Oh dear, it seems that Michael Jackson may have been telling "porkies" (lies) in relation to his alleged "manhandling" by law enforcement officers last year.
An inquiry has concluded that the story was a fabrication. Jackson may now face charges for filing a false report, on top of those relating to child molestation.
The investigation took a staggering 2500 hours, and covered over 160 witnesses. I trust that if Jackson is charged with filing a false report, he is made to pay for the cost of this investigation!
Yesterday saw a family reunion. The entire Jackson clan turned up to Santa Barbara, to watch Michael's nemesis (Tom Sneddon) take the stand in a pre trial hearing.
For reasons best known to himself, Michael Jackson arrived in a double decker bus.
Reports indicate that white was the dress code of the day for the family; co-ordinated wardrobes are so important at these events, don't you think?
Tom Sneddon and Tom Mesereau (Jackson's defence attorney) were not the pleasant towards each other, a tad testy so reports indicate.
The circus continues.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Monday, August 16, 2004
The Circus is Back in Town
Today will see something of a media scrum in the town of Santa Barbara. Michael Jackson will be coming to town, to see his nemesis Tom Sneddon take the witness stand in a pre trial hearing.
In addition to Michael, various members of his family will turn up. Daddy Jackson Joe, his wife and some of Michael's brothers and sisters will also come to court.
It had been originally assumed that Michael would not appear in court, until his actual trial commences in January. However, it seems that the prospect of watching Sneddon being grilled was too tempting to resist.
Chris Pappas, the Santa Barbara police dept spokesman has reportedly said that they are ready for all contingencies.
My sympathies go to the people of Santa Barbara, who doubtless will feel that they are under siege today.
In addition to Michael, various members of his family will turn up. Daddy Jackson Joe, his wife and some of Michael's brothers and sisters will also come to court.
It had been originally assumed that Michael would not appear in court, until his actual trial commences in January. However, it seems that the prospect of watching Sneddon being grilled was too tempting to resist.
Chris Pappas, the Santa Barbara police dept spokesman has reportedly said that they are ready for all contingencies.
My sympathies go to the people of Santa Barbara, who doubtless will feel that they are under siege today.
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Punch Up
Tomorrow will see a splendid punch up between Michael Jackson's lawyer and Tom Sneddon (for the prosecution), as the latter takes the stand in a pre trial hearing.
Such is the popularity of this event, even Michael will be attending.
Such is the popularity of this event, even Michael will be attending.
Saturday, August 14, 2004
The High Price of Justice
Santa Barbara now finds itself on the media map, as a result of the Michael Jackson trial, and as such can "enjoy" the benefits that fame can bring.
However, as with everything in life, there is a price to be paid. In this particular case, it is estimated to be around $426K to date.
This covers the pretrial hearings held from January 2004 to date. Once that the trial "for real" is up and running, in 2005, the cost per day is estimated to be around $50K.
Whilst these cost estimates include the security and other staff costs, they do not include investigation and prosecution costs.
Rather wistfully Michael Brown, the County Administrator, is hoping for interest in the case to wane.
I suspect that, once the trial starts, the interest in it will rise exponentially.
However, as with everything in life, there is a price to be paid. In this particular case, it is estimated to be around $426K to date.
This covers the pretrial hearings held from January 2004 to date. Once that the trial "for real" is up and running, in 2005, the cost per day is estimated to be around $50K.
Whilst these cost estimates include the security and other staff costs, they do not include investigation and prosecution costs.
Rather wistfully Michael Brown, the County Administrator, is hoping for interest in the case to wane.
I suspect that, once the trial starts, the interest in it will rise exponentially.
Friday, August 13, 2004
A Nice Day Out
It is reported that Michael Jackson will attend court next week, in order to watch prosecutor Tom Sneddon take the stand.
Michael will also be accompanied by his parents and siblings.
The appearance by Sneddon is in relation to the surveillance that he carried out of the office of Bradley Miller, a private investigator.
The prosecution deny that they knew that Miller was employed by Mark Geragos, Jackson's attorney at the time.
Michael will also be accompanied by his parents and siblings.
The appearance by Sneddon is in relation to the surveillance that he carried out of the office of Bradley Miller, a private investigator.
The prosecution deny that they knew that Miller was employed by Mark Geragos, Jackson's attorney at the time.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Foregone Conclusion?
Michael Jackson's ex wife, Debbie Rowe, is reportedly convinced that she will win her custody battle for her two children (Prince Michael and Paris).
Her belief is based on the fact that Jackson faces trial for child molestation, a second time that such allegations have been made against the singer.
Personally, I would say never take anything for granted.
Her belief is based on the fact that Jackson faces trial for child molestation, a second time that such allegations have been made against the singer.
Personally, I would say never take anything for granted.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Friends Like These
It seems that in the world of showbusiness, friendship can be somewhat transitory and superficial.
Macaulay Culkin, a "friend" of Michael Jackson, is reported to be reluctant to help out his chum; by coming to his defence, in respect of the child molestation allegations.
Culkin is of the opinion that any defence that he offers, would be shot down by the riposte; "Well, weren't you ten years old when you hung out with him?".
To my view, that should not prevent him trying to help his friend out.
Macaulay Culkin, a "friend" of Michael Jackson, is reported to be reluctant to help out his chum; by coming to his defence, in respect of the child molestation allegations.
Culkin is of the opinion that any defence that he offers, would be shot down by the riposte; "Well, weren't you ten years old when you hung out with him?".
To my view, that should not prevent him trying to help his friend out.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
A Fool and His Money
It seems that Michael Jackson is not too perturbed about his forthcoming trial, in January, for alleged child molestation.
It is reported that he, and his expensive entourage of lackeys, is in South Beach Miami; on a house hunting trip.
I would venture to ask, given his current poor level of finances, how can he afford another house?
I understand that the room charge per night, in the hotel which he will be using in Miami, is around $2500; before he even touches the minibar!
So where is the money coming from?
It is reported that he, and his expensive entourage of lackeys, is in South Beach Miami; on a house hunting trip.
I would venture to ask, given his current poor level of finances, how can he afford another house?
I understand that the room charge per night, in the hotel which he will be using in Miami, is around $2500; before he even touches the minibar!
So where is the money coming from?
Monday, August 09, 2004
Nature Abhors a Vacuum
The absence of new information concerning the forthcoming Michael Jackson trial, in January 2005, has caused consternation in the media.
In order to fill the void, they are now forced to make stories up; albeit that they are clearly spoofs.
One such spoof was played on Channel 955 Detroit. It consists of a phone interview with "Michael Jackson", concerning his alleged fatherhood of quads.
To listen to the spoof, visit Channel 955 Detroit.
In order to fill the void, they are now forced to make stories up; albeit that they are clearly spoofs.
One such spoof was played on Channel 955 Detroit. It consists of a phone interview with "Michael Jackson", concerning his alleged fatherhood of quads.
To listen to the spoof, visit Channel 955 Detroit.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Family Sticks Together?
Michael Jackson's sister, Latoya, has spoken out in support of her brother; in relation to his forthcoming trial for alleged child molestation in January 2005.
In a TV interview, she said that she believed that everything would work itself out. Adding that the crisis has brought the Jackson family together.
However, this new found sense of sticking together didn't quite demonstrate itself at last month's 76th birthday celebrations for Michael's father Joe. None of his children turned up to the event, leaving Jackson senior feeling "hurt".
In a TV interview, she said that she believed that everything would work itself out. Adding that the crisis has brought the Jackson family together.
However, this new found sense of sticking together didn't quite demonstrate itself at last month's 76th birthday celebrations for Michael's father Joe. None of his children turned up to the event, leaving Jackson senior feeling "hurt".
Saturday, August 07, 2004
A Right Old Panning
It seems that yesterday's screening on VH1 of "Man In The Mirror, The Michael Jackson Story" was not a total critical success.
Critics have universally panned the film.
It labours under the insurmountable burden of not being authorised, hence none of Jackson's music was used in it.
The film even uses footage of the planes crashing in to the Twin Towers, quite what that has to do with Michael Jackson is not clear.
The conclusion is that if you are looking for a meaningful insight into the life and mind of Michael Jackson, you won't find it in this film.
Critics have universally panned the film.
It labours under the insurmountable burden of not being authorised, hence none of Jackson's music was used in it.
The film even uses footage of the planes crashing in to the Twin Towers, quite what that has to do with Michael Jackson is not clear.
The conclusion is that if you are looking for a meaningful insight into the life and mind of Michael Jackson, you won't find it in this film.
Friday, August 06, 2004
The Circus Comes To Town
In yet another complaint, filed on Thursday, Michael Jackson's attorneys have noted that they have not received lists of items seized during searches by the authorities; as they prepare for the forthcoming Michael Jackson trial for child molestation in January.
The complaint was filed last week, as with everything else, it was under seal. Judge Rodney Melville unsealed the complaint yesterday.
There are more seals in this case than in a circus!
The defence team are short of around 70 search warrants in the case, and 50 affidavits.
The prosecution responded by saying that they are providing information as quickly as possible.
The complaint was filed last week, as with everything else, it was under seal. Judge Rodney Melville unsealed the complaint yesterday.
There are more seals in this case than in a circus!
The defence team are short of around 70 search warrants in the case, and 50 affidavits.
The prosecution responded by saying that they are providing information as quickly as possible.
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