At last, a little bit of common sense appears to be being used in the Michael Jackson case.
Judge Rodney Melville has rejected the defence team's request for a hearing, in respect of former Sheriff Jim Thomas's remarks on an NBC programme. These remarks concerned the 1993 investigation into allegations of molestation, which Thomas as a Sheriff was involved in.
The defence argues that the comments on NBC breached the gag order.
However, Judge Melville rejected their argument; on the basis that Thomas was no longer a sheriff, and was not being used by any of the parties in the case when performing his role on NBC.
This may only be a small step towards freedom of expression, but at least it is a step in the right direction.
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Friday, September 10, 2004
The Crying Game
It seems that, along with everyone else joining the celebrity circus of Michael Jackson's trial, his ex wife Debbie Rowe is also keen to get in on the act.
Her speciality "turn", is to break down in tears during a taped interview with "Entertainment Tonight".
Let's face it, no celebrity has ever done that before have they?
In between the crying, she discusses her plans to win custody of her children; also she notes that she is trying to work out what she wants to do.
I understand that the show will be aired on Monday.
Her speciality "turn", is to break down in tears during a taped interview with "Entertainment Tonight".
Let's face it, no celebrity has ever done that before have they?
In between the crying, she discusses her plans to win custody of her children; also she notes that she is trying to work out what she wants to do.
I understand that the show will be aired on Monday.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Suppression
The lawyers in Michael Jackson's trial, seem to be getting a tad tetchy with each other.
It is reported that Michael Jackson's defence team have requested that the prosecution team be penalised for, allegedly, delaying the release of a document which outlines planning for the raid on Neverland in November 2003.
The defence are peeved that the plan was not shown to them, until two working days before the 16 August hearing.
The plan, so it is alleged, contains details of events and interviews leading up to the raid.
Needless to say, the defence team are using this "delay" to press for the evidence gleaned from the Neverland raid to be suppressed.
It seems to me that evidence, if it is relevant, should be admitted whether or not there was an alleged "delay" in disclosure.
However, I am not a lawyer and therefore cannot be expected to grasp the finer points of the defence's reasoning on this matter!
Doubtless I will be enlightened, when the suppress motion is heard on 16 September.
It is reported that Michael Jackson's defence team have requested that the prosecution team be penalised for, allegedly, delaying the release of a document which outlines planning for the raid on Neverland in November 2003.
The defence are peeved that the plan was not shown to them, until two working days before the 16 August hearing.
The plan, so it is alleged, contains details of events and interviews leading up to the raid.
Needless to say, the defence team are using this "delay" to press for the evidence gleaned from the Neverland raid to be suppressed.
It seems to me that evidence, if it is relevant, should be admitted whether or not there was an alleged "delay" in disclosure.
However, I am not a lawyer and therefore cannot be expected to grasp the finer points of the defence's reasoning on this matter!
Doubtless I will be enlightened, when the suppress motion is heard on 16 September.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Shut Your Mouth
It seems that, former Sheriff, Jim Thomas may have been rather hasty in commenting last week on the allegations that Michael Jackson molested a boy back in 1993. Note his comments were relevant to his job, he is a news analyst working for NBC.
It is reported that Jackson's lawyers filed a motion yesterday, noting that Thomas may have violated the gag order surrounding the current Jackson case.
So much for the notion that the US is the land of free speech!
Needless to say, part of the motion was itself filed under seal; isn't this obsessive secrecy getting rather ridiculous?
I would venture to point out that revelations about Michael Jackson and his life, no matter how highly he and his fans regard himself, should pose no threat to national security; therefore the veil of secrecy should be lifted.
It is reported that Jackson's lawyers filed a motion yesterday, noting that Thomas may have violated the gag order surrounding the current Jackson case.
So much for the notion that the US is the land of free speech!
Needless to say, part of the motion was itself filed under seal; isn't this obsessive secrecy getting rather ridiculous?
I would venture to point out that revelations about Michael Jackson and his life, no matter how highly he and his fans regard himself, should pose no threat to national security; therefore the veil of secrecy should be lifted.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Kicking a Man When He is Down
Whether Michael Jackson is guilty or innocent, has yet to be decided by the trial; which will not take place until January 2005.
However, in a veritable blizzard of kicks and punches, people close to him have all seemingly conspired together; to announce, in the last week or so, that they will be a publishing books about him.
The latest, in this line of literary masterpieces, is said to come from Bob Jones; who, until Jackson fired him a few weeks ago, was Jackson's PR man.
Jones, in the true spirit of showbusiness, is said to be hawking his memoirs to New York publishers.
I understand that Jones has been with the Jacksons, in one guise or another, since the 1970's. That is one hell of a long time to be in "the eye of the storm".
This book will become yet another in a long line of "kiss and tell" memoirs, that include one banned in the USA written by Victor Gutierrez; which alleges several inappropriate liaisons between Jackson and minors.
Details on the banned book can be accessed via the link below:
However, in a veritable blizzard of kicks and punches, people close to him have all seemingly conspired together; to announce, in the last week or so, that they will be a publishing books about him.
The latest, in this line of literary masterpieces, is said to come from Bob Jones; who, until Jackson fired him a few weeks ago, was Jackson's PR man.
Jones, in the true spirit of showbusiness, is said to be hawking his memoirs to New York publishers.
I understand that Jones has been with the Jacksons, in one guise or another, since the 1970's. That is one hell of a long time to be in "the eye of the storm".
This book will become yet another in a long line of "kiss and tell" memoirs, that include one banned in the USA written by Victor Gutierrez; which alleges several inappropriate liaisons between Jackson and minors.
Details on the banned book can be accessed via the link below:
Monday, September 06, 2004
From Bad To Worse
It seems that in addition to the trial, and his father's book about the Jackson family, Michael Jackson now has to worry about a soon to be released book called "All That Glitters: The Crime and the Cover-up".
To order the book visit this link All That Glitters: The Crime and the Cover-up.
This book has been written by Raymond Chandler, not the well known author of detective novels, but the uncle of Jordie Chandler; who at the age of 12, in 1993, was at the centre of child molestation accusations against Jackson.
Although Jordie and others are restrained by a multi million dollar settlement from Jackson from discussing the story, his uncle isn't.
According to Jordie's uncle, Jordie idolised Jackson; allegedly the latter would call Jordie regularly when on tour, for hours at a time.
Aside from the background to the alleged abuse, the book also covers Evan Chandler's (Jordie's father) attempts to obtain custody of his son.
The book will be released on 12 September, All That Glitters: The Crime and the Cover-up
To order the book visit this link All That Glitters: The Crime and the Cover-up.
This book has been written by Raymond Chandler, not the well known author of detective novels, but the uncle of Jordie Chandler; who at the age of 12, in 1993, was at the centre of child molestation accusations against Jackson.
Although Jordie and others are restrained by a multi million dollar settlement from Jackson from discussing the story, his uncle isn't.
According to Jordie's uncle, Jordie idolised Jackson; allegedly the latter would call Jordie regularly when on tour, for hours at a time.
Aside from the background to the alleged abuse, the book also covers Evan Chandler's (Jordie's father) attempts to obtain custody of his son.
The book will be released on 12 September, All That Glitters: The Crime and the Cover-up
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Embarrassing Relatives
As if Michael Jackson doesn't have enough trouble at the moment, his dear old dad is set to publish a "kiss and tell" book about the family; in Germany.
Rather unfortunately the title in German is "Die Jackson's" (ie The Jackson's), sub title "The Golden Truth About The Jacksons".
Doubtless daddy Joe will feature heavily, and positively, in this literary masterpiece. The good news for son Michael, is that daddy Joe has to leave to USA; to go on a book signing tour of Germany for a while.
This just shows how some people in show business are pretty ghastly.
Rather unfortunately the title in German is "Die Jackson's" (ie The Jackson's), sub title "The Golden Truth About The Jacksons".
Doubtless daddy Joe will feature heavily, and positively, in this literary masterpiece. The good news for son Michael, is that daddy Joe has to leave to USA; to go on a book signing tour of Germany for a while.
This just shows how some people in show business are pretty ghastly.
Saturday, September 04, 2004
Untruths and Sensationalism
Michael Jackson issued a statement yesterday, saying he would answer "untruths and sensationalism".
He also, rather unnervingly, admitted that he had reached financial settlements with people in the past; in order to avoid the embarrassment of going to court.
That policy certainly seems to have backfired!
The latest report about payoffs was posted here yesterday, concerning the $2M allegedly paid to the son of an employee in 1990; in order to stave off allegations of molestation.
He also, rather unnervingly, admitted that he had reached financial settlements with people in the past; in order to avoid the embarrassment of going to court.
That policy certainly seems to have backfired!
The latest report about payoffs was posted here yesterday, concerning the $2M allegedly paid to the son of an employee in 1990; in order to stave off allegations of molestation.
Friday, September 03, 2004
Buying Peoples' Silence
It seems that, if reports are to be believed, Michael Jackson has tried to buy another person's silence.
Michael Jackson is alleged to have paid $2M, to the son of an employee at his Neverland Ranch in 1990; again to avoid child molestation charges.
This payola culture, if true, seems to be a habit with Jackson. He is alleged to have paid another accuser between $15M to $20M in 1993.
The report will be aired tonight on "Dateline NBC" TV news magazine.
In the report I understand that the retired Santa Barbara County Sheriff, Jim Thomas, says that he investigated Jackson in 1993; in connection with one claim, and stumbled upon this accusation.
The accuser alleged that Jackson fondled him. However, the payoff disbars the accuser from discussing it publicly.
Paying off people to buy their silence is self defeating:
Michael Jackson is alleged to have paid $2M, to the son of an employee at his Neverland Ranch in 1990; again to avoid child molestation charges.
This payola culture, if true, seems to be a habit with Jackson. He is alleged to have paid another accuser between $15M to $20M in 1993.
The report will be aired tonight on "Dateline NBC" TV news magazine.
In the report I understand that the retired Santa Barbara County Sheriff, Jim Thomas, says that he investigated Jackson in 1993; in connection with one claim, and stumbled upon this accusation.
The accuser alleged that Jackson fondled him. However, the payoff disbars the accuser from discussing it publicly.
Paying off people to buy their silence is self defeating:
- It encourage others to try to extort money
- It sends the wrong signal to the world, ie that there is something to hide
- It is financially unsustainable
Thursday, September 02, 2004
No Discount
Judge Rodney Melville has refused, for the second time, to lower Michael Jackson's bail from $3M.
It seems that the judge took the decision, based on evidence that Jackson was planning to flee to Brazil with his accuser's family. That would be a very bizarre holiday trip!
Judge Melville noted that the bail reflected Jackson's wealth, and fondness for travel.
It seems that the judge took the decision, based on evidence that Jackson was planning to flee to Brazil with his accuser's family. That would be a very bizarre holiday trip!
Judge Melville noted that the bail reflected Jackson's wealth, and fondness for travel.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Who Nose The Truth?
It seems that Michael Jackson's ear and nose are now on trial.
As noted on this site, Dr Werner Mang claimed that he had used part of Jackson's ear to rebuild his nose.
This operation was, allegedly, performed with Dr Stephen Hoefflin.
Now Dr Hoefflin claims that this is not correct. He claims that he has not performed surgery on Jackson for many years, and has no firsthand knowledge about anything Jackson has done more recently.
Now isn't this all getting rather silly?
As noted on this site, Dr Werner Mang claimed that he had used part of Jackson's ear to rebuild his nose.
This operation was, allegedly, performed with Dr Stephen Hoefflin.
Now Dr Hoefflin claims that this is not correct. He claims that he has not performed surgery on Jackson for many years, and has no firsthand knowledge about anything Jackson has done more recently.
Now isn't this all getting rather silly?
Sunday, August 29, 2004
Ear Today, Gone Tomorrow
Appearances can be deceptive; it seems that Michael Jackson's nose contains parts of his ear.
That at least is what Dr Werner Mang, a celebrity plastic surgeon, is reported to have said. Dr Mang claims that Jackson's nose was in such a poor state, that parts of Jackson's ear had to be used to hold it together.
Dr Mang is concerned that Michael Jackson has overdone the plastic surgery, just a tad, and has issued a public warning that no more "cuts" should be made.
Mang is reported to have theorised, that Jackson wants to turn himself into a white woman.
That at least is what Dr Werner Mang, a celebrity plastic surgeon, is reported to have said. Dr Mang claims that Jackson's nose was in such a poor state, that parts of Jackson's ear had to be used to hold it together.
Dr Mang is concerned that Michael Jackson has overdone the plastic surgery, just a tad, and has issued a public warning that no more "cuts" should be made.
Mang is reported to have theorised, that Jackson wants to turn himself into a white woman.
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