walking back toward his house.

Jackson spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain said the entertainer chose to make an unusual personal appearance as a surprise for the last group of children touring Neverland before the Christmas holidays.

Bain said there was no relationship between the event and Jackson's upcoming trial.

Santa Barbara County authorities have charged Jackson, 46, with molesting a boy, conspiracy and administering an intoxicating agent, alcohol, to his alleged victim.

Investigators have carried out raids on Neverland, and in a recent court filing that seeks to introduce evidence of other purported crimes that went uncharged, prosecutors described the estate as "a veritable paradise" for children.

Friday's visitors, from six organizations and ranging in age from about 3 or 4 years to their teens, were bused to Neverland and then rode a train up from the parking lot. They included children with special needs from Santa Barbara and some affiliated with the First AME Church in Los Angeles, according to a list of groups issued to reporters. Jackson defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. attends the First AME church.

At First AME, the Rev. Brenda Lamothe, executive assistant to Pastor John Hunter, said the church did not authorize a group to go to Neverland.

Bain said charitable and civic groups bring children to Neverland at least three times a month to play on the amusement park rides, see its zoo and watch movies. On Friday, Jackson was showing "The Polar Express" in his movie theater.

In his brief appearance, Jackson smiled, waved and at one point looked as if he would come back and play with the children, but instead got into a vehicle that took him off the property.

Neverland, in the scenic Santa Barbara County countryside, is a fairy-tale theme park with streams, waterfalls and a lake. The grounds are decorated with bronze statues of children at play. Two elephants, a camel and a baby llama were on hand as the children entered. Flamingos stood nearby and the sun shone brightly from a blue sky.

The estate provided lunch, candy canes, popcorn and a Santa Claus. The children could also play in a video arcade with unlimited games.

One of the parents who escorted children on the visit to Neverland said he had no qualms.

"They asked us to come and we came and had a great time," said Imari Conway, a Los Angeles man who brought his three children. "You see a whole other side of Michael here and it's hard to believe there are such charges. So much good is being done and it shouldn't go untold."

Bain said many organizations write Jackson to ask to bring children to Neverland and an events staff decides who will be invited.

"Generally Mr. Jackson is not here all the time," she said. "There are events here daily. He wanted to surprise the kids. He has given his whole life to children and charities."

Bain said Jackson's spirits were up.

"Considering everything going on, he seemed to be well," she said.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Find this article at:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2004-12-18-jackson-neverland_x.htm?csp=34

Chat with Ms. Hughes
Mood:  sad

The Group Discussion with Ms Geraldine Hughes, was spectacular. We were able to meet and greet fans-supporters-interested individuals from around the world. I would like to thank Geraldine for her timely answers, and her patience with the so many questions that were being asked of her within the hours spent in the chatroom. Also special thanks goes out to Dollbaby for all her efforts and inspiration in putting this together along with her Media Marketing team for Ms Geraldine Hughes, I am pleased to be apart of this team as well. Special thanks goes out to Mr. Bob Davis, for hosting the chatroom that housed many of us at one time. Thanks all. Major love.

To purchased Redemption, "The Truth Behind The Michael Jackson Molestation Allegations," go to this link:
http://www.redemption-michaeljacksonstory.com


From last nights chat at the Soul-Patrol website
http://www.soul-patrol.com/ - December 14, 2004, Here are Ms. Hughes answers/quotes/words to interested parties within the chatroom.
Soul-Patrol Chat room at http://www.soul-patrol.com/chat

Ghughes: I am here to answer questions about my book "Redemption: The Truth Behind the (1993) Child Molestation Allegation"

Ghughes: I was the legal secretary in 1993 to the attorney and I witnessed the extortion scheme against Michael Jackson.

Ghughes: I came forth in 1993 and gave my information to the investigators, however, when the case settled, it went nowhere.

Ghughes: I knew that I was carrying information about this case that most people didn't know. Information that pointed to Michael's innocence.

Ghughes: Amazon.com or any Barnes and Nobles, or Boarders should be able to order the book.

Ghughes: I did ALL major talk shows, MSNBC, Scarsborough Country, Bill O'Reilly, etc. However, they aired my interview once only!

Ghughes: My favorite part of the book is "A Ram In The Bush." I am explaining why I was in the right place, at the wrong time. I further explain how God is on MJ's side because God gave Michael something he didn't give his accuser, a witness!

Ghughes: The most exciting part of the book is "The Ex Parte Motion." This part tells exactly what triggered them to launch the child molestation allegation against Michael.

Ghughes: I did an interview at the Jackson's home, but back in April or May. Not recently.

Ghughes: I've done an interview with Jermaine and Mr. Joe Jackson. While doing interviews I've met some of MJ's family. I haven't met MJ as of yet.

Ghughes: I've been told that MJ has read my book and loves it! However, because of the gag order, he is unable to do anything to assist or comment.

Ghughes: I've been told that Jordy is estranged from his father. I don't know if true or not!

Ghughes: In order to testify in MJ's favor, he [Jordan] has to go against his father. That is hard for anyone to do.

Ghughes: When he is on stage, he is performing.

Ghughes: No one that can really help Michael's case is being subpoenaed by the prosecutor.

Ghughes: I don't buy the Sodium Amythal theory because it was put out by Evan Chandler. I believe his statements "we're moving according to a certain plan that is not mine."

Ghughes: I've returned to work full-time. Unless something changes between now and the end of Jan, I don't see being able to attend the court hearings.

Ghughes: I am the only one disputing the Sodium amytal theory. I saw something entirely different take place.

Ghughes: Redemption has run full gammit. I would still recommend everyone to read so you can thoroughly understand what really happened in 1993.

Ghughes: Ray Chandler spent a lot of time trying to disprove the main points in my book that proves MJ's innocence.

Ghughes: In spite of the media downplaying it, it was quite successful due to MJ's supporters all over the world.

Ghughes: I will give credit to whom credit is due at the end of this chat session.

Ghughes: Everyone disappeared after the false allegations were launched; mainly because MJ has fans all over the world and they were afraid for their safety.

Ghughes: My book explains why MJ was forced to settle in 1993, which was at the advice of his attorneys. But he DID NOT pay the $$$ settlement. It was paid by his insurance company.

Ghughes: The entire civil case was about money.

Ghughes: I do not have evidence. I was an eye witness. While Ray Chandler's book tried to discredit me, inadvertently proved my contentions.

Ghughes: Jordy was a 12 year old, easily influenced child at the time. He was also interested in making movies, like his dad. So he had a very vivid imagination, capable of creating believable story lines.

Ghughes: My book "Redemption" explains clearly why MJ was forced to settle. If the court system was working for him, he would have stood a chance in court. However, as many of you know, for African Americans, sometimes the legal system doesn't work for us like it should.

Ghughes: My next book will be about the 2003 case called "MichaelGate: The Conspiracy Theories." This book will explore all the possible conspiracy theories that most people believe is fueling the 2003 case.

Ghughes: Before everyone goes, I'd like to thank Dollbaby; The Music Lady, Bob Davis, Yolandria, Trish, and everyone that bought Redemption and/or supported it.

Ghughes: I believe that MJ will be totally vindicated. I just heard from another inside source that said THEY HAVE NOTHING!!!

Ghughes: Redemption is only a threat to those who do not want to hear the truth.

Ghughes: While researching MJ's life, I found out that he has spent his life caring for the children of the world, not hurting them.

Ghughes: He has lived an impeccable roll-modeled life in front of the cameras HIS WHOLE LIFE. We've never heard of him on drugs, alcohol, etc.

Ghughes: I did know all of this about MJ before writing the book. After completing the book, I sat back and cried. I couldn't believe that anyone would accuse him of ever hurting a child, when he's spent his entire life helping them.

Ghughes: He did not have to submit to the body search in 1993. He suffered the humiliation of it "just to prove his innocence."

Ghughes: They say you know someone by their music. "Heal the World." "Man In the Mirror; Make that change." "It doesn't matter if your black or white." What about the "Earthsong." This is who MJ really is. A caring individual that truly cares not only about children, about mankind all over the world.

Ghughes: I have ministry children who spend the night at my house all the time. I am only careful with the opposite sex (boys) because I don't want no assumptions or accidents. However, when my girls come to my house for sleep overs, they march straight to my bedroom and take over my bed, my remote control, my popcorn. Maybe its the children that insists on sleepovers and treating MJ like he is one of the boys and not vice verse.

Ghughes: No false allegations will ever stop me from loving my children.

Ghughes: We are living in a witch hunt society that loves to see a giant fall; especially if that giant is a Black megastar named MJ.

Ghughes: I believe God used her to get me to write the book and it was her courage that allowed me to go forth.

Thank you, Ms Geraldine Hughes, for your insight on the 1993 case. Many were enlighten.




~~sending out a major love~~
"The Music Lady's"

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/positivevoices4mjj/join
http://www.mjjfan.2ya.com
http://www.mjredemption.com/

Jackson Responds To Latest Claims!!
Mood:  hug me

To My Fans,

Recently, there has been a rumor circulating where I am accused of bad-mouthing my fans.

I was deeply hurt when I heard about this. As an artist and performer, the most rewarding part of my work is to know that I have such loyal and supportive fans. I would never resort to any such negativity. Like so many other allegations, this is a lie. I love my fans and appreciate you all so much. I would never take that for granted.

You have my undying love, as always,

Michael Jackson

Source: MJJSource ....