Michael Jackson managed to struggle into court yesterday, as the jury selection process resumed.
His lawyers added a few more "stars" to the list of witnesses that, seemingly, will add useful testimony on Jackson's behalf.
The additional names added to the list were; Eddie Murphy, Smokey Robinson and Macaulay Culkin.
The remainder of the day as spent dealing with less "glamorous" issues, such as jury selection.
Out of the 242 potential jurors remaining, 20 were dismissed by the end of the day.
The defence motion against Martin Bashir, for continuing to report on Jackson, was quashed by Judge Rodney Melville.
The documentary fronted by Bashir, Secret World, managed to cause some controversy; as there are suggestions that some of the subjects were paid.
Surely not!
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
The Danger of Delays
Michael Jackson's trial resumes today, after last week's delay caused by a "flu like" illness.
It is reported that some of the jurors are already a tad "pissed off" at the delays some 15 days into, what is expect to be, a 5/6 month trial.
Human nature being what it is, the more delays that the Jackson camp throw in the way of the trial, the more likely it is that Jackson will lose whatever goodwill he has with the jury.
I assume that his lawyers are telling him that, and that they will ensure he turns up today.
It is reported that some of the jurors are already a tad "pissed off" at the delays some 15 days into, what is expect to be, a 5/6 month trial.
Human nature being what it is, the more delays that the Jackson camp throw in the way of the trial, the more likely it is that Jackson will lose whatever goodwill he has with the jury.
I assume that his lawyers are telling him that, and that they will ensure he turns up today.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Bashir Contempt Motion
In documents released on Friday, in relation to the Michael Jackson trial, Judge Rodney Melville denied a defence motion to issue a contempt citation against Martin Bashir.
Bashir was the journalist who produced "Living With Michael Jackson" in 2003, then followed it up this week up with two more TV specials; including a two hour programme called, "Michael Jackson's Secret World".
The defence tried to argue that Bashir was in violation of a court gag order prohibiting him, as a witness, from continuing to make public statements on the case.
Bashir argues that, as a journalist, he is exempt from the gag order.
Bashir was the journalist who produced "Living With Michael Jackson" in 2003, then followed it up this week up with two more TV specials; including a two hour programme called, "Michael Jackson's Secret World".
The defence tried to argue that Bashir was in violation of a court gag order prohibiting him, as a witness, from continuing to make public statements on the case.
Bashir argues that, as a journalist, he is exempt from the gag order.
Follow The Money
Michael Jackson is fighting a prosecution attempt to subpoena his financial records, and present expert testimony about his wealth, during his child molestation trial.
Court documents, released on Friday, show that the prosecution plan to show Jackson's actions toward the boy and his family who accused him was motivated by his desire to minimise the effects of the Bashir documentary, "Living With Michael Jackson"; seemingly this documentary, in the view of the prosecution, threatened Jackson's financial downfall.
The prosecution said:
"Michael Jackson certainly was a multimillionaire, albeit with a billionaire's spending habits..His motive in this case was to preserve both his fortune and his reputation, the integrity of which was central to his ability to continue to earn a significant income..."
Prosecutors claim that they need the testimony of a financial expert because:
"the jury cannot accurately judge defendant's assessment of the impact of that documentary on his financial well being without evidence of his financial circumstances, both immediately before news of the documentary's content became public and thereafter..."
The defence contend that the materials are not relevant to the charges, and would deprive Jackson of his right to privacy; quote:
"Mr. Jackson is an international recording artist and a man who has varied and complex business relationships with numerous individuals and entities...The very nature of these types of business relationships is that the parties honor a commitment to their respective privacy...Disclosure would not only compromise the confidentiality of existing contracts but would unfairly restrict Mr. Jackson's ability to enter into pending and future contracts in the entertainment industry.."
Court documents, released on Friday, show that the prosecution plan to show Jackson's actions toward the boy and his family who accused him was motivated by his desire to minimise the effects of the Bashir documentary, "Living With Michael Jackson"; seemingly this documentary, in the view of the prosecution, threatened Jackson's financial downfall.
The prosecution said:
"Michael Jackson certainly was a multimillionaire, albeit with a billionaire's spending habits..His motive in this case was to preserve both his fortune and his reputation, the integrity of which was central to his ability to continue to earn a significant income..."
Prosecutors claim that they need the testimony of a financial expert because:
"the jury cannot accurately judge defendant's assessment of the impact of that documentary on his financial well being without evidence of his financial circumstances, both immediately before news of the documentary's content became public and thereafter..."
The defence contend that the materials are not relevant to the charges, and would deprive Jackson of his right to privacy; quote:
"Mr. Jackson is an international recording artist and a man who has varied and complex business relationships with numerous individuals and entities...The very nature of these types of business relationships is that the parties honor a commitment to their respective privacy...Disclosure would not only compromise the confidentiality of existing contracts but would unfairly restrict Mr. Jackson's ability to enter into pending and future contracts in the entertainment industry.."
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Jackson Out of Hospital
Michael Jackson left hospital in a stable condition yesterday, but is still in need of care.
His spokesman said:
"He continues to need care for some persistent viral symptoms, but otherwise, he is in good spirits..".
Jackson was treated for flu-like symptoms and vomiting. Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, spent several hours at his bedside together with Germaine Jackson.
Note, reports all say he had "flu like" symptoms; in other words, he did not have the flu.
His spokesman said:
"He continues to need care for some persistent viral symptoms, but otherwise, he is in good spirits..".
Jackson was treated for flu-like symptoms and vomiting. Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, spent several hours at his bedside together with Germaine Jackson.
Note, reports all say he had "flu like" symptoms; in other words, he did not have the flu.
Rowe Seeks To Prevent Children Testifying
Debbie Rowe, Michael Jackson's ex wife, is trying to stop her children Prince Michael and Paris from testifying at Jackson's trial.
They had their names read out in court on Monday, on a list of possible witnesses for Jackson's defence. However, Rowe is set to testify for the prosecution against Jackson.
They had their names read out in court on Monday, on a list of possible witnesses for Jackson's defence. However, Rowe is set to testify for the prosecution against Jackson.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Jackson Threatens Feldman's Life
Actor Corey Feldman revealed that Michael Jackson once threatened his life, because he thought that Feldman was planning to reveal all about their friendship.
This rather bizarre assertion is made in an interview with Martin Bashir. Seemingly Feldman was among the celebrities attending Jackson's anniversary concert in New York in 2001, and was shocked by a brief chat he had with his friend backstage.
In the Bashir interview, which was featured on US news show 20/20 last Friday night, Feldman said:
"Michael had some paranoid delusion that I had some ill-fated intentions to write some sort of book about him, which was categorically untrue...What happened next was basically, the way I perceived it, is that he threatened my life."
Seemingly, this "threat" was nothing more than Jackson refusing to transport Feldman out of New York, on his tour bus the following day (11 September 2001); after terrorist planes had hit the twin towers of the World Trade Centre.
Seems like artistic hyperbole to me.
This rather bizarre assertion is made in an interview with Martin Bashir. Seemingly Feldman was among the celebrities attending Jackson's anniversary concert in New York in 2001, and was shocked by a brief chat he had with his friend backstage.
In the Bashir interview, which was featured on US news show 20/20 last Friday night, Feldman said:
"Michael had some paranoid delusion that I had some ill-fated intentions to write some sort of book about him, which was categorically untrue...What happened next was basically, the way I perceived it, is that he threatened my life."
Seemingly, this "threat" was nothing more than Jackson refusing to transport Feldman out of New York, on his tour bus the following day (11 September 2001); after terrorist planes had hit the twin towers of the World Trade Centre.
Seems like artistic hyperbole to me.
Flu Stops Trial
Michael Jackson was taken to hospital yesterday, vomiting and suffering from a "flu-like illness"; consequently his trial has been put on hold.
Seemingly Jackson became so sick en route to court, that he was driven instead to a local hospital. The sudden illness came as a surprise to the judge, and the defence/prosecution teams.
The defence lead, Tom Mesereau, said:
"I did speak with Mr. Jackson by telephone this morning on the way to court and he said he was very ill... I'm told he's being examined by a doctor..."
Over 100 potential jurors idled away an hour while the judge conferred in private with prosecutors and Jackson's attorneys and then, by telephone, with an emergency room doctor.
Judge Melville emerged from his chambers to announce that Jackson had been admitted to the hospital, and would not be able to attend court until next week. It is reported that the potential jurors let out a collective groan at this juncture.
I suspect that the initial buzz of attending a showbiz trial may soon wear off, as the tedious procedural realities of the lengthy court case dawn on them.
Needless to say the reporters covering the case all made a dash to the Marian Medical Center, where Jackson is being treated.
Dr. Chuck Merrill said:
"Mr. Jackson has been evaluated in our emergency department for a flu-like illness with some vomiting.."
Seemingly Jackson is in a stable condition.
Seemingly Jackson became so sick en route to court, that he was driven instead to a local hospital. The sudden illness came as a surprise to the judge, and the defence/prosecution teams.
The defence lead, Tom Mesereau, said:
"I did speak with Mr. Jackson by telephone this morning on the way to court and he said he was very ill... I'm told he's being examined by a doctor..."
Over 100 potential jurors idled away an hour while the judge conferred in private with prosecutors and Jackson's attorneys and then, by telephone, with an emergency room doctor.
Judge Melville emerged from his chambers to announce that Jackson had been admitted to the hospital, and would not be able to attend court until next week. It is reported that the potential jurors let out a collective groan at this juncture.
I suspect that the initial buzz of attending a showbiz trial may soon wear off, as the tedious procedural realities of the lengthy court case dawn on them.
Needless to say the reporters covering the case all made a dash to the Marian Medical Center, where Jackson is being treated.
Dr. Chuck Merrill said:
"Mr. Jackson has been evaluated in our emergency department for a flu-like illness with some vomiting.."
Seemingly Jackson is in a stable condition.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Keep An Open Mind
Michael Jackson went to court yesterday, as the jury selection process resumed in his trial. He wore a black suit with a red satin shirt and gold and red brocade vest, with a sunburst pin on his pocket and a jewel-encrusted accessory on his vest.
Judge Rodney Melville kicked off the proceedings, by telling the 240 potential jurors that attorneys will question them to make sure they can be fair.
He said:
"I have not made up my mind in this case and I want to select a jury that feels exactly the same way..".
The first batch of 18 potential jurors were questioned as to whether they could give Jackson a fair trial. All but 2 said that they could.
One woman said that she was "leery" of news reports, another said that she had followed everything written about him; and doubted of she could give him a fair trial.
16 said they could not judge someone of another race fairly, whilst 67 knew someone who has met Jackson or spent time at his ranch. A few said that they, or someone close, had been the victim of "inappropriate sexual behavior of any kind."
Judge Rodney Melville kicked off the proceedings, by telling the 240 potential jurors that attorneys will question them to make sure they can be fair.
He said:
"I have not made up my mind in this case and I want to select a jury that feels exactly the same way..".
The first batch of 18 potential jurors were questioned as to whether they could give Jackson a fair trial. All but 2 said that they could.
One woman said that she was "leery" of news reports, another said that she had followed everything written about him; and doubted of she could give him a fair trial.
16 said they could not judge someone of another race fairly, whilst 67 knew someone who has met Jackson or spent time at his ranch. A few said that they, or someone close, had been the victim of "inappropriate sexual behavior of any kind."
The Stars Come Out
Michael Jackson's trial witness list reads like a who's who in the world of entertainment.
Jackson's team disclosed yesterday the names that they will be calling, these include; Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, Kobe Bryant, Larry King, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Jay Leno, Chris Tucker, Backstreet Boy Nick Carter and his younger brother Aaron, CBS' Ed Bradley and relatives of Marlon Brando.
Jackson will also be calling his children, Paris and Prince Michael.
The prosecution list includes the mother of those children, Debbie Rowe, former Jackson attorney Mark Geragos, a young man who as a boy was involved in 1993 allegations against Jackson, and a comedy club owner who introduced Jackson and his current accuser.
The lists of witnesses was disclosed, so that the jurors could speak up if they have any connection with them.
Jackson's team disclosed yesterday the names that they will be calling, these include; Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, Kobe Bryant, Larry King, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Jay Leno, Chris Tucker, Backstreet Boy Nick Carter and his younger brother Aaron, CBS' Ed Bradley and relatives of Marlon Brando.
Jackson will also be calling his children, Paris and Prince Michael.
The prosecution list includes the mother of those children, Debbie Rowe, former Jackson attorney Mark Geragos, a young man who as a boy was involved in 1993 allegations against Jackson, and a comedy club owner who introduced Jackson and his current accuser.
The lists of witnesses was disclosed, so that the jurors could speak up if they have any connection with them.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Jury Selection Resumes
The key phase in the jury selection process for the Michael Jackson trial begins in earnest tomorrow.
The defence and the prosecution will question some of the 250 potential jurors, as they whittle that number down to 12 main jurors and 8 reserves.
Both sides have spent the past few days analysing the 8 page, 41 question, juror questionnaires that are meant to help detect any pre-conceived biases.
Over 100 of the people questioned admitted that they had heard something about the case, or a previous child sex investigation that focused on Jackson in 1993.
The prosecution will lose the case if just one member of the jury decides that Jackson is innocent.
The defence and the prosecution will question some of the 250 potential jurors, as they whittle that number down to 12 main jurors and 8 reserves.
Both sides have spent the past few days analysing the 8 page, 41 question, juror questionnaires that are meant to help detect any pre-conceived biases.
Over 100 of the people questioned admitted that they had heard something about the case, or a previous child sex investigation that focused on Jackson in 1993.
The prosecution will lose the case if just one member of the jury decides that Jackson is innocent.
Bashir's New Film
British television interviewer Martin Bashir, whose documentary "Living With Michael Jackson" led to the current molestation charges against Jackson, is finalising another film about Jackson.
Called "Michael Jackson's Secret World", it will be shown this Thursday on ABC.
It is reported to contain video footage of Jackson with young boys, including the one currently accusing him of molestation.
Called "Michael Jackson's Secret World", it will be shown this Thursday on ABC.
It is reported to contain video footage of Jackson with young boys, including the one currently accusing him of molestation.
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