The documentary “Leaving Neverland” has revived interest in Michael Jackson’s 2005 sexual molestation trial, and raised questions about how the jury could have possibly found the singer not guilty. The answer is simple: You had to be there.
I was there, for six months, covering the trial for The Associated Press. You can listen to a deep-dive into my trial memories in our “Shoot This Now” podcast, available on Apple or right here:
What did we see at the trial? We watched the prosecution’s case fall apart thanks to Jackson’s skilled legal team, and their efforts to discredit the family of Jackson’s accuser, Gavin Arvizo, who was 13 when he first accused Jackson.
Also Read: Michael Jackson Accuser Wade Robson Criticizes MTV's 'Unfortunate Choice' to Keep Jackson's Name on Vanguard Award (Exclusive)
It didn’t help that Wade Robson, one of the men who accuses Jackson of molesting him in “Leaving Neverland,...
I was there, for six months, covering the trial for The Associated Press. You can listen to a deep-dive into my trial memories in our “Shoot This Now” podcast, available on Apple or right here:
What did we see at the trial? We watched the prosecution’s case fall apart thanks to Jackson’s skilled legal team, and their efforts to discredit the family of Jackson’s accuser, Gavin Arvizo, who was 13 when he first accused Jackson.
Also Read: Michael Jackson Accuser Wade Robson Criticizes MTV's 'Unfortunate Choice' to Keep Jackson's Name on Vanguard Award (Exclusive)
It didn’t help that Wade Robson, one of the men who accuses Jackson of molesting him in “Leaving Neverland,...
- 8/13/2019
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
Michael Jackson's full acquittal on child molestation charges Monday elated fans but struck legal observers as more of an indictment of the prosecution's case than an example of celebrity influence. Jackson, 46, and his entourage returned triumphantly to his Neverland Ranch in rural Santa Barbara County as jurors pieced through the wreckage of District Attorney Tom Sneddon's case. In a post-verdict news conference, the jury largely blamed the mother of the 15-year-old accuser, whom the defense portrayed as a grifter bent on using her son to extort money from Jackson. Jurors said she further alienated them by being arrogant and disrespectful, especially by snapping her fingers at them from the witness stand. "What mother in her right mind would allow that to happen -- to freely volunteer your child to sleep with someone, not just Michael Jackson, but anyone?" a juror identified only as No. 10 told reporters. "Things didn't add up, so yes, (the suspicion) was there."...
- 6/14/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Jackson's full acquittal on child molestation charges Monday elated fans but struck legal observers as more of an indictment of the prosecution's case than an example of celebrity influence. Jackson, 46, and his entourage returned triumphantly to his Neverland Ranch in rural Santa Barbara County as jurors pieced through the wreckage of District Attorney Tom Sneddon's case. In a post-verdict news conference, the jury largely blamed the mother of the 15-year-old accuser, whom the defense portrayed as a grifter bent on using her son to extort money from Jackson. Jurors said she further alienated them by being arrogant and disrespectful, especially by snapping her fingers at them from the witness stand. "What mother in her right mind would allow that to happen -- to freely volunteer your child to sleep with someone, not just Michael Jackson, but anyone?" a juror identified only as No. 10 told reporters. "Things didn't add up, so yes, (the suspicion) was there."...
- 6/13/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Jackson's former wife Debbie Rowe shocked prosecution lawyers when she tearfully testified yesterday that she was not pressurized into appearing in a television documentary praising her ex husband - and she asserted that her answers were not scripted by Jackson or his aides. Rowe, who was married to the Thriller singer for three years from 1996 to 1999, and had children Prince Michael and Paris with him, was expected to bolster the prosecution's argument that Jackson forced the family of the boy accusing Jackson into appearing in a counter documentary following British journalist Martin Bashir's damaging 2003 expose Living With Michael Jackson. Rowe told the court, "I didn't want anyone to be able to come back to me and say my interview was rehearsed. As Mr. Jackson knows, no one can tell me what to say." She said that she was offered a list of the questions so she could prepare, but she chose not to read them. She recalled, "It was a cold interview and I wanted to keep it that way." Deputy District Attorney Ron Zonen asked Rowe what she expected in return for giving the video interview and the visibly crying witness replied, "To be reunited with the children and be reacquainted with their dad." In his opening statement on February 28, chief prosecutor Tom Sneddon told the jury, "Debbie Rowe will tell you her interview also was completely scripted. They scripted that interview just like they scripted the (accuser's mother's) interview." But the prosecution's line of attack has faltered in the face of Rowe's reversed testimony - and she remained adamant that neither Jackson or his aides tried to coerce her into giving scripted answers. Rowe will take the stand again today. Jackson has pleaded not guilty to 10 felony charges of child molestation, administering an intoxicating agent and conspiracy involving allegations of child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. The trial continues.
- 4/28/2005
- WENN
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