Michael Jackson's Trials

Michael Jackson's Trials

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The Ongoing Trials of The Late Michael Jackson

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Jackson Wants Leno Gagged

It is reported that attorneys for Michael Jackson have formally objected to the request by Jay Leno to exempt him from the gag order forbidding him from lampooning Jackson's trial on "The Tonight Show."

Quote from their court filing:

"Mr. Leno is an accomplished entertainer and, usually, a genuinely funny man..However, while the prosecution of Michael Jackson might be a convenient source of material, it is hardly crucial commentary on important political or social topics."

Jackson's lawyers argue that the gag order is necessary to protect Jackson's right to a fair trial, and that it should apply to Leno just as it applies to other witnesses.

Leno is due to attend the trial, in order to testify about an incident in which the Arvizo family contacted him. Seemingly they asked for financial help to pay for Gavin's cancer treatment. Leno became suspicious about the call and contacted police, according to the Jackson defence team.

Last week, Leno's attorneys filed a motion asking the court to clarify whether the gag order prevents him from talking about the case in his nightly monologue. If so, Leno wants the order amended so that it prevents him from talking only about firsthand information he has in the case.

While he waits for the court's clarification, Leno has been using other entertainers to deliver his monologues about Jackson.

The show must go on.

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