Michael Jackson- MJJSource.com Official Newsletter
Mood:  irritated
Monday Sep 12, 2005

WARNING! MICHAEL (OR HIS CHILDREN) HAVE CONTACTED ME VIA EMAIL OR INTSANT MESSAGING... IS THIS REALLY HIM (OR THEM)?

NO.

Michael Jackson's authorized team members are the only ones who communicate via email on his behalf. This would always be official and verifiable correspondence.

Michael Jackson and his children do NOT ever communicate via computer. If you are communicating with someone on the internet that claims to be Michael Jackson or one of his children, you are being deceived.

When in doubt, please ask sitemanager@mjjsource.com.

Unfortunately, this is an issue that arises quite often. MJJsource URGES YOU TO BE CAREFUL AND AWARE. There are certain individuals that use the anonymity afforded them by the internet to disguise themselves as Michael Jackson and abuse the trust of innocent fans. This is an issue that Michael's Team takes very seriously as the safety of unsuspecting fans is at risk.

If you are aware of anyone that is taking part in this type of malicious deception, please email legal@mjjsource.com.

Please do not give out your personal phone numbers or address to anyone online that you do not know and trust personally.

Michael Jackson & MJJsource care about you and your safety!


Please Note:

If you or someone you know is impersonating Michael Jackson or one of his children on the internet via email, instant messaging, chatroom, etc,. Please be aware that this is a crime that MJJsource and the authorities take very seriously. Mr. Jackson's legal team will investigate all identity theft matters and the offending individual(s) will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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MJJsource.com
Let's Dance.

Jackson speaks out for first time since trial
Mood:  hug me
Topic: Main News
Singer says ordeal ‘the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life’

The Associated Press
Updated: 1:10 a.m. ET Sept. 18, 2005

LOS ANGELES - In his first talk with a reporter since the end of his criminal trial, pop superstar Michael Jackson said Saturday he is “moving full speed ahead” on plans to record a song for the benefit of Hurricane Katrina victims and feels that his creative juices are flowing again.

In a telephone call to The Associated Press, Jackson said the trial was “the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life” and that he and his children were still in Bahrain “resting and recovering” from the ordeal.

Jackson said he has been at work on the charity song, tentatively titled, “From the Bottom of My Heart.”

“I’m constantly working on it,” he said.

Also on the line was Raymone K. Bain, Jackson’s spokeswoman. She said the call would not be a full-fledged interview, and that Jackson just wanted to make contact to express his thanks for what he said was the AP’s fair coverage of his trial.

Jackson has been staying in Bahrain as the guest of Prince Abdulla, the son of the king of Bahrain. Of his friend Prince Abdulla, he said, “He’s the very best, amazing, so kind.”
Asked about his health, Jackson said, “I’m feeling good.” The singer had said during his trial that he was plagued by back problems.

Jackson was acquitted of child molestation in June after a five-month trial in Santa Maria, Calif. He has not appeared in public since and has spent much of his time in Bahrain.
Jackson wants the charity anthem to follow the success of the 1984 worldwide hit “We Are the World,” which he co-wrote to benefit African starvation victims. Bain has said many artists have agreed to join the project, but the lineup hasn’t been finalized.

Bain says eight performers so far have agreed to join in the song, including James Brown, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Lenny Kravitz, R. Kelly, Snoop Dogg and Ciara.
But representatives for some of the artists said it was premature to say their clients were committed to the project.

Representatives for Snoop Dogg said he would take part. But Jay-Z’s publicist, Jana Fleishman, said the rapper had “been approached, but Jay told me directly he is not yet confirmed to be on that song.” Several other publicists said their clients were in talks and had yet to confirm.

Bain, however, insisted during a telephone interview Wednesday that Jackson had personally contacted all the artists himself. She said Jackson will record the tune on 2 Seas Records, the label owned by Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, son of the king of Bahrain. Jackson, who was acquitted after a grueling child molestation trial four months ago, has been a guest of Sheik Abdulla for the past several weeks.

To confirm her account, Bain handed the phone to Sheik Abdulla, who said that he and Jackson had had talked to each artist personally. “He made every single call himself,” the sheik said.

Following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Jackson tried unsuccessfully to put together a benefit song called “What More Can I Give.”

For now, Bain said, the Katrina relief song is “a work in progress,” with a time, date and place of recording yet to be scheduled.

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

? 2005 MSNBC.com
URL: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9346369/

Mr. Joseph Jackson To Visit Katrina Evacuees In Texas
Mood:  happy
Topic: Main News
Mr. Joseph Jackson, patriarch of the Jackson family, will be visiting evacuees who have been relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas. He will arrive on September 19 and depart on September 21.

Mr. Jackson, himself familiar with the hardships faced by attempting to support a young family during difficult times, was especially moved by the situation faced by families displaced by hurricane Katrina. Because The Michael Jackson Fan Club is based in Corpus Christi, Texas, and this organization is experienced in hosting large events, Mr. Jackson chose to visit this particular group.

The Michael Jackson Fan Club and Mike Bradle of the American Response Team will be hosting Mr. Jackson's visit, beginning with his arrival at the Corpus Christi airport at 6:23 p.m. on September 19.

Mr. Jackson will be supplying lunch and will meet with the evacuees at the Memorial Coliseum at noon, September 20.

At 6:00pm that evening, a catered 3 course dinner will be provided to the evacuees at the Annaville Baptist Church. Mr. Jackson will have the opportunity to share in this communal meal and speak with them on a more personal level.

Members of the community are welcome to visit with Mr. Jackson at the Memorial Coliseum or at the Annaville Baptist Church.



Contact:

Angel Howansky

Gail Felix/SeaOfVicto

Jacko seen in lycra
Mood:  blue
Topic: Truth Or Fiction
Thursday September 15, 2005 10:47 AM)

Michael Jackson is reported to have emerged from hiding with an unusual appearance at a water park in Dubai, wearing a white lycra body stocking.

The pop superstar, who has only been seen once in the public eye once since his acquittal on all counts of child molestation, apparently rented out the entire Wild Wadi centre.

Giving his family and friends a free run of the park, Jackson is reported to have emerged in the lycra suit, which exposed just his nose and eyes.

"He looked even stranger than usual. His body is very skinny and lycra does him no favours," an eye-witness told a UK newspaper.

Jackson is understood to have been living in Bahrain since being cleared at his Santa Maria trial in June.

According to reports, he will soon return to the world of pop with the charity record "From The Bottom Of My Heart", which is set to feature stars such as Jay-Z and Mariah Carey and will raise funds for those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Jackson recently explained: "I will be reaching out to others within the music industry, to join me in helping to bring relief and hope to these resilient people who have lost everything."

Music?s Biggest Names join Michael Jackson
Mood:  happy
Topic: Main News
Washington, D.C. Michael Jackson is pleased to announce that Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, R. Kelly, Wyclef Jean, Lenny Kravitz, Lauren Hill, Mary J. Blidge, Yolanda Adams, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, James Brown, Snoop Dogg, the O’Jays, and Ciara, are among the artists joining in his hurricane relief song, where all proceeds will be donated to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

As previously announced, the working title of the song is, “From the Bottom of My Heart,” which will be released on 2 Seas Records, owned by Prince Abdullah Hamad Alkhalifa of Bahrain.

This project is in response to the widespread devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, and because of the human suffering taking place in the Gulf Region of his country. Mr. Jackson is continuing to reach out to artists who would like to work with him in this project, which he humbly hopes will make a tremendous difference to all individuals who have been affected by this tragedy.

All inquiries regarding Mr. Jackson's Katrina relief effort, and artist participation should be addressed to Mr. Jackson's publicist and Executive coordinator, Raymone K. Bain.

Source: Raymone K. Bain

Jackson Juror Sues to Get Out of Book Deal
Mood:  bright
Topic: Main News
By Associated Press

September 9, 2005, 9:09 PM EDT

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- A juror in the Michael Jackson case who said last month he believed the pop star was guilty of molesting his 15-year-old accuser has filed a lawsuit to get out of a book publishing contract.

Ray Hultman claims he was misled into signing a book deal with publisher Larry Garrison, owner of SilverCreek Entertainment.

Garrison said Friday he was unaware of the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Santa Maria Superior Court. "As far as I know I'm doing a book with him on the Jackson trial," he said.

Hultman, 62, wants out of the contract and is seeking unspecified damages for mental and emotional stress. He claims he was shocked by media reports last month that his book proposal contained material plagiarized from a Vanity Fair magazine article, and says that has damaged his reputation.

Also named in the lawsuit are his agent, Bill Gladstone, and author Stacy Brown. A contract attached to the lawsuit said Brown was to help write the book.

Brown called the lawsuit "laughable" and said he never agreed to co-author Hultman's book. He also denied the plagiarism allegations.

A message left for Gladstone was not immediately returned Friday.

James Nichols, Hultman's lawyer, said he has no idea how anything plagiarized got into the book.

"All I know is that Ray Hultman didn't write it. He just wants get on with his life," Nichols said.

Hultman has said he regretted finding Jackson not guilty in the June verdict. He and juror Eleanor Cook said on MSNBC last month that they went along with the other panelists because the jury foreman threatened to have them removed.

Copyright 2005 Newsday Inc.

Michael Jackson to Record Hurricane Relief Song
Mood:  hug me
Topic: Main News
Michael Jackson to Record Hurricane Relief Song
Fundraising Project titled: “From the Gulf to the Gulf”

Within 24 hours, Mr. Jackson will be reaching out to other recording superstars asking that they join him in this project to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina

Washington, D.C. - In response to the widespread devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, Recording Superstar Michael Jackson has been moved to pen a song, with the working title, “From the Bottom of My Heart.”

Hoping to rekindle the success of “We Are the World,” which he wrote and produced, and which raised millions of dollars for aid to Africa, Mr. Jackson will be enlisting, within the next 24 hours, the involvement of other recording superstars to join him in this project. It is his intention to record this record within the next two weeks.

“It pains me to watch the human suffering taking place in the Gulf Region of my country,” says Mr. Jackson. “My heart and prayers go out to every individual who has had to endure the pain and suffering caused by this tragedy. I will be reaching out to others within the music industry, to join me in helping to bring relief and hope to these resilient people who have lost everything.”

The song will be recorded on 2 Seas Records, a label owned by Prince Abdulla Hamad Alkhalifa of Bahrain. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Further details will follow.

Source: Raymone K. Bain/www.TRUtalk.us

COMING SOON - "BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MICHAEL JACKSON TRIAL" DOCUMENTARY

Mum of Jackson's accuser pleads innocent to fraud
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Main News

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The mother of the teenage boy who accused pop star Michael Jackson of sex abuse pleaded innocent on Tuesday to welfare fraud and perjury charges.

The 37-year-old woman, accompanied by a defence attorney, entered her plea one day earlier than scheduled, apparently to avoid an expected crush of reporters.

Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner James Bianco released the mother of four -- who was called a con artist and welfare cheat by Jackson's attorneys at his child molestation trial -- with no bail requirement and ordered her to return for a status hearing on October 28.

Her attorney, Patricia Hattersley, could not immediately be reached for comment after the arraignment.

The charges stem from information the woman provided to welfare officials and not her testimony at the Jackson trial, which ended when a jury cleared the 47-year-old entertainer in June.

Prosecutors say the woman, whose name has been withheld by most U.S. news organisations to protect her son's identity, defrauded the welfare system of some $18,000. She could face more than five years in prison if convicted.

She was called to the witness stand in the Jackson case by Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon but refused to testify about her finances or welfare applications on the grounds that doing so could incriminate her.

According to court documents the investigation was prompted by a tip from a private investigator in February 2005, after jury selection began in the Jackson trial.


A copy of the documents.


       
Document Files

A Personal Message from La Toya Jackson
Mood:  hug me
Topic: Main News
I would like to give all of you heartfelt thanks for your continued voices of encouragement and for your amazing support of Michael during the trying days that now, thankfully, lie behind us. Thank you so very much!

It has meant a great deal to me, to Michael and to our whole family. It is truly wonderful to have such amazing and loyal fans!

This is a very big victory for Michael and we are all very proud that he has been completely and totally vindicated in court, as we were certain he would be.

I am pleased to tell you that he is finally getting some rest and is regaining his appetite as well.

The end of the trial and the 'not guilty' verdicts on all counts, clearing Michael of all charges, mean that he can now concentrate on the future and his art.

He will be beginning a brand new chapter in the Michael Jackson LEGEND.

This means that I am not the only person 'Startin' Over' - Michael is now STARTING OVER as well.

As a matter of fact, this will be a brand new beginning for all of us.

Thank you!

Lots of Love

Source: Latoya Online

Jackson Attorney Filed A Civil Suit Against Martin Bashir
Mood:  happy
Topic: Main News

On August 23, 2005, attorneys for Jackson filed suit in a civil case against journalist Martin Bashir. Bashir, 34, who is mostly known for the Diana, Princess of Wales interview, and his more recent "Living with Michael Jackson," is accused of defrauding Jackson and harrassing staff at Marwell Zoo, London where Bubbles and Muscles, Jackson's former pets are kept. No official comment has been made, although insiders say that Jackson is "deeply disturbed" and that "these actions are unwelcome in lieu of Bashir's unsatisfactory and unsavory interviewing techniques". Bashir has a history of stalking and has previously been served restraining orders forcing him to stay away from the Beckham's, and their two children, Brooklyn and Romeo.

Victory Party in Las Vegas (MJJ Birthday)
Mood:  party time!
Topic: Main News
Monday, August 29, 2005
Copyright ? Las Vegas Review-Journal

Surprise guest gives thrill to Jackson fans

LV celebration marks King of Pop's acquittal

By BRIAN HAYNES
REVIEW-JOURNAL


More than 150 fans from around the world gathered Saturday night in Las Vegas to celebrate Michael Jackson's recent acquittal on child molestation charges, and when the surprise guest of the evening arrived, the fans could hardly contain themselves.

The flashbulbs popped and the video cameras whirred as the guest entered.

An emcee urged the pressing crowd to give him space. Cheers and applause filled the room at the Front Door Bar & Grill on Paradise Road near Tropicana Avenue.

"It's amazing," local fan Farah Pajuheshfar said. "It's Michael's dad, you know."

For Pajuheshfar and other fans at the MJJ Forum Victory Vindication 2005, being in the presence of the King of Pop's pop, Joseph Jackson, was the next best thing to seeing Michael Jackson himself.

Joseph Jackson waded through the crowd to his reserved table, then fans lined up for a chance to sit next to him and get their pictures taken.

When Pajuheshfar, who heads the MJ Soldiers of Love fan club in Las Vegas, got her chance, she smiled for snapshots and pointed out her self-made collection of Michael Jackson artwork pinned to the walls.

She came away from the meeting breathless.

"It's like I get closer and closer" to the Jackson family, she said.

Meanwhile, at least four Michael Jackson impersonators took turns kicking, spinning and gyrating on the dance floor. Someone hocked Jackson T-shirts at a table, and fans, many wearing glittery tops and tilted fedoras, celebrated their idol's acquittal.

"The legal system was shamed," said Kimberly Wright, a casino buffet hostess from the Detroit suburb of Highland Park, Mich.

She complained about "all the real rapists and child molesters that were probably in the city of Santa Maria who got off the hook because they were trying to crucify this man.

"It was disgusting."

The 28-year-old wore a custom-designed basketball jersey adorned with a picture of a gloved hand flashing a peace sign.

She also wore a button with Jackson's photo, circa late 1970s, when he still had an Afro and his original nose.

On the patio, Tony Redburn took a break from dancing and explained his fascination with Jackson.

The 20-year-old from Thousand Oaks, Calif., said he was born prematurely and required physical therapy to get his arms and legs working properly.

His mother played a variety of music during the therapy sessions, but when Jackson came on, "I would just come alive," Redburn said.

Now he pays homage to his idol by painting his face a ghostly white, donning a wig and black hat and doing his best impersonation.

He said he hopes to someday work in a show on the Strip.

While Redburn discussed his story, a young woman pulled her reluctant friend in Redburn's direction. "She wants to dance with you," the first woman said.

As that exchange ended, a young woman in a halter top looked Redburn up and down.

"You look extremely sexy," she said.

"It's nice to make people's day," Redburn said, the face paint hiding any sign of a blush.

Raquel Choyce, a Las Vegas resident and president of the Michael Jackson United Nation International Fan Club, organized the three-day event, which included a karaoke contest and a picnic.

Her mother, Carol Mainor, said Choyce went to her first Jackson concert at age 2.

"Right from that point she was standing in her seat, and she's been a fan ever since," Mainor said of her now 35-year-old daughter.

Besides heading a Jackson fan club, Choyce moonlights as a Janet Jackson impersonator. But her Jackson mania doesn't stop there.

"Strangely enough," her mother said, "she married a Michael impersonator."

Source:MJNO

To My Fans Throughout the World: A 'Thank You' Message From Michael Jackson
Mood:  happy
Topic: Main News
Created: Saturday, 03 September 2005

To My Fans Throughout the World:

Thank you so very much for your cards, letters and acts of kindness in celebration of my birthday. You are the most dedicated and caring fans in the world.

I love you and God bless you all!

Sincerely,

Michael Jackson

A Note from MJJsource: Thank you to all the fans that signed the MJJsource Birthday card for Michael. 13,000 friends and fans posted their greetings on the card from 160 different countries! This 400 PAGE BIRTHDAY CARD was delivered directly to Michael... We know that he LOVED it!

Jackson in Dubai: Buffalo wings, speedboats
Mood:  happy
Topic: Main News

King of Pop buzzes around Emirate with race car driver during visit

The Associated Press
Updated: 5:52 p.m. ET Aug. 30, 2005

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - He ate Buffalo wings. He took a speedboat to a luxury villa on a manmade island. He buzzed around the Emirate with a race car driver and a prince.

In contrast to the frail and somewhat withdrawn Michael Jackson cleared of child abuse charges in June, the king of pop appeared at ease during his visit to this Persian Gulf sheikdom, said Mohammed Bin Sulayem, the Emirates champion rally driver who escorted Jackson on sightseeing tours.

The pair was joined by a mutual friend, Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the son of Bahrain’s king.

According to local newspaper accounts and pictures, the 47-year-old performer was even spotted looking over some of the world’s priciest real estate developments in Dubai, a booming luxury resort and one of the world’s fastest-growing cities.

“He wants to see more of this area. He likes it here,” said Bin Sulayem.

The local press has been full of speculative articles about the singer taking up residence. But Jackson’s race car driver friend said the pop star is just looking.

“I would love to see him come to this part of the world and live — or even just to have a second house,” the champion driver said.

Before his visit to Dubai, Jackson had been staying as Sheik Abdulla’s guest in Bahrain, where he took refuge after his 19-month trial and June 13 acquittal on child molestation charges.

But unlike his reclusive stay in that oil-rich island kingdom the size of Rhode Island, Jackson’s visit to Dubai has included several surprise public appearances.

The singer visited a pair of Dubai’s $14 billion manmade island developments, touring The Palm Jumeirah, one of three palm tree-shaped archipelagoes under construction.

Jackson’s entourage also took a speedboat to The World development, an artificial archipelago of 300 private islets being reclaimed offshore and formed in the shape of a world map.

In other personal snapshots Bin Sulayem provided, Jackson could be seen in his trademark black Fedora and sunglasses and a royal blue shirt, strolling alongside his Arab hosts, men in traditional white robes and headdresses.

Bin Sulayem was full of praise for Jackson’s patience with fans, waiters and salespeople, who he said “bombarded” him with requests for autographs and pictures.

“The guy is a gentleman. I’ve met guys who weren’t even 10 percent as famous as he is, and they are much harder to deal with,” Bin Sulayem said.

The singer also paid visits to the Burj al-Arab hotel, the sail-shaped skyscraper that sits on a tiny island off Dubai, and went to the Hard Rock Cafe for spicy Buffalo chicken wings.

Jackson’s spokeswoman, Raymone K. Bain, did not return repeated phone calls seeing comment.

Jackson was recently fined $10,000 for failing to appear in court to face a separate civil case in Louisiana on a claim of sexual assault.

On June 13, he was acquitted of charges alleging that he molested a 13-year-old boy, gave him wine and conspired to hold him and his family captive to make a videotaped rebuttal of a damaging television documentary.

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

? 2005 MSNBC.com
URL: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9131665

Welfare Fraud Charged Against Mother of Jackson Accuser
Mood:  chatty
Topic: Breaking News
Tuesday, 23 August 2005

A five-count complaint of welfare fraud has been filed against the mother of the teen accuser of Michael Jackson. The complaint alleges that she collected $18,782 in payments while making claims that she was indigent.

During the trial, Jackson's attorneys presented evidence that she and her family received $150,000 settlement in 2001 in a lawsuit against J.C. Penney, again while claiming to be indigent.

It was also shown that she received money from her boyfriend to pay her rent on an apartment.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Bureau of Fraud and Corruption Prosecutions are alleging that she hid from authorities that she received the settlement and failed to report the receipt of $637 for her rent in January 2003. The payment was not discovered until a social services investigator received a tip from a private investigator on February 2, 2005.

She was a significant witness for the prosecution against Michael Jackson and many of the jurors believed that she lacked credibility.

Source: AP/MJJForum

Jackson, ex-wife close to visitation agreement
Mood:  hug me
Topic: Main News
Debbie Rowe Jackson trying to win the right to visit her children

The Associated Press
Updated: 8:59 p.m. ET Aug. 2, 2005

LOS ANGELES - There’s word Michael Jackson and his ex-wife are close to a deal in a dispute over two of the pop star’s children.

Debbie Rowe Jackson is trying to win the right to visit the kids — after she voluntarily gave up her parental rights in 2001. A judge voided the order last year — after her attorneys argued that proper court procedures weren’t followed. Jackson has since appealed the voiding of the order.

Jackson attorney Michael Abrams says a settlement “is in sight” — and that it “will be to everybody’s satisfaction.”

When Rowe sought the change in the visitation arrangement, one of the reasons she cited was that the pop star had been charged with child molestation. Jackson ended up being acquitted of those charges in June.

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

? 2005 MSNBC.com
URL: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8803180/

Dupri says Jackson should flaunt acquittal
Mood:  sad
Topic: Main News
Record producer, and Janet's boyfriend, says singer still has magical quality

The Associated Press
Updated: 10:52 a.m. ET Aug. 2, 2005

NEW YORK - If Michael Jackson took Jermaine Dupri's advice, he'd be on TV flaunting his acquittal instead of retreating from the public eye.

"I was him, I would have gone on ‘TRL’ immediately and said look, ‘Everybody who wanna say something about me, good, y'all could say whatever y'all wanna say, there's nothing you can say about me at this point, no more than what just happened," said Dupri, who is dating Jackson's sister Janet.

Jackson was acquitted in June on child molestation charges.

While other scandal-plagued stars have launched the comeback route with a teary-eyed interview with Oprah Winfrey or Barbara Walters, Dupri scoffed at the suggestion that Jackson should be remorseful.

"He don't have to do that, because he didn't do nothing wrong. Everybody else did something wrong but him. What did he do wrong? Why should he come back and cry?" Dupri asked.

And though some have doubted whether the pop star could make a successful comeback, Dupri says Jackson has a magical quality that will always keep people interested.

"If Michael Jackson came in this room right now, there would be no one in this room who could not stop looking at him. As long as you've got that power, you're never damaged," Dupri told The associated Press in a recent interview. "He has that power over anybody. If people can't stop looking at you, you're so interesting to people, there's no way you can be damaged."

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

URL: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8797331

Jackson Case Sets Precedent
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Main News
A recent decision by the California Supreme Court to allow the Michael Jackson case to stand as a recedent on trial secrecy has been harshly criticised by media lawyers.

The one-sentence decision from the Court last week
denied a request from various news organisations to
“de-publish” the rulings of Judge Rodney Melville.
This means that the Jackson case will stay in the
legal books and can be used by judges or lawyers
wishing to seal documents in other cases.

"It is a very dangerous precedent because it gives the court an opportunity to close out the public from critical information during a high-publicity trial,"said Laurie Levenson, a professor at the Loyola Law School. "This formalizes the celebrity exception to the First Amendment.

"There's a saying that bad cases make bad law," she said. "Now we are seeing that notorious cases make bad law."

A three-member panel on the 2nd District Court of Appeal had agreed in April that Judge Melville had
been justified in sealing court records and placing gag orders on parties involved with the trial.

At the time, the Judge said that releasing the documents publicly may have prejudiced the jury pool.
He said this was necessary to protect Jackson’s right to a fair trial.

Theodore Boutrous, an attorney who argued the case on behalf of the news media, said he hoped the case would not be applied in future trials.

"The argument that the Jackson lawyers made for secrecy was that this was a special case," said Boutrous in an interview Monday. "It should have extraordinarily limited application, but there is the danger it will be applied to other cases."

In his arguments, Boutrous said that the Jackson case could not be compared to any other because of "the unique combination of the most famous criminal defendant of all time, sensitive allegations of child molestation and an intense media spotlight."

Attorneys for the Santa Barbara County argued for keeping the case as a precedent and criticised media coverage of high-profile trials.

County Counsel, Stephen Shane Stark, wrote in a letter that the case would help judges in other high-profile cases.

"The media's insatiable quest for stories that showcase criminal behaviour illustrates why this decision is significant and should remain published," he wrote.

"While admittedly a Michael Jackson case does not happen very frequently, the media presents for public consumption a new crime story seemingly every day."

Harland Braun, a criminal defense attorney who has represented many celebrity defendants including actor
Robert Blake, welcomed the decision.

"A defense lawyer has his client's interest at stake," he said. "If I thought something could prejudice my client I would try to seal it. But the public interest is quite different. It's to make sure the system is operating properly."

Source: AP/MJJForum

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

MJJForum.com - Bridging the gap between Michael Jackson and his fans.

MJJForum website: http://www.mjjforum.com/

Jackson Accuser Accused, Called A 'Con Artist' UPDATE - CJ
Mood:  surprised
Topic: Main News
Date 2005/7/21 12:47:20

Jackson Accuser Accused
November 11, 2004

Hope Horne, of Pineville, Louisiana, spoke exclusively to "Celebrity Justice." She says Joseph Thomas Bartucci, Jr., is her ex-boyfriend and claims that long before Bartucci filed a lawsuit accusing Michael Jackson of graphic sexual molestation, she knew he was planning to do it.

"When I was watching 'Celebrity Justice,' I was just shocked," Horne said. "I couldn't believe he went through with it. He told me a couple of months before that he was going to sue Mr. Jackson, and I told him he was full of it. I am speaking out because I don't want to see this con man ruin a person who already has enough on his plate."

"CJ" has learned that Bartucci filed another suit in 2001, accusing a Louisiana reverend of sexual molestation, claiming the minister "demanded that the plaintiff's masturbation was necessary in order to purify and avoid going to hell."

(continue...)
Attorneys for both sides say that the suit settled out of court with the terms confidential. Bartucci's lawyer on that case told "CJ" that his client seemed truthful, but the reverend's lawyer said it was a totally meritless suit that devastated the minister and his family.

"I'm angry that he's doing this," Hope said. "I feel hurt that he's doing this and glad that maybe I'll see justice served. He's a total con artist and a liar."

Hope says she's surprised that Bartucci is also facing a civil suit, in which a woman claims he used "fraudulent conduct" and "obtained title" to her insurance policy. That woman's lawyer claims Bartucci faked a convulsion during a deposition, about which Hope said, "It does not shock me at all."

As for the Jackson case, Bartucci claims the abuse happened in 1984 when he was 18 and he repressed the memory of it until 2003 when he saw a Court TV episode and then decided to sue.

So what's Hope's theory on why Bartucci is accusing Jackson of sexual assault, cutting him with a razor blade and puncturing his chest with steel wire? "He's trying to get a quick buck," Hope said. "He thinks Michael Jackson will pay him off and shut him up."

We tried, but couldn't find Mr. Bartucci for comment on all this. We also repeatedly called the attorney representing Bartucci on the Jackson suit, but could get a hold of him.



Source: http://celebrityjustice.warnerbros.com/news/0411/11a.html

Watch the video of this report on CJ:
http://celebrityjustice.warnerbros.com/
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Michael Jackson hospitalised after trial - lawyer
Mood:  blue
Topic: Main News
LONDON (Reuters) - Michael Jackson went to hospital suffering from dehydration and weight loss after jurors acquitted the singer of child molestation last month, his lawyer said on Tuesday.

"Michael Jackson was ill from time to time. In fact, people didn't realise he actually entered the hospital after the verdict," Jackson's lawyer Tom Mesereau told BBC radio in an interview.

"He was dehydrated, he had lost a tremendous amount of weight, he was having trouble keeping food down, he was terrified about what was going happen to his children and he had a recurring back problem," he added.

The child star turned superstar, whose "Thriller" album made him one of the world's best known entertainers, was visibly weak at the end of his four-month trial and his family said he had gone to bed after the verdict.

Mesereau said he had not spoken to Jackson in the last few weeks although the two had been in touch after the trial.

Jackson was acquitted last month of molesting a 13-year-old boy in 2003 as well as plying him with alcohol and conspiring to abduct the boy.

The singer faced nearly 20 years in prison if convicted.

Although cleared, music industry experts have questioned how the formerly unstoppable superstar can rebuild his career and work his way out of deep debt.

Mesereau insisted Jackson would not settle out of court if further allegations were made against him.

"I am concerned because he is a perpetual target. There still is a perception among some people that he ... doesn't want to go to court and will settle," said Mesereau. "We will be fighting any of these suits all the way if they happen."

Jackson's success as a pop singer had faded even before the trial as he became more reclusive and the media turned its attention to his dramatic physical changes and eccentric lifestyle.

Mesereau said he hoped nobody entered Jackson's home to spend the night to avoid future false claims.

"I advised Mr. Jackson not to let any families in his home again," said the lawyer.

Jackson misses father's birthday
Mood:  hug me
Topic: Main News

Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine has said the singer's child molestation trial has "torn him apart", leaving him unable to make their father's birthday.

Jermaine was in Berlin with other family members for a weekend party to celebrate father Joe's 76th birthday.

Michael Jackson posted a notice on his website last week telling fans he would not be going to the celebrations.

"His case tore him apart mentally. He's very strong mentally, but he needs his rest right now," Jermaine Jackson said.

The statement on Michael Jackson's website also said: "Michael would like to wish his father a very heartfelt 'Happy Birthday' and he hopes that everyone attending the event has a truly wonderful time."

Meanwhile his sisters Janet and La Toya Jackson travelled to Berlin to be with their father.

Hundreds of fans, many dressed as Michael Jackson, flocked to the Estrel hotel to join in the party.

Many said they had also flown to the US to support the singer during the 14-week trial earlier this year. Jackson, 46, was acquitted of all child molestation charges against him.

He has not been seen in public since he left the Santa Maria courtroom following the acquittal.

He suffered health problems during the trial and appeared increasingly frail.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/entertainment/music/4710171.stm

Published: 2005/07/23 11:42:52 GMT

? BBC MMV