Michael Jackson is a Piece of Art

A conference was held at Yale (23rd-24th Sept), to discuss Michael Jackson; it neatly sidestepped the forthcoming trial.

Eighteen intellectuals, from around the USA, popped over to Yale; to discuss all things racial, sexual and artistic relating to Michael Jackson.

The conference entitled "Regarding Michael Jackson: Performing Racial, Gender, and Sexual Difference Center Stage", concentrated on a number of aspects of Jackson's life:

• His battle against the music industry, who wanted to portray him as tough and macho; in contrast with his wish to portray himself in a softer light.



• His desire to change his appearance; even past photos of him are not immune from being lightened, according to Todd Gray his photographer.



• The charges against him, and society's prejudice against gays.



• Jackson's media image, in contrast to black rapper stereotypes.

It seems that Jackson has become, according to one attendee, "a self created piece of art".

Gag Has Slipped

It looks like the much vaunted gagging order, in the Michael Jackson case, seems to be slipping.

It is reported that the authorities raided the home of Jackson's personal assistant, Evelyn Tavasci.

Tavasci's name had been blacked out in court documents about the raid, she has worked for Jackson for over ten years.

However, Tavasci has told the press that the gag order bars her from discussing the case.

Precisely what was taken from her house has been sealed by the gag.

The Camera Cannot Lie

It seems that the row over the photos, allegedly taken from Neverland, looks like it will escalate.

As noted on this site, Tom Mesereau issued a statement on Tuesday denying that indecent photos were taken from Neverland; he asked the media to retract the allegation.

However, KFI an LA radio station that reported that several of the photos featured a naked boy is sticking by its story.

It says that it will only reveal the identity of its source, if the story is proved to be false.

I would venture to note, that the trial of Michael Jackson does not start until the end of January 2005. It seems, much like Christmas, it has started a little earlier.

Lies

Tom Mesereau, Michael Jackson's lawyer, issued a statement yesterday; categorically denying the story that has been circulating, about illicit photos seized by the police from Neverland.

Quote:

"That information is false. The prosecution has confirmed that it is false...We demand an immediate retraction from any news or media organization that made such an announcement."

Perversely, because of the gag order on the case, Mesereau had to get permission to make that statement.

Testing Times

It is reported that the Santa Barbara authorities are performing a number of scientific tests, on a number of seized items including a mattress, in order to determine whether Michael Jackson molested his accuser.

The tests include, both DNA and fingerprint analysis. Prosecutors believe that the results will show that Jackson placed his accuser in compromising positions.

In addition to a mattress, it is reported that the police may have seized pornographic magazines and a number of compromising photos.

Last Friday the prosecution reportedly told that judge that they seized 6 photos of young men, during the Neverland raid.

I Am Just The Same As You

Michael Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, has reportedly received emails of support from around the world; after her appearance on Entertainment Tonight.

The show took place in her Beverly Hills home, which Jackson bought her after their split. The show covered "meaty" topics such as; her life and facial makeovers.

Debbie claims to be the same as everyone else.

Perverse?

I understand that a five disc box collection, which covers the solo career of Michael Jackson between 1969-2004, will be released by Sony on 16 November.

The collection includes four CDs of 57 tracks, containing thirteen previously unreleased songs; plus a DVD with a complete concert from Budapest in 1992.

The unearthed rarities include; 'Shake Your Body', 'Sunset Driver' recorded during the Off The Wall sessions, an early version of Thriller's 'PYT' and Michael's solo demo of 'We Are The World'.

This seems a little perverse to me.

On the one hand Jackson is calling the music industry greedy and manipulative; saying that they forced him to pay off those who have accused him of molestation in the past. However, on the other hand, he is happy to take their "dollar"; by releasing a rehash of long forgotten tracks, not deemed to be good enough to release at the time.

Maybe I am just being too cynical?