Celebrity status carries its own risks and rewards, as Michael Jackson will discover during his trial.
One aspect of the risk/reward issue is the nature and stealth agenda of the potential jurors.
Michael Jackson returned to court yesterday, wearing black and giving a V for victory sign.
It seems that the "celebrity status" of this trial is already manifesting itself with regards the jury.
Normally, when selecting from a jury pool, you can expect a drop out rate of people who don't want to serve of around 75%. However, in this case, over half (176 out of 350 to date) have said that they are willing to sit on the jury for the next 6 months.
The key task, for both the defence and prosecution teams, will be to "weed out" those potential jurors with a hidden agenda; these are known as "stealth jurors".
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Moby Lambasts Jackson Video
Moby launched a broadside at Michael Jackson's video appeal, calling it the creepiest thing he's ever seen.
Speaking as a guest on the return of TRL last night, Moby lambasted Jackson's video in which he asked for "a fair trial like any other American citizen."
Seemingly Moby saw a clip of the video on MTV News, as he sat in the TRL green room.
Quote:
"That video was terrifying...That was the creepiest thing I've ever seen. That was so scary!"
Adding:
"He (MJ) looks like Elizabeth Taylor hit by a truck. Does he know how terrifying he is? Does he know that kids have nightmares about him? It's really scary."
Call me cynical, but I suspect the vehemence of his attack may have something to do with wishing to make the headlines.
Speaking as a guest on the return of TRL last night, Moby lambasted Jackson's video in which he asked for "a fair trial like any other American citizen."
Seemingly Moby saw a clip of the video on MTV News, as he sat in the TRL green room.
Quote:
"That video was terrifying...That was the creepiest thing I've ever seen. That was so scary!"
Adding:
"He (MJ) looks like Elizabeth Taylor hit by a truck. Does he know how terrifying he is? Does he know that kids have nightmares about him? It's really scary."
Call me cynical, but I suspect the vehemence of his attack may have something to do with wishing to make the headlines.
The Process of Jury Selection
The jury selection, in the Michael Jackson trial, has now started.
Step one is for the 750 potential jurors to attend court, this process will be staggered Monday through Wednesday this week.
Judge Rodney Melville will question each of them, individually, to see if they are suitable candidates for the 12 person jury.
Since the trial will last around 6 months, those who have major job commitments or health issues will be excluded.
The next stage will be the "questionnaire" which consists of 7 pages; it is expected to include questions on their views about Jackson, and knowledge of the case.
The prosecution and defence teams will then eliminate candidates, based on their questionnaire responses.
The final pool, remaining, will return to court for more questioning. Judge Melville will be looking for a primary team of 12, with a substitute bench of 8.
Step one is for the 750 potential jurors to attend court, this process will be staggered Monday through Wednesday this week.
Judge Rodney Melville will question each of them, individually, to see if they are suitable candidates for the 12 person jury.
Since the trial will last around 6 months, those who have major job commitments or health issues will be excluded.
The next stage will be the "questionnaire" which consists of 7 pages; it is expected to include questions on their views about Jackson, and knowledge of the case.
The prosecution and defence teams will then eliminate candidates, based on their questionnaire responses.
The final pool, remaining, will return to court for more questioning. Judge Melville will be looking for a primary team of 12, with a substitute bench of 8.
The King Attends Court
Michael Jackson arrived at court yesterday, for the first day of his trial. However, it will be a while before he will take the stand, as it is estimated that jury selection will take a month.
Jackson wore white, and was shielded by his ever present umbrella; he waved to a phalanx of supporters, as he walked into the courthouse.
Before his arrival there was some impromptu "street entertainment", as fans danced and sang a Jackson song mocking the district attorney; for good measure, and in the spirit of tolerance, they heckled a woman who held a sign supporting the alleged victim.
I doubt that this will help Jackson very much.
Jackson's parents gave an interview before the trial, saying that they thought that the accuser was just after Jackson's money.
Katherine Jackson, speaking about the accusations, said:
"I know my son, and this is ridiculous..".
Judge Rodney Melville summoned 300 people to court, for round one of jury selection yesterday. Today another 300 will come to court, followed by another 150 on Wednesday.
Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone K. Bain, said that Jackson's "spirits are great.." and denied that he was suicidal.
Quote:
"He has the support of his family, his children, his friends...You're going to see a Michael Jackson who is going to be here today who is very serious, very businesslike and very serious..." .
That would be wise, given the fact that in one of his earlier court appearances Jackson danced on the roof of an SUV; this little performance impressed no one.
Over 1,000 applications for media access have been submitted from countries including; the USA, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Canada and Mexico.
Jackson wore white, and was shielded by his ever present umbrella; he waved to a phalanx of supporters, as he walked into the courthouse.
Before his arrival there was some impromptu "street entertainment", as fans danced and sang a Jackson song mocking the district attorney; for good measure, and in the spirit of tolerance, they heckled a woman who held a sign supporting the alleged victim.
I doubt that this will help Jackson very much.
Jackson's parents gave an interview before the trial, saying that they thought that the accuser was just after Jackson's money.
Katherine Jackson, speaking about the accusations, said:
"I know my son, and this is ridiculous..".
Judge Rodney Melville summoned 300 people to court, for round one of jury selection yesterday. Today another 300 will come to court, followed by another 150 on Wednesday.
Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone K. Bain, said that Jackson's "spirits are great.." and denied that he was suicidal.
Quote:
"He has the support of his family, his children, his friends...You're going to see a Michael Jackson who is going to be here today who is very serious, very businesslike and very serious..." .
That would be wise, given the fact that in one of his earlier court appearances Jackson danced on the roof of an SUV; this little performance impressed no one.
Over 1,000 applications for media access have been submitted from countries including; the USA, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Canada and Mexico.
Monday, January 31, 2005
A Message From Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson has released a video, sanctioned by Judge Melville, in which he claims that allegations made against him are "disgusting and false".
He says
"Please keep an open mind and let me have my day in court."
He goes on to say:
"In the last few weeks, a large amount of ugly, malicious information has been released into the media about me. Apparently, this information was leaked through transcripts in a grand jury proceeding where neither my lawyers, nor I, ever appeared. The information is disgusting and false..."
Adding:
"Years ago, I allowed a family to visit and spend some time at Neverland. Neverland is my home. I allowed this family into my home because they told me their son was ill with cancer and needed my help. Through the years, I have helped thousands of children who were ill or in distress..."
You can view the video message, by visiting Michael Jackson's Video Message.
He says
"Please keep an open mind and let me have my day in court."
He goes on to say:
"In the last few weeks, a large amount of ugly, malicious information has been released into the media about me. Apparently, this information was leaked through transcripts in a grand jury proceeding where neither my lawyers, nor I, ever appeared. The information is disgusting and false..."
Adding:
"Years ago, I allowed a family to visit and spend some time at Neverland. Neverland is my home. I allowed this family into my home because they told me their son was ill with cancer and needed my help. Through the years, I have helped thousands of children who were ill or in distress..."
You can view the video message, by visiting Michael Jackson's Video Message.
Spearmint Rhino On Alert
The business owners of Santa Maria know which side their bread is buttered, and fully intend to take full advantage of the media circus that has descended upon the town to cover the Michael Jackson trial.
Coffee Diem bistro, will be charging £265 a day for internet use during the trial.
Meanwhile the ladies at the Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen's Club, which offers full-nudity dancers, have been put on red alert. They have already notched up an increase in takings of 25% during the pretrial hearings.
The normal posse of 13 dancers will be increased to 35, to accommodate the demands of the media.
Those representatives of the media who have a penchant for Jack Daniels, may be disappointed; rumour has it that supplies are already running low.
As to whether the ordinary citizens of Santa Maria are happy about the invasion, well that remains to be seen.
Coffee Diem bistro, will be charging £265 a day for internet use during the trial.
Meanwhile the ladies at the Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen's Club, which offers full-nudity dancers, have been put on red alert. They have already notched up an increase in takings of 25% during the pretrial hearings.
The normal posse of 13 dancers will be increased to 35, to accommodate the demands of the media.
Those representatives of the media who have a penchant for Jack Daniels, may be disappointed; rumour has it that supplies are already running low.
As to whether the ordinary citizens of Santa Maria are happy about the invasion, well that remains to be seen.
Killing The Golden Goose?
It seems that the media are more than a little concerned that the authorities, in Santa Maria, may be "killing the golden goose"; by the excessive media fees being charged to be "in situ" during the Michael Jackson trial.
The main fee being charged by Santa Barbara County to the TV and newspapers, is the $800K "pay for viewing" fee.
No unreasonably the local officials point out that if the costs of holding this "mega trial" are not recouped, then the local taxpayer will be footing the bill.
The media point out that this could be the "thin end of the wedge", in that free access to trials may be blocked in the future; by the arbitrary imposition of a "viewing tax".
The costs per day, pretrial, run at around $125 per court day for each newspaper and $300 for each national television outfit. So far, Santa Barbara County had collected $114K for pretrial coverage.
The costs per day of the trial itself are $7500, and are broken down as follows:
-$4,300 for 6-7 sheriff's deputies to manage the press
-$1,200 for maintenance workers, custodians and management
-$2,000 for barriers etc
Additionally, Santa Maria expects to take in $36K a month renting parking and office space to national media outlets.
Local hotels will do well, as their rooms are booked solid; local bars and restaurants may reasonably expect good times in the next few months. Journalists are, by nature, a thirsty and hungry tribe!
However, let us not shed too many tears for the media; they will make a considerable fortune from sponsorship and selling on their stories.
The main fee being charged by Santa Barbara County to the TV and newspapers, is the $800K "pay for viewing" fee.
No unreasonably the local officials point out that if the costs of holding this "mega trial" are not recouped, then the local taxpayer will be footing the bill.
The media point out that this could be the "thin end of the wedge", in that free access to trials may be blocked in the future; by the arbitrary imposition of a "viewing tax".
The costs per day, pretrial, run at around $125 per court day for each newspaper and $300 for each national television outfit. So far, Santa Barbara County had collected $114K for pretrial coverage.
The costs per day of the trial itself are $7500, and are broken down as follows:
-$4,300 for 6-7 sheriff's deputies to manage the press
-$1,200 for maintenance workers, custodians and management
-$2,000 for barriers etc
Additionally, Santa Maria expects to take in $36K a month renting parking and office space to national media outlets.
Local hotels will do well, as their rooms are booked solid; local bars and restaurants may reasonably expect good times in the next few months. Journalists are, by nature, a thirsty and hungry tribe!
However, let us not shed too many tears for the media; they will make a considerable fortune from sponsorship and selling on their stories.
Neverland Vigil
Fans of Michael Jackson stood outside of Neverland yesterday, proclaiming their faith in his innocence.
The fans came from around the world; Switzerland, USA, Britain, Holland and Spain to name but a few countries.
Seemingly they intend to stay there until their money runs out.
The fans came from around the world; Switzerland, USA, Britain, Holland and Spain to name but a few countries.
Seemingly they intend to stay there until their money runs out.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Jackson's Parents to Take Children
Michael Jackson's parents have agreed to take custody of his three children, if the case goes against him and he is jailed for child molestation.
Joe and Kate Jackson are prepared to look after 7 year old Prince Michael, 6 year old Paris and 2 year old Blanket.
Kate Jackson said:
"We're the grandparents. We're taking them...Oh yes. But I'm not looking for anything to go wrong."
Joe and Kate Jackson are prepared to look after 7 year old Prince Michael, 6 year old Paris and 2 year old Blanket.
Kate Jackson said:
"We're the grandparents. We're taking them...Oh yes. But I'm not looking for anything to go wrong."
Vigil of Faith
The first of several "vigil's of faith", in support of Michael Jackson, are being held today in Santa Maria at 4:30PM local time.
It will start at the baseball diamond, near the courthouse, it will then move around the courthouse. The organisers then expect it to finish in front of the courthouse, where a candlelight vigil will take place.
To my view it is fair enough, and indeed decent, to show support for someone that you care about facing trial. However, using religious symbolism eg candles and terms such as "vigil of faith" is to my view unwise; Michael Jackson is, despite what some fans may wish to believe, human.
It will start at the baseball diamond, near the courthouse, it will then move around the courthouse. The organisers then expect it to finish in front of the courthouse, where a candlelight vigil will take place.
To my view it is fair enough, and indeed decent, to show support for someone that you care about facing trial. However, using religious symbolism eg candles and terms such as "vigil of faith" is to my view unwise; Michael Jackson is, despite what some fans may wish to believe, human.
Santa Maria
Santa Maria is playing host to Michael Jackson's trial, billed as a lifetime event that the whole world will be watching.
Santa Maria is located in California's central coast, and is renowned for its vineyards and strawberry fields. The largest employer is Vandenberg Air Force Base, providing 5000 people with regular work.
Normally the 1100 hotel rooms are deemed to be more than adequate. However, not surprisingly, these have been fully booked for months.
Around 30 police officers have been assigned to keep the Jackson entourage, fans and media scrum in order during the trial.
It is estimated that police overtime will cost around $40K per month. Around 90% of this should be covered by a contract being negotiated with the media and other organisations.
The media are being charged $7500 per day for costs of staff, barricades and toilets.
It is likely to be "a bit of a squeeze" in the courtroom, as it has only 120 seats; split 50/50 between the public and the media.
Santa Maria is located in California's central coast, and is renowned for its vineyards and strawberry fields. The largest employer is Vandenberg Air Force Base, providing 5000 people with regular work.
Normally the 1100 hotel rooms are deemed to be more than adequate. However, not surprisingly, these have been fully booked for months.
Around 30 police officers have been assigned to keep the Jackson entourage, fans and media scrum in order during the trial.
It is estimated that police overtime will cost around $40K per month. Around 90% of this should be covered by a contract being negotiated with the media and other organisations.
The media are being charged $7500 per day for costs of staff, barricades and toilets.
It is likely to be "a bit of a squeeze" in the courtroom, as it has only 120 seats; split 50/50 between the public and the media.
A Once in a Lifetime Event
Michael Jackson's trial starts tomorrow, many believe that this will be a once in a lifetime event.
The prosecution are on record as saying:
"It is no exaggeration to say that this may be the most reported criminal trial to occur in our lifetimes.." .
We shall see.
The prosecution are on record as saying:
"It is no exaggeration to say that this may be the most reported criminal trial to occur in our lifetimes.." .
We shall see.
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