Do It Yourself Fifth Amendment
There is a rumour circulating that District Attorney Tom Sneddon is keen to indict Michael Jackson's former attorney, Mark Geragos, on a conspiracy charge of kidnapping.
The mother of Michael Jackson's accuser alleges that associates of Jackson held her, and her children, hostage in the early part of 2003.
Ironically, or rather not surprisingly, Tom Sneddon's associates will not comment on this rumour; they cite the gag order as their own "Fifth Amendment".
I have to confess I am somewhat confused as to how Geragos is linked to the alleged kidnapping.
If anyone out there can enlighten me, and the visitors to this site, please feel free to comment.
Saturday, May 22, 2004
Friday, May 21, 2004
"Never Never" at Neverland
Michael Jackson is, it is not unreasonable to assume, expecting some substantial legal bills; as he fights the accusations of child molestation.
The "experts" predict that these could top $5M.
It is rumoured that he has remortgaged his Neverland Ranch, in order to release $18M of equity.
That is a lot of equity, but then again Neverland is a lot of property; it is after all over 2700 acres.
Needless to say if he defaults on repaying the loan, then like everyone else who borrows on the "never never", Michael Jackson will lose his home.
Michael Jackson is, it is not unreasonable to assume, expecting some substantial legal bills; as he fights the accusations of child molestation.
The "experts" predict that these could top $5M.
It is rumoured that he has remortgaged his Neverland Ranch, in order to release $18M of equity.
That is a lot of equity, but then again Neverland is a lot of property; it is after all over 2700 acres.
Needless to say if he defaults on repaying the loan, then like everyone else who borrows on the "never never", Michael Jackson will lose his home.
Thursday, May 20, 2004
Gagged and Bound
The arguments put forward by Attorney Theoore Boutrous Jr, acting on behalf of the media, for lifting the gag order on the Michael Jackson trial seem to have fallen on deaf ears.
The California Supreme Court said it will not consider arguments from news organisations trying to end a gag order in the Michael Jackson case.
The court issued a statement, quote "Review and application for stay denied."
The gag order disallows those directly involved in the case including; Michael Jackson, his accuser, and attorneys on both sides from publicly commenting.
However, Theodore Boutrous Jr. does not intend for the issue to die down; he is concerned for freedom of speech, and the alleged breach of the First Amendment.
In the opposing corner District Attorney Tom Sneddon is reported to be of the opinion that the coverage of the case so far, panders to a "gossip hungry" audience.
The arguments put forward by Attorney Theoore Boutrous Jr, acting on behalf of the media, for lifting the gag order on the Michael Jackson trial seem to have fallen on deaf ears.
The California Supreme Court said it will not consider arguments from news organisations trying to end a gag order in the Michael Jackson case.
The court issued a statement, quote "Review and application for stay denied."
The gag order disallows those directly involved in the case including; Michael Jackson, his accuser, and attorneys on both sides from publicly commenting.
However, Theodore Boutrous Jr. does not intend for the issue to die down; he is concerned for freedom of speech, and the alleged breach of the First Amendment.
In the opposing corner District Attorney Tom Sneddon is reported to be of the opinion that the coverage of the case so far, panders to a "gossip hungry" audience.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Pressure to Unseal Increases
There is a build up of pressure to unseal the transcripts of the 13 days of testimonies relating to the indictment of Michael Jackson.
This pressure is coming from Attorney Theodore Boutrous Jr., acting on behalf of the media. He argued on Tuesday that there is no justification for keeping a grand jury indictment under seal.
He is reported to be of the opinion that indictments have always been open to the public.
One key piece of information, from the media's perspective, that is still under seal is the name(s) of the alleged indicted/unindicted co-conspirator(s).
There is a good reason given for the sealing of these details, namely; to protect the identity of the minor, who is accusing Michael Jackson of molestation.
However, it seems that according to Boutrous the minor's identity is already well known.
As to the risk of contaminating jurors, Boutrous is arguing that careful questioning will ensure that only those with minimum contamination are selected.
The next hearing for Michael Jackson is scheduled for the 28th of May.
There is a build up of pressure to unseal the transcripts of the 13 days of testimonies relating to the indictment of Michael Jackson.
This pressure is coming from Attorney Theodore Boutrous Jr., acting on behalf of the media. He argued on Tuesday that there is no justification for keeping a grand jury indictment under seal.
He is reported to be of the opinion that indictments have always been open to the public.
One key piece of information, from the media's perspective, that is still under seal is the name(s) of the alleged indicted/unindicted co-conspirator(s).
There is a good reason given for the sealing of these details, namely; to protect the identity of the minor, who is accusing Michael Jackson of molestation.
However, it seems that according to Boutrous the minor's identity is already well known.
As to the risk of contaminating jurors, Boutrous is arguing that careful questioning will ensure that only those with minimum contamination are selected.
The next hearing for Michael Jackson is scheduled for the 28th of May.
Monday, May 17, 2004
Life is a Trial
It seems that his trial for alleged child molestation may not be the only one that Michael Jackson will face.
He is, according to reports, preparing for a secret trial as well.
This time with his former wife, Debbie Rowe, over custody of their children; Prince Michael and Paris.
The case will be heard in secret, to avoid the media spotlight.
Some chance of that!
It seems that his trial for alleged child molestation may not be the only one that Michael Jackson will face.
He is, according to reports, preparing for a secret trial as well.
This time with his former wife, Debbie Rowe, over custody of their children; Prince Michael and Paris.
The case will be heard in secret, to avoid the media spotlight.
Some chance of that!
The Life and Times of Michael Jackson (Part 1)
It seems that there will be a film about the life of Michael Jackson.
It is being shot in Canada, as that is a cheap location for filming. However, it is not authorised by Michael Jackson.
The working title is believed to be "Family Values", and will span his life from "Thriller" to the present day.
I understand that it is due to be completed by the end of May.
Jackson's role will be taken by Flex Alexander, who is in the sit-com "One On One".
I would have thought that there is ample opportunity for a sequel, once the trial is out of the way.
It seems that there will be a film about the life of Michael Jackson.
It is being shot in Canada, as that is a cheap location for filming. However, it is not authorised by Michael Jackson.
The working title is believed to be "Family Values", and will span his life from "Thriller" to the present day.
I understand that it is due to be completed by the end of May.
Jackson's role will be taken by Flex Alexander, who is in the sit-com "One On One".
I would have thought that there is ample opportunity for a sequel, once the trial is out of the way.
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Celebrity Status Rubs Off
I understand that Michael Jackson's old lawyer, Mark Geragos, is finding that Jackson's celebrity status has rubbed off on him.
He has now become accustomed to being asked for his autograph.
In one recent incident, an enthusiastic female fan asked him to sign her bra.
I guess Jackson's new lawyer is finding the same happening to him.
I understand that Michael Jackson's old lawyer, Mark Geragos, is finding that Jackson's celebrity status has rubbed off on him.
He has now become accustomed to being asked for his autograph.
In one recent incident, an enthusiastic female fan asked him to sign her bra.
I guess Jackson's new lawyer is finding the same happening to him.
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