The Jackson Bombshell: Debbie vs. Michael
February 24, 2004

ET broke the news yesterday that court papers had been filed to allow a retired judge to mediate an issue concerning MICHAEL JACKSON and ex-wife DEBBIE ROWE's divorce agreement. Today, our BOB GOEN sat down with the judge who will hear the case.

Retired Judge STEPHEN M. LACHS can't reveal whether or not the case involves child custody, but he did say that in other family law disputes, criminal charges against one of the parties is often brought up. Judge Lachs' ruling is binding, though it can be appealed.

While Judge Lachs isn't at liberty to discuss specifics of "Deborah Rowe Jackson vs. Michael Jackson," a source tells ET the "family matter" noted in court papers is indeed about custody of 7-year-old PRINCE MICHAEL and 5-year-old PARIS. The move is only the first step in a long struggle as Rowe tries to get the kids, according to the source. ET is told Rowe's tactic in her fight will be to claim that Jackson violated many aspects of the divorce agreement, which allegedly includes the stipulation that Jackson gets sole custody of the children.

Seeking custody may be a long shot for Rowe, who reportedly gave up custody of the kids and, in the past, has praised her ex as a father. Rumblings that Rowe's feelings had changed began in mid-January when, after years of lying low, she surfaced on Jan. 12 for a very public lunch at the posh Ivy restaurant in Los Angeles. It was the same day Jackson's advisors gathered to strategize on Jackson's future.

Rowe has reportedly been getting increasingly frustrated because her many attempts to contact him have failed. It's an allegation more than one of Jackson's former friends and advisors have made, frequently blaming Jackson's inaccessibility on his association with the Nation of Islam. Rowe is reportedly unhappy with the singer's involvement with the N.O.I. on another front. She is Jewish and the organization has been accused of anti-Semitism.

Watch ET for the latest info on the Jackson bombshell.

MJ to His Amazing Fans!!!!!!
Hello everyone, let me clarify that I'm not for certain that the information below is true, or in fact, if it is actually from Michael. However the information was emailed to me, and quite naturally, I will share with all of you. So, if you wish, take it with a little grain of salt.... (smile)

Major Love
Eve - The Music Lady

Message Below:

This is the private message from MJ to his amazing fans. ENJOY!
Feb 22, 2004
Burn Tabloids

To my beautiful fans worlwide and to the children all over the
world.

As you know I am etching through incredibly hurtful hardships in the
recent months that have passed by ever so slowly. And though you all
know that I cannot speak to you on the serious matters and false
accusations for which I am accused of now in any detail, I want to
lend my gratitude, and my deepest love to all my fans who have
supported me and will keep on supporting me, whose loyalty is
undying, you are all so dear to me and I am so sensitive to your pain. For all those who have known the truth from the very beginning, and for all of those whose love is unconditional, pure, and healing for me. It is an antidote for my pain and my spirit.

Though I must continue to fight against and endure these hardships, I will be strengthened by
all your magical love and caring, which nurtures my soul ever so
greatly. I ask that you all wait and see, the truth, as it finally
will come to light and shine so brightly. I love you all from the
bottom of my heart now and forever.

Love, MJ

Squash Goes The Rumor

While most Michael Jackson fans have not yet heard about a new rumor that he entered a drug rehabilitation facility in Colorado, Access Hollywood was contacted by Mr. Jackson's spokesperson who had just spoken to him regarding this claim.

Mr. Jackson absolutely denied this rumor, saying that he is "outraged, outraged."

Access Hollywood confirms that he is in Aspen, Colorado on vacation with his children. In fact he was sledding down a hillside with his children when he heard this rumor.

Join in the discussion about how quickly Team MJ responded to this rumor at: http://www.mjjforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=25114&st=0


Thanks MJJforum for information.

Major Love

Eve - The Music Lady

Dick Gregory Continues to Support Michael Jackson

In a recent article, Mr. Gregory had this to say about the charges filed against Michael:


"If Michael did it, I did it," said Gregory, who has been married 45 years; he and his wife Lil raised 10 children and now have 12 grandchildren.


Gregory, who recently ended a 40-day fast for Michael, insists Jackson didn't molest his young guests. Instead, Gregory said, Jackson was merely offering a form of hospitality common in Southern black culture - in which company sleeps in your bed, and you sleep on the floor.


"That's what Michael was talking about," Gregory said.


Source: tribnet.com/MJJF

Mark Geragos Requests Modification of Gag Order
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MJJF eNews #213
? MJJForum.com
February 22, 2004
--------------

Mark Geragos, attorney for Michael Jackson, submitted a proposal to the Court on Thursday recommending a modification to the current gag order that was issued on January 16, 2004.

The modification reads as follows:

Notwithstanding the above restrictions on statements by the Prosecutor and Defense Counsel and those under their supervision or control as contemplated by the protective order, a statement by either the Prosecutor or Defense Counsel, or by them jointly, may be made to address questions or issues that may have been raised in the media concerning the case, the parties, their counsel, or witnesses in the matter, under the follow limited circumstances:

1. The premise of the rumor, question or issue is false, mistaken, or otherwise materially misleading, and, unless promptly rebutted or otherwise clarified, poses a reasonable likelihood of prejudice to the parties' right to a fair and impartial jury trial; and,

2. The response is limited to what is necessary to succinctly address, rebut, or otherwise clarify the question or issue; and,

3. The responsive statement shall be made in person, in writing by way of a press release or in a prerecorded videotaped statement and shall be served simultaneously on the other side.

Any statement made by the Prosecutor or Defense Counsel under the auspices of this "safe harbor" that is later determined by the Court to have been made unnecessarily or in bad faith shall be a violation of the protective order. The Court may set a hearing for the purpose of evaluating necessity sua sponte or upon ex parte application by the Prosecutor or Defense Counsel. In the event an ex parte application is made to the Court and a hearing on the merits is conducted, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees, costs and expenses. Any attorneys' fees, costs, and expenses awarded under this paragraph shall be payable by the Prosecutor or Defense Counsel.

Source: Mark Geragos/Court Proceedings/MJJF

Travel Agent Sues Michael Jackson

Cynthia Montgomery, the travel agent who handled arrangements for Michael Jackson to travel via XraJet from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara to surrender himself to authorities, has filed a $50,000 lawsuit.

Ms. Montgomery claims that she arranged for the XraJet charter, paying the $18,000 herself. Although she has handled travel for Mr. Jackson for several years, she says that this is the first time that she has not been reimbursed. Robert T. Moore II, attorney for Ms. Montgomery, said he had been trying to negotiate payment with Mr. Jackson's attorneys to no avail.

This is the same jet that had two cameras secretly placed in the plane's cabin taping the trip by Mr. Jackson and Mark Geragos, his attorney, as they made their way to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport on November 20, 2003.

Mr. Geragos immediately filed a temporary restraining order against XraJet, barring any release of the taped footage.

Source: ap/MJJF

? MJJForum.com
This news can be reposted with a credit to MJJForum.com

Harry Belafonte backs MJ
MJJF eNews #209
? MJJForum.com
February 18, 2004


Entertainer/children's rights champion Harry Belafonte rallied in support of Michael Jackson today, saying the pop legend should be afforded the same rights as any other American. "Michael Jackson is innocent until proven guilty by the court of law," Belafonte said from Nairobi, where he is on a visit to promote free education for children on behalf of UNICEF.

"I cannot charge my colleague on the basis of media reports and television programs," said Belafonte, who became the first African-American man to win an Emmy award for his 1959 television musical special, "Tonight With Harry Belafonte".

The King of Pop, was charged with seven counts of performing lewd and lascivious acts with a 13-year-old boy and on two counts of plying a minor with alcohol. He faces a hefty jail sentence if proven guilty. Mr. Jackson maintains his innocence and promises to fight this to the end. Since the allegations broke his fans and family have been right by his side. One at a time, his friends and colleagues are stepping up to the plate in his defense.

Belafonte charged the US media of choosing to ignore the plight of children who have suffered as a result of US invasion in Iraq. Lashing out at them for their, "insatiable appetite" for Jackson. "This is travesty of journalism. It is inappropriate for the media to start asking what ifs and what abouts ... (concerning Jackson). What about the children who suffered in Iraq?" he asked.

Belafonte continued his praise of Jackson, saying: "No single individual has had influence in the world like Jackson." Bringing attention to his "We Are the World" project. Written by Michael and performed by 45 US artists to raise money for famine relief in Africa in the 1980's.

Mr. Belafonte stated the US media was guilty of "false morality" for their over exposer of the alleged charges facing Jackson, while "some US catholic priests" had sexually abused many children in the US. When the subject of Mr. Jackson's character was question Belafonte simply called Mr. Jackson ``A gifted singer.''

Source: AFP/MJJF


? MJJForum.com
This news can be reposted with a credit to MJJForum.com

MJJSource.com - New Michael Jackson Website To Launch March 1st
? MJJForum.com
February 15, 2004
--------------

MJJSource.com - New Michael Jackson Website To Launch March 1st

Our very own Patricia Brown, along with business partner Ron Sweet (Ropa Promotions) will be responsible for design, implementation and updates of this new exciting site. And we are very proud to announce that MJJForum is a sponsor of the official site.

Jackson comes out fighting to defend image
By Cesar G. Soriano, USA TODAY

Fed up with bad press, pop star Michael Jackson is launching a counteroffensive to combat rumors and innuendo that he says could prejudice a jury in his child molestation case.

In an effort to salvage his public persona, Michael Jackson has hired Raymone Bain as his new spokeswoman.

Jackson has hired a new publicist, made personal appeals to journalists and will soon launch a Web site aimed at the media.

"Michael Jackson is stepping up to the plate and taking control of his personal image," says Raymone Bain, his new spokeswoman. Bain also represents tennis star Serena Williams, boxer Mike Tyson and singer/producer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds.

Bain says Jackson has become "increasingly angry" about people claiming to speak on his behalf.

"Michael is concerned about how he has been portrayed in the media and will work more proactively to turn that around," she says. Jackson also will respond to what he considers inaccurate or untrue reports.

For example, on Thursday, the singer's music manager, Charles Koppelman, quickly denied a New York Times article that said Jackson is in financial trouble.

Jackson personally phoned Fox News reporter Geraldo Rivera and conservative pundit Armstrong Williams last week to stress that he maintains control of his empire.

Jackson has not had a full-time spokesman since late December, when Stuart Backerman left after a dispute with Jackson's camp.

Since then, questions have arisen about Jackson's involvement with the Nation of Islam, and he has been the subject of a stinging article in Vanity Fair.

Meanwhile, Jackson faces a lengthy criminal process. On Friday in Santa Barbara, Calif., Judge Rodney Melville delayed setting a date for a preliminary hearing after Jackson's legal team said it needed more time to examine the evidence. All sides are due back in court April 2. Melville said he wants Jackson's trial to begin by December.

Jackson's new Web site, MJJSource.com, which will be launched March 1, will include press releases, interviews, a calendar of court dates, biographies of Jackson's legal team and background on his career.

Jackson has long used the Internet to communicate directly with his fans. But will these image-control efforts help Jackson's cause?

L.A. criminal defense attorney Dana Cole says they could, if Jackson himself maintains a low profile. His attempts to defend himself, like the 60 Minutes interview, have been unsuccessful, Cole says, "because his responses are so bizarre. If he gets involved in high-profile charity events and concentrates on what he does best ? music ? he would do wonders in turning his image around."


Source: usatoday/MJJF





? MJJForum.com
This news can be reposted with a credit to MJJForum.com

major love



Eve - The Music Lady

Serious issues on stage in Jackson hearing

Defense seeks change in gag order

SANTA MARIA, California (AP) --The sideshow in the Michael Jackson child molestation case is over and serious legal matters are taking center stage.

Lawyers return to court Friday to set a date for Jackson's preliminary hearing. Jackson's attorney, Mark Geragos, said the entertainer did not plan to attend Friday's pretrial hearing. Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville told the defendant last month that he was not required to attend most pretrial sessions. "There are no surprises planned," Geragos said. "It should be a quiet hearing."

Jackson is charged with seven counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and two counts of giving the child an "intoxicating agent." He pleaded innocent January 16. Unlike the atmosphere surrounding last month's arraignment, there was no sign Thursday of the media hoards that camped outside the courthouse or the caravans of fans who came in buses to see Jackson at his arraignment.

"We don't anticipate many fans coming," Santa Maria police Lt. Chris Vaughan said. "There'll really be nothing for them to see."

Docket details
Some 3,000 fans packed the street after Jackson's arraignment on January 16, and the entertainer rewarded them with a performance -- climbing atop his black sports utility vehicle and doing a few dance steps as his songs blasted from speakers. Supporters from as far away as Japan trekked to Santa Maria, and Jackson responded to the adoration by throwing open his Neverland Ranch for a party attended by fans and their families.

No such events were planned Friday. Jackson's new spokeswoman, Raymone K. Bain, said "He is tired of the circus-like atmosphere surrounding him." On the court docket for Friday were discussions of a publicity gag order that prevents everyone in the case from commenting outside court. The defense has asked for what it called a "safe harbor" provision that would allow lawyers to respond to rumors and misinformation being circulated in the press.

Melville has said he would be open to such an exception if it can be structured to his liking.

Media lawyers will be asking to unseal many documents in the case including search warrants and affidavits which allowed the seizure of a dozen computer hard drives belonging to Jackson.

Search warrants for the Neverland estate also remain sealed. Normally, such warrants become public record 10 days after they are executed. Prosecutors have asked to keep them sealed on grounds that a special privilege applies in cases where allegations of molestation are involved.

Deep debt
Meanwhile, Jackson's music manager denied a report Thursday that the singer is in financial trouble and must make a $70 million payment to a lender by Tuesday.

Charles Koppelman said no payment was due in that amount to Bank of America or anyone else. The New York Times reported that Jackson owed $70 million to the bank under a long-standing loan agreement.

In a telephone interview with The Associated Press, Koppelman said Jackson's assets far exceed his debts but declined to go into detail about the singer's money. He said Jackson, like most people with large assets, also has large debts and Jackson routinely renegotiates loans.

He said Jackson would be involved in a significant financial transaction in the next few days but declined to provide details. "Michael is an individual who has the ability to generate huge sums of money," Koppelman said. Bank of America spokeswoman Jennifer Tice declined comment on the report.

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

Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/02/13/jackson.hearing.ap/index.html

Jackson search warrants to remain sealed
Judge says he wants case to be tried before year's end

SANTA MARIA, California (CNN) --The date for a preliminary hearing for singer Michael Jackson, charged with molesting a child, will be decided April 2, and search warrants in the case will remain sealed, a judge ruled Friday.

But even as the hearing was pushed back, the judge said he hoped the trial would move quickly.
"I would like to see this case tried before the end of the year," Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville said.

Jackson did not attend Friday's hearing.
Media lawyers have sought to unseal many documents in the case, including search warrants and affidavits that allowed items belonging to Jackson to be seized. CNN was one of the news organizations arguing the warrant should be public on First Amendment grounds.

The judge said he will order that warrants remain sealed, but will release redacted versions, including warrants for telephone records and computer hard drives, some of which were removed from Jackson's Neverland Ranch.

'When the prosecution puts together a search warrant affidavit, they only put in the most incriminating evidence they can find. So this is really... a road map to the prosecution's case," CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin said.

"The defense has made the ... argument that the prejudicial publicity from the release of that is too great, so keep it secret," Toobin said.
The judge said he also will consider a request for "safe harbor," a provision that would allow lawyers to respond to rumors and misinformation circulated in the media.

Melville also ordered Jackson to be in court March 5 to extend a waiver that allows defense attorney Mark Geragos to represent him in court. That waiver expires March 13.

After the hearing, defense attorney Ben Brafman denied reports that his joining the defense team meant Geragos would no longer be involved in the trial.

Geragos is here to stay, Brafman said. Referring to the reports, he said, "I think it's annoying and it's taking up our time.

"It was revealed in court that prosecutors have handed over about 900 pages of evidence to the defense. The contents were not made public.

Jackson, 45, pleaded not guilty January 16 to seven felony counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and two counts of giving the child an "intoxicating agent." The charges involve incidents alleged to have occurred in February and March 2003, when the child was 12, District Attorney Tom Sneddon said.

The singer and his lawyers contend that the boy and his family have made the allegations for financial gain.

Police booked the pop star November 20, and he has been free on $3 million bond.
Jackson fans gathered outside the courthouse Friday, but far fewer than the 3,000 who showed up for the singer's arraignment.

"Michael's a great guy. I've never met him," Anthony Rocker said. "In his heart, he has so much compassion, like what he does for kids. He constantly donates his time and money for kids. I do not believe the charges."

He added, "The charges haven't shown me enough to convict Michael. If he's convicted, I won't believe the conviction."

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CNN.COM -- Miguel Marquez

Look out for YOUR Banner Tomorrow on TV
I had confirmation it has been received and will be displayed in Santa Maria. If you look carefully enough, you might see it on TV. It's very huge, full of flags from all over the world, including Fans' messages, and a lot of translations of the word "INNOCENT" in many languages.

In the middle, in BIG letters, it's written:


Michael is Love ... Love is NOT a crime
We heard his words, We met his heart, We know the Truth:
INNOCENT!

FROM: Pascale

Pass on: Eve, The Music Lady

Personal Message From Michael to his Fans
I love you all. I thank you for your love and support from around the world. I love my fans ... you are my friends, very loyal to me. And thank you for everything you've done. I'm working on something very special at the moment. God bless you. I love you. Bye bye.

Don't just read the words here. Click on the link and listen to Michael speak these words in his own voice. Audio format:

http://www.mjjforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=24245

Dad of Jackson accuser wants visits back
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) --The father of Michael Jackson's young accuser, who has pleaded no contest to child cruelty, said in an interview broadcast Monday that he wants a restraining order dropped so he can resume seeing his children.

"I've been trying to get a hold of them and get in touch with them since 2001," the man said in an interview on CBS' "The Early Show." "I've never been without them and it's been just a world of hurt without them since I've been away from them."

Last month, a judge refused to lift a 2-year-old restraining order banning him from seeing his children. The father had requested supervised visits with the boy, his brother and sister. The father pleaded no contest to child cruelty in 2002 and spousal abuse in 2001 and the boy's mother filed for divorce in 2001. The man's lawyer, Russell Halpern, said the father entered the no contest plea "against his own wishes," but never admitted wrongdoing.

Jackson has pleaded innocent to seven counts of performing lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 14 and two counts of administering and intoxicating agent, reportedly wine. The singer is free on $3 million bail pending trial.


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


Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/02/09/jackson.accuser.ap/index.html