Thursday's hearing, into the Michael Jackson trial, took rather a bizarre turn.
Reporters and other members of the public were prohibited from talking in court, even before the proceedings started.
The rule was imposed after a reporter asked Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Sgt. Ross Ruth about a judge's order barring reporters from conducting interviews during breaks and hearings. Ruth responded by ordering his deputies to keep everyone silent.
One of Jackson's fans was removed from court by the bailiffs, for talking to the person next to her. Reporters had to write notes to each other.
The rule was rescinded during the day, apparently it was a "misunderstanding"; the "misunderstanding" was not explained.
Saturday, October 16, 2004
Friday, October 15, 2004
The Show Goes On
Yesterday Judge Rodney Melville ruled that the trial of Michael Jackson would go ahead, despite attempts by the defence to have the charges dropped.
The judge ruled that there was enough evidence to proceed with the trial. He warned both sides that he would not tolerate any delay to the start of the trial.
It starts on 31 January 2005; no arguments, no delays!.
Some light was shed on the nature of the charges against Jackson, even though there is a gagging order in place.
The indictment alleges that Jackson convinced the boy, who accuses him of molestation, and his family to attend a press conference in Miami; this never took place.
When they arrived in Miami, Jackson allegedly advised them to cooperate with the making of a rebuttal video that was shown on the BBC. They were advised this was to ensure their own safety, it is claimed.
Conspiracy to kidnap charges arise from Jackson allegedly flying them to Neverland, and holding them against their will. He also, allegedly, put their goods into storage ahead of a planned trip to Brazil.
Judge Melville noted that "These circumstances would support the view that the crimes were committed...".
The judge also allowed evidence taken from nNverland to be used in the trial.
The next hearing is scheduled for 4 November, when the judge will decide as to whether the prosecutor should be disbarred from the case.
The judge ruled that there was enough evidence to proceed with the trial. He warned both sides that he would not tolerate any delay to the start of the trial.
It starts on 31 January 2005; no arguments, no delays!.
Some light was shed on the nature of the charges against Jackson, even though there is a gagging order in place.
The indictment alleges that Jackson convinced the boy, who accuses him of molestation, and his family to attend a press conference in Miami; this never took place.
When they arrived in Miami, Jackson allegedly advised them to cooperate with the making of a rebuttal video that was shown on the BBC. They were advised this was to ensure their own safety, it is claimed.
Conspiracy to kidnap charges arise from Jackson allegedly flying them to Neverland, and holding them against their will. He also, allegedly, put their goods into storage ahead of a planned trip to Brazil.
Judge Melville noted that "These circumstances would support the view that the crimes were committed...".
The judge also allowed evidence taken from nNverland to be used in the trial.
The next hearing is scheduled for 4 November, when the judge will decide as to whether the prosecutor should be disbarred from the case.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Today In Court
In today's pre trial hearing of Michael Jackson's case, the defence will press for a reduction of the $3M bail.
Additionally, their motion for the removal of the prosecutor from the case will be heard. Should that succeed, then the Attorney General will conduct the case for the prosecution.
All good "knockabout" stuff!
Additionally, their motion for the removal of the prosecutor from the case will be heard. Should that succeed, then the Attorney General will conduct the case for the prosecution.
All good "knockabout" stuff!
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Jackson Still Hopping Mad
Michael Jackson is reportedly still hopping mad at Eminem for his spoof video, "Just Lose It", as reported on this site earlier.
Jackson is trying to persuade television networks to stop playing the video, he is not yet considering legal action against Eminem.
Black Entertainment Television had reportedly agreed on Tuesday to take the video off the air, and issued an appeal to other US broadcasters to "immediately follow suit and pull the video" .
Make you own mind up, by viewing "Just Lose It" here.
Jackson is trying to persuade television networks to stop playing the video, he is not yet considering legal action against Eminem.
Black Entertainment Television had reportedly agreed on Tuesday to take the video off the air, and issued an appeal to other US broadcasters to "immediately follow suit and pull the video" .
Make you own mind up, by viewing "Just Lose It" here.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
A Bit Fishy
This has appeared on the net.
Call me cynical, but it seems a bit fishy to me.
In the interests of fair play, I have dropped the official Michael Jackson site a note about it.
If they reply, I will post their response.
As it appears on the net, verbatim (contact details edited out):
"The Michael Jackson Foundation
Michael Jackson has always been a sign of innocence, charity and talent. He has given the world so much, with nothing in return. But now when he needs us the most, we will be there.
A division of "The Michael Jackson Camp" has started a worldwide fundraiser to help pay for some of Mr. Jackson's legal fees.
We will be selling lot's of merchandise with all the proceeds going directly to Mr. Jackson himself.
I have spoken with members of Mr. Jackson's legal team and they have given me permission to conduct this fundraiser.
If you have any questions please contact me via email or telephone. I will respond as quickly as possible.
company: .....
contact person: .....
e-mail: ............
phone: ............
site: ..........."
Call me cynical, but it seems a bit fishy to me.
In the interests of fair play, I have dropped the official Michael Jackson site a note about it.
If they reply, I will post their response.
As it appears on the net, verbatim (contact details edited out):
"The Michael Jackson Foundation
Michael Jackson has always been a sign of innocence, charity and talent. He has given the world so much, with nothing in return. But now when he needs us the most, we will be there.
A division of "The Michael Jackson Camp" has started a worldwide fundraiser to help pay for some of Mr. Jackson's legal fees.
We will be selling lot's of merchandise with all the proceeds going directly to Mr. Jackson himself.
I have spoken with members of Mr. Jackson's legal team and they have given me permission to conduct this fundraiser.
If you have any questions please contact me via email or telephone. I will respond as quickly as possible.
company: .....
contact person: .....
e-mail: ............
phone: ............
site: ..........."
Monday, October 11, 2004
Time To Prioritise
It is reported that Michael Jackson, clearly feeling that he does not have enough court appearances scheduled, is going to sue rapper Eminem over his new music video.
Apparently the video, "Just Lose It", mocks the Jackson.
The video features Eminem dressed as Jackson, losing his cosmetically enhanced nose; he then jumps on a bed with young children.
Eminem than proceeds to vomit, and douses his flaming hair by sticking his head down a toilet.
Charming!
Jackson has branded the video "disrespectful", and by all accounts is determined to have it banned.
Reports indicate that Jackson is "going crazy" over this.
In my opinion, for what it is worth, no matter how tacky and "disrespectful" others in the media are; Jackson should focus on the real issue, namely the possibility that he may lose his liberty.
I would say that the molestation case should be far more worrying to him, than any video; I think that it is time to prioritise what is really important.
Apparently the video, "Just Lose It", mocks the Jackson.
The video features Eminem dressed as Jackson, losing his cosmetically enhanced nose; he then jumps on a bed with young children.
Eminem than proceeds to vomit, and douses his flaming hair by sticking his head down a toilet.
Charming!
Jackson has branded the video "disrespectful", and by all accounts is determined to have it banned.
Reports indicate that Jackson is "going crazy" over this.
In my opinion, for what it is worth, no matter how tacky and "disrespectful" others in the media are; Jackson should focus on the real issue, namely the possibility that he may lose his liberty.
I would say that the molestation case should be far more worrying to him, than any video; I think that it is time to prioritise what is really important.
Sunday, October 10, 2004
I Have a Little List
Aficionados of Gilbert and Sullivan will doubtless be familiar with the song "I have a little list", from The Mikado.
It seems that Michael Jackson's defence team are seeking to emulate that song, by compiling their own list.
It is reported that they have requested that the names of the confidential prosecutorial informants be handed over to them. They wish to question them, to try to debunk charges against Jackson.
One of the informers apparently told the prosecution team that Jackson wanted to be like the "fog", untraceable.
In the motion, released on Friday, the defence argue that the informants are witnesses whose testimony might exonerate the singer. They also argue that, without the defence knowing the names of the informants, Jackson's right to a fair trial would be compromised.
It seems that Michael Jackson's defence team are seeking to emulate that song, by compiling their own list.
It is reported that they have requested that the names of the confidential prosecutorial informants be handed over to them. They wish to question them, to try to debunk charges against Jackson.
One of the informers apparently told the prosecution team that Jackson wanted to be like the "fog", untraceable.
In the motion, released on Friday, the defence argue that the informants are witnesses whose testimony might exonerate the singer. They also argue that, without the defence knowing the names of the informants, Jackson's right to a fair trial would be compromised.
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