Stiri Michael Jackson 2005 |
|||||||||||||
Ianuarie |
|||||||||||||
Transcriptele de la proces (set complet) | |||||||||||||
Pe 31 ianuarie este programat sa inceapa procesul.Atunci va incepe selectia juratilor (vor fi alesi 12 jurati si un reprezentant al lor din cei 4000 de rezidenti) care va dura in jur de o luna.
|
|||||||||||||
Chiar daca in mai putin de 3 saptamani procurorul ar trebui sa tina discursul de deschidere in acest caz politia inca interogheaza copiii.Astfel au fost intrebati daca Michael a avut vreodata o comportare nepotrivita cu ei atat nepotelul lui(baiatul lui Jermaine care are astazi 18 ani) cat si multi alti copii. Toti au raspuns ca comportamentul lui Michael nu a fost niciodata indecent.Deci afirmatiile din presa care spuneau ca procuratura are multe alte cazuri impotriva lui Michael sunt nefondate.Care sunt cazurile anterioare despre care se vorbeste de fapt:cazul din 1993(baiatul care are astazi 23 de ani nu a vrut pana acum sa se amestece refuzand aparitia in fata Marelui Juriu),cazul din 1990(caruia Michael i-a platit $2 mil),cazul de acum(care este gata sa se spulbere daca procuratura are nevoie disperata de cazuri din trecut chiar daca a precizat la inceput ca nu va folosi astfel de dovezi) si cazul din '80(care a inaintat deja un proces civil impotriva lui Michael).Se pare ca lucrurile nu merg chiar atat de bine in acest caz daca procuratura ar vrea acum sa schimbe partenerii de dans(chiar daca acestia au sustinut sus si tare pana acum ca au un caz extrem de solid).Apararea a precizat ca nu le este frica de aceste dovezi din trecut si ca poate tot rau ar fi spre bine(daca vor fi inclusi astfel de martori apararea ar avea pentru prima data dreptul sa le puna intrebari si poate astfel ar fi spulberate si indoielile care au planat asupra lui Michael de atatia ani).Dar sa vedem de fapt despre ce este vorba in aceste cazuri pe rand. Baiatul din 1993 a intrat in contact cu Michael din pura intamplare-intr-o vizita in oras masina lui Michael s-a defectat si o ruda a pustiului le-a inchiriat o alta masina.Asfel artistul s-a imprietenit cu acea familie.Declaratiile pe care le-a facut mai tarziu acest copil despre presupusul comportament indecent se pare ca au fost facute sub presiunea tatalui(acesta era dentist care avea aspiratii de regizor si se pare ca pentru a-si atinge scopul i-a dat droguri baiatului ca sa spuna ce dorea el).Cu toate acestea dovezile din acel caz nu au fost suficiente pentru acuzarea megastarului:doua Mari Jurii nu au fost impresionate. Cu toate ca povestea pustiului era foarte detaliata si obscena descrierea corpului lui Michael nu s-a potrivit cu pozele luate de politie.Acel caz s-a sfarsit cu o intelegere intre Michael si familie in care artistul a platit $25 mil si pe care azi o regreta.Dar cu toate ca presa si procurorul au relatat altceva aceasta intelegere nu il impiedica pe pusti sa il acuze pe Michael intr-un proces penal.Doar ca trebuia anuntat mai intai avocatul apararii.In acesta intelegere a fost pomenita neglijenta doar ca marile companii de asigurari sa poata plati banii,dar Michael nu s-a declarat vinovat de absolut nimic. Baiatul din 1990 nu este altcineva decat copilul unei cameriste de la Neverland pe care Michael a prins-o furand si a concediat-o.Acest copil a declarat ca daca cel din 1993 nu depune marturie nici el nu o va face. Convenabil,nu? In privinta cazului de acum exista foarte multe nepotriviri care sustin nevinovatia lui Michael. Acuzatiile de la inceput sunt extrem de diferite de cele cu care ne confruntam acum(la inceput au fost mai multe acuzatii de molestare pentru care se precizase o anumita perioada de timp;acum avem mai multe acuzatii de conspiratie si de asta data timpul este foarte vag-acuzatorii sustin ca Michael le-a luat toate ceasurile si deci nu au stiut ce ora sau zi este;aceste afirmatii sunt chiar amuzante daca ne gandim ca in fata Neverland-ului este un ceas care se vede din aer,ca in casa sunt o multime de ceasuri si ca Michael i-a facut baiatului cadou de ziua lui un ceas).De altfel toata poveste cu rapirea este greu de crezut tinand cont ca mama a fost atat la ea acasa cat si la banca.Faptul ca nu au putut anunta pe nimeni pentru ca Michael a urmarit telefoanele este incredibila tinand cont ca mama a avut in tot acest timp un telefon mobil. Apoi nu este prima data cand acesta familie a facut afirmatii contradictorii.Multe astfel de dovezi rezulta din procesul de custodie al mamei.Aceasta l-a acuzat pe tatal copiilor de abuz si i-a luat copiii.Acesta nu are nici acum drept de vizita.Cand Protectia Copilului a vizitat prima data aceasta familie copiii erau singuri acasa si au declarat ca tatal nu a facut nimic rau. Cand i-au vizitat cu mama de fata povestea era total alta.Asta s-a repetat la proces:cand fata a fost intrebata a declarat ca tatal era violent dar cand a povestit in biroul judecatorului lucrurile erau diferite. Acum atat mama cat si procurorul au facut tot posibilul ca tatal sa nu se poata apropia de copil.Poate pentru ca acesta spune ca nu a vazut niciodata un comportament indecent la Michael.Acest tata a fost cel care a avut grija de copil cand a fost bolnav si s-a dus cu el la Neverland.Mama nu a putut face fata.Convenabil,nu? Alte minciuni sunt cele declarate de un prieten al familiei Masada.Acesta este cel care s-a laudat ca i-a facut cunostinta pustiului cu Michael.La inceput acesta a sustinut ca l-a sunat pe Quincy Jones.Apoi ca a sunat la Neverland.De fapt Michael i-a cunoscut prin intermediul unei fundatii Make a wish.Acesta a spus ca este prietenul lui Michael si ca se simte tradat de cum s-a comportat cu copilul.Ca apoi azi sa recunoasca, cand in sfarsit un ziarist a pus intrebarea corecta, ca nici macar nu il cunoste pe Michael. Dar Michael nu este singurul pacalit.Acestia au primit bani si de la o emisiune TV care a fost rugata sa dea un reportaj despre copilul bolnav(ziarista care a fos implicata spune ca mama i s-a parut de atunci un rechin pentru ca atunci cand le-a dus mancare de Ziua Recunostintei acesta i-a spus ca ar fi vrut bani nu mancare),de la politie(care le-au adus de Craciun mancare,brad etc),de la Cris Tucker si de la cateva fundatii etc. Oamenii care au cunoscutut acest copil declarata ca era un copil indraznet,istet, deloc naiv care nu ar fi acceptat nici o rautate de la nimeni si daca s-ar fi intamplat ceva rau ar fi spus imediat.Familia a sustinut ca nu au stiut de abuz pana copilul nu a fost la psiholog. Dar azi ei spun ca fratele pustiului a fost martor la aceste abuzuri!Alte nepotriviri! Cazul din '80 nu a fost interesat deloc de dreptate ci a cerut de la inceput banii. In toate aceste acuzatii interesul principal au fost BANII! |
|||||||||||||
Judecatorul a hotarat ca acuzatiile vechi nu vor fi prezentate decat foarte sumar daca va fi nevoie la sfarsit.Acesta a mai avut o experienta nereusita cu alt proces la care cazul curent a fost atat de slab incat inculpatul a fost condamnat pentru acuzatiile anterioare. Deasemenea datoriata scurgerilor de informatii(o televiziune americana a difuzat la o ora de maxim audienta o emisiune in care au fost prezentate cu lux de amanunte detaliile obscene din dosarele procuraturii) ,judecatorul a hotarat ca Michael are dreptul la o declaratie televizata pentru a data explicatii despre povestile baiatului de la audierile din fata Marelui Juriu(la care nu a fost prezent nici un membru al apararii).Michael a inregistrat un interviu pentru Fox News care ar putea fi difuzat inainte de 31 ianuarie.Normal ca procurorul este foarte furios(acesta spune ca astfel de informatii influenteaza viitorii jurati si nu respecta ordinele de restrictie impuse de tribunal).Pacat insa ca el nu isi aminteste ca el a fost primul care a incalcat aceste reguli ale jocului!!! Sanger scrie:"inainte de scurgeri era destul de greu sa obtinem un juriu corect si impartial.Acum acest scop ar putea fi imposibil". Procurorul a cerut ca audierea pustiului sa se faca fara public insa apararea se impotriveste pe motiv ca aceasta marturie este singurul lucru care sustine acest caz si deci toata lumea ar trebui sa poata aprecia valoarea acestei probe. Jurnalistul Martin Bashir a fost rugat de procuror sa fie un martor pentru acuzare ,dar acesta a refuzat categoric.El a declarat ca documentarul lui(de la care a pornit toata aceasta nebunie) vorbeste de la sine.In prezent este angajat la ABC News si va fi reporterul desemnat pentru procesul lui Michael.El spune ca un reporter nu poate fi obligat sa vorbeasca ca martor despre cele comentate intr-un documentar.Mai ales daca erau numai minciuni,nu? Apararea a cerut ca baiatul si familia lui sa nu fie numiti in perioada procesului "victime".Avocatii apararii promit sa demonstreze ca aceste acte nu s-au petrecut niciodata:"acesta nu este un caz in care martorii sunt victime indiferent de identitatea acuzatului". Apararea a cerut ca juratii sa fie intervievati separat si intrebati ce stiu despre emisiunea in care au fost povestite marturiile din fata Marelui Juriu. Procuratura a cerut apararii sa nu mai mentioneze costurile imense ale aceste investigatii care au fost suportate de contribuabili. Judecatorul a dat voie procurorului sa aduca experti care sa explice de ce baiatul a asteptat luni pana sa spuna atat familiei cat si autoritatilor despre presupusul abuz.Avocatul apararii a spus ca acesti experti nu ar trebui inclusi daca apararea poate demonstra ca aceste abuzuri nu au avut loc si aceasta familie nu a spus decat minciuni(iar acum nu ar fi prima data). Perioada de alegere a juratilor va tine pana la 8 februarie ,dupa care va incepe procesul propriu-zis care se pare ca va dura in jur de 6 luni. Judecatorul a zis ca nu va da publicitatii DVD-ul cu perchezitia de la Neverland dar ca va face in asa fel ca presa sa poata vedea aceste imagini in sala de judecata.Avocatul apararii a spus ca revistele confiscate de acolo nu trebuie descrise ca pornografice pentru ca aceste pot fi cumparate de la orice chiosc de ziare si nu pot fi considerate ilegale. |
|||||||||||||
Seriful din Santa Barbara lanseaza o investigatie pentru a descoperi cine a dat dosarele cu marturiile de la Marele Juriu presei.Dar nu cumva aceasta investigatie vine prea tarziu cand deja toata lumea stie ca biroul procurorului a fost vinovat de aceste scurgeri? Ziarista Diane Diamond a spus ca cineva din partea apararii a dat aceste informatii negative presei.Ridicol,nu?
Aceste informatii date presei nu sunt primele greseli ale procuraturii.Doi simpatizanti au obtinut doua interviuri cu Tom Sneddon in 2003.Dar probabil ca cea mai mare pierdere de informatii a reprezentat-o faptul ca aceasta ziarista a stiut de perchezitia la Neverland inca inainte ca aceasta sa aiba loc.Multi spun ca acest lucru este neetic si ilegal. Judecatorul va permite expunerea materialelor pt adulti confiscate de la Neverland, dar nu in cantitati mari,irelevante sau dintre cele despre care Michael spune ca nu sunt ale lui.Judecatorul a spus insa ca nu au voie sa le numeasca "pornografice","obscene","erotice".Avocatul apararii a declarat ca aceste materiale au fost obtinute in mod legal.In cazul revistelor dovezile vor arata ca Michael i le-a luat pustiului si le-a incuiat.Unul din procurori a zis ca au gasit amprentele baiatului si a lui Michael pe o singura revista. Deasemenea judecatorul il obliga pe Martin Bashir sa depuna marturie.Juratii au voie sa vada doar varianta europeana a documentarului nu si cea americana(aceasta este si mai nociva pentru ca a fost obtinuta din editarea celeilate si au mai fost adaugate si remarcile altor ziaristi).Apararea vrea sa poata prezenta si materialul filmat de Michael cu propria camera.Judecatorul a zis ca o sa se gandeasca la aceasta optiune. Alta regula in favoarea apararii este ca baiatul va trebuie sa depuna marturie cu sala plina nu cu usile inchise asa cum a vrut procurorul. Procurorul Ron Zonen spune ca printre cele 50 de materiale confiscate de la Neverland se afla materiale grafice cu continut sexual atat de natura heterosexuala cat si homosexuala.Deasemenea apar poze nud ale unor modele despre care ei spun ca ar putea avea 18 ani dar arata mult mai tinere. Dar trebuie sa ne amintim cate minciuni si cat de mult a inflorit adevarul pana acum procuratura.Asa ca trebuie sa asteptam sa vedem ce contin exact aceste materiale.In special ca acum au aparut voci care sustin ca nu toate aceste obiecte apartin lui Michael.Oricum sunt destui experti care spun ca acest caz se va prabusi in saptamanile si lunile care urmeaza. |
|||||||||||||
Duminica cantaretul a dat publicitatii un mesaj aprobat de judecator pe propriul website.El a spus ca va fi "achitat si razbunat" pentru toate acuzatiile care i s-au adus. Luni,31 ianuarie, a fost prima zi din procesul lui Michael.In primele doua zile a fost inceput procesul de alegere a juratilor.Marti,1 februarie 2005,judecatorul a decis ca are destui jurati pentru acest caz asa ca este gata sa treaca la urmatorul pas.Acest anunt a venit dupa ce un grup de 250 de potentiali jurati au fost alesi din aproape 450 de oameni testati intr-o zi si jumatate.Acum atat avocatii lui Michael cat si procurorii trebuie sa citeasca chestionarele de 7 pagini pe care membrii viitorului juriu au fost rugati sa le completeze.Luni va incepe urmatoarea faza in care potentialii jurati vor fi chestionati de avocatii ambelor parti. Michael a fost foarte atent si a luat notite pe un notepad galben,a ras impreuna cu celelalte persoane din sala cand unul din potentialii jurati,care a spus ca este propriul sau sef,intrebat daca are alte surse de venit a raspuns "doar pe sotia mea". Procesul se asteapta sa dureze 6 luni.Judecatorul a declarat ca nu intentioneaza sa tina juratii sechestrati pe aceasta perioada. Alegerea de parinti ca jurati poate sa fie atat in avantajul apararii cat si al acuzarii. In ambele zile Michael nu s-a comportat ca un megastar-a zambit si a salutat juratii,a dat mana cu functionarii.A parut foarte sigur pe el si increzator ca adevarul va triumfa in final.Luni examinarea juratilor a inceput cu o ora mai tarziu pentru ca a durat destul de mult controlul de securitate.Cand toata lumea s-a asezat pe scaune toti ochii s-au indreptat catre Michael.Cei din primele randuri nu si-au putut lua privirea de la el in timp ce cei din spate au incercat din rasputeri sa il zareasca.Pentru ca in aceste zile a venit singur la tribunal(familia lui nu a putut fi prezenta din lipsa de spatiu) avocatul lui l-a intrebat de mai multe ori daca este O.K iar Michael a raspuns de fiecare data ca este bine.Procurorul T.S. nu a fost prezent,iar Michael a fost insotit de 4 avocati si de un consultant in alegerea juratilor. Michael fiind la fel de dragut ca de obicei a salutat ,atat cand a plecat cat si cand a venit,multimea de fani stransa in fata tribunalului din Santa Maria.Sa speram ca impresia buna pe care a facut-o juratilor in aceste zile ii va fi de folos in timpul procesului!!! |
|||||||||||||
Februarie |
|||||||||||||
Tom Sneddon nu s-a obosit sa apara in primele doua zile ale procesului.Acesta nu avea nimic mai bun de facut cand a tinut acele conferinte de presa jignitoare dar acum este prea ocupat pentru a aparea in tribunal.Ciudat,nu? Acesta este procesul lui-asta este ce a vrut.Inca din 1993 si-a dorit o alta sansa de a-l prinde pe Jackson. O descoperire socanta vine din partea 'Celebrity Justice' .In februarie 2005 acestia au dezvaluit ca acuzatorul a atins una dintre revistele pentru adulti in timp ce depunea marturie in fata Marelui Juriu.Acest lucru constituie o problema deoarece acele reviste nu fusesera inca testate pentru amprente.Se pare ca unul dintre jurati a intrebat cand copilul avea revistele in mana daca acestea au fost testate iar raspunsul a fost 'nu'.Daca acest raport este corect procuratura are o gaura gigantica in proprile argumente. Dar una dintre cele mai importante probleme ale procurorului este perioada de timp in care se presupune ca au avut loc aceste abuzuri.Aceasta este implauzibila deoarece cade exact peste doua investigatii independente-una din partea Protectiei Copilului si cealalta din partea serifului din Santa Barbara.Acesta este momentul cand Jackson ar fi inceput sa abuzeze de baiat.In aceste investigatii a fost chestionat si tatal copilului care a zis 'nu exista nici un motiv pentru a suspecta orice fapte gresite ' din partea lui Michael,adaugand ca el 'atribuie insanatosirea baiatului lui Jackson'.Aceasta investigatie a durat pana pe 16 aprilie 2003 deci pe intreaga perioada a acuzatiilor si cu zile de rezerva. Dupa ce a scapat,mama a mers direct la un avocat.Nu s-a prezentat la SBSD ,a caror investigatie era inca in desfasurare in martie 2003 pentru a le spune ca si-a vazut abuzat fiul in avion sau ca au fost tinuti ostatici sau ca au fost amenintati.Toate astea se presupune ca s-au intamplat exact in momentul in care toata lumea era cu ochii pe relatiile dintre Michael si copii -in special acest copil si cand presa ii diseca intreaga viata. Potrivit rapoartelor din presa pana pe data de 16 februarie 2003 mama fusese deja martora la abuzurile din avion petrecute intre California si Florida si totusi cu acces direct la biroul procurorului ea nu a spus nimic.Fara a a tine cont de ce va face apararea sau de ce a facut deja multi observatori spun ca deja cazul procurorului este vatamat inca dinaintea inceperii procesului. Potrivit investigatiilor efectuate 'mama a declarat ca copiii ei nu au fost niciodata lasati singuri cu cantaretul'.Era altcineva in camera cand baiatul si Michael erau in aceasi camera sau cand Jackson a dormit pe podea si acuzatorul sau in pat?Existau camere de supraveghere? Numai timpul ne va spune.....Mama a mai spus ca chiar daca fiul ei a dormit in aceasi camera cu megastarul acestia nu au impartit patul.Michael a dormit pe podea. Alta mare problema privind comportamentul acestei familii este legata de procesul in care au solicitat 3 milioane de dolari de la JC Penney .Bodyguarzii magazinului au prins familia furand ,i-a oprit in parcare moment in care mama a devenit nervoasa si a pretins ca copii ei nu faceau decat sa probeze hainele...in parcare ...in afara magazinului... Geraldo Rivera a sesizat cateva nepotriviri in caz inca dinainte de al cunoaste pe Jackson.Acesta a aparut in emisiunea lui Jay Leno si a discutat despre interviul pe care i l-a luat lui Michael.Rivera a glumit in emisiune spunand ca e mai periculos sa il aperi pe Jackson decat sa fi un reporter pentru razboiul in Irak.Rivera a exprimat deasemenea dubii ca Jackson s-ar fi panicat la ideea ca lumea l-ar crede un pedofil si ca a inceput sa abuzeze de baiat numai dupa acest atac de panica. Din emisiune:' So here's Michael Jackson, he's watching himself on tv, being accused of being a pedophile and he gets the idea, 'I must be a pedophile, I'm going to go out and a abuse the boy. This defies human nature.' Discutand despre interviul cu Jackson ,Rivera a spus ca Michael i-a multumit pentru ca a ramas fidel adevarului si nu s-a alaturat circului din presa care striga in cor:'Vinovat pana a fi dovedit vinovat'. Mesereau ,care l-a descris pe Sneddon ca a o persoana care a pierdut total contactul cu realitatea ,a zis ca procurorul si staful sau a incurajat martorii sa minta in fata Marelui Juriu care l-a acuzat pe Michael.Avocatul apararii a spus ca Sneddon este 'obsedat' de acest caz si ca a calatorit pana in Australia pe propria cheltuiala pentru a gasi alte victime si ca o presupusa victima din cazul din 1993 a fost chestionata in 1999 de un detectiv al serifului. Sneddon a devenit prea implicat in acest caz.Acesta a avut si o intalnire secreta cu mama baiatului.Chiar si oameni din politie au marturisit ca nu au vazut niciodata un procuror facand astfel de lucruri. Sneddon a adus deasemenea si martori care nu cunosteau relatia dintre Jackson si vreunul dintre presupusii sai complici pentru a vorbi juratilor despre sinistra conspiratie. Deasemenea ,avocatii apararii vor atrage cu siguranta atentia asupra faptului ca procurorul a fost zarit facand cumparaturi impreuna cu presupusa victima in Beverly Hills. Dar daca aceasta acuzatie va permite lui Michael sa-si curete numele atat pentru acuzatia curenta cat si pentru investigatia din 1993 atunci asa sa fie.Acest caz da sens cunoscutei fraze 'ai grija ce-ti doresti ca s-ar putea sa ti se indeplineasca'...!!! Fosta nevasta a megastarului,Debbie Rowe a avut o brusca schimbare de atitudine-acum, aparent din cauza noilor acuzatii aduse lui Jackson(de fapt intarzierea sau neplata sumei de un milion de dolari pe care ii primea anual de la Michael)doreste custodia celor doi copii-Prince si Paris Jackson.Deasemenea ea a fost citata ca martor al acuzarii.Totusi nu cu mult timp in urma parerile ei erau total diferite-Iata transcriptele din tribunal: Q= Questions asked of Debbie Rowe A= Her answers to those questions Q. Do you want the court to terminate your parental rights? A. Yes Q. Okay. A. Because -- Q. That was my next question. Why? A. Because Michael is a wonderful man. First of all, a brilliant father. And it's the best -- as their mother, it is the best interest for the children. I don't know if judge Lachs understands this. But when I was seeing them every 45 days, it felt like an intrusion on their life and they're going to have enough intrusions at it is. I don't want to be part of it. I'm absolutely around if ever Michael needs me, if the children need me for a liver, kidney, a hello, whatever, I will always be around for him. These are his children. I had the children for him. They wouldn't be on this planet if it wasn't for my love of him. I did it for him to become a father. Not for me to become a mother. You earn the title parent. I have done absolutely nothing to earn that title. Q. How long have you thought about your decision? A. Since -- I've thought about it for a year. The reason I didn't do it a year ago, everybody would have gone "Uh", "uh", "uh", gasp, gasp, gasp. "Oh, my God, have you thought this out?" So just so everybody understands, I've thought about this a lot. And this is -- this is for what's the best for the kids. Do you know what I mean, about the intrusion and stress? Do you understand? The Court: I think I understand.
Tom Sneddon, didn't bother to show up for the first two days of trial. He had nothing better to do when he was holding joking press conferences, so why did he suddenly become too busy to make an appearance at the start of the actual trial? This is Sneddon's trial. This is what he's wanted. Every since 1993, he may have been wishing for another chance at Jackson. A developing and devastating bombshell comes by way of Celebrity Justice (CJ). In a Feb 1 2005 report, CJ says they have found out that the accuser actually touched/handled one of the adult magazines while testifying on the stand in front of the grand jury. The problem with this is that the magazines had not been tested yet for fingerprints. CJ reports that when one of the grand jurors asked whether or not the magazines the kid was touching had been tested, the answer was "No." If this report is correct, this blows a gigantic hole in prosecution sympathizers' argument. One of the most important points involved the prosecution's timeline. The implausible timeline claims that right in the middle of at least two independent investigations-one by the Dept of Children & Family Services and a first 2-month investigation by the Santa Barbara Sheriff's dept-that Jackson would START molesting the accuser. The father, interviewed separately, says "there's no reason to suspect any wrongdoing" by Jackson, adding that he too "attributed (his son's) recovery to Jackson." This investigation lasted until April 16 2003, right through the entire set of charges with days to spare. So, after she escapes, she runs to a lawyer. She doesn't run to the SBSD - whose investigation was still ongoing in March 2003 - to tell them she saw her kid being sexually abused on a plane, or about them being held hostage, or about being threatened or anything. And all of this was supposed to have occurred right at the time when the entire world was focused like a laser on Jackson's relationship with children -particularly this kid-- and the media dissecting his entire life. According to press reports, by Feb 16 2003, she had allegedly already seen Jackson "abusing" her son on a plane ride between California and Florida. And still, with her direct access to the DA's office, she said nothing. Despite what the defense will do or has done, some observers say the prosecution's "case" already seems to be crippled before an actual trial starts. Others, as well, have picked up on a number of huge problems. Another point brought up by the Abrams panel was that devastating Los Angeles Dept. of Children & Family Services investigation done right in the middle of their alleged kidnapping. The investigation, spanning two weeks from Feb 14 to Feb 27 2003, was sparked by a third-party who called in with "concerns" after watching Bashir's hatchet-job of a "documentary". DCFS concluded that the allegations were "unfounded". The accusing family, all of them, denied any form of abuse and more importantly they said nothing about being threatened or being held hostage. Normal procedure during these types of investigations dictates that each family member will be isolated from the other and they will be interviewed without the interference or intimidation of anyone, including the parent. According to the summary memo, "the mother stated that her children are never left alone with the entertainer" (see DCFS Memo). This would also corroborate what attorney Mark Geragos revealed during that CBS 60 Minutes interview when he said there were precautions in place to where Jackson would never be alone with any kid. Was someone else in the room when the accuser and Jackson were in the same room, as Jackson slept on the floor and the accuser in the bed? Were there surveillance cameras? Time will tell. Even during that DCFS investigation, the mother said: She further stated that her son has slept in the same room as the entertainer but they did not share a bed. The entertainer would sleep on the floor. However, the argument about the alleged "molestation" doesn't hold water because of the "conspiracy" charge and because the sister and mother both claimed to have seen Jackson either abusing the accuser in Feb 2003 or being given alcohol. The accuser's sister claims she and her brothers were given alcohol right around that time as well yet she said nothing about this. Another pitfall revolved around the family's behavior regarding the $3 million JC Penney lawsuit they filed. Security caught the family stealing merchandise out of a JC Penney store. They were stopped in the parking lot by security, at which time, according to reports, the mother became irate, and claimed her children were only modeling the clothes.in the parking lot.outside of the store. Geraldo Rivera has had a few issues with this "case" even before he met Jackson. He appeared on Jay Leno's show Feb 4 2005 to talk about the Jackson interview. Rivera made a joke on the show that it was more dangerous defending Jackson than covering the Iraq war. Rivera also appeared on Fox's Hannity and Colmes Feb 1 2005 to talk about the "case". H expressed huge doubts that Jackson would be panicked that the world would think he's a child molester after the Bashir "documentary," and START to molest the accuser only after this prosecution-alleged "panic". From that show: So here's Michael Jackson, he's watching himself on tv, being accused of being a pedophile and he gets the idea, 'I must be a pedophile, I'm going to go out and a abuse the boy'. This defies human nature. Appearing on another show of Hannity & Colmes Feb 3 2005, he discussed more about his interview with Jackson. He says Jackson thanked him for keeping an open mind instead of joining this media circus/chorus of "guilty until proven guilty". Mesereau, who described Sneddon as "losing touch with reality," said the district attorney and his staff encouraged witnesses to lie to the grand jury that indicted Jackson. The defense lawyer said Sneddon was "obsessed" with the case, traveling to Australia at his own expense to locate other purported victims. It was also revealed that Mr. Sneddon had traveled to Australia in search of other alleged victims of Mr. Jackson and that an alleged victim from the 1993 case had been interviewed in 1999 by a sheriff's detective. Sneddon has essentially lost his prosecutor-protection by becoming personally involved in this case. Sneddon actually had a secret meeting where only he and the mother were present. He didn't audiotape record or videotape this meeting at which he accepted "evidence" from her without benefit of having a sheriff's deputy present to take custody of this material. Even one of their own police investigators testified on the stand in a pretrial hearing that he doesn't know of any other case when this DA has done such things. Sneddon also allowed witnesses with no personal knowledge of Jackson's relationship with any of the prosecution-alleged co-conspirators to talk jurors into believing in this sinister "conspiracy" charge. The defense says this testimony was based completely on speculation regarding Jackson's involvement. Reportedly, one of the ways in which Jackson's lawyers disputed this argument was by revealing that the DA was spotted shopping with the accuser in Beverly Hills. But if this is an allegation which will allow Jackson unfettered access to clear his name both for this current allegation and from the 1993 investigation, then so be it.This case however gives a new meaning to the phrase 'be careful what you wish for because you just might get it. Michael Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, who bore two of the singer's three children change her mind about the custordy for their children. Debbie claims she now wants custody because of the new revelations about Jackson's life, including the current allegations and the singer's comments interview for a BBC documentary in which he said that it's fine for kids to sleep with adults. The judge in the current custody case has ruled that Rowe did not give up her parental rights because the 2001 proceedings were flawed. A State Appeals Court also ruled that Rowe did not forfeit parental rights. Back in 2001 she testified: "I had the children for him. I did it for him to become a father. Not for me to become a mother. You earn the title of parent. I have done absolutely nothing to earn that title." Q= Questions asked of Debbie Rowe A= Her answers to those questions Q. Do you want the court to terminate your parental rights? A. Yes Q. Okay. A. Because -- Q. That was my next question. Why? A. Because Michael is a wonderful man. First of all, a brilliant father. And it's the best -- as their mother, it is the best interest for the children. I don't know if judge Lachs understands this. But when I was seeing them every 45 days, it felt like an intrusion on their life and they're going to have enough intrusions at it is. I don't want to be part of it. I'm absolutely around if ever Michael needs me, if the children need me for a liver, kidney, a hello, whatever, I will always be around for him. These are his children. I had the children for him. They wouldn't be on this planet if it wasn't for my love of him. I did it for him to become a father. Not for me to become a mother. You earn the title parent. I have done absolutely nothing to earn that title. Q. How long have you thought about your decision? A. Since -- I've thought about it for a year. The reason I didn't do it a year ago, everybody would have gone "Uh", "uh", "uh", gasp, gasp, gasp. "Oh, my God, have you thought this out?" So just so everybody understands, I've thought about this a lot. And this is -- this is for what's the best for the kids. Do you know what I mean, about the intrusion and stress? Do you understand? The Court: I think I understand. |
|||||||||||||
Sunday, 06 February 2005 On FOX News tonight, Geraldo Rivera conducted an intimate and revealing interview with Michael Jackson. Here we see a glimpse of the real man, the father, the warrior and the tender heart behind the media's often very inaccurate portrayal. Read the full interview here... AT LARGE WITH GERALDO RIVERA Geraldo Rivera: How you doing, man? Michael Jackson: How you doing? GR: Good to see you. GR: You get to smile anymore? MJ: Of course, I smile a lot. GR: You smile when you're in a recording studio like this one, doing music?. MJ: Of course, I love music. GR: Is it nice to get back to the music? . MJ: It's fantastic. Because ahhh. It's my life. That's what I do. GR: You've been so distracted, you know, you want to talk about how you're feeling? MJ: I'm doing fine Geraldo, how are you? GR: Despite whatever else goes on in the world, you're doing ok? MJ: I'm doing very well, thank you. GR: You know, it was wonderful, seeing you with the children. That I think, is the real Michael Jackson that has not been seen. you with your own children, one in diapers the other two toddlers. I don't know how you manage without a nanny. MJ: Well, I enjoy taking care of my children myself it's... it's fun that's why I had them so I could take care of them and it's just great relief for me you know it's a pleasure it keeps me happy and laughing and you know, they're wonderful sweet innocent children. GR: I saw you as kind of the arbitrator between the Nickelodeon and the Disney channel there. You got some really difficult problems to solve there. But you have such a- a kind of a normal life there. It's sweet to see. MJ: Thank you. They bring me that. GR: Tell me, tell me what the children mean to you, your own children. MJ: They mean, it's hard to put it into words because they mean everything. The way you would explain how your children make you feel... They're the world for me, I wake up and I'm ready for the day because of them. I get them breakfast, I change diapers, if they want to read, we do a lot of reading, we play hide and seek, we play blind fold and have a wonderful time with it. GR: And you can create a world that at least begins to seem normal? They don't know any other world obviously. MJ: I do my best for sure. GR: So, that is obviously a priority to you MJ: Yes of course. I want to be the best father in the world of course. GR: Do they know who you are? Or what you mean to people? MJ: Yes, they do. They've been on tours with me and in limousines among a sea of fans. GR: Do they like it? MJ: They find it exciting. They want to get on stage. They bug me to go on stage with me. So, pretty sure I 'm going to take them on with me and let the world see them for the first time. GR: They don't say, 'Daddy I want to go home and watch Nickelodeon?' MJ: (Laughs) Probably, probably. GR: They do that too. MJ: Yes. GR: So how do you feel being here again, being in a recording studio again, focussing on the music again? Is it a relief, in a sense? MJ: It's a great relief. It makes me feel like I'm totally at home. I'm into my own. Which is what I'm here for. Any of the arts. like that could be film, you know, music, any type of art, I love it. GR: So, when you're being the quote on quote, King of Pop, that's when you're the most comfortable? Or is it the creative process? MJ: The creative process, yes. I'm obsessed with creating. GR: I saw you and Randy, the way you guys react - it's very reminiscent of the way my brothers and I are together. Who's top dog? MJ: Randy. GR: That's not what I saw GR: But, uh, you trust your family. MJ: Of course, you have to. GR: Is it a 'blood thicker than water' thing? What is it? MJ: Family is everything. It's love. It's what we were taught. We're friends at the end of the day, which is important. Other than what the public or press people say, we're friends. We love each other very much. GR: So, is the family closely knit, despite all the tabloid stuff? MJ: That's sensationalism. GR: How do you deal with that? MJ: How do I deal with sensationalism? GR: Yeah. How do you deal with everything in your life being magnified, exaggerated, almost to a grotesque level. MJ: It's like looking at a fictitious movie. Because its fiction. It's like watching science fiction. It's not true. And I know myself and it's sad when people have to read those things and they believe it. GR: Do you feel like holding a press conference every week and saying, this is the rumor du jour, it's not true MJ: I know eventually, the truth will prevail and I'm about truth. GR: I've researched it and I can't find anyone who has been more frivolously sued than you for the most outrageous reasons. One of your attorneys told me that a woman called Billie Jean Jackson called and said, 'Stop accepting any paychecks, Mr. Attorney, I'm the wife - Billie Jean.' obviously from your hit song, I mean, how do you. First of all, how does it affect you? M J: Does it affect me? Yes, but I've become immune in a way too, I have rhinoceros skin but at the same time I'm human. So, anything can hurt like that, but I'm very strong. And, I just don't like people hearing about such false information. GR: For instance, did you father quadruplets last year? MJ: That was a crazy rumor. GR: Then they became twins. I don't know what happened to the other two, maybe they were abducted by aliens. MJ: I heard about that story and I don't have any twins. They said I'm hiding them or something? Another made up rumor. GR: So it's completely false. MJ: The bigger the star, the bigger the target. I'm not trying to say I'm the super-duper star, I'm not saying that. I'm saying the fact that people come at celebrities, we're targets. But truth always prevails. I believe in that. I believe in God, you know? GR: Does that faith sustain you? MJ: Of course, it does. GR: How about friendship? MJ: What about friendship? GR: Do you rely on friends? Have people stayed with you through thick and thin? Who are your best friends? MJ: My children, my family, my brothers and my sisters and yeah, most people have. Most people have. GR: Do you want to mention the names of the true blue? MJ: The faithful, you wouldn't know them so, it's uh. GR: Elizabeth Taylor? MJ: Oh, she's very loyal, I see Elizabeth Taylor all the time. She's my dear friend, I was just at her house. We have wonderful talks on the phone at night, several times a week sometimes. GR: So how long have you two been friends? MJ: I've known Elizabeth closely since I was 16. GR: And you've been making music since you're five MJ: Yes GR: So you're in your fifth decade of making music. That's forty-one years of making music. MJ: Yes. GR: You ever get sick of it? MJ: No, no, not at all I never get enough of it (music). GR: Really. GR: Do you ever get sick of Randy? (Laughing) GR: He's here, ladies and gentlemen. MJ: Never, never, never He's (Randy) wonderful. He's been amazing, supportive, and amazingly brilliant. GR: So, they're all different. Your whole family is crazy, exocentric. like my family. MJ: Every brother, sister is completely different, like any family, you have all the different elements. that's what makes it a family. GR: When you have such intense scrutiny, how do you live any kind of a normal life? How do you have any kind of fun outside of your own property? MJ: I don't. I go off property sometimes, but not all the time. I create my world behind the gates you know because I can't go to the local movie theater down the street or the local park down the street or go pickup ice cream at the market, at the corner store. So, you want to create that world behind the gates and that's what I try and do. And it's not just for me if I could share with my family, friends, or whoever I do. GR: And that necessity for some privacy, drives all these crazy rumors and speculations. A difficult balancing act that you have to endure. GR: But you're not complaining are you? I don't. I try to rub it off. I don't know what I'm the king of. the king of getting shot at maybe. Ha ha ha ha. MJ: "The king of journalism." GR: So, what is it about children in distress? You mentioned the Tsunami relief effort. What is it? Is it your own fatherhood that motivates that? MJ: Caring. And reading the Bible, learning about God, Jesus, Love. He said, 'bring on the children', 'imitate the children', 'be like the children' and 'take care of others.' Take care of old people. And we were raised with those values. Those are very important values and my family and I we were raised with those values and they continue strong in us today. GR: What about movies for yourself again? You had The Wiz and some of the others but we haven't seen you on the big screen in a while. MJ: I'll be directing myself. I love directing. I love creativity and I think when an artist steps forward with a production of some type, if he can express himself the way he sees it should be done. I feel it and I see it. I'm a visionary. If I can give that, I do and that's what I love to do with music and dance and the arts. GR: And do you think art has a role in real life? Specifically referring to this record and Tsunami relief? MJ: I saw it the day after Christmas and as the numbers kept escalating, it just became phenomenal and not even I could believe that it was true. I was amazed. I said, I thought I should do something. That's what God gave us talent for. To give and to help people and to give back. So, my brothers and I decided to put a song together. GR: What did you pick up the phone and say, "hey bros?" What did you say? MJ: We just say, hey, we want to do something in the studio for the Tsunami victims. Let's get together and organize it. And they just said great. GR: However, you're back, I think that people will appreciate the fact that you're back. Wouldn't you kind of exalt in a world where you could concentrate on your art and your kids? MJ: I would love it. I mean that's what drives me. The medium. The art. That's the world I'm most comfortable in." GR: In Gary, Indiana, did you ever expect where your world would be as a 46 year old man? MJ: I never thought about it. I knew I wanted to do something wonderful all of my life and to help people and I never clearly really thought about it when I was really little. I just sang and danced and didn't understand whey people were applauding and clapping and screaming. You really don't. You don't know why. GR: When you grow up like that on stage, when do you get it? When do you understand where you fit in to society? MJ: It takes longer when you get older. You get a more rounded personality and your brain starts to grow. You start reasoning and understanding more things, researching. . GR: Isn't it nice to have a conversation on television where people can just hear you being ordinary, normal, reasonable. MJ: I'm like this all the time. I'm just being myself. GR: At a certain point, Michael Jackson and the brothers Jackson kind of separated artistically, is this a moment in your life where you're coming back together? Obviously you'll continue your solo career, but what's the big plan, what's the big picture at this stage in your life? What has been left unachieved? What would you like to do? MJ: There are a lot of surprises. Film. I love film. It's innovating, taking the medium to a new place. I used the music video medium as a short film medium to take me to the next level. I'm having a lot of fun. GR: Do you ever look back and contemplate, oh my goodness, Thriller is the biggest selling musical performance ever, do you ever get your arms around that? MJ: I try not to think about it too hard because I don't want my subconscious mind to think I've done it all, you're done now. That's why I don't put awards or trophies in my house. You won't find a gold record anywhere in my house. Because it makes you feel you've accomplished. Look what I've done. But I always want to feel, no I haven't done it yet. GR: 'The King of Pop' and now I look at some of these performers- there's a new one - there's 50 cent and another one- I forget his name, but they're well-known because they survived violent attacks where they almost died and they're into hip hop kind of - it's a different era in popular music- do you think you'll be more like them- more urban kind of- or will the world come back to more pop and traditional rock? MJ: Great music & great melodies are immortal. Culture changes, fashion change, customs, great music is immortal. We still listen to Mozart today, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, any of them, any of the greats. Great music is like a great piece of sculpture, a great painting. It's forever. That's a fact. GR: On the other hand, I interviewed Barbara Streisand at one pivotal point in her career, she was going to do duets with the BeeGees and other popular artists- she kind of changed the tempo to surprise people. MJ: I've done a lot of it already. I don't really rap, but I could. I've written songs with rap versus in them for very famous rappers, but they're much better at it than I am. GR: Don't you appreciate, despite your isolated life and despite the fact you've been a star so long, you still have what appears to be a very passionate and profound relationship with the community. Does that support you? Does that sustain you? Do you agree with me? MJ: Yes, I do agree, because it's important to love your neighbors. GR: But were does it come from. where does that almost instinctive love of you come from? MJ: I truly think it comes from my mother and God (instinctive love) The way we were raised. The values my father instilled in us in youth. She was always with the Bible teaching us - we'd go to service all the time. Four times a week and I'm so glad we did that because those are values that are very important. I don't know if I could have done as well without them. GR: Do you still spend time with mom and dad? They're not far from here right now? And what is that relationship all about? I'm so close to my mom, obviously. MJ: It's wonderful. At this stage, you tend to appreciate more who your parents are more and what they've done for you. You start to retrack where you are in your life and all the wonderful things they've instilled in you. You start to see them come forth. I'm starting to see a lot of things. Traits that my father influenced me on and my mother. GR: My friend Cheech, who you know, whose partner Tommy Chong helped discover you guys, 'Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers', he says that as he gets older, he looks at his father's face in the mirror. Do you feel that? Are you becoming like your dad? MJ: I'm very much like my father in a lot of ways. He's very strong. He's a warrior. He's always taught us to be courageous and to be confident and to believe in our ideals. And no matter what, no star is too far to reach and you never give up. And our mother taught us that as well. GR: So you're a warrior also? MJ: Absolutely. GR: That's the way you see yourself? GR: Tell us more about the way you see yourself? MJ: I try to be kind and generous and to give to people and to do what I think God wants me to do. Sometimes I pray and say "where do you want me to go next, God? What do you want me to do from here?" I've always been very spiritual in that way. It's nothing new. GR: Did you ever see the movie "Finding Neverland" or read about J. M. Barrie, the man who wrote "Peter Pan." MJ: I know a lot about Mr. Barrie and I've been a fan for many, many, many years. GR: You know, he had a rocky road, similar to you, I don't want to get too far into it. Tell us what led to the creation of Neverland. I mean, specifically the place - There are 2 Neverlands, there's 3. There's Peter Pan's Neverland, there's the Neverland in Michael Jackson's mind and then there's the physical place you created up there where I visited you when you brought up all the inner-city children. Why did you create that place? MJ: I created Neverland as a home for myself and my children and it was created simply, it was almost like it was done subconsciously, like I said earlier, where can I go? I mean, it's hard. I've tried to go out as myself and I've had policemen tell me, "put on a disguise! And give me an autograph for my wife!" They tell me, "why are you out here with no security?" I can't do it. I do it sometimes, but it's very difficult. GR: But you owned Neverland before you had the kids, was it for you? The exotic animals, were they for Michael Jackson? MJ: For me and sharing with others. It gave me a chance to do what I couldn't do when I was little. We couldn't go to movie theaters. We couldn't go to Disneyland. We couldn't do all those fun things. We were on tour. We were working hard. And we did enjoy it. But this allowed me to have a place behind the gates where the entire world I love is there. GR: You create, like Barrie, this imaginative world, do you ever outgrow something like that Michael? Do you ever think this is silly to have the llamas and the choo-choo trains and the rides? MJ: It's calling God silly if you do that, because God made all things great and small. Other men have their Ferraris and their airplanes or helicopters or wherever they find their bliss. My bliss is in giving and sharing and having simple innocent fun. GR: Your homes. For all the grandeur of Neverland. Your home is quite modest. And your personal style. I don't see any bling for instance. How come you don't have the big diamond thing that says Michael? MJ: I'm modest in that way. If I had it on, I would probably give it away to the first kid to say, 'wow, I like your necklace.' When I was growing up, stars like Sammy Davis, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly. if I admired something they were wearing, If I simply said, 'I love that shirt you're wearing,' they would give it to me. It's a show business trait. Hand it over. GR: Despite the glare of the media attention and even the day that I was there and you invited the inner-city kids there, what's it like to have the kids there? Why do you do that? I wanted to ask you that question that day but I pose it to you know. MJ: I've traveled the world over 8 times. I do as many hospitals and orphanages as I do concerts. But, of course, it's not covered (by the press). That's not why I do it, for coverage. I do it because it's from my heart. And there are so many children in the city who haven't seen the mountains, who haven't been on a carousel, who haven't pet a horse or a llama, never seen them, so if I can open my gates and see that bliss, an explosion of screaming laughter from the children and they run on the rides, I say "Thank you, God." I feel I've won God's smile of approval, because I'm doing something that brings joy and happiness to other people. GR: So, you're close to your siblings? How does it affect you when they get involved - like Janet's superbowl flap? Just tell me how you responded as a brother and a viewer? MJ: Oh, I can't speak for my sister. With love. Actually, I was looking right at it and I didn't see it. I was at a friend of mine's house, Ron Burkle and in a movie theater, it was huge on the screen and I didn't even see it. I heard all this controversy the next day and I said, "That's not true." I didn't even see it. GR: Do you think the controversy was overblown? Do you think it's a Jackson related phenomena or is it a testament to our times socially in this country? MJ: That's an interesting hypothesis too. It's both. It's hard to answer. I'd rather not answer that one. GR: Did you call her and say 'don't sweat the small stuff?' MJ: Something like that. 'Be strong. This too shall pass.' 'Don't worry about it.' I've seen worse things. I said, "Janet, you're too young to remember but, I once watched the Oscars with David Niven on it and a naked man came running out, streaking. Now, he didn't get there on his own. That was organized and nobody - they didn't say much about that." I'll just say that much. That was live, around the world. The next day it was a joke. GR: I think there is a Jackson component. I think the thing was exaggerated. I think the Jackson thing was part of the reason. MJ: Thank you. GR: So as you go forward in this record, what are we going to expect? Are we going to hear this on the radio and then people are going to send in their money and it's going to go to these kids in the Indian Ocean region? MJ: I would like that very much. GR: Now tell me, how that act of largesse, that compassion, will make you feel? Sometimes, I think, I feel better giving than receiving in my life, explain the mechanics of that in your own life. MJ: It's just the idea. I don't know if its the psychology of it or what. I just love working hard on something. Putting it together. Sweating over it and then sharing it with people and then having them love it and I always pray that they like it. That's what gives me great satisfaction as an artist. GR: Does it frustrate you professionally or personally when people say that this Jackson project flopped or that happened. Your 'Number Ones' compilation for instance, 7 and a half million copies sold. Now I think that's quadruple platinum or whatever it is you label it. And yet the characterization by some in the music business at least is that you're not- you know, that it wasn't a hit. MJ: I don't know which project you're talking about. because of negative news. Sensationalism seems to sell more than wonderful, positive news. People would rather hear gossip. My last 8 albums have all entered the charts at number 1, so people like to sensationalize things and make up stories and rumors and sometimes. GR: Does it hurt your feelings? Do you want to scream out and say, "Hey wait a minute, check the numbers!" MJ: It's a commonality in mankind that I don't like. That part of it, but then there's a beautiful side to mankind too, isn't there? GR: But not to Eminem. We've spoken about it. I think that you should. Why not? MJ: And what's your question? GR: Stevie Wonder said that he was piling on and how really rude it was for someone who made his money from the community to 'diss the community in a sense in a racist and, I've said it, very bold faced, bigoted presentation. Tell us how that hurt you and how you're feeling about it now. MJ: I've never met Mr. Eminem, and I've always admired him and to have him do something like that was pretty painful as an artist to another artist and it's sad because I think what Stevie Wonder said is true, I just don't want to say too much more than that. He (Eminem) should be ashamed of himself what he's doing. Stevie said he's bulls***. He used the word. That's what he said. I'm not saying it, Stevie said it. Stevie's amazing. He's one of the sweetest men in the world. GR: Stevie did and he is bulls***. So, when Stevie said that, did you feel a tremendous sense of reassurance, of brotherly love, there? MJ: I love Stevie Wonder. To me, he's a musical prophet. I'll always love him. A lot of people respect Stevie and he's a very strong entity in this medium, in this business and when he speaks, people listen and it was wrong of Eminem to do what he did. I've been an artist most of my life and I've never attacked a fellow artist. great artists don't do that. You don't have to do that. GR: I mentioned Janet's fiasco and the exaggerated response to it. Once again do you think he only did it because he knew he could get away with it because you're Michael Jackson? MJ: Yeah, but it doesn't hurt. It's silly. It's kind of elementary. I hope he's having fun. GR: Like a poo-poo joke. It still hurts your feelings and you don't want your kids to see it. MJ: Oh god, I would hate it if they saw it. I would hate that" GR: Finally, we've studiously avoided the case and not talked at all about the case that's pending. You're under this gag order. I know that you have received permission from the judge to read a statement. I hate to end an interview that way, but if you'd like to read that statement now, I think it's important. MJ: IN THE LAST TWO 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. YEARS AGO, I ALLOWED A FAMILY TO VISIT AND SPEND 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. THESE EVENTS HAVE CAUSED A NIGHTMARE FOR MY FAMILY, MY CHILDREN AND ME. I NEVER INTEND TO PLACE MYSELF IN SO VULNERABLE A POSITION AGAIN. I LOVE MY COMMUNITY AND I HAVE GREAT FAITH IN OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM. PLEASE KEEP AN OPEN MIND AND LET ME HAVE MY DAY IN COURT. I DESERVE A FAIR TRIAL LIKE EVERY OTHER AMERICAN CITIZEN. I WILL BE ACQUITTED AND VINDICATED WHEN THE TRUTH IS TOLD. GR: Michael is there anything else you would like to say? MJ: Yes. I would just like for the public to keep my family and myself in their prayers. That would be very nice. Thank you, Geraldo. mjjsource.com |
|||||||||||||
PROCES AMANAT-JACKSON AJUNGE NEASTEPTAT LA CAMERA DE URGENTA
Ieri inainte de a ajunge la Tribunalul din Santa Maria unde avea sa se continue alegerea juratilor ,megastarul s-a simtit foarte rau si a fost dus de urgenta la spitalul din regiune. Alegerea juratilor a fost amanata cu o saptamana(trebuie sa continue martea viitoare -22 februarie)dupa ce Michael a fost spitalizat-doctorul declarand ca pacientul prezinta simptome foarte apropiate cu cele ale unei gripe. Doctorul Chuck Merrill de la Camera de Garda din Santa Maria a declarat reporterilor ca in prezent lui Michael i se fac analize si i se administreaza fluide pe cale intravenoasa.Starea lui este stabila si cat de curand se asteapta o ameliorare vizibila a conditiei pacientului. Te avem in gandurile noastre,Michael -INSANATOSIRE GRABNICA! |
|||||||||||||
Michael a intalnit din intamplare in 1992 familia Chandler(fiul Jordan,sora sa vitrega Lily,mama June Scwartz-divortata de tatal lui Jordan,Evan Chandler)-intr-o calatorie in oras i s-a defectat masina si un membru al acestei familii i-a facut rost de alta.A devenit repede prieten bun cu aceasta familie-ei il insoteau in deplasarile sale si il vizitau la Neverland.Michael Freeman fostul avocat al lui June Schwartz spune ca , tatal baiatului, Evan Chandler >"incepuse sa fie gelos pe relatia fostei sale sotii si a baiatului sau cu Jackson si se simtea dat la o parte".Din acesta cauza l-a angajat pe avocatul Barry Rothman sa se ocupe de procesul de custodie intentat mamei baiatului.. Rothman nu era specializat pe dreptul familiei, insa, recent se ocupase de un caz de custodie care implica si acuzatii de molestare a unui copil. La serbarea de sfarsit de clasa a VIII a tatal i-a spus fostei sotii despre banuielile lui conform carora Jackson abuza de copilul lor.June Schwartz "n-a luat nimic in serios" din ceea ce a spus Evan Chandler si i-a adus acestuia la cunostinta ca ea impreuna cu copiii sai urmau sa-l insoteasca pe Jackson in turneul Dangerous.Furios, tatal a amenintat ca va vorbi cu presa!Michael a simtit ca se petrece ceva ciudat asa ca a angajat un avocat.Tatal vitreg al lui Jordan si actualul sot al lui June, Dave Schwartz a inregistrat o convorbire telefonica intre el si Evan Chandler. Pe caseta, Chandler spune: In vara anului 1993 tatal baiatului a convins-o pe mama sa il lase sa petreaca o saptamana cu copilul lui.Dupa spusele fostei secretare a lui Rothman, Gerladine Hughes (care a scris o carte intitulata "Redemption - adevarul din spatele acuzatiilor aduse lui Michael Jackson" in care dezvaluie detalii care au avut loc in biroul lui Rothman intre acesta si Evan Chandler, detalii care conduc la concluzia ca totul a fost o inscenare pusa bine la punct),tatal a primit sfaturi despre cum sa faca public un abuz fara ca parintii sa aiba vreo responsabilitate.De aceea a fost contactat psihiatrul Mathis Abrams caraia i s-a expus o situatie ipotetica de genul:: "Baiatul meu a petrecut ceva timp singur cu un barbat. Este posibil sa fi avut loc vreun abuz sexual si, daca da, care sint modalitatile prin care acest lucru poate fi raportat autoritatilor?".Abrams le-a spus ca daca copilul povesteste abuzul unui psiholog acesta este obligat sa sune la politie. Dupa obtinerea acestei informatii pretioase tatal s-a dus si l-a santajat pe Michael(acesta a cerut bani pentru a-si schimba profesia din dentist in scenarist).Exista o caseta audio pe care se gaseste o convorbire intre Rothman si Evan in care cei doi se pun de acord asupra sumei pe care sa o ceara ca sa nu dea presei acuzatiile.Michael a refuzat insa sa le dea banii(daca ar fi platit acea suma scandalul ar fi fost evitat-dar ce nevinovat plateste bani unor sarlatani?) Tatal i-a administrat fiului un medicament numit sidium amythal. Se cunostea faptul ca poti implanta usor amintiri in mintea unei persoane care se afla sub influenta acestui medicament. Acesta a spus ca a folosit acest drog pentru a-i scoate un dinte copilului dar toti medicii de specialitate gasesc acest lucru nemaintalnit.Iata ce isi mai amintea Jordan despre asta:"Tata trebuia sa-mi scoata un dinte, cind ma aflam o data la el acasa. Si mie nu-mi place durerea asa ca l-am rugat sa ma adoarma. El m-a ascultat asa ca un prieten de-al lui m-a adormit. Prietenul lui este anestezist. Si, cind m-am sculat tata imi scosese dintele si eu eram bine, desi un pic ametit. Si tata m-a intrebat - prietenul lui plecase si eram doar eu cu el - 'Vreau doar sa-mi spui, s-a intimplat ceva intre tine si Michael?' iar eu i-am spus ca da. M-a imbratisat foarte puternic si asta a fost tot"(afirmatie din timpul unui interviu cu un psihiatru).Baiatul nu a spus despre aceste acuzatii in timpul procesului de custodie asa ca decizia judecatorului a fost in favoarea mamei.In ziua in care acesta trebuia sa-si recapete copilul tatal l-a dus la Abrams unde copilul a facut acuzatiile ,in consecinta au fost alertate oficialitatile. PROCESUL CIVIL Pe data de 14 septembrie familia acuzatoare a intentat un proces civil impotriva lui Michael Jackson - cu ajutorul avocatului Larry Feldman - in care cerea 30 de milioane de dolari daune.Pana in acel moment mama lui Jordan l-a aparat pe Michael.Imediat dupa inceperea procesului ea a schimbat taberele.Familia Chandler l-a dat in judecata pe Michael Jackson pentru abatere sexuala, abatere, seductie, comportament anormal, inducerea intentionata a stresului emotional, frauda si neglijenta.Au fost incalcate drepturile constitutionale a lui Michael pentru ca procesul civil a fost programat inaintea celui penal chiar daca avocatii lui Jackson au depus o motiune in care se cerea ca procesul civil sa fie aminat pina ce procesul penal va fi incheiatin care au fost citate ca exemplu cazuri celebre pentru a fi sustinuta cererea- daca Michael Jackson ar fi fost vinovat, ar mai fi facut asta? (judecatorul a justificat acest act prin fragilitatea copilului).Avocatii lui Jackson au depus alta motiune prin care se cerea ca procurorului general Tom Sneddon sa ii fie interzis sa foloseasca dovezile din procesul civil. Inca o data, echipa lui Jackson a pierdut. Daca ar fi mers mai departe cu procesul civil Michael ar fi prezentat curtii toate dovezile iar Sneddon ar fi privit tot acest proces, dupa care ar fi luat cele mai importante dovezi prezentate in procesul civil si ar fi incercat sa le discrediteze, astfel incit Jackson n-ar mai fi avut nimic cu care sa se apere in procesul penal.Alte motive pentru care Michael a fost obligat sa semneze intelegerea cu familia au mai fost: I. in procesele penale, daca acuzatul nu vrea sa depuna marturie, refuzul nu poate fi folosit impotriva lui. Intr-un proces civil, acuzatul trebuie sa coopereze pentru toate declaratiile si marturiile. Daca acuzatul refuza sa depuna marturie, atunci judecatorul va spune juratilor sa amendeze partea care refuza sa depuna marturie. Daca Michael Jackson nu ar fi incheiat intelegerea cu acuzatorul, intreaga sa viata personala ar fi fost expusa. INTELEGEREA 1.> Michael Jackson a negat acuzatiile. INVESTIGATIA Dupa ce copilul nu a vrut sa mai depuna marturie procurorul a cam ramas fara caz.Asa ca toata lumea a devenit disperata.. Politia a obtinut agendele telefonice ale lui Jackson si a contactat aproximativ 30 de copii si familiile lor. Desi procurorii au folosit metode agresive de interogare pentru a-i speria pe copii si a-i face sa il acuze pe Jackson, n-au putut gasi un alt acuzator. Toti copiii interogati au sustinut ca Jackson nu i-a abuzat niciodata.Intr-o incercare de a gasi dovezi, sectia de politie din Santa Barbara, l-a supus pe Jackson la o perchezitie corporala pentru a vedea daca descrierea acuzatorului cu privire la organele genitale a lui Jackson corespunde cu realitatea. Dar si acesta tentativa murdara a esuat pentru ca nu a existat similaritatea sperata.Politia incercat apoi sa se foloseasca de ziarele de scandal ca sa gaseasca alt copil.Politia a mai contactat-o pe Blanca Francia, fosta menajera a lui Jackson care si-a vindut povestea emisiunii "Hard Copy" pentru 20.000 de dolari. Pe 15 decembrie 1993, Francia a spus in emisiune ca a fost martora cind Jackson facea dus cu baieti si ca a vazut cind Jackson s-a purtat necuvincios cu fiul ei. Francia a repetat aceasta declaratie intr-o declaratie sub juramint in cazul civil intentat de familia Chandler. In timp ce era intervievata de unul din avocatii lui Jackson, Francia a recunoscut ca a exagerat in timpul emisiunii "Hard Copy" si ca producatorii emisiunii au platit-o pentru a-si spune povestea. Doua mari jurii nu au reusit sa il acuze pe Jackson cu dovezile prezentate de procuror-ceea ce l-a facu pe acesta sa devina furios(cheltuise milioane de dolari pentru acest caz si nu avea nici o dovada).Insa, multi spun ca motivele reale pentru care Sneddon il vineaza pe Jackson nu sint personale, ci au legatura cu proprietatea . "Neverland" a lui Jackson. Santa Barbara este recunoscuta ca o zona principala pentru producerea vinurilor. "Neverland" se intinde pe o suprafata foarte mare, iar terenul pe care se afla este foarte propice plantarii viilor. Un dentist din Santa Barbara sustine ca l-a auzit pe Tom Sneddon la o petrecere de stringere de fonduri spunind ca planuieste o noua acuzatie de abuz impotriva lui Jackson pentru a-l deposeda de Neverland si pentru a planta vie pe terenul pe care se afla acesta. |
|||||||||||||
Santa Maria,Califiornia(CNN)-Selectia juriului in cazul lui Michael Jackson a fost reluata marti,fiind amanata cu o saptamana din cauza spitalizarii megastarului(suferind de simptome asemanatoare racelii). Jackson a sosit la tribunalul din Santa Barbara cu cateva minute dupa ora 8 dimineata,aratand destul de energic si sanatos.A purtat un costum negru cu o vesta gri si cu un lant argintiu. De cand a inceput procesul,din 31 ianuarie 2005, alegerea juriului a fost amanata cateva zile din cauza decesului surorii avocatului apararii,Thomas Mesereau si deasemensea din cauza spitalizarii neasteptate a lui Jackson. Judecatorul din Santa Barbara,Rodney Melville a declarat juratilor ca procesul va continua in scurt timp. 'Domnul Mesereau a suferit o adevarata tragedie.Deasemenea Jackon a fost bolnav -fapt care mi-a fost confirmat de doctorul de la camera de Urgenta.' Melville a anuntat alte celebritati care vor participa la proces -inca 300 de martori,o intreaga lista de personalitati precum Macaulay Culkin,Eddie Murpy,Smokey Robinson-mai degraba seama cu distributia unui film?! Marti,avocatii au continuat chestionarea juratilor.La sfarsitul zilei ,20 dintre ei au fost refuzati ramanand 221.Dintre cei refuzati apararea a respins 6 si acuzarea 5.Ambele parti au voie sa respinga 10 dintre jurati fara nici o explicatie.Unul dintre cei eliminati de procuror a fost singurul afro american dintre jurati. Jackson ,in varsta de 46 a fost externat din spitalul din Santa Maria dupa numai 2 zile.Doctorii au declarat ca acesta a suferit de gripa,iar judecatorul ,Melville a declarat ca procesul nu poate continua fara prezenta lui Michael. Michael este acuzat de abuz asupra unui minor de 13 ani -fost bolnav de cancer,ca a dat alcool baiatului si ca a incercat sa-l tina prizonier alaturi de familia sa. Michael Jackson s-a declarat nevinovat de toate acestea. Cei 12 jurati care au fost alesi in cazul lui Jackson constituie un grup destul de divers.Cel mai tanar dintre ei este in varsta de 20 de ani iar cel mai in varsta are 79 de ani.Printre jurati nu se numara afro- americani.Patru dintre ei sunt de origine hispanica,una dintre jurate este de origine asiatica.Printre intrebarile adresate juratilor nu s-a pus problema rasiala.Astfel juratii care raman sunt:o femeie in varsta de 51 de ani care lucreaza ca programator ps,o femeie in varsta de 22 care lucreaza ca asistenta in domeniul psiho-terapiei,un barbat de 62 de ani care ca profesie inginer,o femeie in varsta de 44 de ani care lucreaza in serviciul social,un barbat in varsta de 63 ani care este pensionat,o femeie in varsta de 45 casnica,o femeie de 79 care este pensionata,un tanar de 21 de ani student,o femeie de 42 de ani care lucreaza in serviciul educatiei,o femeie de 50 de ani care dresor de cai,un barbat in varsta de 20 de ani care este casier. Majoritatea dintre jurati spun ca le place muzica lui Jackson si ca sunt impresionati de cariera megastarului.Majoritatea spun ca nu cred ceea ce aud in presa si putini au vazut interviurile recente cu starul pop.Fostul sot al unuia dintre jurati este un politist,alt jurat declara despre sora lui ca a fost violata cand avea 12 ani.Cand a fost intrebata daca nu i-ar fi greu sa faca parte din juriu ,ea a raspuns:'Hell no'.Jurata de 79 de ani este strabunica unei persoane care a fost inregistrata pentru acuzatii de acte indecente.Ea a spus avocatilor ca aceasta experienta o va ajuta sa fie impartiala cu Jackson. Cel mai tanar jurat a spus ca sora lui impreuna cu prietenul ei a vizitat Neverland-ul,antrenoarea de cai s-a declarat surprinsa de modul in care arata Michael-ea l-a descris ca un barbat slabut,cu foarta multa energie.Studentul de 21 ani este paralizat si a vizitat Neverland impreuna cu un grup cand era in clasa a 6.Anuntul de miercuri ca juratii au fost alesi a fost o surpriza.Selectia juriului a inceput pe 31 ianuarie cu sute de potentiali jurati.Analistii credeau ca procesul de alegere a juratilor va dura pana in martie. Selectia juratilor a fost completata joi ,dupa ce cele 8 rezerve au fost alese ceea ce a permis ca luni sa se poata desfasura pledoariile de inceput.Judecatorul le-a cerut juratilor discretie-sa nu se lasa tarati in circul care inconjoara acest caz.El le-a spus ca daca unul dintre ei este acuzat de un comportament nepotrivit 'Am inca 8 jurati dintre care pot sa aleg'. Acesta a spus ca va publicitatii cele 2000 de pagini de transcripte de la marele juriu.La procesul care va incepe luni la ora 8.30 dimineata judecatorul a rezervat 6 locuri din sala pentru familia lui Jackson.Potentialii jurati au fost intrebati daca s-ar simti neconfortabil in cazul in care li s-ar prezenta materiale explicite legate de acuzatiile aduse lui Jackson. Judecatorul a permis apararii sa prezinte materiale despre trecutul 'curat' al acestei familii. |
|||||||||||||
Martie |
|||||||||||||
Procurorul a descris luni juratilor in detalii foarte grafice cum superstarul Michael Jackson se presupune ca a alterat principiile unui adolescent ca parte dintr-o schema de seductie. Dar apararea a atacat spunand juratilor ca mama acestui adolescent a vrut sa faca rost de bani de la persoane bogate si faimoase,precum Jay Leno si Jim Carey.Mama a mai acuzat alte persoane de doua ori pana acum de rapire si de trei ori de abuzuri sexuale.Declaratiile de inceput ale apararii au venit dupa trei ore in care a vorbit procurorul din acest caz.Acesta a descris cum starul pop se presupune ca a abuzat de acest copil expunandu-l la pornografie,stand dezbracat in fata lui si dandu-i alcool.Deasemenea el i-a numit pe posibilii complici a lui Michael care l-au ajutat sa tina prizoniera aceasta familie. Primul martor va fi Martin Bashir.La venirea lui Jackson toate cele trei mari canale de stiri si-au intrerupt programele obisnuite pentru a transmite in direct sosirea. Martin Bashir nu a vrut sa raspunda la intrebarile apararii care a cerut sanctionarea acestuia.Judecatorul l-a intrebat pe acesta daca vrea sa raspunda la intrebari iar ziaristul a spus ca nu, moment in care i s-a notat refuzul.Jackson a avut doua cuvinte pentru reporterii care l-au intrebat cum se simte:"Bine" si "Furios".Cand a fost vizionat documentarul "Living with Michael Jackson" in tribunal Michael a plans la scenele cand il tinea pe copilul lui cel mai mic peste balcon in Berlin 2003.Apararea a declarat ca il va aduce pe autorul documentarului si ca mortor al apararii. In timpul afirmatiilor de deschidere Mesereau a folosit de mai multe ori fraza "Michael Jackson va va spune" indicand ca starul va fi unul dintre martori.Deasemenea avocatul le-a amintit juratilor ca ADN-ul baiatului nu a fost gasit la Neverland.El a precizat ca doctorul lui Michael le va spune ca MJ nu i-a dat copilului vin in avion si ca copiii au fost surprinsi odata intrand fara a avea voie in pivnita de la Neverland.Avocatul a descris copiii ca pierduti de sub control ,povestind cum acestia au aruncat de la inaltime cu obiecte in oamenii si elefantii de la ferma. Mama lui Michael si fratele lui Jermaine au fost prezenti pentru a-l sustine pe Michael. Judecatorul a aprobat o motiune prin care in tribunal se pot mentiona numele adevarate ale presupuselor victime. Procurorul a spus ca lumea lui Michael a fost zguduita de documentarul britanic.Acesta a sugerat ca viata lui Michael dedicata dragostei si ajutorarii copiilor din toata lumea,pe propria cheltuiala,a fost imediat abandonata pentru a avea o relatie "sexuala" cu acest baiat.El a descris Neverland-ul ca o adevarata "casa de nebunii".A fost nevoit insa sa admita ca mama baiatului a facut cateva greseli,printre care si niste fraude-"dar nu a fost vorba de foarte multi bani". Pe de alta parte avocatul apararii a prezentat juratilor o total alta descriere a megastarului.El a spus ca Michael nu este persoana pe care o descrie presa.Acesta a precizat ca MJ este un om care a muncit foarte mult,inca de cand avea 5 ani,in special o persoana foarte discreta si timida.Deasemenea ii place enorm sa citeasca avand o biblioteca care contine aproape un milion de carti.El a spus ca Jackson a creat Neverland-ul ca un loc unde copiii sa se poata distra,sa fie liberi,spontani si inocenti.Deasemenea Michael a luat foarte mult timp de la cariera lui ca sa incerce sa il ajute pe Gavin sa se vindece si sa aiba grija de familia acestuia. Mesereau a spus juratilor ca mama nu avea de ce sa ceara bani pentru tratamente medicale pentru ca asigurarea a acoperit toate costurile.Dar ea a putut insa sa cheltuiasca banii pe cumparaturi,epilat,lenjerie,cosmetice,haine,operatii estetice etc.Deasemenea avocatul a atras atentia juratilor ca faptul ca familia a pretins ca nu a stiut ora la Neverland este aproape imposibil pentru ca langa casa exista doua ceasuri imense luminate si in timpul noptii.Mesereau a informat juratii ca Jackson era constient ca exista o investigatie asupra lui facuta de seriful din Santa Barbara dupa documentar,adica exact in momentul cand acuzarea spune ca a avut loc presupusul abuz. In privinta documentarului apararea a spus ca Martin Bashir "l-a flatat pe Michael Jackson ca sa-l conduca spre dezastru".El a adaugat ca vederile idealiste a lui Michael despre copii si sperantele lui pentru o lume mai buna au fost lasate afara din comentarii.Cand juratii au urmarit documentarul unii s-au miscat in ritmul muzicii,unul a plans cand Michael a povestit despre bataile primite de la tatal sau,altii au ras cand Michael s-a suit in copac.Avocatul le-a amintit ca in momentul ca a fost prezentat acest documentar si a avut loc presupusul abuz Gacvin spune ca "Michael mi-a salvat familia si m-a salvat pe mine de cancer".Apararea a declarat ca "Mr. Jackson va admite fara probleme ca citeste din cand in cand reviste de cultura masculina.Mr Jackson tine aceste reviste incuiate intr-o servieta.In nici un caz el nu arata aceste reviste copiilor".Mesereau si-a incheiat pledoaria spunand:"Sunt extrem de sigur ca juratii il vor gasi pe Michael Jackson nevinovat de toate aceste acuzatii". O specialista in relatii publice angajata acum doi ani de avocatul lui MJ a spus ca a fost concediata dupa ce si-a exprimat ingrijorarea privind modul in care era tratata familia baiatului.Deasemenea Ann Kite a spus juratilo ca i s-a parut ca oamenii megastarului pun propriile interese inaintea celor a lui Michael.Ea a declarat ca a vorbit despre aceasta situatie cu Jermaine care a negat.Ann a fost angajata exact dupa difuzarea documentarul pe care ea l-a numit "un dezastru absolut".Kite a spus ca a primit un telefon pe 13feb2003 de la un asociat a lui Jackson care era ingrijorat ca familia a parasit Neverland-ul.Peste cateva ore in alt telefon i s-a comunicat ca problema fusese rezolvata-ceea ce i s-a parut ciudat.Insa ea a recunoscut cu nu l-a intalnit si nu a vorbit niciodata cu MJ.In cele 6 zile cat a fost angajata lui Jackson ea a fost in contact numai cu cativa colaboratori a lui MJ si asta doar prin telefon.In timpul examinarii avocatul apararii i-a pus la indoiala experienta amintindu-i ca singurul sau clint a fost Marshall Sylver un artist din Las Vegas."Nu aveati experienta in managmentul crizelor in cazul celebritatilor" i-a spus Mesereau,intreband-o de ce s-a descris in aceasta maniera."Am vazut multe" a raspuns ea. Purtatoarea de cuvant al lui Mj a spus ca acesta este "foarte fericit" de cum au decurs audierile in primele zile,ca are increderea in echipa care il apara si ca acesta rezista petrecand timp cu familia si prietenii lui,in special cu cei trei copiii ai sai. |
|||||||||||||
Sora baiatului,in varsta de 18 ani a descris unul dintre incidente:Jackson i-a servit ei si fratilor o bautura transparenta ,ciudata la gust.Desi ea a spus ca nu este familiarizata cu alcoolul bautura servita de Michael(nu ca si cand i-ar fi obligat sa o bea) avea un gust special,iesit din comun si a adaugat ca nu a reusit sa o termine de baut.La vatsta de 17-18 ani o tanara nu putea recunoste ca era alcool-doar traia in America ?! Am putea sa ne intrebam de ce era nevoie sa o imbete si pe sora pustiului.....'doar dupa parerea procurorului e obsedat doar de tineri baieti'?!ea insa nu este martora la nici un abuz.De ce Michael ar fi dat alcool baiatului intr-un avion plin cu martori in dorinta de a abuza de copil?Asta nu prea face sens.Si ajungem sa ne intrebam de ce fata nu a spus nimic nimanui cand era atata lume in avion.Insa trebuie notat si faptul ca nici unul dintre cei presupusi ca l-au ajutat pe Jackson sa-i tina ostatici pe acuzatori nu se aflau in avion. Deasemenea sora baiatului a mai declarat ca dupa ce documentarul a fost difuzat in Marea Britanie si apoi in USA ,Michael a tinut familia inchisa intr-un hotel din California spunandu-le ca nu pot pleca deoarece'erau amenintari cu moartea contra noastra'. Ea a spus ca impreuna cu mama si fratii ei au fost transportati intr-un avion particular in care se afla si Chris Tucker si ca au stat intr-o camera cu un etaj mai jos decat Jackson.A doua zi Jackson l-a luat pe fratele ei in camera sa inchisand usa in urma sa.De ce nimeni nu a facut nimic?De ce nu a intervenit nimeni daca baiatul era in pericol? Inainte de aceasta declaratie juratii din cazul lui Jackson au vizionat o caseta filmata la resedinta megastarului ,incluzand si cele doua dormitoare principale unde se presupune ca a avut loc abuzul.Printre lucrurile care se aflau in camera se numara : Un manechin imbracat intr-o uniforma scotiana,doua poze ale lui Liz Taylor,si altele cateva cu Marlyn Monroe si Shirley Temple,o camera doar cu colectia de papusi si una plina cu jucarii. Apararea va scoate in evidenta inconsistenta marturiei surorii baiatului in comparatie cu ce spunea familia in videoclip.Si videoclipul cuprinde mai mult decat doar cateva propozitii.Au vorbit si descris pe larg cat de dragut este Jackson si ca mama baiatului l-a indemnat pe acesta sa ii spuna tata. Fratele mai mic al acuzatorului spune ca a vazut abuzul cand urca pe scari indreptandu-se spre zona unde se afla patul lui Jackson.Camera lui jackson se intinde pe doua etaje.In videoclip s-a aratat ca poti privi inauntrul camerei in zona patului....doar daca ai inaltimea corespunzatoare.Ofiterul care a filmat avea inaltimea de peste 1.80 de si avea camera pusa pe umeri.Astfel fratele baiatlui mult mai mic de inaltime nu ar fi putut sa vada nimic. Sora baiatului care il acuza pe Jackson de abuz a inceput sa planga in timp ce depunea marturie vineri,spunand ca comportarea fratelui ei s-a schimbat radical dupa ce a intrat in contact cu megastarul-dintr-un copil care ii placea sa fie pupat si alintat a devenit o persona care cauta singuratatea. Marturia fetei a urmat duap urmarirea unui material video in care baiatul si familia sa l-au laudat pe Jackson si au spus ca nu s-a intamplat nimic impropriu intre cantaret si adolescent.Pe caseta mama baiatului il descrie pe Jackson "ca un raspuns la rugaciunile mele si ale copiilor ei" si il considera pe Michael-persoana care l-a ajutat pe baiat sa invinga cancerul.Cel care il acuza acum pe Jackson il descrie ca "Iubitor,amabil,umil" si spune ca il privea ca pe un tata.Mama declara atunci ca oamenii care spun ca relatia lui Michael cu baiatul era un una sexuala "rateaza ceva foarte frumos pe care ei vor sa-l murdareasca."Sora poate fi vazuta in videoclip cu lacrimi pe fata si spunand "El este un om foarte grijuliu si umil.El ne-a luat sub aripa lui cand nimeni nu a facut acest lucru."Mama declara atunci ca el "ne-a considerat familia lui". Procurorul sustine insa ca familia a fost silita si intimidata pentru a face aceasta caseta .Joi sora baiatului a spus ca li s-a spus ce trebuiau sa declare in videoclip. In timp ce au urmarit caseta mama lui Jackson(Katherine)care a fost impreuna la tribunal impreuna cu fiul ei in fiecare zi-a plans.Jackson a parut ganditor in timp ce a fost rulat videoclipul.Jackson a venit la tribunal vineri insotit de mama lui,fratele sau Jermaine si sora sa La Toya. Sora baiatului a spus cand a fost intrebata de aparare-ca a fost molestata de tatal sau care de asemenea a tinut-o pe ea prizoniera si a facut amenintari teroriste.Mr.Mesereau a intrebat-o pe tanara daca a pomenit vreodata politiei ca era abuzata se tatal ei de 5 ori pe saptamana si ea a raspuns:'eram abuzati in fiecare zi'. Cand a fost intrebata de Mr.Mesereau ,aceasta a sustinut ca nici un membru al familiei nu vazut documentarul.Intrebata despre declaratiei mamei ei in privinta traiului lor foarte sarac,martora a spus "ea doar incerca sa faca lucrurile mai dramatice.A existat un scenariu.""Deci vrei sa spui ca tot ce ai declarat pe caseta a fost memorat" a intrebat avocatul apararii."Nu tot", a spus fata.Deasemenea a admis ca s-a intalnit cu Sneddon cu o seara inainte pentru a discuta marturia ei. Sora baiatului care il acuza pe Michael J. de abuz a admis in fata juratilor ca a mintit selectiv despre detalii ale cazului.Avocatul a 'incoltit-o' in privinta faptului ca nici ea nici alt membru al familiei nu au spus asistentilor sociali nimic despre aceste abuzuri."Deci ai mintit depre anumite lucruri si ai spus adevarul despre altele ,depinzand de ceea ce erai intrebata ,adevarat?"a intrebat Mesereau."Da",a raspuns ea incet. |
|||||||||||||
A sasea zi din procesul lui Michael Jackson a inceput cu completarea examinarii surorii de catre aparare si a fost urmata de examinarea fratelui baiatului de catre procuror. Avocatul apararii a reusit sa demonstreze ca seriful din Santa Barbara,Steve Robel,a dat surorii baiatului o copie a interviului facut de Moslehis pentru a-i reimprospata memoria. Marturia fratelui baiatului care il acuza pe Jackson a fost marcata de modurile contradictorii si curioase in care acesta continua propozitiile si intrebarile procurorului.Martorul de 14 ani a spus ca Jackson le-a aratat website-uri nepotrivite,ca le-a dat vin ,ca a dormit in pat cu ei si ca el a fost martor la presupusurile abuzuri,chiar daca datele importante si detaliile despre aceste evenimente s-au schimbat in mod continuu. Fratele a fost chemat la bara la putin timp dupa ce juratii au ascultat o caseta audio in care atat baiatul in cauza,cat si fratele sau,mama si sora il descriu pe Michael in termeni calzi.Copilul spune ca in timpul chimioterapiei "Michael mi-a adus intotdeauna un zambet pe fata"."Eu am stiut ca Michael ne va proteja" spune mama pe caseta. Fratele a marturisit sub juramant ca cunoaste codurile de la usa de acces in dormitorul lui Michael.Deasemenea au aparut informatii contradictorii despre cand a avut loc prima sedere la Neverland.Sora lui a spus ca in prima seara cand au fost la ferma baietii au dormit cu Jackson.Fratele a spus ca s-a intamplat in alta noapte. Michael a venit la tribunal insotit de fratele sau,Jermaine,mama sa,Katherine, si tatat sau Joseph,care a venit pentru prima data la proces.Jackson a parut foarte atent si oarecum agitat in timpul marturiilor de luni. **multumim pt transcriptele de la proces site-ului mjeol.com |
|||||||||||||
Cu toate ca s-a crezut ca fratele celui care il acuza acum pe Michael a spus o poveste buna despre cum a vazut presupusul abuz ,marti marturia lui a inceput sa se destrame sub examinarea apararii. Mesereau l-a chestionat in privinta revistei pentru adulti "Barely Legal" pe care acest copil a spus ca Michael le-a aratat-o.Avocatul l-a intrebat daca este sigur.Cand baiatul a raspuns ca da,Mesereau a aratat ca revista este din luna august 2003-luni dupa ce familia a spus ca a parasit Neverland-ul."Aceasta nu este exact revista pe care ne-a aratat-o" a raspuns baiatul."Nu am spus ca ne-a aratat-o exact pe asta". Fratele care are acum 14 ani,a pretins o lipsa de memorie in fata intrebarilor lui Mesereau,spunand ca din cauza muncii pentru scoala si a testelor "Nu mai tin minte majoritatea lucrurilor astea"."Stiu ca toate lucrurile astea s-au intamplat" a spus baiatul."doar ca nu imi mai amintesc detaliile...nu toate detaliile". Dupa ce si-a urmarit avocatul provocandu-l cu succes la bara pe fratele celui care il acuza,Jackson "s-a simtit mai bine azi la sfarsitul zilei,decat ieri" ,a declarat purtatoarea de cuvant a cantaretului Raymone Bain.In timpul marturiei fratelui cantaretul a stat nemiscat in scaunul lui si s-a uitat la baiat,miscandu-si capul din timp in timp ,parand dezgustat. Fratele a marturisit deasemenea ca exista un clopotel in holul care duce la dormitorul lui Michael care suna daca cineva se apropie. Sub chestionarea procurorului baiatul a povestit ca tatal lui a abuzat de el si de alti membri ai familiei si ca parintii se certau intre ei.Mesereau i-a amintit de o depozitie pe care a dat-o intr-un proces civil in care a spus ca parintii nu s-au certat niciodata si ca tatal sau nu l-a lovit niciodata.Baiatul a recunoscut ca acele afirmatii nu erau adevarate.Intrebat de avocat cine i-a spus sa minta atunci el a spus:"Nu imi amintesc.S-a intamplat acum mult timp."Baiatul a raspuns in aceasi maniera cand Mesereau l-a intrebat de ce a mintit:"Nu imi amintesc.Au trecut cinci ani de atunci.Nu imi amintesc nimic." Luni fratele a spus ca in timpul calatoriei dintre Florida si California ,in avion,i-a vazut pe Jackson si pe fratele lui band alcool ,spunand ca era vin rosu.Dar avocatul apararii i-a atras atentia ca in declaratia pe care a dat-o politiei a spus ca era vin alb,nu rosu."Crezi ca reporterul tribunalului a facut o greseala?",a intrebat Mesereau."Da" ,a raspuns baiatul. Baiatul a facut afirmatii contradictorii si cand a fost intrebat de aparare daca il cunoaste pe Larry Feldman(avocatul care a fost contactat prima data cand cand familia a facut aceste acuzatii).Fratele a spus prima data ca il cunoaste pe Feldman,apoi a spus ca nu isi aminteste acest nume.Dupa ,a spus ca nu isi aminteste sa-l fi intalnit pe Feldman,apoi a admis ca s-a intalnit cu el de doua ori,inainte de a spune ca nu isi aminteste daca l-a intalnit pe Feldman. Baiatul a spus ca Jackson i-a prevenit sa nu spuna nimanui ce s-a intamplat la Neverland."Nu spuneti nimic din ce s-a intamplat,nici daca cineva va ameninta cu o arma.",l-a citat fratele pe Jackson. Michael,care are acum 46 de ani,a venit la tribunalul din Santa Maria marti dimineata insotit de mama lui,tatal lui si fratele,Jermaine. |
|||||||||||||
Prima data este important sa notam faptul ca interesul presei pentru participarea fanilor Mj este de necrezut.Toate milioanele de fani din lume nu pot fi in fata tribunalului in fiecare zi tipand cat pot de tare in timp ce Jackson poate sa le acorde atentie doar 60 secunde.Asta nu se poate intampla.Acesta nu este un concert.Presa va continua sa manifeste o atitudine anormala fata de Jackson pana vor intelege ca publicul nu mai mai gusta acest lucru. Miercuri baiatul care il acuza pe Jackson a marturisit ca a fost "oarecum hipnotizat" de Jackson dupa ce l-a intalnit in timp ce facea chimioterapie pentru cancer si a gandit ca "Michael era cel mai tare ". Adolescentul a spus ca in prima vizita la Neverland Jackson a fost cel care sugerat ca el si fratele sau sa doarma in dormitorul lui Jackson in resedinta principala si nu in casa destinata oaspetilor in care stateau parinti si sora.El a spus juratilor ca afirmatia ca jackson l-a ajutat sa se vindece de cancer nu este adevarata si a sustinut ca cea mai mare parte a tratamentului a avut loc inainte sa-l cunoasca pe Jackson.Deasemenea el a precizat ca a au existat momente in care i s-a parut ca Michael il evita neraspunzandu-i la telefoane sau prefacandu-se ca nu este acasa. De multe ori acest copil a fost auzit spunand ca Michael este motivul pentru care este in viata astazi ,ca el avut un mare rol in reinsanatosirea lui.Totusi astazi intrebat de Sneddon baiatul a afirmat ca i s-a spus sa spuna asta. Deasemenea Mesereau le-a aratat juratilor un video in care apare Michael impreuna cu baiatul care il acuza si fratele lui care se joaca de-a prezentatorul tv:"Hi de la Neverland,U.S."fratele spune in al doilea video."Sunt gazda pentru canalul Neverland". Videoclipul este acompaniat de vocea lui Michael cantand hitul "I'll Be There" care include versul" I'll be there to confort you with my world around".Unul din jurati isi misca capul dupa melodie. La bara fratele baiatului a fost intrebat daca a vazut vreodata acest videoclip.Acesta a raspuns ca nu este sigur."L-ai auzit vreodata pe Michael incurajandu-l pe fratele sau sa se faca bine?" a intrebat avocatul apararii. "Probabil ca i-a spus la telefon,eu nu stiu",a raspuns baiatul.Procurorii pretind ca acest video a fost parte dintr-o conspiratie care urmarea sa faca familia sa participe la un documentar in favoarea lui Michael. Martorul a spus deasemenea ca el nu isi aminteste despre vreo discutie in care fratele sau sa fi spus ca Jackson l-a ajutat in lupta impotriva cancerului. Apararea sustine ca familia are tendinta de a face acuzatii false pentru a obtine bani. Marturia adolescentului a fost prima data cand acesta a stat fata in fata cu Jackson in tribunal. El se va intoarce cand procesul va continua joi dimineata. Procesul lui Michael Jackson a inceput joi cu 90 min intarziere dupa ce starul pop a cochetat cu inchisoarea din cauza faptului ca nu a reusit sa apara la timp. Cand curtea s-a reunit adolescentul care il acuza pe Jackson de abuz s-a reintors la bara pentru a doua zi de marturie. Dupa ce Jackson nu a reusit sa ajunga la timp la tribunalul din Santa Maria ,avocatul apararii a incercat sa-i explice judecatorului ca clientul sau este la spital pentru tratamentul unei probleme serioase la spate."El a cazut dimineata devreme" a spus Brian Oxman ,un avocat al lui Jackson.La 5.15 dimineata Jackson si-a sunat avocatul pentru a-l informa asupra situatiei noi ivite. "Are dureri groaznice de spate.El a fost intr-un disconfort incredibil pe intreaga perioada a audierilor de azi."Jackson a petrecut mai bine de o ora joi dimineata la spitalul din Santa Ynez inainte de a pleca spre tribunal a spus Wende Cappeta,un vicepresendinte al spitalului. Purtatoarea lui de cuvant,Raymone Bain a declarat ca "Daca domnul Jackson ar fi avut timp sa-si schimbe hainele cu siguranta ar fi facut-o.Dar pentru el era foarte important sa ajunga cat mai repede posibil la tribunal. Domnul jackson asteapta cu nerabadare sa fie fata in fata cu cel care il acuza si nu este in nici caz intimidat de el.Domnul Jackson simte ca avocatii sai au facut o treaba excelenta." Dar Melville ,care luna trecuta a amanat o saptamana selectia juaratilor cand Jackson a fost internat in spital pentru gripa,a refuzat sa accepte aceasta scuza.El a amennintat ca ii revoca lui Jackson cautiunea de 3 milione si ca il pune in inchisoare pe durata procesului daca nu apare intr-o ora.Jackson a depasit limita lui Melville cu 3 minunte .Parand ravasit si imbracat in pantaloni de pijama si papuci ,Jackson a pasit incet in tribunal.Unul dintre bodyguarzi si tatal lui Michael il sustineau pe cantaret de maini. Odata ce procesul a reinceput Melville s-a scuzat in fata juratilor pentru intarziere .Dar el le-a spus sa nu tina cont de acest lucru in decizia lor privind vinovatia sau nevinovatia lui Jackson. Procurorul din Santa Barbara ,Thomas Sneddon l-a intrebat pe baiat de cate ori Jackson l-a atins intr-un mod nepotrivit "Din cate imi amintesc doar de 2 ori dar mi s-a parut mai mult de atat" ,a raspuns adolescentul.Sub intrebarile procurorului baiatul a admis ca a negat orice act nepotrivit din partea lui Jackson cand asistentii sociali au facut o investigatie dupa documentarul din 2003. Avocatul apararii ,Tom Mesereau a reusit sa descopere un motiv pentru care baiatul ar fi inventat toata aceasta poveste.Baiatul a spus ca Jackson nu s-a purtat ca un prieten adevarat asa cum acrezut el ca e ,adaugand ca alte celebritati l-au ajutat mai mult si ca el este suparat pe megastar.
|
|||||||||||||
In a doua zi apararea a continuat examinarea lui Gavin Arvizo.Au aparut foarte multe inconsistente substantiale pentru care nici cei mai devotati aparatori ai procurorului nu au putut gasi destule scuze.Inca de la inceput ,ieri,baiatul care il acuza pe Michael a fost certaret si necooperant.Cei care au fost in sala de judecata au deschis un martor total diferit de cel pe care l-a prezentat procuratura. Guthrie a spus ca baiatul a fost obraznic.La un momnent dat Mesereau l-a intrebat daca a avut o problema cu un profesor.Martorul a raspuns ca toata lumea avea o problema cu acel profesor. Dar avocatul avea nevoie de un raspuns la intrebarea sa pentru a fi consemnat la dosar.Atunci baiatul a raspuns in batjocora ca daca a precizat ca toata lumea avea o problema cu acel profesor,asta il include si pe el. Pe parcurs,judecatorul a parut putin iritat de modul in care baiatul depunea marturie si i-a spus "trebuie sa asculti intrebarea.Nu vorbesti ,doar asculti intrebarea si apoi raspunzi cu Da sau Nu." Avocatul lui Michael a inceput sa puna intrebarile dificile pe care Sneddon a reusit sa le ascunda pana acum. In realitate acest caz nu ar fi trebuit niciodata sa ajunga la tribunal,nimeni altcineva nu ar fi fost acuzat. Dar poate asta este in avantajul lui Jackson;este o modalitate de a-si curata numele in fata juratilor si opiniei publice. Din pacate asta nu va fi o situatie in care cei care il acuza sa clacheze la bara si sa admita ca au inventat toata povestea.Aceasta familie este profesionista. Pentru ca povestea baiatului a fost nerelevanta si aceasta a fost prezentarea procuraturii ,nu cea a apararii-procuratura isi pune toate sperantele in acuzatiile din '93.Introducerea acestor vechi dovezi s-ar putea sa fie o capcana plasata de aparare. Cea mai mare descoperire de ieri a fost ca baiatul i-a spus decanului de la scoala lui-dupa ce plecase definitiv de la Nevarland candva in primvara lui 2003-ca Jackson nu l-a atins niciodata intr-un mod nepotrivit.Avocatul l-a intrebat daca i-a spus asta acestui cadru didactic i-ar el a spus ca da ,ca a negat abuzul in fata lui Alpert.In intrebarile lui l-a citat pe Alpert spunand tanarului ca "Uitata-te la mine...nu te pot ajuta decat daca imi spui adevarul-s-a intamplat asa ceva?" Cand a fost intrebat cand aceasta conversatie a avut loc ,baiatul a spus:"Cred ca a fost dupa ce am plecat de la Neverland". Aceaste noi informatii i-au luat pe procurori prin surpridere.Asta ne face sa ne intrebam daca procurorii au cautat dovezi care sa le sustina increderea in vinovatia lui Michael in loc sa caute sa descopere adevarul. Deasemenea am aflat ca acest baiat a avut probleme de disciplina cu toti profesorii pe care i-a avut.Asta inseamna ca are o lunga istorie de a raspunde si infrunta persoanele cu autoritate.Asta inseamna mai mult decat sigur ca s-a rasvratit si impotriva lui Jackson. Ceea ce face lucrurile si mai rele pentru cazul procuraturii este ca acest adolescent nu poate sa numeasca exact datele cand s-au intamplat aceste presupuse abuzuri.Mesereau ne-a adus la cunostinta ca martorul a spus la un moment dat ca abuzurile au avut loc INAINTE de difuzarea documentarului lui Bashir. Baiatul are dificulatati in a-si aminti anumite aspecte privind perioada de timp atribuind aceste probleme de memorie chimioterapiei."Iti amintesti sa-i fi spus procurorului din Santa Barbara -Tom Sneddon ca ai fost molestat inainte de documentarul LIVING WITH MICHAEL JACKSON?",l-a intrebat avocatul."Chiar si azi nu imi amintesc exact cand a vut loc abuzul" a raspuns el. Asta este o inconsistenta majora pentru ca iese din perioada de timp a procurorului. Daca presupusa "victima"nu poate sa marcheze cand s-a intamplat exact acest abuz nu poate fi vorba nici pe departe de "indoiala rezonabila". Asta ii va ajuta sa dovedeasca nu a avut loc nici o infractiune. Avocatul lui Jackson a atras atentia ca in interviul initial luat de politie baiatul a spus ca bunica lui i-a vorbit despre masturbare si ca a facut un comentariu cum ca "poti sa abuzezi de o fata " daca nu faci acest lucru.Este foarte greu de crezut ca Michael a spus in exact aceleasi cuvinte exact acelasi lucru.O coincidenat enorma ,nu? Doua persoane care nu s-au intalnit niciodata sa aiba exact aceasi opinie si sa-i dea aceasi explicatie acestui copil... Baiatul a negat ca a vorbit cu Jay Leno ,chiar daca a spus ca l-a sunat odata si i-a lasat un mesaj pe robot. "Deci daca cineva a vorbit cu Jay Leno si a pretins ca erai tu,a fost un fals nu?" a intrebat Mesereau. Baiatul a raspuns ca "da". Trebuie sa va aducem la cunostinta ca din documentele curtii rezulta ca Jackons nu avea nici un cont activ la Banca Americana in perioada stipulata de procuror. Un Michael Jackson zambitor a venit mai devreme la tribunal luni insotit de mama si tatal lui. Avocatul apararii a terminat examinarea tanarului care il acuza pe Jackson ,marti dimineata ,si apoi procurorul a incercat sa mai puna cateva intrebari incercand astfel sa minimizeze asaltul apararii asupra credibilitatii martorului. In acest mod baiatul a spus ca nu i-a spus decanului Alpert despre presupusele abuzuri pentru ca nu a vrut ca ceilalti copii sa faca glume pe seama lui.Aceasta scuza aduce insa cateva probleme :copiii din scoala il tachinau deja pe acest subiect si de ce nu a dat aceasta scuza ieri cand Mesereau i-a pus aceasi intrebare? Mesereau a atras atentia inca o data juratilor asupra faptului ca aceasta familie a plecat si s-a intors ...a plecat si s-a intors...a plecat si s-a intors la Neverland in mod repetat exact in perioada in care procurourul spune ca erau tinuti ostatici de catre Jackson. Adolescentul a folosit fraza "cred ca ..."si "Nu stiu" de 90 de ori fiecare pe parcursul unei singure zile.In plus au fost 15 de "nu cred ca.."si 40 de "Nu chiar". Fragmente din transcripte(in engleza): I. II. III. IV. V. VI. Un avocat bine cunoscut s-a implicat recent in cazul lui Michael-el a depus marti cateva motiuni scurte in care se arata ca starul pop a fost tinta unui procuror cu exces de zel .In aceste documente avocatul Carl Capozzola a cerut oprirea imediata a procesului lui Jackson din santa Maria ,care este in a treia saptamana de desfasurare. "Le-am spus ca inainte de a participa in acest caz trebuie sa vorbesc cu Michael personal."Ceea ce el a descoperit cand a vizitat casa lui Jackson care contine un parc de distractii si care este scena presupusului abuz a fost ca Jackson "este asemenea unui copil mare care nu ar face niciodata rau unui copil"."Cred intr-adevar ca el este o persoana care iubeste copiii dar fara implicatii sexuale" a spus Capozzola. "Dar lumea lui Michael Jackson este diferita de a noastra."Tatal a trei copiii, a adaugat "nu m-as fi implicat niciodata in acest caz daca nu as fi fost convins de nevinovatia lui Michael Jackson si nu as avea incredere ca va fi achitat."Expertul in drept,Laurie Levenson ,o profesoara de la scoala de drept Loyola ,care a urmarit procesul lui Jackson , a spus ca momentul in care au fost depuse motiunile la Curtea Suprema nu este intamplator si cu toate ca nu sunt foarte multe sanse de castig ,acesta manevra atrage atentia asura problemelor din cazul procuraturii. Seriful din Santa Barbara ,Steve Robel ,a aratat juratilor materialele confiscate de la Neverland in timpul perchezitiei de pe 18 noiembrie 2003 ,care includ o revista pentru adulti numita Teenage ,un poster alb-negru reprezentand un nud de femeie si o carte numita The Chop Suey Club facuta de fotograful Bruce Weber.Robel a spus ca aceste obiecte au fost gasite intr-o caseta inchisa sub pat.Relevanta acestor obiecte a fost atacata de avocatul apararii ,Robert Sanger."Aveti cunostinta de vreun martor care a vazut aceste obiecte?" a intrebat avocatul."Nu ",a raspuns Robert."Nu este ilegala detinerea nici unuia dintre obiecte ,corect?" "Nu, nu este ilegala".Intrebat daca modele din revista au peste 18 ani , Robel a spus "Se presupune ca da."Senger a spus ca posterul alb-negru este un obiect de colectie si l-a intrebat pe Robel daca respectiva carte ,care are un tanar pe coperta ,a fost confiscata de politie pentru ca au considerat ca are natura sexuala. Sanger a spus ca Webber i-a trimis cartea lui Jackson fara solicitarea acestuia ,iar ca acest fotograf a lucrat pentru Jackson Five si alte persoane celebre.Intrebat daca este constient ca acea carte contine o fotografie a prietenei lui Jackson ,Elizabeth Taylor,Robel a spus ca nu . Deasemenea Robel a recunoscut ca nu a stiut de existenta casetelor cu familia decat dupa 5 luni de la inceperea investigatilor,in momentul cand politia a facut perchezitia de la ferma in noiembrie 2003. Senger a discutat si despre incositentele din afirmatile baiatlui asupra presupusului abuz. Astfel el l-a intrebat pe Robel daca nu este adevarat ca initial baiatul a spus ca Jackson a abuzat de el de 5 ori.Robel a spus ca este adevarat. Avocatii apararii au sugerat ca Jackson nu a fost acuzat de atatea incidente pentru ca in urma investigatiei s-a putut vedea ca Jcakson nu a fost la Neverland in unele din zilele marcate. Procurorul implicat in acest caz a jucat un rol important in anihilarea unui caz civil pe care Jackson la inaintat impotriva lui Diane Diamond acum 10 ani.Deci se explica suportul oferit acum de aceasta procuraturii ,nu? In '95 cand Diamond lucra pentru emisiunea "Hard Copy" ea a spus ca Sneddon este in cautarea unei casete video de 27 de minute ,foarte explicita,in care Jackson este prezentat abuzand de un baiat. Sneddon a ajuns repede la concluzia ca o asemenea caseta nu exista .Dar Diamond spunea la radio "a fost filmata exact inainte de Craciun, dupa cum am aflat,si este inregistrata chiar de una din camerele de securitate ale lui Michael Jackson.""Cu adevarat explicita",a adaugat ea ,spunand totusi ca nu a vazut presupusa caseta .Intr-un mod foarte rar intalnit Sneddon a semnat o declaratie sustinand povestea lui Dimaond.Judecatorul a inchis procesul ,spunand ca Jackson nu poate dovedi ca acest reportaj este fals sau rautacios. Cand Jackson a venit la tribunal,in aceasta perioda cruciala a procesului,si a fost intrebat cum se mai simte dupa ce s-a ranit la spate el a spus :"Ma simt destul de bine ,dar inca mai am dureri ."Michael Jackson si-a inceput zilele de proces rugandu-se impreuna cu reverendul Jasse Jackson ,ne-a impartasit Raymone Bain marti.
|
|||||||||||||
Astazi(16 marie 2005) apararea a scos la iveala mai multe informatii devastatorea despre cazul procuraturii.Amprentele, despre care multi aparatori ai procurorului au spus sunt o dovada a vinovatiei lui Jackson,s-ar putea sa fi aparut pe reviste in timpul audierii din fata marelui juriu si nu asa cum pretinde adolescentul ,cand Jackson se presupune ca le-a aratat aceste materiale. Sunt foarte interesante raportele despre marturia lui Paul Zelis ,unul dintre politisti care au investigat cazul.Ei bine se pare ca politia nu a luat amprentele de pe reviste decat in vara lui 2004,dupa ce Jackson a fost acuzat de Marele Juriu si mult dupa ce aceste materiale au fost confiscate de la Neverland.Stim ca baiatul care il acuza pe cantaret in momentul cand a fost martor in fata Marelui Juriu a avut in man aceste reviste ,deci aceste deovezi s-ar putea sa fi fost compromise. Au aprut mai multe informatii despre aceste materiale pentru adulti.Unele dintre aceste reviste pe care procurorii le-au introdus ca dovezi dateaza si pana la 4 luni dupa ce presupusul abuz a avut loc. Si ,de fapt ,aceste dovezi nu sunt altceva decat exemple ale comportamentului heterosexual Al lui Jackson. Sanger l-a facut pe Robel sa clarifice in fata juratilor ca nici unul dintre aceste materiale pentru adulti si cartea cu fotografii confiscata din casa lui Jackson pot fi considerate ilegale. Asta a fost o lovitura data zvonurilor anterioare care spuneau ca a fost gasita "pornografie cu minori". Robel a recunoscut ca a incurajat aceasta familie sa mearga mai departe cu aceste acuzatii spunandu-le "vom face tot ce putem ca acest caz sa mearga.""Si inca de la inceput ati depus un efort imens ca acest caz sa mearga?" a intrebat Sanger. "Da,am facut",a raspuns Robel. Adolescentul a fost intrebat de ce a spus decanului Alpert ,directorul scolii sale,ca nu a avut loc nici un abuz dupa ce trecuse mult timp de cand plecase de la Neverland definitiv. Scuza pe care a dat-o procuratura a fost ca toate victimele unor astfel de abuzuri neaga aceste fapte.Dar aceasta scuza nu explica absolut de loc de ce fratele nu a zis nimic;de ce sora nu a spus nimic de alcool sau de ce mama nu a spus nimic despre presupusul abuz din avion la care ea sustine ca a fost martora. O fosta menajera a lui Michael a fost chemata azi la bara pentru a povesti ca "poate" a vazut copii beti la Neverland.Ea a facut doua afirmatii foarte importante.In primul rand ea a spus ca nu l-a vazut niciodata pe Jackson servind alcool unui minor.Deasemenea ea a zis ca spre sfarsitul sederii lor la ferma camera baietilor devenise teribil de dezordonata si ca a trebuit sa il instiinteze pe domnul Jackson de asta.Apararea a intrebat-o daca in acea camera de oaspeti paturile erau nefacute si aratau ca si cand cei doi baieti au dormit acolo.Ea a raspuns ca da.Aceasta mentiune este importanta pentru perioada in care se presupune ca s-au intamplat abuzurile.Adolescentul pretinde ca aceste fapte au avut loc la sfarsitul sederii lor acolo si ca el dormea impreuna cu megastarul in camera acestuia.Aceasta este o alta contradictie in cazul procuraturii. Fournier a spus ca ea folosea fraza "Insula de placeri a lui Pinochio" pentru a se referi la atmosfera de la Neverland,unde ea a zis ca copiii puteau sta si cateva saptamani fara parinti si ca erau "lasati liberi".Totusi ea a admis ca uneori l-a vazut pe Jackson facandu-le observatie cand depaseau masura.Deasemenea ea nu isi aminteste sa-l fi vazut pe cel care il acuza pe Jackson sau pe vreun membru al familiei lui beti la ferma. Mesereau a intrebat-o daca,tinand cont ca Neverland a fost conceput ca un taram de basm pentru copii,nu era normal sa fie lasati putin "liberi" si ea a raspuns ca nu ar fi fost neobisnuit. Transcriptele Curtii (in engleza) I. II. Fritz Coleman ,un comedian si om de televiziune,a fost adus la bara de procuror.El a spus ca a cumparat daruri de Craciun si ca le-a dus acestei familii,pe care o credea saraca.Mai tarziu,cand a aflat ca baiatul sufera de cancer,a fost sa-l viziteze in spital.Sub examinarea apararii a recunoscut ca nu stia de faptul ca familia incasase peste $100000 dintr-un proces civil cu JC Penney. Procurorul a aratat juratilor o serie de materiale pt adulti ca reviste,dvd,casete video,care nu a fost inca confirmat ca ar apartine lui Jackson,dar care au fost confiscate de la ferma. Alt martor ,Shawn O'Grady,angajat al serifului din Santa Barbara,a fost chemat la bara pentru a vorbi despre unele carti despre care procuratura a spus ca erau cu tenta sexuala. III. Mr. Mesereau- re-examinarea baiatului care il acuza pe Jackson(de acum cateva zile): IV. V. Mesereau a atras deasemenea atentia asupra lipsei de sensibilitate a adolescentului fata de boala de piele a lui Jackson(vitiligo),iar prin intrebari a dovedit lipsa de cunostinte a baiatului fata de aceasta conditie.Considerand faptul ca adolescentul pretinde ca l-a vazut pe Jackson dezbracat,este surprinzator de nestiutor fata de efectele acestei boli. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. MR. SANGER: .Were there inconsistencies -- besides the one we just talked about, were there inconsistencies -- XI. XII. In timp ce durerea de spate a lui Michael s-a mai micsorat,aerul conditionat din tribunal nu ii face tocmai bine ,a spus purtatorea de cuvant a lui Michael,adaugand ca starea cantaretului este legata si de stres.Jackson se trezeste dimineata in jur de 4.30 a.m.,si dupa aparitia la tribunal se joaca cu copiii sai dupa amiaza.Uneori iese cu ei afara ,in general ca sa le cumpere inghetata sau popcorn.Seara se concentreaza din nou asupra cazului,a spus ea.
|
|||||||||||||
Jackson a ajuns la Judecatoria din Santa Maria cu cateva minute mai tarziu decat ora stabilita 8.30a.m.Dupa ce a intrat in sala de judecata,megastarul a fost intr-un total disconfort,tremurand ,plangand si tragand aer in piept.La un moment dat,ca si cand ii venea sa vomite,Jackson s-a ridicat fiind nevoit sa iasa din sala de judecata ,tinandu-si un servetel aproape de fata.Pe tot parcursul audierilor un doctor a stat in spatele lui Michael. Jackson a fost la sala de urgente a spitatalului din Santa Ynez,aproape de ferma Neverland ,in jur de ora 7 a.m(10 a.m ET) cu aproape 90 minute inainte sa inceapa procesul,a declarat Janet O'Neil.O'Neil a spus ca Jackson a plecat o ora mai tarziu.Doctorul de la camera de urgenta a intrat in biroul judecatorului pentru a discuta cu acesta impreuna cu avocatii-discutie care a durat in jur de 45 minute. Raymone Bain a spus Jackson i s-a plans chiar aseara de dureri insuportabile de spate. Judecatorul Melville a fost deasemenea contactat duminica seara ,fiind intrebat daca procedurile pot continua in cazul in care Michael nu ar fi fost capabil sa fie in sala de judecata pana ce nu isi revine.Din ce s-a raportat ,judecatorul a spus ca nu crede ca procedurile pot continua fara Michael acolo,dar a precizat ca se va gandeste pana luni dimineata cand a fost de acord cu aceasta sugestie. Michael ,insasi si-a schimbat hotararea si a decis sa vina la proces ,aducandu-l si pe doctor doar in caz de ceva. Jackson si-a sunat avocatul,Tom Mesereau in jurul orei 8.21 a.m spunandu-i ca vine dar ca va intarzia cateva minute.Judecatorul l-a intrebat pe Mesereau daca crede ca Michael va fi in stare sa stea o zi intreaga in sala in conditia sa si acesta l-a informat ca doctorul care il trateaza va fi prezent pentru a-si oferi sprijinul medical.Doctorul nu este unul dintre angajatii personali ai megastarului.Acesta a spus ca problema de sanatate a lui Jackson -durerile de spate -sunt cat se poate de reale. Schimbarea povestilor si detalilor privind o perioada specifica sunt specifice in cazul copiilor care au fost abuzati,a declarat luni un expert. Sub examinarea atenta a apararii expertul,Urquiza a spus ca el nu a studiat acuzatiile false de abuz deoarece a evaluat victimele dupa ce acuzatiile au fost inregistrate. Dar a spus ca astfel de declaratii false sunt deseori facute de copii dupa ce acestia au fost martorii unui divort. Lauren Wallace,care a lucrat pentru o agentie de avioane pe care Jackson o folosea des,a declarat ca ea a golit cutiile de Cola si a pus uneori vin alb in ele pentru Jackson- caruia nu ii place sa zboare.Dar ,aceasta a mai spus ca nu l-a vazut niciodata dand alcool copiilor in cele 15 zboruri care le-a efectuat cu Michael si ca l-a vazut band vin si alte amestecuri de acest gen dar nu l-a vazut nicioadata beat. O comedianta a fost chemata la bara marti declarand ca tatal adolescentului ,si nu mama i-au cerut bani . Ea a mai declarat ca dupa ce a fost difuzat documentarul la ABC in februarie 2003, a primit un telefon foarte ciudat de la mama in care femeia parea foarte agitata,cuprinsa de panica si spunandu-i lui Palanker ca conversatia le este inregistrata. Palanker nu a putut explica de ce mama ar fi sunat-o pe ea sa ii spuna ca este tinuta ostatica si nu ar fi profitat de telefon pentru a anunta politia.Mama nu a spus de unde suna si nici nu a explicat cui ii era adresat cuvantul 'diavol'. Sub examinare ,Palanker a recunoscut ca a fost chestionata de politie in ianuarie,si a vorbit de familie in termeni destul de diferiti.A declarat politiei ca mama e 'bipolara ' si foarte 'iritanta' si ca 'familia asta e cat se poate de nebuna'.Palanker spune acum ca in declaratia de la politie a exagerat probabil... Deasemenea ea a dat familiei suma de 10.000$ ca tatal baiatului sa poata sa isi ia timp de la serviciu pentru a putea sta cu copilul.A recunoscut pana la urma ca le-a mai dat inca 10.000$ spunand ca asta e totul dar el nu s-a oprit. Ea a mai declarat ca mama la un moment dat suferea de simptomul 'hostage'.A mai declarat ca familia ar fi cerut bani de la orice vedeta pentru a-si imbunatati situatia. Michael nu este singurul care a contribuit la imaginea deja dramatica a procesului.In timpul sesiunii de luni o fana a lesinat si a fost dusa in ambulanta de afara ,care fusese adusa pentru megastar din cauza acutelor sale probleme cu spatele. In contrast cu mersul lent si obosit de luni ,marti Michael a aparut mai plin de energie -grabind pasul ajutat de bodyguarzii sai.
|
|||||||||||||
Michael a ajuns miercuri la Curtea de Judecata cu 15 minute inainte de inceperea procesului ,alaturi de parintii lui -Katherine si Joe Jackson. Judecatorul din procesul lui Michael a refuzat sa introduca materialele erotice care au fost gasite pe calculatoarele din casa megastarului.Judecatorul le-a dat dreptate avocatilor apararii privind aceste probe-ca nenefiind relevante si nelegate direct de problema tratata in sala de judecata.Deasemenea este imposibil de facut legatura intre acete materiale si Michael. Auchincloss a spus ca aceste dovezi arata ca Michael ar fi stiut sa foloseasca si sa acceseze astfel de site-uri...ca si cum nu traim in era internetului, a calculatoarelor... Dar deasemenea judecatorul a remarcat ca materialele de pe calculator nu ar fi fost prezentate copiilor de catre Michael ci de un asociat al sau,Frank Tyson-fratii declarand ca Mike nu se afla in fata tastaturii. Au fost gasite si poze cu copiii de la diferite centre de adopitie..Trebuie sa nu fii in toate mintile ca sa poti considera ca astfel de poze ar fi dovezi ale unor fapte rele! Dar avocatul apararii,Robert Sanger a spus ca majoritatea materialelor de adulti au fost gasite in memoria cache a calculatoarelor care pastreaza imagini din timpul navigarii pe internet,aratand ca acestea nu au fost descarcate pe hard disk.Judecatorul a decis luand in consideratie acest fapt-ca nu este concludent daca cineva s-a uitat la ele sau nu.'Este material heterosexual oricum si nu are nici o legatura directa cu cazul' a spus Sanger.'Cine a accesat de fapt aceste materiale ramane o problema nerezolvata'. Apararea a explicat ca materialele gasite in cache nu sunt o dovada care sa arate ca au fost accesate anumite site-uri si ca ar fi putut foarte bine sa fie vorba de pop-apuri ce se deschid si in timpul unei simple navigari pe internet sau cand iti verifici email-a urile fara nici o legatura cu astfel de site-uri. Sanger a mai spus ca sunt multe persoane la Neverland,incluzand si multe rude ale megastarului care ar avea acces la calculatoare si a notat faptul ca unele din periodele din care dateaza aceste informatii sunt anii '98- cu doi ani inainte ca Michael sa-l si cunoscut pe Gavin. Intr-o dorinta disperata de al condamna pe Michael ,procurorul doreste sa aduca ca martor cheie un fost body-guard care este arestat si retinut in Las Vegas pentru jaf armat si investigat si pentru alte cazuri asemanatoare.Astfel credibilitatea martorului este grav distrusa -el a declarat ca l-a vazut pe Michael si acuzator band alcool impreuna in avion.Carter a vorbit in fata Marelui Juriu in Aprilie 2004 despre lucruri pe care in mod miraculos a fost singurul care le-a vazut.Declaratile sale se potrivesc de minune cu cele ale procurorului.Ciudata coincidenta?Cat de "convenabil " este pentru acest personaj sa vina acum si sa depuna o marturie care sa se potriveasca perfect cu acuzatiile procurorului?S-ar putea sa fie chiar mai "convenabil" decat ne imaginam acum. Un analist specializat a spus joi ca cel putin una din amprentele de pe revistele pntru adulti confiscate de la Neverland apartine fratelui baiatului care il acuza pe Jackson.Totusi intrebata de aparare,Lisa Hemman a spus ca prima data amprenta a fost considerata neconclusiva,dar ca aceasta concluzie s-a schimbat dupa o alta examinare.Hemman a spus ca alta amprenta recuperata apartine lui Jackson.Totusi aceste rezultate nu sunt considerate sigure pentru ca alt expert nu este de acord cu concluzia ei. Un detectiv al serifului,Tim Sutcliffe, a spus ca a gasit 16 amprente diferite pe reviste .El a precizat ca nu a putut identifica ale cui sunt respectivele amprente. Apararea sustine ca adolescentul a umblat cu revistele cand a fost martor in fata Marelui Juriu,inainte ca aceste materiale sa fie analizate pentru gasirea amprentelor. Luni este ziua cand judecatorul va trebui sa asculte argumente din partea ambelor parti si apoi sa decida daca juratii ar trebui sa asculte dovezile legate de acuzatiile de abuz mai vechi aduse cantaretului(1993).Deasemea luni martor va fi George Lopez. Starul pop parea suparat cand a venit la tribunal.Acesta a fost insotit de parintii sai si de doi frati,Marlon si Jackie.Marlon a venit prima data la tribunal de cand a inceput procesul.Parintii lui Jackson,cei cinci frati si sora sa La Toya au fost cu totii pana acum prezenti in sala de judecata pentru a-si oferi suportul.Cand a plecat azi Jackson a spus ca are inca "niste dureri groaznice" din cauza spatelui.Mai devreme in aceasta saptamana a trebuit sa fie ajutat de membrii a propriului anturaj pentru ca nu putea sa mearga singur. Sergentul Robert Spinner de la seriful din Santa Barbara a spus ca amprentele au fost gasite pe o revista numita "Hustler Barely Legal Hardcore".Totusi,amprentele lui Jackson si cele ale adolescentului au fost gasite pe pagini diferite.In total ,au fost gasite 12 amprente ale lui Jackson pe 8 reviste diferite;5 amprente ale adolescentului pe 3 reviste;2 amprente ale fratelui baiatului pe o revista. Deasemenea vineri un oficial a confirmat ca judecatorul i-a permis procurorului sa aduca un martor, intemnitat la Las Vegas pentru o serie de jafuri armate ,pentru a depune marturie in California. Pentru ca marturia de azi a fost atat de plictisitoare,cei care au fost in sala au povestit ca la sfarsitul zilei cand apararea a vrut sa inceapa sa chestioneze martorii pe care i-a adus procurorul ,judecatorul i-a oprit si le-a spus ca nu poate sa mai supote.Dupa aceasta replica toata sala a izbucnit in ras.Savannah Gurthrie a spus ca la un moment dat unul din procurori s-a impiedicat de revistele aduse ca probe.Multi membri ai juriului au inceput sa rada si nu s-au mai putut opri.Judecatorul nu a parut suparat de aceste incidente ci dimpotriva a zis ca "imi place sa aud oameni razand in sala mea de judecata". In timpul marturiei de azi functionara Curtii Supreme din Santa Barbara a spus ca ea a umblat cu revistele fara manusi dupa ce acestea au fost inregistrate ca dovezi. Deci cred ca cea mai importanta informatie pe care am aflat-o din marturiile de azi a fost ca nici una din amprentele lui Michael nu a fost gasita pe aceasi pagina cu cele ale celui care il acuza.
|
|||||||||||||
Procurorii vor putea introduce dovezi despre acuzatii anterioare aduse cantaretului referitoare la alte 5 presupuse victime,a decis judecatorul luni. Unul dintre cei numiti de procuror este Macaulay Culkin,care l-a aparat intotdeauna pe Jackson si a negat orice abuz chiar si in emisiunea lui "Larry King" de la CNN."Nu s-a intamplat nimic",i-a spus tanarul de 24 de ani gazdei.Purtatoare lui de cuvant a spus luni ca Culkin nu are nici o intentie sa depuna marturie.Si Mesereau a spus ca tanarul,care viziteaza in mod frecvent ferma Neverland "a negat in mod repetat ca a fost molestat".A fost deja confirmat ca Culkin este pe lista apararii si va depune marturie pentru ei daca va fi nevoie. Procurorul a declarat ca doar o singura victima va depune marturie.Marturiile pentru celelalte cazuri vor fi date de alte persoane terte. Avocatul apararii i-a cerut judecatorului sa excluda acuzatiile anterioare,spunand ca se bazeaza pe marturia unei a treia persoane,care au dorit intotdeauna banii lui Jackson.Aceasta afirmatie se refera la niste angajati a lui Michael care l-au dat in judecata pe cantaret in trecut si care au pierdut fiind nevoiti sa ii plateasca lui Jackson $1milion ca despagubire.Mesereau i-a spus judecatorului ca apararea va face cate un miniproces pentru fiecare dintre aceste acuzatii."Nu puteti opri apararea sa nu expuna dovezi devastatoare si intentionez sa fac exact acest lucru".Mesereau a dat aceste argumente judecatorului inainte ca acesta sa ia o decizie: Mr. Mesereau: "...what has the Court seen in this courtroom? Is the case strong on credibility and substance or is it weak on credibility and substance? If it's really powerful, the Court probably is less worried. If there are credibility problems with their case and their witnesses, the Court has great concern to worry because the potential for lessening the burden of proof on the prosecution in this case would be great. Now, the Court is dealing with some unique situations. First of all, you have a celebrity. A celebrity who has been subjected to all kinds of innuendo, scandalous reporting and rumor, and a celebrity who has attracted all kinds of claims for money, who has developed a lifestyle at Neverland which he has advertised to the world, which he believes and contends, and many believe, is a benefit to society. The prosecution has come in to try and turn all this on its head and suggest that Neverland is some magnet for molestation and criminal behavior. Well, that's going to be an issue for the jury. But certainly at this point the Court knows, based on the evidence alone, that Mr. Jackson has developed Neverland as a Disney-like type of world that he uses to help children from the inner city, children around the world, et cetera. There's a bigger problem than the uniqueness of the case, and none of the cases cited by Mr. Sneddon deal with celebrities or anyone remotely close to Mr. Jackson in terms of notoriety and attraction for greed and misuse of the legal process. "The Court has seen three witnesses who the Court -- who the prosecution suggests are victims. And without going into a lot of the details, which I don't think the Court wants me to give a closing argument at this point, but there is no question all three of those witnesses have been riddled with problems in their testimony. All have agreed they lied repeatedly. All were caught lying on the witness stand. All were themselves repeatedly. Every witness was a problem. Now, if the Court agrees there are significant credibility problems with Gavin Arvizo, Star Arvizo, and Davellin Arvizo -- and I believe the Court does, because I don't see how anyone watching the cross-examination could disagree with that. If the Court thinks there are issues to worry about, I would ask the Court to add to that concern the following: Gavin alleges two acts of alleged molestation. There is no eyewitness to either one. And there is no DNA to support it. In fact, there's no forensic evidence at all to support it. Star, along with his credibility problems, alleges - it changes, the number. But he appears to allege two acts of molestation, separate from those of Gavin that he watched. There is no eyewitness. There is no DNA. There is no forensics to support it. "So as the Court looks at the evidence so far, what do you really have? You have what, in effect, is a very problematic case, and I submit the prosecutors know that. It's extremely problematic. It's filled with credibility issues. And those credibility issues I submit to the Court at this point are compounded by the evidence they've tried to introduce so far about conspiracy." Inainte de pronuntarea deciziei,Mesereau a spus ca "acesti martori willy-nilly"sunt "99%" din dovezile pe care vrea sa le introduca Sneddon.Avocatul apararii a numit acesti martori "niste mincinosi" si a sugerat ca acestia nu pot fi inlocuitori ale presupuselor victime. MIKE TAIBBI: .Three of the five have denied publicly that they were ever abused by Michael Jackson. The other two accepted financial settlements in the millions of dollars. .Tom Mesereau, Jackson's lead defense attorney on the other hand brought back judge Melville's own statement in a pre-trial hearing to him saying that the judge once said in court -- he did, I was there -- that he would not allow this old evidence to be brought in rescue a weak case in chief. And Mesereau said in court that this case is a bad case that's going to get worse -- his words. That he'd been able to successfully impeach the testimony not just of the accuser, but of his key corroborating witnesses: his brother and his sister. .I keep saying "alleged" because it is that. It's going to be challenged. In fact Tom Mesereau said there will be, in his words, 'full blown trials' to challenge the credibility of each of these witnesses. By some estimates, outside the courtroom, this could add months to this trial. Unii dintre acesti martori au facut pana si 8 declaratii diferite in marturiile anterioare sau in interviurile de la politie.Multi observatori cred ca aceste argumente au multe sanse sa se intoarca impotriva procurorului.Ce se va intampla daca procuratura sustine ca acesti copii au fost abuzati de Jackson si apoi apararea ii aduce pe unii dintre ei sa declare ca acest lucru nu s-a intamplat niciodata?Multi au prognozat cum se va desfasura examinarea acestor martori de catre Sneddon care va face spume la gura incercand sa convinga un adult ca a fost molestat cand de fapt asta nu este adevarat.Deci,din cate se pare,daca Sneddon nu are victime adevarate este acum pe cale sa le fabrice. Decizia privind acuzatiile anterioare a venit dupa marturia lui George Lopez ,un comediant, care a explicat cum a incercat el sa-l ajute pe baiat cand acesta era bolnav.Acest martor a spus ca el crede ca tatal baiatului era mai mult interesat de bani decat de sanatatea fiului sau.Lopez spune ca tatal l-a acuzat ca i-a furat $300 din portofelul baiatului. Jackson nu a fost prezent la dezbaterea privind acuzatiile anterioare dar a venit mai tarziu la tribunal,fiind incurajat de strigatele fanilor.Fara sa para de loc ingrijorat,Jackson zambea larg. Mama baiatului care il acuza pe Michael Jackson a dat un apel disperat la patronul unui club de comedie din Los Angeles spunand ca copiii ei si ea sunt tinuti ostatici la ferma Neverland- a declarat marti acesta. Apararea a reusit sa sublinieze ca nici unul din membrii familiei nu a incercat sa anunte politia sau sa fuga. In anul ce a urmat,dupa ce baiatul a fost diagnosticat cu cancer,Masada a spus ca la vizitat pe baiat la spital destul de des si a dat bani familiei.Masada a spus ca incercand sa-l convinga pe baiat sa manance pentru a-si recapata puterile ia dat chiar si bani-bancnote de 50$.Deoarece Masada nu l-a cunoscut niciodata pe Michael ,a spus ca a incercat sa contacteze toate persoanele care le cunostea pentru a intra in contact in megastarul.A doua zi ,Michael a sunat la spital,iar baiatul a fost 'atat de impresionat,de multumit sa-l auda pe Michael'a declarat Masada. Intrebat daca nu l-a cunoscut niciodata pe Michael ,Masada a spus ca nu,pana marti in sala de judecata.Atunci la salutat pe Michael intrebadu-l ce mai face.Acuzatul i-a raspuns facundu-i cu mana.Masada a declarat ca tatal baiatului,si nu mama acestuia, i-a cerut in repetate randuri bani pe intrega perioda in care baiatul a fost bolnav . Baiatul a declarat ca Jackson si-a scos ceasul de la mana si i l-a dat lui ca un dar in zborul din California spre Florida. O alta declaratie nefolositoare cazului procurorului a fost facuta chiar de un martor adus de acesta la bara-stewardeza Cynthia Bell.Prin declaratia acestei au fost surpinse si alte gauri in declaratiile facute de familia acuzatoare.Procurorul a chemat-o pe aceasta pentru a spune ca Michael bea cateodata vin din cutiile de cola.Bell a spus ca a fost ideea ei sa serveasca bautura megastarului in cutiile de cola .Ea l-a descris pe acesta ca un pasager speriat.Ea a declarat ca in zborul dinspre Florida i-a servit lui Michael vin-si alb ,nu rosu cum a fost declarat . Deasemena l-a criticat aspru pe ,Gazin Arvizo.Ea a spus ca pe parcursul zborului acesta a fost foarte obraznic,facand mult zgomot in jurul lui:'Serveste-ma cu mancarea mea-asta e prea rece!'.Acestea s-au petrecut inainte sa aiba loc presupusurile abuzuri.Bell a adaugat ca a fost intr-adevar rusinata de atitudinea acestui pasager. Ea a spus ca l-a vazut pe Gavin stand langa Jackson dar copiii acestuia au fost mereu langa el sau chiar in bratele sale. Bell a mai facut o declaratie care a picat ca o bomba in fata juratilor:sora acuzatorului ,Davellin Arvizo a avut un buletin fals despre care ea nu a stiut in acel moment ca era fals.Ea apus ca sora i-a aratat acest act in dorinta de a cere alcool.Din declaratia sorei -am aflat insa alt ceva-ea nu incercase niciodata sa bea alcool inainte ca Jackson sa-i fi dat.Dar,trebuie sa fi avut mai multa experienta in legatura cu alcoolul daca avea asupra ei un act fals pentru a-l obtine . Bell a mai spus sub atenta examinare ca nu l-a vazut niciodata pe Michael dand alcool copiilor si mai imortant,nu l-a vazut NICIODATA pe Michael impartind cu cineva vin alb din cutiile de cola. Cand Bell a identificat o poza a acuzatorului,Mesereau a intrebat-o 'Ai spus Marelui Juriu ca este un copil ciudat?':Da,am spus'.Pe drumul spre iesire ea a dat mana cu Jackson. Media a trecut total cu vederea ca apararea a descoperit ca acuzatorul din 1993,Jordan Chandler,a depus o cerere de emancipare fata de ambii parinti sai dupa ce au incheiat intelegerea si tatal sau biologic,Evan Chandler care l-a dat din nou in judecata pe Jackson si a pierdut. 3760 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, March 29 2005 LISTEN & READ THE INTERVIEW: Michael Jackson Talks to Jesse Jackson Created: Sunday, 27 March 2005 On Easter Sunday, the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., spoke to Michael Jackson on "Keep Hope Alive(TM) with Reverend Jesse Jackson", the nationally syndicated radio talk show originating from Chicago's WGRB-AM 1390. Rev. Jesse Jackson: Good morning. God Bless you. Happy Easter. Welcome to Keep Hope Alive with Reverend Jesse Jackson radio program. This is Reverend Jesse Jackson and this morning I wish you a happy and glorious Easter. Brothers and sisters, I encourage those of you who are listening today, to tell your friends about us and to listen to us on live on the web on Sunday mornings from 7-8am Central Time, 8-9am Eastern Time (sic) on your website, on our website keephopealiveradio.com. And please email us with your thoughts and comments. We want to hear from you. So drop us an email throughout the week at the same address keephopealiveradio.com. This Easter week, a week of challenges, agonizing challenges, the outer limits of our faith and resurrection. We are on a journey of agony and faith with regard to Terry Schiavo. We have been riveted to TV and radio reports all of this week, these last few weeks a matter of fact. Terry's case is an extraordinary challenge to our patience, our faith, our ethics and our morality. A brain impaired woman, said to be brain dead. She's being starved and dehydrated to death. She must not be trophied, inmonumented in an illified moment. Her crisis challenges us to deal with long-term health care for all Americans. In her case, they didn't pull the plug to assist her in breathing, they pulled the tube, cut off the water and will not even allow ice for her parched lips. For this level of cruelty there is no moral justification. But what can I say today about our special guest this morning. This legendary singer, dancer, songwriter, extraordinary, has transfixed the role for more than 40 years. He became an instant star at age eleven. Is the front man in Motown's phenomenally successful family act, the Jackson Five. One of the best selling groups of all time. Hickering off their Motown tenure in 1969 with the unprecedented feat of four consecutive number one singles. Who can forget "I Want You Back", "ABC", "Mama's Pearl", or "I'll Be There"? Where were you when you were having barely turned thirteen? He began his solo career. Released a successful string of solo singles including "Got To Be There", "Rockin' Robin" and "Ben". We've all marveled as he continued to scale at unprecedented heights with the success of three of the biggest selling albums of all time: 'Off The Wall', 'Thriller' and 'Bad'. Indeed, 'Thriller' is the biggest selling album of all time. Having sold 51 million copies world-wide, beyond the numbers how important and paradigm shifting has Jackson recording and shattering record, how. How phenomenal has it really been? What a phenomenal feat. As producer Quincy Jones told Time magazine. "Black music had to play second fiddle for a long time." In the spirit is the whole motor of pop. He has connected with every soul in the world. He has been proclaimed the biggest selling artist of all time. The singer most awarded entertainer the world has ever known. The most popular artist in the history of show business. And not so modestly, the world's most famous man. And of course, the King of Pop. And still our world goes on, on about this genius, about this icon for ages. Brothers and sisters, members of the Keep Hope Alive family, today we have the rare opportunity to take a journey from Gary to greatness. Hear the King of Pop share the story of his life as only he can tell it. It's with great pride and pleasure that I bring to you this morning Michael Jackson from California. Good morning Michael. Michael Jackson: Good morning Jesse. How are you? Rev. Jackson: Good. Good. Good. Good. It's good to hear you there. Many listening ears around America and the world for our conversation today. Michael: Yes. Rev. Jackson: Good. Good. Good. Good. Michael: Good. Rev. Jackson: We'll my friends lets get this conversation started. We have a shared conversation with our nation. Stay right there. You don't want to miss this conversation with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. We'll be right back with Keep Hope Alive with the Reverend Jesse Jackson. [COMMERCIAL BREAK] Rev. Jackson: Welcome to Keep It Alive with Reverend Jesse Jackson. Our regular Sunday morning talk show. Today we have a phenomenal guest in Michael Jackson. Michael has taken this phenomenal journey from ground zero to outer space. Good morning Michael. Michael: Good morning Jesse. How are you? Rev. Jackson: Good. Good. Good. Remember when we met on 47th Street way, way many years ago. Your father brought you and the guys by the office in your station wagon and U-Haul. You were performing at the Regal Theatre. Do you remember that? Michael: Yes, I do remember. It was a long time ago. I was just very little. Rev. Jackson: What do you remember about that period? Michael: Oh, I remember what we were wearing kinda like dashikis (sic) and bell-bottoms pants and I just remember the love from the public was very great and accepting of what we had to offer. And the support from you know the people from the times was just beautiful, the black people was fantastic. You were always very kind to us as well. Rev. Jackson: Good. Good. Good. Did your mom make those outfits? Michael: Yes she did. She always made all of our clothes. My mother would sew and stitch everything. Everything we wore before we really making it at Motown. Rev. Jackson: I remember so well that uh Julius Griffin and up your dad came over and asked if you guys could be a warm-up act at Expo, and we had to make room for you in our schedule and you guys stole the show. Michael (laughs): I remember those shows. You had a big time Afro at that time. Rev. Jackson: Don't remind people of that Michael. You did so very well. (Michael laughs) Rev. Jackson: During that time you were being whipped up by Motown. Who discovered you for Motown? Michael: Well in complete truth, it was Gladys Knight and a guy named Bobby Taylor. And they were on the bill of some of the shows who were doing that you would see like.you would do a show and there would be like twenty or thirty acts. It was pretty much like Bonneville. You would do just a certain number of songs and you would go off. They were always on these shows. And they would watch us and they were so impressed with what we were doing. And Barry Gordy wasn't interested at first. But eventually he loved us and wanted to sign us. And after being signed, and uh, since Diana Ross was their biggest star at the time, that he used her as the vehicle to.you know.introduce us to the public. The first album was called "Diana Ross Presents the Jackson Five". Rev. Jackson: At that time, who was your favorite artist? Michael: Oh God, I loved Diana Ross and uh, I loved James Brown, I still do. I love all these artists.still to this day. I love Jackie Wilson. The real show stoppers. You know the real entertainers. Rev. Jackson: did you did. Michael (interrupts): Sammy Davis, Jr, I loved him as well (laughs). Rev. Jackson: Did you get any of your moves from Jackie Wilson? Michael: Oh yes of course! All these artists inspired me very much. I couldn't help but be inspired by these great entertainers. Rev. Jackson: A little later, remember we were out in Los Angeles and at that time Suzanne dePasse was your the godmother for the group and she had you at Fred Seigel's shopping for some, shopping for some jeans. Michael: Yes! Remember Suzanne dePasse, she was so wonderful, you know. She was pretty much our manager with my father at the time and with Tony Jones. They were all wonder people. I thank them from the bottom of my heart, you know. Rev. Jackson: She was such a wonderful person, and she remains, she's so top-notch in that what she does. Michael: Yes, she is. She was very helpful and instrumental in the early days of our careers that she remains a friend. And I do, I do.I miss her. I haven't seen her in awhile. She remains a wonderful person. so does Berry Gordy. Rev. Jackson: Michael in this whole developmental period. I call it ground zero like Gary and the Regal Theatre and the Expo and early meeting of Barry Gordy and Motown, would you reflect, what was out of this period that you remember the most? Michael: Which period was this now? Jessie: Kinda like this period of Gary, to the Regal Theatre, to Expo to meeting Gladys Knight, to going to Motown. From what about this period that stands out the most in your mind? Michael: This period for me which stands out is because I was so young around that time. I was like eight, eight or nine. I just remember the environment, what it was like, all the music I was hearing. My father played guitar. My uncle played guitar. Everyday they would come over, and you know they would play great music. And we would start to perform to the music. I remember seeing marching bands go down the street. I would remember the rhythm of the band and the beats of the drum. And every sound around me seem to record in my head and start making rhythms and dancing. I use to dance to the rhythm of the washing machine. My mother went to the corner store to wash the clothes. I would dance to the rhythm and people would crowd around. I remember those kind of stories. They would crowd around pretty much and watch me. Those kind of little things. They are reflections really. Rev. Jackson: Well, you remember you said that Jackie Wilson, and James Brown and Sammy Davis were heroes. Did you ever see them perform? Michael: Yes, of course I did and they were friends of mine. All these great artists. That's why I was so lucky. I was just such a little kid, looking up to these people. We were real catatonic, awestruck with their talent. Not only did I get to see it, but I got to see it close up right on the side curtain, on the side of the wings. I got to know these great artists. These were the best entertainers in the world. They were show stoppers. And I would have to go onstage sometime after them, you know. It was amazing! Rev. Jackson: But the thing is that at first I remember Tito and Jermaine you were like so little, so small. You was part of the Jackson Five. At what point did you know that you realize you were a show stopper? Michael: You know when you have a special ability. You don't realize it because you think everybody else has the same gift that you have. So you don't realize it. When I used to sing at such a young age, people were so inspired by my singing and they loved it. I didn't realize why they were clapping or crying or start to scream. I really truly didn't Jesse. And it just uhm, just later on in life, people would come up to me and say you know do you realize you have a special gift or you have a special talent. I just remember from my mother who is very religious always telling us to always thank God, to thank Jehovah God for your talent, your ability. You know it's not from, it's not our doing, and it's from above. So we were always humbled by people would come with accolades or you know, adulations or whatever it is. You know, it was a beautiful thing. Rev. Jackson: When did you stop going to school formerly? Michael: Oh I was very young. I think it was.oh boy, hmmm. I think it was the fifth, fifth, fourth or fifth I think. Then I had tutoring the rest of my life. Because we did so many tours and concerts and TV shows and things, all the albums and all the recordings because we would have three hours of schooling, then we would do the concerts, then we travel to another state or another country. Then by that time we would do some concerts again and then it would be time to record the next J5 album, then after the J5 album, it was time for another Michael Jackson album. So in my youth, as a little kid, I was always busy. I remember across the street from Motown recording studio, there was a park. I used to hear the roar of the kids and the throwing of the football and the basketball. I remember going to the studio everyday, and I was just feeling kinda sad, because I wanted to go to that park. But I knew I had a different job to do, you know so going in and make the records. All day till late at night, then you would go to sleep, then you were up for the next day, just the same regimentation. Rev. Jackson: Does that insintu-. you missed a certain body of childhood experience. How did you compensate for this loss of ordinary childhood experience? Michael: I-I - It's true. I didn't have a childhood. But, when you don't have a childhood like people like myself and other child stars, you try to compensate for the loss for later on you try to catch up. That's why you see, like you may see a theme park or amusement rides, that type of environment at my home. But what I like to do is help other children who are less fortunate than I am. You know kids who are terminally ill, kids who have diseases, poor children from the inner cities, you know the ghettos, to let them see the mountains, or to let see or go on the rides, or to watch a movie or to have some ice cream or something. Rev. Jackson: Of course one of the difference about you Michael, you did have a family. How many of, how many is in the family? Michael: The immediate Jackson family? Rev. Jackson: Yeah. Michael: There were originally ten of us. There's nine. There's nine. And my mother Katherine and Joseph Jackson are still alive. We all were born in Gary, Indiana. Rev. Jackson: Well in that setting, did Tito and Jermaine beat up on you and give you some normal childhood experiences as a younger brother? Michael: We would be on tour. We would go to Miami. We would, you know, be able to use the beaches. We were so popular at that time. Wherever the Jackson Five would go, there would be a mob scenes. We couldn't go in the shopping center or anywhere because there were kids screaming. We had hit records back to back to back. We were playing these arenas all across America. And so it was difficult. We would did get to have a chance to have some fun in the hotel. We would have pillow fight in the hotel or if we wanted to swim after hours, we swim in the pool downstairs. You know that type of thing Rev. Jackson: Who would win the pillow fights? Michael: Pretty much Tito or Jackie. [laughs] They were the oldest. Jessie: You know you kind of grown from this kind of phenomenal rise to the artist that has sold the most records in history. You look back from that period that we call Ground Zero to the period of your maturing in writing. Who was your greatest influence in learning to write? You write so well. Michael: My greatest influence learning to write music. I think this is when I was lucky. In my opinion, I came into the Factory, the greatest song writers at that time in the sixties. Holland, Dozier, Holland of Motown. These two guys were phenomenal. You know, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland. These guys were amazing. They wrote all the great Supreme hits and the Four Top hits. They were just amazing. And I got to learn and work with these guys. And I love of course some of the Beatles stuff. I love the Beatles music actually. I love a lot of the show tune writers. Richard Rogers, and Oscar Hammerstein and Leonard Lowe and Harold Arland, Johnny Mercer and these kind of show tune. I love melody. I love the great Irish pub songs. I love English melody. The rhythms of Africans. Which is the roots of rhythm . That's my favorite music. That's my favorite music of the world because all music is defined from that. Africa is music. It is the origin. It is the dawn of existence. You can't avoid that. It is in everything that is about myself. Rev. Jackson: So much as you went through these stages and you began to write, sing and dance, did you ever have like a dancing coach? Michael: You know what, I never studied dancing before. It always became natural for me. Whenever I was little, any music would start, they couldn't sit me down. They couldn't tie me down actually. Even to this day, if anyone played a beat, I'll start kicking in and making counter rhythms to the beat that I'm hearing. It's just a natural instinct. I never studied. And Fred Astaire who was a good friend of mine, and Gene Kelly, they used to always marvel at my ability for dance. When I was a little kid, Fred Astaire used to always tell me how that he knew in his heart that I would be a special star. I used to just look at him thinking what are you talking about? [laughs] But uh, you could see, you know Rev. Jackson: Michael, where did the moonwalk come from? [laughs] Michael: The moonwalk is a dance. I would love to take credit for but I can't because I have to be completely honest here. These black children in the ghettos are, they have the most phenomenal rhythm of anybody on the Earth. I'm not joking. I learned, I get a lot of ideas from watching these black children. They have perfect rhythm. From just riding through Harlem, I remember in the early, you know, late 70's early 80's, I would see these kids dancing on the street and I would see these kids doing these, uh sliding backwards kinda like an illusion dancing I call it. I took a mental picture of it. A mental movie of it. I went into my room upstairs in Encino, and I would just start doing the dance, and create and perfect it. But, it definitely started within the black culture. No doubt. That's where it comes from. Rev. Jackson: Well then, connected to that piece when you were dancing, did you ever watch Don Cornelius Soul Train? Michael: Oh I love that show. Are you kidding? Of course I did. I would wait for the Soul Train line. They would have a line that they would make, like a wall of people and the dancer would come through the middle, dancing to the song. It would give them a chance to showcase their talent and what they could do with their body creatively. I used to watch that catatonically, just watching that! I was mesmerized by uh, and studied the rhythms and the dancing of course. Of course I watched it. [laughs] (19:17) Rev. Jackson: Michael, you know as you look back, you kinda make this kind of transition from ground zero in Gary and you begin to ascend, and you became, in many ways, a man in a child's body and I mean, you never gained any weight! How did you manage? Michael: (laughs) Well, I've never been a great eater, I've, uh ~~ to tell a little secret, I hate to tell it, uh, I've never been ahhh, great eater or a great admirer food, even though I appreciate food and the gift of food and how God has given us food to eat, but my mother has always had a hard time with me, all my life, uh, forcing me to eat ~~ Elizabeth Taylor used to feed me ~~ hand feed me at times, because I-I-I I do have a problem with eating, but, I - I do my very best, and I am eating, yes I am! So I don't - Please, uh, I don't want anyone to think I'm starving, I am not . Rev. Jackson: But you've. Michael: My health is perfect actually. Rev. Jackson: You've maintained this weight man, that's what people is most jealous of and so excited about. Michael: No no, my health is perfect actually, I'm a great believer in holistic natural foods and eating and (sp) herbs and things, you know, God's medicine, instead of Western chemicals, not those things, you know. Rev. Jackson: You know Michael, as you look back on this phenomenal career, you-you remember at least the 5th grade in Gary and how you guys became a- a big hit so-so quickly, what do you remember, what is to you, the high point, you know ~~ I've asked people all week long the high point for them - it may have been Thriller, it may have been Beat It, it may have been some performance, what for you represents the kind of ah, high point? Michael: Well, one of the great high points, ahem, I would have to say... because I remember before '82, in the early '80s ~~ I had done an album called 'Off The Wall' - it was an important point for me because I had just the movie 'The Wiz' and I wanted to express myself as a writer, as an ah, artist, you know to write my own music, do the music, pretty much put it together. And Quincy Jones, who I've loved - I was fortunate to work with him and I love this man, he is very gifted. But I was writing these songs at the time, 'Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, you know, 'Shake Your Body to The Ground', you know 'Billie Jean', and 'Beat It', you know, all these songs were written at this time. Ahem, so I pretty much was setting mental goals of what I want to do as an artist and I uh, it was a high point for me, during the uh, the winning of the Grammys for the 'Off The Wall' album, but I wasn't happy. Because I wanted to do much more than that... I wasn't happy with, uh ahem, the way it was accepted, even though it was a HUGH success, it was the biggest selling album for a solo artist at that time ~~ it was over 10 million, and ahem, ahem, for a Black solo artist. And I said for the next album, I refuse for them to ignore, and that's when I set my heart (clears throat), on-on writing the Thriller album and I really said I ---- Rev. Jackson: What-what-what gave rise to The Thriller? Michael: Pardon? Rev. Jackson: What gave rise to The Thriller? Michael: What gave rise to 'Thriller' was that the time, was pretty much disappointed and hurt - I lived in an area called Encino, and I used to see signs of graffiti saying "Disco Sucks" and "Disco is this" and "Disco is that" and disco was just a happy medium of making people dance at the time, but it was so popular, that the uhem, uhem, society was turning against it. I said, I'm just going to do a great album, because I love, uhem, the album Tchaikovsky did, The Nutcracker Suite, it's an album where every song is like a great song. I said I wanted to do an album where every song is like a hit record, and that's what pretty much the hit, 'Thriller' spawn from that. And I did that album and it made, er, all time history, the Guinness Book of World Records proclaimed that it was the largest selling album of all time and it's still to this day and I'm, er, I would say that it was a pinnacle, that was a - I'd reached a certain zenith point, I would think, but I still wasn't er, pleased after that - I was always wanting to do more, wanting to do more. And Rev. Jackson: And somewhat you--- Michael: And the Victory tour came along. Rev. Jackson: And somewhat you reached out, before we get to the Victory tour, and we had this phenomenal crisis of people dying and you used your celebrity to pull artists together to do 'We Are The World'. Michael: Yes. Rev. Jackson: What was that like? Michael: 'We Are The World' was a great project, because er, ah, Quincy Jones called me on the phone and he asked me to write a song, for ahem, for ah, ahem, the devastation that was going on in Africa ~~ and Ethopia was hit very badly, and he knew my love for the people over there, because I would go to Africa all the time. I-I loved the culture, I love the people, I love what they represent, and er, so I put this song together, he said let Lionel Richie help you (clears throat), so Lionel came over ~~ we started, you know, putting ideas together, and ahem, we talked most of the time because we pretty much caught up with old times because I've been knowing Lionel Richie for many, many years, and ahem, so Lionel, er, and I put something together, but I wasn't happy with it completely, so after that, I just went into the studio myself and pretty much completed it and finished it and packaged it and did all the music, put everything together and turned it in. Quincy was very impressed with it and he said this is the song, we're going to go with it and we put the song out and it became the biggest selling song single in history and it raised a lot of money. It was called 'USA For Africa' and we heightened, it heightened, er public awareness on the subject. It was relief for Africa, it was a beautiful thing. We gave a certain percentage to America and the majority share went to Africa. It was a great, great thing. Rev. Jackson: Reverend Jessie Jackson, Keep Hope Alive, our very special guest for our edition today, with Michael Jackson. So many people are listening all around the nation, all around the world ~~ just a kinda family talk with Michael, I've known him since he was like seven years old, but the entire family ~~ at some point in time, his father, driving a ahem, station wagon with a U-haul brought the guys by our office and asked if they would be a warm up act for Expo and of course, they were a warm up act, in fact, they set it on fire and the Expo was never quite the same again. Matter of fact Michael, when we did the film 'Save the Children' that was a big hit too. Michael: Yes it was, yes it was.. I remember those times. it was a little cloudy, but I do remember Jesse and I remember how wonderful you were to us and uh, I remember the love from the audience and I could hear the screaming of the crowd. and I could see all of the Afros and the dashikis and er, it was just a wonderful time, it was a wonderful cause. Rev. Jackson: On that show, it was Marvin Gaye, and Roberta Flack, and Michael: Ah!!! Rev. Jackson: . and the O'Jays Michael: Wow!!! Rev. Jackson: . and the Staples Singers and er. Michael: Wow. Rev. Jackson: .Cannonball Adderley, it was a huge deal. Michael: That's amazing ~~ an amazing list of people, that's some of the greatest talent ever - that's amazing. Rev. Jackson: We going to re-release the 'Save the Children' sometime soon and people who missed that period will really enjoy watching it. Michael, you know, when we think about the-the kind of rise from Gary, Indiana, you were but a child and you went through your teenaged years being tutored along, but then I remember another phase, I-I think is a another phase, when the Victory Tour occurred. At that time, you were a full grown ~~ all of your brothers and sisters were full grown and we met in Kansas City, remember? With your family? Michael: Yes. Rev. Jackson: . We all had prayer together, ahem. Michael: Yes we did. Rev. Jackson: The Victory Tour. Describe that season. Michael: The Victory Tour was one of the great pinnacles of our-our, my success because Thriller had won more Grammys than any other album in the history of - of music, and it created so much phenomenon and such adulation and notoriety at the universal level, and it was very, very hard to-to go anyway, do anything without press and helicopters and people sleeping in your bushes and hiding in your trees, and it was just a phenomenal pinnacle, it really was and after all of that, I announced that I was going to tour. And to tour and perform those songs live, in front of an audience so the world was going just really, really wild at that time. And we did this tour that broke records all over America and we played stadiums, for instance, the-the setting record at Dodgers Stadium, before we played it, it was one show and a half by Elton John. We did 8 shows there - sold out, and they wanted another 2 - so we did 8 sold out shows there. (Clears throat) This happened all over America ~~ the first city was Kansas City and that's where we met with you Jessie and I remember you coming to the suite and you gave prayer and it was a beautiful thing and ah, it was an amazing time, it really was. My dreams had come true. Rev. Jackson: Good. Good. But you know Michael, in this life, they say some rain must fall and you've had these seasons of just ahem, tailwinds like pushing you forward. But life is of such that's not a straight line, ah, some argue you either in a storm, or you are just leaving a storm, and going to a storm and it's not difficult to handle the sunshine of bright skies, tailwinds days, but then these headwinds come that kind of uh, test what you really are made of, the kind of test your metal, your true grit. And so you've had these high points. What do you consider to be the low point? Michael: Probably the low point, the lowest point, emotionally and experience, is probably what I'm going through (clears throat). Rev. Jackson: In the sense - what, what about it has kind of stung you? Michael: What about it . has what? Rev. Jackson: Has stung you, so to speak. Michael: Has, .. Use the word again. Rev. Jackson: STUNG. You said it's kind of hurt you, you said the low point. Michael: Yeah, just the pain of what I'm going through, where I'm being accused of something, where I know in my heart and in my experiences in life I'm totally innocent, and it's very painful. But this has been kind of, ah, a pattern among Black luminaries in this country. Rev. Jackson: And so since, you-you have been going through this and you feel the pain, you think it's a kind of pattern? How are you handling it spiritually? Because you go from being held so high and now your very character, your very integrity is under attack. How your handling it? Michael: I'm handling it by using other people in the past who have gone through this sort of thing. Mandela's story is giving me a lot of strength, what he's gone through and the Jack Johnson story was on PBS ~~ it's on DVD now. It's called 'Unforgivable Blackness'. It's an amazing story about this man from 1910 who was the heavyweight champion of the world and bust into a society that didn't want to accept his position and his lifestyle, and what they put him through, and how they changed laws to imprison the man. They put him away behind bars just to get him some kind of way. And-and Muhammad Ali's story. All these stories. The Jesse Owens story. All these stories that I can go back in history and read about gives me strength Jessie. Your story gives me strength, what you went through. Because I didn't, I came in at the tail end of the Civil Rights Movement ~~ I'm a, ah - I-I didn't get the really, I'm a 70's child, really, but I got in on the tail end of the Civil Rights Movement and I got to see it, you know? Rev. Jackson: And so, you-you-you-you had these hits, ahem, and people that you have embraced are now facing you in court on a daily basis. How does your spirit handle that? Michael: Ah, I gained strength from God. I believe in Jehovah God very much and ah, and I gain strength from the fact that I know I'm innocent ~~ none of these stories are true ~~ they are totally fabricated, and it's very sad, it's very, very painful. And I pray a lot and er, that's how I deal with it and I'm a strong person, I'm a warrior. And I know what's inside of me. I'm a fighter. But it's very painful. At the end of the day, I'm human, you know, I'm still a human being. So it does hurt very, very, very much. Rev. Jackson: You and I were watching, you know you and I were talking last week on the phone and - and there was this rhythm of the trial, which we will not get into at all today, but then they shifted from the focus of the trial to say you are broke. And last week, people are calling in, all around the nation saying, "Is Michael broke"? Michael, are you broke??? Michael: That's not true at all. It's one of their many schemes to embarrass me and to just drag me through mud. And it's the same pattern, like I told you before with these other people in the past. Same pattern. Don't believe, you know, this is tabloid, sensationalized kind of gossip. Rev. Jackson: Well, how did the money issue get in it in the first place? Some people called and they thought it was about the Sony catalog. What's- what's in that catalog? Michael: In my Sony Catalog, is all the Beatles music, ahem, all of the music I own - I own Sly and the Family Stone, I-I own such a volume of so many, I own Elvis - so many Elvis songs and it's a huge catalog, very valuable, it's worth a lot of money. And there is a big fight going on right now, as we speak about that. Now, I can't say whether or not - I can't comment on it, but there's a lot of conspiracy, I'll say that - conspiracy going on as we speak. Rev. Jackson: It was suggested by a number of your friends and family members was that this fight was really more about this catalog issue than it is any thing else. Do you believe that? Michael: Well, you know, I don't want to comment. I don't want to make a comment, Jessie ah-it's a real delicate issue and uh, I'll let you, I'll let you make the comment on that one. Rev. Jackson: Let me shift this to this extent. Ahem, since so many people are listening and there have been so many opinions - I was in London a couple of weeks ago, and 24/7 was Michael Jackson all-day-long and all-night-long and the day that you came to the hospital late [to court], you said you were injured. What happened that day? Michael: I was coming, er, out of the shower and I-I-I fell. And all my body weight, and I'm pretty fragile, all my body weight fell against my rib cage. And I pretty much, er, er, I bruised my lung very badly. My lung is on the right, it's very [sp], it's, I'm in pain as we speak and ah, I've been going to court everyday in immense pain and agonizing pain. And I sit there - and I'm strong, I try to be as strong as I can. So I can, ahh, but what we are looking for is the coughing of blood now. The doctor said I should - he said it's still very dangerous as we speak, and if I cough the blood, he said it's a very dangerous thing, so we're, we're still watching it very closely. Rev. Jackson: The cynics said you were faking. And it seems that the judge is [sic] will not even willing to believe you, even though you had just left the hospital. Michael: You know the - there's no faking with this at all. I mean there was a scan done and you could see, uhhh, the swelling on my whole rib cage, I mean, uh, it was you could see it and it's bright red. And how it, it [the fall] busted my chin, and it put a huge gash over my forehead, blood, it was er, it was very bad actually. And er, but errr, we've treating it actually, I do have some medicine for it, but we are watching it very closely. Rev. Jackson: As I listen to your talking about this whole ordeal that you are going through, and how you've er, stood strong sometimes amazingly so, ah, at some point last week, you - you cried. What-what touched you? What made you, breakdown, as it were? Michael: You mean at court? Rev. Jackson: Yeah. Michael: I was in pain. I was sitting there hurting. And er, the pain was so immense, all I could do was to sit there and cry. See, because it er, it was so intense at that moment, ah, ahem, I just couldn't handle it. So I just grab tissues and just put it to my face. and. Rev. Jackson: So, it was more about your personal pain, than the, than the challenges of the, from the stand? Michael: No, it had nothing to do with what was going on inside. It was totally with personal pain, physical pain. Rev. Jackson: Michael, since so many people are listening, I'm trying to gleam from some of our calls on the phone today and from last week, as people listen to you, what do you want people to know? Those listening to you on the phone - I see calls from Philadelphia, and from Holland and from Britian and New York and Mississippi and Florida, California - what do you want people to know? Michael: About? Rev. Jackson: About you. About where you are now in the head, how you are feeling? Michael: Well, ahem, pretty much to-to be strong for me, to pray for my children and my family and myself. This is uh.uh very difficult time and to not believe what they hear, and see and read and just because it's in print does not make it. just because it's in print does not make it the gospel. And uh. you know, because they have sensationalized this thing to an immense degree. It's a feeding frenzy - it's because of uh, my celebrity. The bigger the celebrity, the bigger the target. And they have to remember that. So they've turned this into money - it's like who gets the biggest ratings, you know, it's terrible what's happened with it. But it's part of what I have to suffer [through] as a celebrity. It's part-part of what I have to go through. And to just uh, just know in the end that I will be vindicated, I pray, because I know the truth. I'm an innocent person. And I believe in God and love God. And just continue to pray for us. Rev. Jackson: You know that, given your faith, in God and in yourself, and your declaration of innocence and while you are going through this storm ahem, presuming that you ah - win this, this has been a close battle, ahhh, a very intense battle, because the battle is-is not over, ah, the, appearance, given your relationship ahh, has called for lots of consternation. Is there anything that you will do differently? When this season is over? Michael: Is there anything that I would do differently? Rev. Jackson: Differently? When this season is over? Michael: (Clears throat) Ahem, my level of trust will change. And ah, there-there there's a lot of conspiracy going on. I'll say that much. A lot of it. Rev. Jackson: Do you think that.. Michael: All around me. Rev. Jackson: Is the conspiracy connected to the celebrity or to the trial or to the catalog - what do you think the source of it is? Michael: I-I can't comment. I can't comment Jessie, I-I don't wanna. it ah, I'm under a gag order and it's a very serious thing. I don't want to say the wrong thing. With the wrong flavor. It's a very delicate area. Very delicate where we are now. Rev. Jackson: Good. Good. Let me ask you this question though, that for those who are praying fervently, want to help and look forward to seeing Michael Jackson again. What can people expect next from you? Michael: Well, like-like I always say, I'm-I'm a person of the arts. I love the arts very, very, very much. And ah, I'm a musician, I'm a director, I'm a writer, I'm a composer, I'm a producer, and I love the medium. I love film very, very much. I think it's the most expressive of all of the art mediums. The sculptor can sculpt, the painter can paint, but they capture a moment, ah, they freeze time with the moment. In film, you live the moment. You live, you have the, audiences for two hours. You have their brain, their mind - you can take them any place you want to take them. You know, and that idea is mesmerizing to me - that you can have the power to do people, to move people to change their lives and that's where you to marry the music [and the] individual together. And that's what excites me so much about film and the future. Because I love motion pictures very, very much. Rev. Jackson: Given, ah, the, heat that is on you and the taxing issue that you are facing now, does it deter you from pursuing your career when this is over? Michael: No! No. Not at all. Because ahem, I know who I am (clears throat) inside and outside and I know what I want to do. And I will always - er - you know, go with my dreams and my ideals in life. And I'm a very courageous person and I believe in perseverance, determination, and-and, you know, and all those wonderful things, and those ideals are very important for a person who is goal-orientated, you know? Rev. Jackson: Since people have-have risen so high and so far with your dreams, what are, what are you dreaming of now? Michael: Oh ahem (clears throat), like I was saying before, ahem, it's to innovate, to tie in the medium of-of film, and there's other things I want to do, which are some surprises. Ah, things in society that I want to do in the future. You know, in Africa. I have some great plans, ah, that I've been preparing to do there. I'd had several meetings with people whose flown out to see me since I've been going through what I've been going through and so my heart is set on doing some things there, very much so as well. Rev. Jackson: You ah, your next project. Because often when people at a stage like this is kind of frozen, but you're thinking about the next project. What do you see as the next immediate project? What's hitting you right now? Michael: Probably, ahemmm. the tsunami song that we want to do to raise money for tsunami because Africa was ummm, was it Madagascar? One of those countries. Rev. Jackson: Indeed. Madagascar. Michael: Somalia and Madagascar was hit very hard, and they never.talk about that, the way they talk about the other countries. Now, we have, I mean, uh, my heart is going out for everybody, but at least, when they distribute the truth, distribute it right and ahem, it - they never talk about the devastation down in Africa, so we ~~ I wanna do something for that. And of course, I've been working on doing, planning a resort that I'm building down in Africa. Ah, beautiful hotels, ah, just a beautiful setting for people and families and something beautiful down there. There a lot of beautiful places down there. So I want to do something that is more international. You know? Rev. Jackson: Well, you know, it's interesting about the tsunami with this huge national - natural disaster uh, couldn't be stopped, maybe if we had early detection devices, we could have saved some lives perhaps, but it was a natural disaster, but what you raised is that while that we've lost 200,000 lives in the tsunami, we've lost 2 million in the Sudan and that's a manmade disaster and oil and materials all caught up in that stuff, and then 4 million in the Congo. And ah, and I think as we talk about it, you know you and I talk almost everyday, you are reaching out to these African crisis - appears to have er, taken up a large part of your dream at this stage in your life. Michael: Yes it has. Because Jessie, in my heart, deepest of heart, I really love Africa and I love the people of Africa. That's why, whenever I get the chance, the children and I, we jump on the plane and fly to Africa and we vacation there. I spend more of my vacation in Africa than in any other country. And ah, we love the people and we love the environment. Topographically, one of the most beautiful places on the surface of the Earth. They never show the sandy white sugar beaches, and it's there! And they never show the beautiful, you know the landscaping, never show the buildings, the metropolis and urban - Johannesburg, Cape Town, Kenya, ur, you know the Ivory Coast ur, you know, Rwanda, how beautiful the place is! And it's really stunningly beautiful! And I want to heighten that awareness with what I'm doing and it's been my dream for many, many years. And everybody around me knows that, because I go there very much. Rev. Jackson: You know, we knew about the high points of Rome, because we see it on film. Michael: That's right. Rev. Jackson: We know about the high points of Britain and the palace, we see it on film. On Paris, we don't see much of Africa on film. We see Africa as misery and Africa as problems. We do not see it as being this phenomenally endowed continent of sand and sea and Michael: Because the. Rev. Jackson: oil and resources. Michael: Because, yeah. The world is jealous of Africa for many centuries because it's natural resources is phenomenal. It really is. And it is the dawn of civilization. The history, a lot of our bible history is right there in Africa. And King Tut, all those great civilizations - that is right there in Africa. Egypt is in Africa!!! And they always try to separate the two, but Egypt is Africa!!! Rev. Jackson: Well, it's certainly true that when Jesus was threatened, ah, with death, when Harod sent out the edict for [the] genocide of all of the first born babies, that Joseph took him to Egypt, to Africa, kept him there for 12 years. Michael: That's right. That's right. Rev. Jackson: You've shown an amazing level of depth and commitment. Let me say this and in closing Michael, because people are listening and the reason I didn't want to open up the lines today is because you have, you're sharing stuff with us that you never quite really hear, but as people go and watch the trial next week and the coming days, what do you want your fans. we have callers on here right now from London, Holland and all around America, so people out there are listening today to you. What do you want to say to your fans and even to your detractors today? Michael: I just wanna say: fans in every corner of the Earth, every nationality, every race, every language, I love you from the bottom of my heart. You know, thank you for your love and support and understanding during this trying time. I would love your prayers, and your goodwill. Ah, and ah, please be patient and be with me and believe in me because I am completely, completely innocent. But please know a lot of conspiracy is going on at this time as we speak. Rev. Jackson: Well, it's Easter time, ah, we fall down, we get back up again. The good news is that nothing is too hard for God. And those who believe, fervently believe, no matter how far down that they reach for a rope and not a shovel. They'd be pulled up and they will rise again. Michael, thank you for sharing yourself with the nation today, and the world and for getting up so early in California . Michael: God bless you. Rev. Jackson: God bless you and keep hope alive. Talk to you a minute off the air, okay? Michael: Bye-bye. Rev. Jackson: Alright. |
|||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
Marturiile s-au reluat miercuri cu mai multe intrebari pentru Cynthia Ann Bell,o insotitoare de zbor. Ea a spus ca adolescentul a fost nepoliticos si ca a cerut o gramada de lucruri pe parcursul zborului.Deasemenea ea a precizat ca acesta a inceput o bataie cu mancare,aruncand cu piure de cartofi in doctorul lui Michael care dormea."M-a tratat ca si cand a-si fi fost servitoarea lui.",a spus Bell. Intrebata de Mesereau ,ea a spus ca mama lui a fost constienta de comportamentul lui si cu toate acestea nu i-a spus nimic.Insotitoarea de zbor a adaugat ca baiatul a avut foarte multe pretentii nerezonabile:"Puiul meu nu este cald.Vreau langa salata de varza.Nu le vreau pe acceasi farfurie".... Ea l-a descris pe domnul Jackson ca un barbat tacut si bland.Deasemenea a spus despre el ca vorbeste foarte moale."Deobicei trebuie sa ingenuchez ca sa il pot privi pe domnul Jackson in ochi". Aparitia ca martor a psihologului Stan Katz a fost un moment foarte anticipat al procesului.Procurorul nu l-a tinut la bara decat 20 de minute.A fost surprinzator ca nu l-a intrebat nimic despre ce i-a povestit copilul in timpul sedintelor;asta ar fi fost crucial. Katz a admis ca in momentul cand a vorbit cu familia a avut impresia ca avocatul Larry Feldman pregateste un proces civil impotriva lui Jackson.Dar acest martor nu a putut fi tinut la bara mai mult decat o ora dupa ce interogatoriul trunchiat al procuraturii nu a lasat mult loc pentru intrebarile spinoase pe care apararea ar fi dorit sa le puna.Deasemenea judecatorul l-a atentionat pe psihiatru ca nu are voie sa spuna juratilor daca lui copilul si familia lui i s-au parut credibili sau daca a crezut ca evenimentele relatate de acestia chiar s-au intamplat. Katz a precizat ca el a condus 8 interviuri in mai si iunie 2003 cu adolescentul,mama lui,sora si fratele.Nu a dat detalii despre ce s-a vorbit. Apararea l-a facut pe psiholog sa admita ca din cercetarile sale a rezultat ca 40% din acuzatiile de abuzuri de minori sunt false.Asta contrazice marturia unui expert adus ca martor de procuror care a spus ca doar 2% se dovedesc a fi false. William Dickerman a fost martor miercuri.El a spus ca a fost angajat de mama adolescentului in februarie 2003,dupa documentar.Ea a vrut ca el sa scrie scrisori televiziunilor cerandu-le sa inceteze sa foloseasca imaginea baiatului.El a decis sa ii trimita apoi la Feldman pentru ca "el avea mai multa experienta in probleme legate de Michael Jackson". El a spus ca in luna urmatore dupa ce familia a parasit definitiv Neverland-ul a inceput sa trimita scrisori lui Mark Geragos,avocatul de atunci a lui Michael. Din cauza intrebarilor apararii Dickerman a admis ca avea un aranjament cu Feldman prin care el trebuia sa primeasca o cota parte din orice suma de bani proveniti dintr-un proces civil impotriva lui Michael. Dickerman a spus ca in scrisorile pe care i le-a trimis lui Mark Geragos,el nu a mentionat nici un abuz,consum de alcool sau rapire.Deasemenea el a zis ca nu a vazut nici o urma legata de hartuirea familiei de catre Jackson despre care a vorbit in acele scrisori. Intr-o dezvoltare legata de caz,avocatul lui Christopher Eric Carter,un martor cheie a procurorului, care a fost acuzat de o serie de jafuri in Nevada,a spus miercuri ca si-a sfatuit clientul ,un fost bodyguard a lui Jackson,sa nu depuna marturie in acest caz. Michael Jackson a venit astazi la tribunal zambind larg.Jackson a fost insotit miercuri de parintii sai.La intrarea in tribunal,el a batut jucaus pe cap pe unul din bodyguarzii care era cu el. Un avocat a marturisit vineri ca familia nu i-a cerut sa inceapa un proces civil impotriva starului pop. Totusi marturia lui Larry Feldman a parut sa sprijine apararea care sustine ca familia baiatului a vrut sa capete bani de la Jackson. In timp ce era la bara spiritele au inceput sa se incinga.Feldman a parut necooperant atat cu Sneddon cat si cu Mesetreau,si judecatorul,in timp ce considera o obiectie,i-a spus lui Sneddon "nu te uita la mine asa". Deasemenea vineri,un detectiv a spus ca rufaria confiscata de la patul lui Jackson nu a produs nici o urma de par,fibre sau ADN ale adolescentului care il acuza pe Michael sau ale fratelui acestuia. "Am luat tot de pe pat".(cuvertura+rufaria+salteaua),a spus cel care a revazut mandatul de perchezitie. Atat adolescentul cat si fratele acestuia au pretins ca dormeau des in patul lui Jackson si ca acolo s-a petrecut presupusul abuz. Intrebat de procuror de ce nu au fost testate pentru amprente pahare si sticlele acesta araspuns:"Nu faceau obiectul investigatiei noastre la acel moment". Jack Green,un specialist in telefonie,a urmat la bara.El a inspectat sistemul telefonic de la Neverland si a spus ca telefonul privat a lui Jackson se putea conecta si asculta orice convorbire de pe alta linie de la ferma. Intrebat de aparare el a precizat ca sistemul nu avea nimic neobisnuit si ca oricine ar fi putut forma si suna la 911 de acolo. |
|||||||||||||
Aprilie |
|||||||||||||
Procurorul din Santa Barbara,Thomas Sneddon,a spus saptamana trecuta ca va incepe sa prezinte acuzatiile anterioare incepand de luni.Marturiile au inceput cu doua saptamani mai devreme decat a fost prevazut din cauza unor probleme cu unii martori ai acuzarii. Jesus Salas,un fost manager de la Neverland,a spus juratilor ca odata el a dus vin si patru pahare in apartamentul lui Jackson,unde erau cativa copii printre care si adolescentul care il acuza acum si fratele lui mai mic.Totusi,Salas a adaugat ca Jackson a cerut si sucuri pe langa vin.El a precizat ca Michael mai avea si alti oaspeti in dormitor,ceea ce clarifica problema paharelor suplimentare in privinta carora procurorul a vrut sa lase impresia juratilor ca erau pentru copii. Jesus a spus ca l-a vazut pe Michael ametit in fata copiilor,inclusiv proprii copii.Mesereau l-a intrebat daca stie ca Michael a trebui uneori sa ia calmante pentru durere(Michael a suferit cateva accidentari anul trecut) .Martorul a spus ca "da".Mesereau l-a intrebat daca poate sa faca diferenta intre momentele sub influenta calmantelor si cele in care esti beat.Jesus a spus ca "nu". Deasemenea acesta a adaugat ca in perioada indicata de procuror ,in care acesta sustine ca familia a fost tinuta ostateca la ferma,mama baiatului nu s-a plans niciodata ca este captiva.Membrii familiei au plecat de doua ori si s-au intors inapoi,inainte sa plece definitiv. Baiatul unei foste menajere a lui Michael a depus marturie luni despre cum Jackson a initiat o sesiune de gadilat care s-a terminat intr-un abuz,dupa care el sustine ca Jackson i-a dat o hartie de $100 si i-a spus sa nu ii povesteasca mamei despre bani.Tanarul,care are acum 24 de ani,spune ca primul incident s-a petrecut cand avea 7 ani. Tanarul sustine ca nu a povestit nimanui despre ce s-a intamplat pana la varsta de 13 ani-cand detectivii l-au intervievat despre acuzatiile impotriva lui Jackson(1993).Mai tarziu familia lui a ajuns la o intelegere cu Jackson in urma careia au incasat in jur de $2.000.000. Michael s-a lasat pe spate in scaun,dar a ramas nemiscat in timpul marturiei. Francia a admis cand a fost intrebat de aparare ca a spus:"Ei m-au silit sa vin cu si mai multe informatii.Au fost foarte indarjiti.Imi venea sa le dau cu ceva in cap." Apararea a scos la iveala ca Francia a negat in mod repetat ca Jackson i-a facut ceva rau cand a fost interogat de politie.Deasemenea ei au citit din transcriptele acestor interviuri.Apararea a subliniat ca detectivii au fost foarte agresivi cu el.Unul dintre politisti l-a injurat pe Jackson in fata copilului.Apararea l-a facut pe tanar sa spuna ca nu isi aminteste detaliile acestor interviuri. "La inceput am negat totul",a spus tanarul sustinand ca era speriat si se temea de glumele pe care le-ar fi facut colegii de scoala. Avocatul de atunci a lui Jackson,Bert Fields,a scris o scrisoare politiei in care spunea "...politistii de la voi au spus unor tineri speriati minciuni sfruntate,ca 'avem fotografii nud cu voi' pentru a-i impinge sa faca acuzatii impotriva lui Michael Jackson.Normal ca nu exista astfel de fotografii si ca copiii nu au nici o acuzatie adevarata de facut.Dar politistii par gata sa fabrice dovezi impotriva lui Jackson". Memoria slaba ,exact in momentele convenabile,a lui J.Francia a ajuns in vizorul apararii deasemenea.El isi aminteste perfect lucruri care s-au petrecut cu 12 ani in urma cand este intrebat de procuror si dintr-o data nu-si aminteste lucruri de anul trecut cand este intrebat de avocatul apararii. Mesereau l-a facut sa admita ca Jackson ii dadea bani cand citea o carte sau cand lua un 10 la scoala. Tanarul a repetat de multe ori cuvantul "molestat" l-a care Mesereau i-a sugerat ca s-a cam invatat sa foloseasca foarte des acest cuvant. Mesereau a incercat sa arate ca mama acestui martor a avut un interes financiar in aceasta poveste.Ea a primit $20.000 pentru aparitia de la "Hard Copy" si ca s-a intalnit si cu cineva de la The National Enquirer.Martorul a spus ca a aflat de aceasta plata acum cateva zile... Mesereau l-a presat sa spuna daca a relatat aceasta poveste altcuiva inainte de 1993 cand a fost contactat de politie."Au venit intr-o zi si ti-au facut o surpriza?"a intrebat Mesereau.Cativa fani din sala s-au amuzat si judecatorul i-a amenintat ca ii da afara."Nu am sa tolerez un astfel de comportament",a spus Melville. La un moment dat cand Mesereau il intreba de intelegerea financiara ,martorul a intervenit rautacios spunand "Alti bani decat cei pe care mi i-a bagat in pantaloni?". Mesereau a incercat de mai multe ori sa-i reimprospateze memoria aratandu-i transcriptele.Martorul a spus ca nu ii sunt de ajutor."Iti amintesti ceva din ce ai spus in acel interviu?" a intrebat avocatul."Nu",a raspuns martorul.Martorul a dat vina pe memoria slaba cand a fost intrebat daca povestile lui au rezultat intr-un caz penal."Nu stiu prea multe.Nu ma uit la stiri.",a spus tanarul. Fosta menajera a cantaretului a declarat marti ca l-a vazut pe starul pop facand dus si razand cu un baiat la Neverland-lenjeria lor aflandu-se langa usa dusului.Cand a intrat apa era deschisa,radio-ul era in functiune si ea spune ca a vazut niste umbre in dus.Ea a identificat vocile ca fiind a lui Jackson si ale baiatului.Totusi e greu de crezut ca cu tot acel zgomot a-i fi putut face o identificare corecta...Deasemenea ea spune ca a recunoscut hainele. Ea a spus ca baiatul a dormit uneori in dormitorul lui Jackson,si ca ea gasea dimineata un singur pat folosit.Nimic nou-nu ar fi fost prima data cand Michael dormea pe podea... Totusi femeia a recunoscut ca in anii cand a lucrat pentru Jackson nu l-a vazut niciodata atingand un copil intr-un mod sexual. Ea a mai spus ca Macaulay Culkin statea uneori singur cu Jackson in dormitorul acestuia,dar ea nu a vazut nimic nepotrivit sa se fi petrecut intre ei. Dupa ce cazul penal in 1993 a fost deranjat de intelegerea civila,legea din California a fost modificata ca sa le dea procurorilor puterea de a obliga presupusele victime sa depuna marturie.Kallman a spus ca intelegerea semnata intre fosta angajata si Jackson continea un acord de confindentialitate.Acest acord insa nu-l impiedica pe copil sa mearga mai departe cu cazul penal cooperand cu justitia ,ci il obliga pe el ca avocat sa anunte avocatii lui Jackson inainte cu 5 zile.Kallman a zis ca a facut acest lucru cand in 2004 tanarul a fost intervievat de politie.Avocatul a spus ca Jackson a negat orice fapta rea in documentul intelegerii. |
|||||||||||||
Un fost bodyguard de la ferma Neverland a spus joi ca la vazut pe starul pop facand sex oral cu un copil. Cantaretul de 46 de ani este acum acuzat de alt baiat de 15 ani de abuz la Neverland unde acesta sustine ca Jackson i-a dat alcool si i-a tinut familia prizoniera. Jackson a pledat nevinovat la aceste acuzatii. Familia baiatului (din 1993) care avea 9 sau 10 ani in perioda incidentului descris de martor a intentat un proces civil cantaretului acum 12 ani.Fara sa admita orice vina ,Jackson a ajuns la o intelegere de milioane de dolari pentru a incheia a acel caz. Jackson a luat parte la inmormantarea avocatului Johnnie Cochran care s-a stins din viata pe data de 29 martie din cauza unei tumori pe creier. Au fost zvonuri ca unii ziaristi au auzit jurati vorbind despre caz in afara tribunalului.Se pare ca juratii faceau haz pe seama unuia dintre martori care a depus marturie in aceasta saptamana cu privire la faptul ca a fost gadilat de Michael. Un purtator de cuvant al curtii a spus ca zvonurile sunt nefondate.El a precizat ca judecatorul este constient de aceste rapoarte si ca nu are loc nici o investigatie. Fara a fi important cine depune marturie in acest mini-proces referitor la presupusele abuzuri anterioare procurorul trebuie sa faca fata faptului ca doar un singur baiat va veni sa declare despre un abuz din trecut. Chacon(bodyguardul) nu a pus niciodata mana pe telefon ca sa sune politia dupa ce a vazut presupusul abuz. Cateva informatii despre Chacon ar fi necesare aici.El face parte dintr-un grup de 5 angajati care l-au dat in judecata pe Michael pentru ca au considerat ca au fost concediati pe nedrept. Deasemenea el este unul dintre cei care au furat obiecte personale de la Neverland si le-au vandut unor ziare de scandal. El l-a dat in judecat pe Jackson si a pierdut.Cand Jackson la randul lui l-a actionat in justitie angajatul a pierdut si acest proces.Ca rezultat i s-a ordonat sa plateasca 25.000$ lui Jackson ca pagube de catre un juriu care l-a gasit vinovat comportament rautacios. Cu 10 minute inainte de prima pauza a sesiuni de dimineata,Mesereau a stiut ca trebuie sa contraatace marturia lui Chacon ,care a inclus 2 abuzuri descrise in detalii grafice.Socul descierii lui atat de vulgare a fost suficient pentru a capta atentia tuturor persoanelor din tribunal.Inarmat cu depozitia lui '94 lui Mesereau nu i-a luat mult pana sa distruga depozitia curenta a acestui martor. Dintr-o data fiecare raspuns al lui Chacon era "Nu stiu" cand Mesereau l-a presat sa dea detalii despre faimosul proces ,cel mai lung proces civil din istoria Santa Mariei. Aceste zece minute au fost probabil cele mai cruciale din viata lui Michael Jackson. Mesereau l-a intrebat pe Chacon daca isi aminteste ca i-a spus lui Allen ca o sa faca 2-3 milioane de dolari din aceasta situatie.Aceasta declaratie a lui Mesereau a lasat sa se inteleaga ca va aduce sigur dovezi -posibil chemandu-l pe Allen ,ca Chacon a vrut de la inceput banii. Mesereau a scos la iveala ca angajatul a adaugat lucruri la povestea lui despre presupusul abuz.Mesereau la intrebat pe martor "mie- mi se pare ca iti amintesti mai multe detalii despre abuz de fiecare data cand vorbesti cu autoritatile". Chacon a admis ca au existat ca au existat lucruri noi pe care le-a spus politiei pe care "Si le-a amintit recent". "Dupa 6 luni de proces acesta este un mod foarte bun de a te razbuna pe el,nu?" Mesereau l-a intrebat pe Chacon atragand o obiectie puternica din partea procurorului. "Vrei sa spui ca ai uitat lucruri despre abuzul din '93 ?" a intrebat Mesereau. "Da domnule".A raspuns martorul. "Si ti le-ai amintit in 2005?" a intrebat Mesereau. "Vag da " a spus Cachopn. Intr-o marturie mai veche angajatul a spus ca el crede ca Jackson ar trebui "sa-l compenseze pe viata". Mesereau l-a intrebat pe Chacon daca nu a spus ca Jackson este un pedofil.Chacon a negat.Avocatul apararii a dezvaluit ca Chacon impreuna cu alti angajati s-au intalnit impreuna cu avocatii lor cu un reporter de la revista "Star". Se pare ca acesti oameni au vandut ziarelor de scandal aceste povesti negative in speranta ca il vor forta pe Jackson sa ajunga la o intelegere in procesul de 60 milioane in loc sa-i dea in judecata. Nici unul dintre acesti martori nu au incercat sa opreasca ceea ce sustin ca au vazut,nu au chemat politia in acel moment,nu si-au dat demisia si au facut aceste acuzatii decat dupa ce procesul din '93 a fost intentat. Planul procuraturii a parut bun la inceput,dar dupa ce Mesereau a intervievat martorii ,restul este istorie. Urmatorul martor Adrianne McManus a zis ca la vazut pe Culkin petrecand noapte in dormitorul lui Michael de cateva ori. Culkin care acum 24 de ani a negat ca s-a intamplat ceva de natura sexuala intre el si Jackson. Nu doar ca McManus a trebuit sa plateasca partea ei de 1 milion $ lui Jackson asa cum a hotarat un judecator,dar a mai trebuit sa plateasca 35.000$ ca pagube pentru ca a furat si vandut informatii ziarelor de scandal. Mereau a confruntat-o in mod repetat cu afirmatii din depozitia ei si de fiecare data ea a spus ca nu isi aminteste pana nu i le-a aratat avocatul. "Stii de cate ori ai mintit sub juramant in acesta depozitie?",a intrebat Mesereau. "Tot timpul", a spus ea."Nu cred ca am spu adevarul". Mesereau a facut-o sa admita ca avut o intalnire de 3 ore cu procurorii. Ultima jumatate de ora din marturia ei a fost aproape dureroasa.Ea a admis ca a mintit in procesul civil Chandler contra Jackson acum 10 ani. Mesereau:"Spui ca ai comis sperjur in acea marturie?" McManus:"Tot timpul" Mesreau:"Stiind ca este un delict?" McManus:"nu m-am gandit in aceasta maniera" Pana atunci juratii uitasera deja marturia mustind de detalii pornografice a lui Chacon. Jackson si-a miscat incet capul de la stanga la dreapta in tipmul martuririilor.Mama sa Katherine a parasit sala inainte de marturia lui Chacon si s-a intors dupa ,iar Tito ,fratele sau a parasit sala de judecata la mijlocul martuririei . Ziarul National Enquirer,fiind disperat de a gasi copii abuzati de Jackson a auzit ca copiii Newt si-au petrecut ceva timp cu Jackson.Ziarul de scandal a oferit tatalui lor 200.000 $ ca sa spuna orice indiferent de ce s-a intamplat intre copiii lui si Jackson. Ron Newt-tatal,caruia 200.000$ i s-au parut ca "lumea oferita pe un platou de argint " a scris "No good sucker" unde a trebuit sa fie semnatura lui.Motivul:Nu s-a intamplat nimic intre copii lui si Mj. De fapt nici un alt copil ,indiferent de cati de multi bani au oferit ziarele nu a aparut cu o alta poveste despre presupusele abuzuri.Un editor de la Enquirer spune :"Probabil ca nu exista alti copii" Tot ce isi aminteste Bobby despre persoana de ala National Enquirer este ca a vrut sa-l faca sa minta. "Tatal meu mi-a spus ca acesti oameni ofera acesti bani pentru al distruge pe Michael.Iar tipul mi-a spus "Spune ca te-a atins,tot ce trebuie sa faci este sa spui acest lucru.Dar s-ar putea sa fi nevoit sa o susti la bara.S-ar putea sa trebuiasca sa mergi la Oprah in fata multor oamnei.Trebuie sa te pregatesti pentru acest lucru.Doar spune-o.Si noi iti dam banii" a spus Newt. Contractul scris ca o scrisoare vorbea despre o intelegere intre ziar si familia Newt care urma sa dea o poveste in exclusivitate privind "relatiile voastre cu si despre Michael Jackson,sexualitatea lui si cunostintele voastre despre contacte sexuale sau incercari cu Robert Newt sau alti". Ziaristul a pus :"Noi distrugem acesti oameni ,asta este ceea ce facem." Un fost bucatar de la Neveraland a declarat ca l-a vazut pe starul pop atingandu-l in mod nepotrivit pe Macaulay Culkin la inceputul anilor 90. Marturia lui LeMarque a venit dupa o incercare a apararii de a-i distruge credibilitatea introducand dovezi potrivit carora acest martor a avut un site pentru adulti . "Putem dovedi ca acest martor a incercat sa foloseasca povestile din ziarele de scandal despre Michael ca sa intre in afaceri",a spus avocatul apararii. Judecatorul a decis ca aceste dovezi nu pot fi admise deoarece se refera la evenimente care s-au petrecut ani dupa evenimentele despre acre LeMarque a fost chemat sa depuna marturie. Presata vineri de Mesereau asupra sumei de bani pe care a dorit-o de la Jackson,McManus a spus :"am vrut dreptate". Ea a adaugat ca nu a vrut decat o scuza despre cum a fost tratata de oamenii de securitate ,"asta ar fi fost de ajuns'. Intrebata daca l-a sunat vreodata pe Jackson ca sa ceara o scuza ea a spus :'Nu am avut un numar de telefon la care sa il contactez'. McManus a admis ca a acceptat bani de la ziarele de scandal pentru a dezvalui informatii despre Jackson si fosta sotie-Lisa Marie Presley. In timp ce in articol ea voarbea despre "kinkey sex secrets" McManus a spus ca ea nu avea asemenea informatii depre Jackson si Presley,care s-au casatorit in 1994 si au divortat in 1996. Avocatul apararii a notat ca ea a depus o cerere in care a precizat ca poate fi un martor inpotriva lui Jackson intr-un proces civil sau penal. Ralph Chacon 14 Q. You sued Mr. Jackson and you wanted $16 15 million, right? 16 A. Well, I don't know about the 16 million. 17 Q. You wanted millions, true? 18 A. No, sir. 19 Q. Really? 20 A. Well, I don't know, sir. Whatever our 21 attorney was -- he's the one who was speaking for 22 us. 23 Q. Okay. We'll get into that. 24 You sued Mr. Jackson claiming you were 25 wrongfully terminated, right? 26 A. That's correct, sir. 27 Q. He sued you claiming you had stolen property 28 from him, true? 1 A. That's correct, sir. 2 Q. The jury found you were not wrongfully 3 terminated by Mr. Jackson, correct? 4 A. But we were, sir. 5 Q. Answer my question, please. Did the Santa 6 Maria jury find you were not wrongfully terminated 7 by Mr. Jackson? 8 A. Yes, sir. 9 Q. And they also found you had stolen property 10 from Mr. Jackson, correct? 11 A. But I didn't, sir. 12 Q. Did the Santa Maria jury find you had stolen 13 property from Mr. Jackson? 14 A. Yes, sir. 15 Q. A judgment was entered against you, Mr. 16 Chacon, for $25,000, the value of what you had 17 stolen, correct? 18 A. For candy bars, sir? 19 Q. A judgment was entered against you for 20 $25,000, the value of what the Court found you had 21 stolen, correct? 22 A. Well, if a candy bar is worth that much, 23 yes, sir. 24 Q. That's not all you owe Mr. Jackson 25 currently, is it? 26 A. No, sir. I don't owe him. 27 Q. In fact, Judge Zel Canter of this court, 28 entered a judgment against you and your 1 co-defendants for $1,473,117.61, correct? 2 A. Yes, sir. 3 Q. He ordered you pay all of Mr. Jackson's 4 legal fees and costs, correct? 5 A. Yes, sir. 6 Q. Have you ever paid any of that judgment, Mr. 7 Chacon? 8 A. No, sir. I filed bankruptcy. 9 Q. Now, the jury found you not only stole from 10 Mr. Jackson, but you acted maliciously, correct? 11 A. No, sir. 12 Q. Did a judge find you had acted with malice? 13 A. No, sir. 14 Q. Is there a judgment against you for acting 15 with fraud against Mr. Jackson? 16 A. That I know of, no, sir. 17 Q. Would it refresh your recollection to look 18 at the judgment? Adrian McManus 27 Q. The prosecutor for the government mentioned 28 a case you were involved in where you were sued by 1 Rosalie Hill, correct? 2 A. Correct. 3 Q. You were sued by Rosalie Hill as the 4 guardian ad litem for two children, correct? 5 A. Correct. 6 Q. The children were Shane McManus and Megan 7 McManus, correct? 8 A. Correct. ... 19 Q. That was Judge Richard A. St. John, Judge of 20 the Santa Barbara Superior Court, true? ... 28 Q. And after you told Judge St. John your 1 position under oath, he found that you and your 2 husband willfully and maliciously defrauded these 3 children out of the money in the estate, true? 4 A. I believe so. 5 Q. Judge St. John found that that money was to 6 be held in trust for the benefit of those two 7 children, right? 8 A. Yes. 9 Q. He found that you and your husband 10 dissipated those funds, right? 11 A. I believe so. 12 Q. He found that you and your husband violated 13 that trust, right? 14 A. I believe so. 15 Q. He entered a judgment against you and your 16 husband for $30,000 -- excuse me, 30,584.89, 17 correct? 18 A. I believe so, but I believe it was -- I 19 thought it was like separate, like -- I thought it 20 was maybe 17 for me and 17 for my husband. Maybe -- 21 I don't know. Maybe that's right, what you have 22 there. Cross-examination of Chacon and McManus April 7 |
|||||||||||||
Mama lui Michael a spus duminica ca nu a parasit sala de judecata pentru a nu auzi o marturie atat de grafica ci pentru ca a iesit putin in sala de odihna si nu a mai fost lasata sa intre in sala. "Nu cer decat un raport corect si adevarat " a spus doamna Jackson intr-o afirmatie scrisa."Sa ma acuzi ca am plecat din cauza marturiei explicite cand pur si simplu am mers pana la toileta este incorect si neadevarat". Procurorii l-au chemat la bara pe Bob Jones ,fostul purtator de cuvant al lui Michael Jackson,pentru a depune marturie despre un presupus incident care a avut loc in timpul zborului de la Paris la Los Angeles. Ei au vrut ca Jones sa spuna ca Michael a lins capul baiatului pentru a arata un mod de comportare repetitiv. Se presupune ca Jackson a facut acelasi lucru cu cel care il acuza acum intr-un zbor dintre Miami si Santa Barbara in februarie 2003. Cand a fost intrebat daca l-a vazut pe Jackson facand acest lucru martorul a raspuns "Nu domnule". Unul din procurori la intrebat pe Jones daca intr-un interviu unde au fost prezenti atat el cat si avocatul martorului si un detectiv al serifului ,nu le-a spus ca parca l-a vazut pe Jackson facand acest lucru. "Am spus ca nu sunt foarte sigur" a raspuns Jones."Nu imi amintesc nimic despre lins...Nu am vazut nici un cap lins." Procurorul a citit un fragment din cartea lui Jones in care acesta a vorbit despre Jackson."Se tineau unul de altul strans,intr-un sens foarte romantic".Procurorul a citat si fragmente in care autorul spune ca Michael si baiatul gateau,se sarutau si in care a vorbit si despre scena din avion. Procurorul l-a intrebat pe Jones daca respectivele pasaje din carte sunt adevarate . "Da,cu rezerve." a raspuns Jones. Dupa ce martorul a fost confruntat cu e-mailuri pe care i le-a trimis lui Brown in care spunea ca scena din avion va avea mare importanta ,el a spus ca ar fi trebuit sa aiba loc :"doar nu as fi inventat". Procurorul l-a chemat la bara si pe Brown . Intrebat de avocatul apararii,Brown a spus ca a amintirile lui Jones despre respectivul incident se modificau in functie de finantele sale-avea o memorie mai buna cand avea nevoie de bani si una mai incetosata cand nu avea nevoie de bani. Intrebat de Mesereau Jones a marturisit ca acest coautor a completat pasaje din carte si ca apoi el le-a verificat.Jones a spus ca nu a revazut sectiunea pe care a citit-o procurorul si ca nu este adevarat. Deasemenea Mesereau a notat ca Jones nu jurat sa spuna adevarul si doar adevarul cand a lucrat la carte. Jones a fost concediat de Jackson cu un an in urma.S-a spus ca Jones nu a fost foarte multumit de acest lucru. Dar lucrurile au mers si mai prost pentru procuror .Ei au chemat ca martor pe cineva care a lucrat doar 5 saptamani la Neverland pentru a vorbi despre presupusa conspiratie.El trebuia sa identifice cine era la ferma in acea perioada de timp,asta incluzandu-i e Weisner si Konitzer. Dar martorul nu l-a putut identifica pe Weisner.Cand i s-a aratat poza acestuia martorul a spus ca nu l-a vazut in viata lui.Nu,asta nu este o gluma. Si daca asta nu ar fi fost destul de rau ,intrebat de aparare el a spus ca lucreaza la o carte si a precizat ca vrea "sa primeasca bani ca toti ceilalti". Publicista lui Jackson a spus este foarte greu sa stai in sala de judecta si sa fi tarat prin noroi si a adaugat ca asta nu eset singura problema care il tulbura pe Michael. "Uneori am stat in sala de judecata ,ca si Michael ,si cand am iesit mai tarziu si am auzit rezumatele ne-am intrebat daca am stat in acelasi tribunal"."Asta este o problema deoarece nu vrem sa castigam doar in tribunal ,ci si in fata opiniei publice". Bain a spus ca pe Jackson il mai doare spatele din cauza aerului conditionat din tribunal,doar ca cu toate acestea Mj se simte mai bine . Mama baitului din '93 a spus ca la dorinta lui Jackson a semnat actele prin care a cedat custodia baiatului tatalui lui."El ma implorat sa semnez ca sa nu mai fie nici un proces"."Nu am inteles ce semnam".Din aceasta marturie a fost neclar de ce Jackson ar fi crezut ca schimbarea de custodie ar fi avut vreo importanta. Mama a spus luni ca fiul sa l-a intalnit pe Jackson in august '92 ,cand starul a venit la o agentie de inchiriat masini pentru ca avea probleme cu propria masina.Fostul ei sot lucra acolo. Ea i-a dat lui Jackson numarul de telefon si i-a spus sa sune "daca ai vrea sa-l vezi sau sa vorbesti cu el". O luna sau doua mai tarziu Jackson la sunat pe baiat iar conversatiile au fost din ce in ce mai lungi.Apoi ea ,fiul sau si sora lui au inceput sa petreaca weekenduri la Neverland si sa mearga in excursii la Las Vegas ,Disneyland si Florida. La a treia vizta la Neverland a refuzat dorinta fiului sau de a petrece noaptea cu Jackson in dormitorul lui.Dar ea a spus ca a cedat in timpul unei vizite la Las Vegas dupa ce Michael a rugat-o timp de 30-40 minute. Pentru mai bine de 30 de nopti consecutive,ea a spus ca Jackson ,care a avea atunci 34 de ani a vizitat casa familiei din Santa Monica si a petrecut noaptea in dormitorul fiului ei.Cantaretul pleca dimineata cand baiatul mergea la scoala si se intorcea la pranz ,deseori luand cina cu toata familia.Ea a precizat ca in camera baiatului era un singur pat. In mai '93 Jackson a luat familia cu el la World Music Awards in Monaco si i-a dat ei cartea lui de credit pentru a merge la cumparaturi.Deasemenea ea a spus ca a primit si alte daruri. "Fiul meu petrecea prea mult timp cu Michael Jackson,iar eu eram suparata."Imi vroiam fiul inapoi...il pierdeam din mana" Dupa ce baiatul a primit milioane de dolari in urma unei intelegeri de la Jackson,el nu a mai vrut sa coopereze cu autoritatile si nu vrea nici acum.Nu a fost depusa nici o acuzatie formala impotriva lui Jackson.Ea a admis ca nu a vazut nici un abuz sau acte nepotrivite intre Jackson si fiul ei. Deasemenea ea a admis ca nu a mai vorbit cu fiul ei de 11 ani. Mesereau:"I-ai spus procurorului ca fostul tau sot Evan,tatal lui Jordie a spus relatia cu Michael avea un inteles extraordinar pentru Jordie care urma sa nu mai aiba nici o grija tot restul vietii?". Mama:"Da" Mesereau:"Si asta insemna ca Michael trebuia sa-l sustina financiar pentru tot restul vietii,corect?". Mama:"Nu." Ieri mama a fost intrebata de Mesereau daca i-a spus lui Jackson ca are datorii de $5 milioane si l-a rugat sa o imprumute cu 4. Ea a negat ,desigur. Deasemenea ea a fost intrebata daca avocatul ei nu l-a amenintat pe Jackson ca ii va distruge contractele muzicale cu acel proces.Ea sustine ca nu isi aminteste.Cat de convenabil?! Ziarele au povestit atunci ca Jackson negociase deja cel mai mare contract de publicitate cu Pepsi.Urmatorul sau album HIStory care urma sa fie lansat dupa intelegere este cel mai repede vandut album din istorie si a adus casei de discuri sute de milioane de dolari. In afirmatiile de deschidere procurul a spus ca mama din cazul actual va admite ca a facut fraude incalcand legea.Dar acum ea s-a razgandit. Procurorul a depus o motiune prin care vrea ca apararea sa nu puna intrebari despre aceste fraude. Ea a zis ca va pleda pentru al cincilea amendament si va refuza sa raspunda la intrebari. Tatal vitreg a spus juratilor ca adolescentul a devenit rautacios ,nepoliticos si distant dupa timpul petrecut cu Jackson si ca a durat cateva luni pentru ca comportamentul sau sa revina la normal.Asta este greu de crezut pentru ca toti profesorii sai au spus ca era un copil cu probleme si asta se intampla inainte sa-l cunosca pe Jackson. Apararea a incercat sa contraatace marturia data de tatal vitreg aratandu-le juratilor ca el a refuzat oferta care cuprindea o casa si educatie gratis pentru copii pentru ca vroia o parte si mai mare din banii pe care i-ar fi adus un al doilea documentar. Tatal vitreg ,un maior in rezerva a admis ca a considerat oferta insuficienta deoarece el credea ca Jackson ar fi trebuit sa castige $4 milioane sau $5 din acest documentar si ca familia trebuia sa isi primeasca partea. Deasemenea el a admis ca a vorbit cu reporteri de la un ziar de scandal britanic si a cerut bani pentru un interviu cu familia.Dar el spune ca a refuzat oferta lor . De fapt Jay Jackson si Janet Arvizo au vandut povestea lui Gardner si Byrne ca sa apara in Daily Mail.Povestea a fost publicata sambata 9 februarie 2003.Gardner si Byrne terminasera o portiune din interviu si urmau sa se intoarca in ziua urmatoare.Dar cand s-au intors pe 5 februarie au fost surprinsi sa afle ca intreaga familie parasise apartamentul. Acum se pare ca excursia la Miami a fost declansata de un telefon pe care l-au dat tatal vitreg sau mama adolescentului.Cum altfel ar fi putut sa stie Michael despre faptul ca ei erau in "pericol" din cauza presei. Mama a acceptat sa participe intr-un final intr-un documentar care a fost vizionat la inceputul acestui proces.Acolo ea si copiii il laudau pe Jackson si negau orice abuz. In perioada cand procurorul spune ca aceasta familie a fost tinuta ostatica la Neverland si intr-un hotel in Los Angeles ,tatal vitreg spune ca primit cateva telefoane de la mama.Ea parea extrem de agitata.Totusi tatal vitreg a zis ca mama nu i-a dat mai multe detalii. Nici un cuvant inca asupra explicatiei pe care vrea sa o dea procurorul despre cineva care este tinut ostatic poate sa dea mai multe telefoane cand este "prizonier".Deasemenea nici o explicatie care sa justifice de ce ea l-a sunat pe el in loc sa sune la politie sau de ce nu a sunat chiar el la politie. Mesereau a pus o caseta facuta de detectivul particular Brad Miller cu Janet Arvizo si cei trei copii ai ei.Pe caseta membri familiei il "lustruiau poetic " pe Michael ca fiind salvatorul lor si o figura paterna pentru copii. In acel moment ei locuiau in casa lui Jay Jackson si el se considera tatal lor.Nu este facuta nici o mentiune despre acesta-ca si cand el nu exista.In timpul casetei Jay Jackson s-a miscat cu scaunul in fata si in spate ,a baut apa ,si s-a sters cu o batista. A fost o sclipire de geniu din partea lui Mesereau sa supuna martorul la o umilinta atat de evidenta. |
|||||||||||||
Mama adolescentului care il acuza pe Michael a venit la bara miercuri mai intai fara jurati in sala.Imediat ea a invocat al cincelea amendament ca sa nu depuna marturie despre platile frauduloase pe care le-a primit.Avocatul apararii a ridicat problema credibilitatii martorului,acuzand-o de luare de bani de la celebritati.Procurorul a spus in afirmatiile de deschidere ale procesului ca femeia va admite anumite nereguli in banii incasati.Judecatorul le-a spus juratilor ca mama va depune totusi marturie.Apararea a subliniat ca mama nu ar trebui sa vina la bara daca refuza sa vorbeasca despre banii primiti. "Nu poti lasa un martor sa aleaga intrebarile la care va fi supus de catre aparare",a spus avocatul apararii Robert Sanger,adresandu-se curtii.Totusi la sfarsit judecatorul a decis ca femeia poate sa faca exact asta.El a precizat ca incasarile ei sunt un subiect tabu.Dar "asta este un pas inapoi major pentru procuratura",a declarat analistul legal Jim Moret. Apoi ea a oferit o poveste,in dezacord cu marturiile celorlalti,in care a descris momentul in care ea sustine ca l-a vazut pe Jackson lingand capul lui Gavin in timpul zborului de la Miami in California. Intr-un mod neobisnuit avocatii apararii nu au facut aproape nici o obiectie in timpul marturiei emotionale a mamei. La bara joi,mama a negat ca l-a ochit pe Jackson in ideea de a castiga niste ajutoare financiare. Ea a spus juratilor joi ca ea si copiii ei au fost tinuti prizonieri la Neverland de catre asociatii si oamenii de securitate ai starului pop. Procurorul Ron Zonen a avut probleme cu martora sa,care era intotdeauna prea vorbareata si raspundea pe un ton animat."Ai sa-l innebunesti pe reporterul curtii",a avertizat-o Zonen dupa ce ea a continuat sa-l intrerupa inainte ca el sa aiba sansa sa-si termine intrebarea. In ziua a 33 a avocatul lui Michael Jackson a distrus credibilitatea mamei baiatului,facand-o sa admita sperjur,ca a mintit sub juramant si a sugerat ca ea nu a fost interesata decat de banii megastarului. Schimburile de replici intre avocatul apararii si martora au fost atat de taioase vineri incat judecatorul a amenintat ca va inchide sesiunea din acea zi . Intrebata care din asociatii lui Jackson a fost cel care a redactat scriptul dupa care familia spune ca a invatat replicile dintr-un mic documentar in care toti nu au decat cuvinte de lauda pentru cantaret,ea i-a raspuns lui Mesereau ca ar trebui sa-i intrebe pe ei."Sau pe Michael.El poate sa vina aici,"a spus ea. Mama a spus ca ea nu a vrut sa faca acel video si a sustinut ca totul-inclusiv rasetele-au fost invatate."Jucam teatru",a spus femeia."Nu ai chema-o pe Halle Berry ca sa o intrebi-esti Catwoman?Eu sunt o actrita proasta". Dar Mesereau a replicat:"Esti o actrita buna". Judecatorul l-a certat pe Mesereau pentru remarca sa si i-a spus femeii sa nu mai dea raspunsuri lungi,ci doar sa raspunda la intrebarile avocatului,avertizand-o ca "Este si vina ta."Cand Mesereau a intrebat-o cum a putut sa memoreze liniile dintr-un script atat de lung,ea nu a putut raspunde. Intr-una din secvente ea il instruieste pe regizor sa filmeze "ca la Bashir" aratand cum il tine ea de mana pe baiat:o imagine foarte specifica.Dar atat ea,cat si sotul si copiii ei au insistat cu totii in marturiile lor ca pana acum ea nu a vazut niciodata documentarul. "De cate ori crezi ca ai mintit in procesul cu JCPenney?",a intrebat-o Mesereau.Intr-un raspuns evaziv ea a admis cu greutate ca a mintit despre orice se referea la fostul ei sot. Mesereau a sugerat ca ea minte ca a fost rapita si ca defapt a trait in lux cat a fost un oaspete la Neverland."De cate ori ,in mintea ta,ai evadat din acea pivnita,Neverland?".Mesereau a insistat facand-o sa admita ca a plecat si s-a intors de trei ori in perioada presupusei captivitati. Mesereau a innebunit-o cu intrebari despre calatoria ei cu bodyguardul Chris Carter la un salon din apropiere pentru o epilare pe corp. "Incorect",a raspuns mama. "Cine te-a condus?",a intrebat Mesereau. "Nimeni" "Pai ai fost sa faci o epilare pe corp in timp ce stateai la Neverland,nu?" "Neadevarat." Si asa au tinut-o pana cand s-a putut stabili ca femeia nu va fi de acord cu avocatul decat daca acesta va folosi termenul corect. "M-am epilat pe picioare...El continua sa spuna "epilat pe corp",a spus ea juratilor. Ea s-a referit in mod frecvent la avocat cu pronumele "el" si nu a vrut sa i se adreseze direct. Apoi a insistat ca ea a platit la salon.Mare greseala!Mesereau,desigur,avea chitanta pentru $140 care includea multiple tratamente de frumusete,epilare pe picior,bikini si mustata si o manichiura."Doresti sa vezi chitanta?",s-a oferit Mesereau. "Cine a platit?",a insistat avocatul.Arvizo a refuzat sa raspunda de cateva ori dupa care in final a spus "Nu stiu." Si loviturile nu s-au terminat.La un moment dat femeia i-a imitat vocea lui MIchael intr-un mod cu totul nepotrivit.In mijlocul acestui torent,Michael a fost un acuzat model. Exista un motiv central in cazul lui Michael Jackson-si acesta nu este sexul."Banii in acest caz au o importanta imensa.Sunt bani,bani si mai multi bani." |
|||||||||||||
Avocatul lui Jackson si-a continuat atacul asupra mamei acuzatorului,incercand sa foloseasca propriile ei raspunsuri pentru ai pune in umbra credibilitatea. Thomas Mesereau Jr. a presat-o si in legatura cu eforturile familiei de a obtine bani in timpul in care copilul a fost bolnav de cancer. Dar mama baiatului a fost destul de certareata de-a lungul celor doua zile de examinare,si a spus juratilor ca Jackson "a fost capabil sa minta si sa pacaleasca intreaga lume"si ca "nu ii pasa intradevar de copii"."Ceea ce expune in fata intregii lumii nu este adevarul". Aceste raspunsuri,mai degraba remarci rautacioase la adresa lui Michael ,nu au fost consemnate. Deasemenea ea a mai spus investigatorilor din Santa Barbara -Departamentul Serifului ca familia ei "ar putea sa dispara intr-un balon cu aer cald". Ea a insistat ca nu a luat bani si nu a fost la curent cu doua fonduri care erau stranse pentru fiul ei de Laugh Factory , un club de comedie din California.Dar ea a admis ca a incasat doua cecuri de cate 10.000$ date familiei de comedianta Louise Palanker,si ca a retras banii din contul unei bancii stransi pentru fiul ei.Ea a mai adaugat ca sotul ei,de care a divortat mai tarziu,a luat din bani si " a plecat la Las Vegas". Ea a mai admis ca a dansat cu Jackson dar ca se aflau intr-un grup cu copiii ei si alti cativa oaspeti. Mesereau a mai intrebat-o pe mama de ce nu a contactat politia inainte sa vorbeasca cu avocatul Larry Feldman. "Nu ai sunat la 911?" a intrebat-o Mesereau. "Asta este corect.Dar am facut-o acum" a raspuns martora. Intr-un alt moment ciudat Mesereau a intrebat rezidenta din Los Angeles daca este adevarat ca ea a spus ca a dormit "intr-un hambar cu cai " in California,o acuzatie pe care ea nu a recunoscut-o ca fiind adevarata. Mesereau a continuat sa exploreze povestiile fantastice ale acestei ,intreband-o daca a fost vreodata atat de saraca incat copiii ei au fost nevoiti sa culeaga banuti din fantana pentru a-si ajuta familia.Deasemenea ea a spus ca nu recunoaste sa fi spus asta. Aceasta poveste este relatata de prieteni ai familiei. Urmand cu examinarea,procurorul Ron Zonen a intrebat-o pe mama despre ranile pe care ea si copii ei le-au suferit intr-o altercatie violenta cu unul din bodyguarzii de la JCPenny in 2000. Procuratura doreste sa incheie cazul lor impotriva lui Jackson la sfarsitul saptamanii urmatoare,a declarat Tom Sneddon. Mesereau a incercat sa sublinieze faptul ca mama si-a folosit propiul baiat bolnav de cancer in interese proprii,intreband-o daca nu "cumva" a platit operatiile estetice cu bani din fondul strans pentru boala fiului."Am folosit cartea de credit pentru a plati pentru operatii -care sunt inca uimitoare",a spus ea. La bara luni,aceasta a spus ca nu stia ca banii stransi de Palanker au fost cheltuiti.Dar marti,dupa conversatie cu procurorul Ron Zonen,ea si-a amintit ca a folosit banii pentru a construi o camera sterila acasa la parintii ei pentru baiatul care isi revenea dupa chimioterapie. Ea a spus ca nu stia de ce banii erau depusi in cont. "Nu stiai de ce erau pusi banii in cont?Si i-ai scos pur si simplu?" a intrebat-o Mesereau. "Am facut doar ce mi-a spus sotul meu",a raspuns femeia. Mama baiatului a dat raspunsuri confuze despre cum a fost fotografiata cu vanatai pe tot corpul in legatura cu presupusa bataie pe care a suportat-o de la bodyguarziii supermarketului. Ea a recunoscut ca fotografia facuta in ziua in care a avut loc incidentul o infatisaza fara nici o vanataie. Dar in poze ea avea zgarieturi si vanatai pe fata si tot corpul era acoperit de urme negre si albastre. La inceput ea a spus ca vanataile nu s-au vazut imediat si ca vanataile au aparut mai tarziu si au devenit din ce in ce mai negre. "Avocatul tau ti-a spus sa faci acele fotografii"? a intrebat Mesereau. "Da " a spus femeia. "Dar nu ai mers la un avocat decat un an mai tarziu?". "Acele fotografi au fost facute pentru cazul penal.Aveam deja acele poze. "Cand te-a dus sa le faci?" a intrebat Mesereau. "Imediat ",a raspuns femeia. "Dar nu ai spus ca vanataile au aparut mai tarziu si nu imediat?". Femeia a dat un raspuns evaziv."Le-am facut cand mi-a spus avocatul ca este timpul". Femeia a recunoscut ca a asteptat un an pana a mers la un avocat. Procuratura are anumite probleme cu martorul de vineri asa ca ziua respectiva va fi libera. S-a ajuns la un asemenea nivel in a doua zi in care a fost examinata de catre aparare mama adolesecntului incat procurorul a obiectat la unele dintre raspunsurile pe care le-a dat martorul sau,Janet Arvizo. Aceasta marturie ,vine dupa ce ea a pledat deja pentru al cincelea amendament ca sa nu se autoincrimineze in legatura cu greseli din trecut ca frauda si sperjur.Este ridicol ca ea nu a platit taxele cand deja primise mii de dolari.Asta arata lacomie pura. Bunica baiatului a vorbit azi despre cateva telefoane pe care ea sustine ca le-au primit de la angajatii lui Jackson.Ea insa nu stie limba engleza. Un consilier al adolescentului a marturisit ca baiatul era nerespectos si avea o problema de disciplina inainte si dupa ce a mers la ferma Neverland. Jackson a facut cu mana fanilor care l-au intampinat azi in fata tribunalului din Santa Maria .Problemele sale sporadice referitoare la punctualitate au revenit dupa ce el si mama sa Katherine s-au intors tarziu din pauza de pranz dupa ce juratii se asezasera deja.Jackson a fot lasat sa intre in sala ,dar mama sa a trebuit sa astepte pana la pauza urmatoare. |
|||||||||||||
Actorul Macauley Culkin va depune marturie din partea lui Michael Jackson in cazul acestuia de abuz. In marturia de miercuri,un fost bodyguard de la Neverland a spus ca persoanele care se ocupa cu securitatea au fost instiintate sa nu il lase pe acuzator sa plece singur de la Neverland in 2003.Mesajul a fost scris pe o tabla in camera de securitate. Dar sub examinarea atenta a lui Mesereau ,Barron a recunoscut ca era o regula cunoscuta si aplicata la Neverland ca copiii sa nu fie lasati sa paraseasca propietatea singuri si nesupravegheati.Intrebat daca parinti se aflau la Neverland acesta a spus ca "Nu cred ca se aflau". Barron a spus ca nu a vazut nici o atitudine gresita la Neverland si ca ,fiind ofiter de politie ar fi luat masuri daca ar fi fost cazul.A adaugat ca statutul sau de politist era cunoscut angajatilor de la ferma. Barron l-a descris pe Jackson ca fiind un sef implicat in toate problemele casei,spunand ca intregul staf ar fi fost la capacitatea maxima in perioada cand Michael se afla la ferma,"era mult mai multa munca de facut". "Era foarte aproape de un adevarat perfectionist" a mai adaugat Barron. Barron a mai declarat ca seriful din Santa Barbara l-a rugat sa lucreze sub acoperire ca informator pentru investigatiile din noiembrie 2003.El a refuzat aceasta oferta si apoi a demisionat de la ferma. Barron a spus ca deseori l-a vazut pe adolescent,care acum are 15 ani-cand statea la ferma, dar a spus ca nu l-a vazut aratand orice fel de dorinta de a pleca cat mai repede din acel loc. Barron a spus intr-o vizita din 2002 acuzatorul a distrus o masinuta de golf intrand cu ea intr-o fantana si "a fost averizat ca daca nu merge mai incet ii va fi luata masinuta"."Distructiv",a spus Barron."de cate ori au fost acolo aveam masini de golf stricate.Au aruncat cu oua in masina sefului securitatii ,si vreau sa spun multe oua". Au mai fost deasemenea si marturii privind carti de la Neverland.Procuratura sustine ca aceastea aveau natura sexuala;ceva care s-a dovedit intr-adevar ridicol pentru ca 1.nici unul dintre materialele despre care s-a discutat astazi nu avea amprentele baiatului sau ale fratelui si 2.erau carti de arta .Ceea ce a nelamurit un numar mare de observatori a fost faptul ca procurorul a etichetat cartea lui Ann Geddes ca "poze cu copiii dezbracati" si i-a dat o conotatie foarte negativa. Tatal lui Michael a negat speculatiile conform carora familia sa s-a distantat de megastar care este in proces pentru abuz de minori."Aceasta informatie este atat falsa cat si foarte rautacioasa" a spus Joe Jackson. "Joe Jackson s-a odihnit acasa incercand sa isi revina dupa o gripa si a fost foarte atent sa nu-l imbolnaveasca si pe Michael" a spus publicista lui. Registrele oamenilor de paza indica ca mama baitului si copiii ei au fost oaspeti la Neverland pentru mai multe zile incepand de pe 6 februarie 2003, data cand familia a spus ca era tinuta captiva in Miami de catre Michael si alti asociati.Ofiterul Brian Barron Guadalupe a spus ca registrele au mai indicat ca mama si copiii ei au fost la ferma la sfarsitul lui Februarie.Ea a spus ,pe perioada de 4 zile si jumatate cat a fost martor,ca in aceea perioada a fugit de la Neverland si ca era in apartamentului iubitului ei din Los Angeles. Ea a declarat ca a fost retinuta intr-o camera de oaspeti departe de copii ei in primavara anului 2003.Registrele arata totusi ca ea a petrecut 3 nopti intr-un apartament din casa impreuna cu copiii ei. Mama a spus ca ea l-a convins pe Salas sa o ajute sa scape si sa se intoarca la Los Angeles."Nu a existat nici o fuga secreta ",a spus Sanger."Ei au trecut pe la poarta,corect?".Barron a raspuns ca soferul a urmat procedura normala fara nici un incident. Procurorii au incercat sa demonstreze ca Jackson a instaurat frica in proprii angajati asa ca nimeni nu a raportat nici o supiciune referitoare la relatia lui cu copiii. Totusi cand Sanger a intrebat "cand spui ca mergeati ca pe ace asta sugereaza ca Jackson era un sef dur si rau?",. "Nu ",a raspuns politistul. "Vrei sa spui ca trebuia sa aveti cel mai bun comportament?". "Da". "Oamenii munceau mai mult cand Jackson era acolo,corect?" "Cu siguranta". Judecatorul a decis ca procurorii nu pot sa folosesca un expert in probleme domestice pentru a apara credibilitatae mamei. Dar el a decis ca apararea poate sa aduca un martor care sa vorbeasca despre comportamentul sexual anterior al adolescentului.Judectaorul a aprobat cererea apararii si va permite unui martor tanar,o ruda a lui Jackson , sa marturiseasca ca el i-a vazut pe baiat si fratele sau in timp ce se masturbau intr-o unitate de oaspeti din casa megastarului. Procurorul a sustinut ca mama s-a comportat ca o femeie batuta langa Jackson si de aceea nu a chemat politia.El a incercat sa faca o legatura cu violenta domestica aratand ca femeia il considera pe Jackson ca facand parte din familie si ca copiii ei il vedeau ca pe un tata. Dar judecatorul l-a intrerupt:"Am probleme in a te urmari... tu il pui pe domnul Jackson in pozitia unui sot .Faci un salt foarte mare aici." Judectaorul a mai hotarat ca procuroul poate sa mai aduca ca martor un fost angajat de la Neverland. Totusi judecatorul a exclus marturia lui Cynthia Montgomery pentru ca nu vrut ca ea sa invoce al cincilea amendament cu referire la o inregistrare facuta de ea intr-un avion privat cand a surprins discutia dintre Jackson si avocatul lui-o problema pe care o investigheaza F.B.I. |
|||||||||||||
Apararea a obiectat in privinta marturiei lui Rowe ,considerand-o doar o tactica disperata a procuraturii la sfarsitul acestui caz.Ei au atras atentia ca aceasta marturie nu are nici o relevanta. Robert Sanger a spus ca documentarul nu a avut un script si ca marturia mamei adolescentului care a spus ca remarcile sale nu erau spontane este ridicola. Judecatorul a spus ca va admite marturia lui Debbie dar ca va cauta moduri de a o restrictiona. Tom Sneddon a anuntat fara nici o explicatie ca martorul lui ,Christopher Carter ,un fost bodyguard al lui Jackson ,nu va depune marturie. Juratii ,care nu au fost in sala in majoritatea diminetii, s-au intors sa asculte marturia fostului angajat a lui Jackson ,Kassim Abdool.Abdool a spus ca el l-a vazut pe Jackson si baiatul care mai tarziu a primit o intelegere de milioane de dolari, plecand dintr-un jacuzzi.Abdool este unul dintre cei care au pierdut procesul intentat lui Jackson pentru concediere nejustificata in 1997 si i s-a ordonat sa plateasca pagube cantaretului.Intrebat de aparare , Abdool a spus ca el a participat la un interviu pentru ziarele de scandal pentru care a primit 15 mii $ si ca a cheltuit banii pentru a finanta procesul. Montgomery este investigata in prezent de F.B.I cu privire la o inregistrare audio si video cu Jackson si avocatul lui facuta in noiembrie 2003. Mesereau a stabilit ca nu a existat nici un bilet doar dus catre Brazilia pentru familia baiatului. Mesereau a subliniat de asemenea ca Montgomery nu a vorbit niciodata personal cu Jackson despre rezervarea unor bilete pentru Brazilia. Intrebat de aparare fostul videograf al lui Jackson ,Hamid Moslehi ,a spus ca el nu a vazut niciodata nici un scenariu . Miercuri dupa-amiaza ,Rowe a uluit sala de judecata cand a marturisit ca interviul ei nu a avut un scenariu desi unele dintre comentarile ei pozitive despre Jackson nu au fost adevarate."Asa cum domnul Jackson stie,nimeni nu poate sa-mi spuna ce sa spun." Ea a spus ca Schaffel,cel care a organizat inregistrarea ,i-a intrerupt periodic pe ea si cel care a luat interviul si i-a rugat sa reformuleze unele remarci pentru a le clarifica.Rowe a zis ca l-a ascultat pe Schaffel " doar daca nu trebuia sa schimb intelesul afirmatiilor mele." Rowe a spus miercuri ca Jackson i-a cerut ajutorul intr-o convorbire telefonica. Ea a spus ca el i-a promis ca il va vedea pe el si pe copii dupa ce se va termina scandalul provocat de documentar. Dar nenumaratele ei ceruri facute lui Schaffel in urmatoarele luni nu au avut nici un rezultat si ea nu a reusit sa-si vada copiii. Ea nu a dat nici un detaliu despre viata ei intima cu Jackson si a fost foarte clara ca nu discuta acest subiect."Viata mea privata este viata mea privata si nu este treaba nimanui." Procuroul a intrebat-o ce a asteptat dupa interviu . Plangand ea a spus "Sa fiu runita cu copiii si reachitata cu tatal lor".Intrebata de ce ar vrea sa-l vada pe Jackson din nou ,ea a spus "el este prietenul meu".Rowe a parut agitata cand le-a spus prima data juratilor "am fost prieteni si am fost casatoriti"."Esti mama celor doi copiii?" a intrebat Zonen. "Da ",a spus ea numindu-i. Fosta sotie a lui Michael a spus juratilor joi ca ea crede ca starul pop a fost manipulat de cei trei asociati pe care ea i-a numit "vulturi oportunisti" care incercau sa profite dupa faima si averea lui. Dupa ce comentariile lui Rowe s-au dovedit foarte folositoare pentru aparare Mesereau a retras o motiune anterioara in care cerea sa nu se tina cont de marturia ei. Joi,Rowe a spus ca a facut interviul "pentru a-si proteja copiii si a tine presa departe" si pentru ca "eu vreau sa-mi vad copiii si posibil sa-mi reinoiesc relatia cu Jackson". Mesereau a rugat-o sa il descrie pe Jackson in propriile cuvinte asa cum a facut-o in videoclip.Ea si-a tras rasuflarea si a spus:"Generos pana la greseala,un tata bun,grozav cu copiii,pune alti oameni inaintea lui. Un om de afaceri de succes". Ea a inceput sa planga cand a descris sentimentele ei pentru Jackson ."Exista un alt Michael.Exista un Michael al meu si un Michael pe care il vede restul lumii" a spus ea. Michael si-a atins ochii in timp ce ea vorbea . "Acesta ar fi Michael cantaretul ?",a intrebat Mesereau. "Da" a raspuns ea. Rowe s-a uitat in sala de mai multe ori la Jackson si chiar a incercat sa-l implice in conversatie. Procurorii se chinuie azi sa puna cat mai multa distanta intre marturia lui Debbie Rowe si sfarsitul cazului lor. Procurorii au introdus doua carti de arta confiscate la Neverland in 1993 ...da ne-am intors in 1993 din nou... Una dintre carti se numeste "The Boy" si contine poze de pe platourile de filmare ale filmului "Lord of the Flies".Alta se numeste "Boys will be boys" publicata in '60 ...da 1960. Nici una nu contine pornografie cu minori. Dar procuratura incearca din rasputeri sa-i convinga pe jurati de contrariu. "Boys will be boys" are o inscriptie a lui Michael care spune:"Uite-te la bucuria de pe fetele acestor baieti .Aceasta este viata pe care eu nu am avut-o niciodata.Aceasta este viata pe care o vreau pentru copiii mei." Aceasta se presupune a fi o dovada pentru pedofilie???...Aceasta dedicatie singura face praf argumentele pe care vrea sa le aduca procurorul. Mai mult, aceste carti nu au fost aratate nici unui copil. Insa judectaorul a spus ca cartile ar fi considerate explicite de legea din California.Totusi politistul care le-a gasit spune ca se pot cumpara legal. A doua carte ,intitulata "Boys will be Boys" are o dedicatie plina de afectiune indicand ca a fost daruita lui Jackson de catre un fan. Cartile au fost gasite intr-un dulap incuiat ,in dormitorul megastarului in '93. Procurorul sustine ca aceste materiale sunt legate de acuzatiile din '93.Zonen a descris cartile ca " pictoriale cu adolescenti". Publicul a putut afla inca din inteviul din '93 cu Oprah Winfrey ca Michael are o biblioteca cu carti si materiale de colectie in casa.El are mii de carti si unele sunt daruri de la fani,autori sau alte celebritati. |
|||||||||||||
Mai |
|||||||||||||
Un manager de la banca a spus ca in aprilie 2003 Marc Schaffel,care a fost numit unul dintre conspiratori ,a incasat doua cecuri de un milion de dolari si respectiv 500.000$ dintr-un cont unde singurii semnatari erau el si Jackson. Procurorul Mag Nicola a petrecut ore aratand juratilor tabele cu convorbiri,in special intre cei 3 barbati care sunt considerati complici ,mama baiatului si angajatii si avocatii lui Jackson. Dar apararea a folosit aceleasi inregistrari pentru a arata ca in mod frecvent familia adolescentului i-a sunat pe asociatii lui Jackson si ca au facut numeroase convorbiri catre casele unor angajati ,chiar si dupa o saptamana de la plecarea de la Neverland . Avocatul Robert Sanger a subliniat ca procuratura nu a reusit sa-i lege clientul de aceste telefoane care au avut loc intre 4 februrie si 12 martie,ziua in care familia a parasit propietatea cantaretului de Los Olivos. "In toate aceste convorbiri pe care le-ai analizat ,ai reusit sa determini una facuta de Michael Jackson?" a intrebat Sanger. "Nu " a raspuns sergentul Bonner,cel care a prezentat aceste rapoarte rezumat. Tinand cont ca procurorii au indicat ca intentioneaza sa sfarseasca prezentarea cazului lor marti (ceea ce nu au reusit sa faca) multi observatori se intreaba de ce au ales acest moment pentru a prezenta juratilor ,timp de cateva ore bune, tabelele cu convorbirile telefonice. Multi memebri ai juriului au facut cu greu fata zilei si la un moment dat unul dintre jurati a adormit... Bunurile cantaretului valoreaza 130 milioane$,evaluate la momentul cumpararii,iar datoriiile sunt estimate la 415 milioane$,rezultand "o criza financiara iminenta" ,a spus un contabil. El a declarat ca domnul Jackson a fost avertizat ca daca continua sa cheltuiasca in acest mod va fi fortat sa-si vanda cele mai importante bunuri ,mai exact catalogul cu propiile cantece si cel Sony-ATV, care contine drepturi de autor pentru multi cantareti ,inclusiv Beatles. Mesereau s-a contrazis cu contabilul,sugerand in mai multe intrebari ca acesta a subestimat averea lui Jackson. El a raspuns ca balanta a fost efectuata dupa rapoartele pentru taxe si ca bunurile ar putea avea o valoare mai mare. Mesereau a zis ca acel catalog valora 1 miliard $ in 2003 si ca acum este estimat intre 4-5 miliarde $. "Nu ar fi relevant de stiut ca domnul Jackson poate accepta o oferta care i-ar rezolva problema cu lichiditatile intr-o singura zi?" a intrebat Mesereau. Contabilul a marturisit ca era constient ca Michael Jackson a negociat cu postul de televiziune Fox pentru a obtine suma de 7 milioane $ in urma documentarului. "Sa spunem ca are opurtunitatea de a face un documentar de 7 milioane $" a spus Mesereau. "Cele 7 milioane $ nu au cum sa faca mare diferenta pentru datoriile lui Jackson,nu?". "Nu,nu ar face", a fost de acord martorul. "Si nu ar merita comiterea unui delict,nu?"a intrebat Mesereau. Intrebarea a fost considerata argumentativa si nu a fost cerut raspuns din partea martorului. Procurorii au incercat sa curete marturia lui Debbie Rowe chemand la bara pe politistul sergent Steve Robel pentru a spune ce i-a declarat Debbie intr-un interviu din 2004. "S-a referit la Michael ca fiind sociopat si la copiii lui ca la niste posesii" a spus Robel. Apararea a vrut ca juratii sa auda toata caseta cu inregistrarea interviului ei la politie ,dar judecatorul a spus ca acest lucru nu se va intampla in perioada in care se desfasoara cazul procurorului.Apararea sustine ca Rowe a facut acele afirmatii impotriva lui Jackson pentru ca era furioasa din cauza unor probleme privind custodia copiilor. Asociatii lui Michael Jackson au inventat povesti cu ucigasi care urmaresc familia adolescentului si au pregatit-o pe fosta nevasta a cantaretului pe parcursul controversatului documentar din februarie 2003-a declarat un martor miercuri. Provencio a fost o lunga perioada de timp prieten cu Marc Schaffel ,care a fost numit unul dintre conspiratori in acest caz.El a spus ca membrii ai anturajului lui Jackson erau ingrijorati ca familia baiatului il va santaja pe cantaret si au simtit ca ei trebuie sa se implice intr-un al doilea documentar. Totusi Mesereau a pus la indoiala acuaratetea notitelor lui Provencio pe care el spune ca le-a tinut intr-un jurnal.Avocatul a subliniat ca descrierea lui referitoare la convorbirea despre "ucigasi" este pe o pagina datata 1 februarie 2003-cu mult inainte ca acea convorbire sa aiba loc. Provencio a spus ca Jackson nu avea telefon mobil si ca asociatii trebuiau sa sune un bodyguard sau pe cineva apropiat lui Michael ca sa poata vorbi cu el."Nu poti sa il gasesti in mod direct". Totusi marturia lui Provencio a fost vaga si doar o schita in cel mai bun caz. Mai mult ,telefoanele intre asociati se pare ca au fost legate de documentarul de la Fox si nu de o actiune criminala. Tinand cont ca apararea incepe prezentarea cazului maine,ne intrebam cu toti cum va relata presa ceea ce vor dezvalui martorii apararii in tribunal. |
|||||||||||||
Imediat dupa ce judecatorul Rodney Melville a refuzat motiunea apararii de a-l achita pe Jackson de toate acuzatiile ,Wade Robson a fost chemat ca primul martor al apararii. Tanarul de 22 de ani a marturisit ca a impartit patul de mai mult de 20 de ori cu Jackson cand era copil.Robson a zis ca in timpul petrecut in dormitorul lui Jackson au urmarit filme,s-au batut cu perne si au jucat jocuri video. El a negat ca s-a intamplat ceva de natura sexuala. "A abuzat de tine vreodata Michael Jackson?" a intrebat Mesereau. "In nici un caz" a raspuns martorul. Te-a atins vreodata intr-un mod sexual?" a intrebat Mesereau. "Niciodata,nu" a spus el. Un al doilea martor care are acum 23 de ani, a spus juratilor ca Jackson nu a facut nimic nepotrivit in timpul noptilor in care a ramas sa doarma la Neverland -si daca ar fi facut " nu as fi acum aici". Cand a fost intrebat ,Barnes,a spus ca este furios pe procurori pentru ca au declarat ca el a fost abuzat. "Sunt foarte furios pentru a asta" a spus Barnes."Ei imi tarasc numele prin noroi si nu sunt deloc multumit pentru acest lucru". "De ce nu mai dormi cu Michael Jackson ?"a intrebat procurorul. "El are copii acum",a raspuns Barnes. Procurorul Ron Zonen a aratat martorului o serie de carti foarte explicite confiscate de la Neverland,incercand sa intimiteze acest martor. Zonen l-a intrebat pe Robson daca nu cumva a fost molestat cand dormea. "Cred ca asta m-ar fi trezit" a spus Robson. El a adaugat ca Jackson nu a facut niciodata dus cu el ,asa cum a spus o fosta menajera,si ca Michael a purtat intotdeauna costumul de baie cand au fost impreuna in jacuzzi. Ambii martori ai apararii au spus ca il considera pe Jackson inca un prieten si ca stau la Neverland pe perioada procesului. Joy Robson ,al treilea martor al apararii si mama lui Wade Robson,este acum la bara. In timpul marturiei de vineri ,primei mame i s-a cerut sa descrie Neverland-ul. "As putea spune ca este cel mai fericit loc de pe Pamant" a spus ea.In timpul vizitelor acolo ea a spus ca familia a urmarit filme si s-a jucat in piscina.Femeia a spus ca ei ii place in mod deosebit sa se joace cu cimpanzeii. Robson a marturisit ca odata a petrecut o zi intreaga "stand in patul lui Jackson ,urmarind desene animate si mancand popcorn cu fiul ei si Michael". Probabil cel mai interesant lucru pe care l-am aflat din marturia ei este ca mama a spus ca si fiica ei a dormit in dormitorul lui Jackson impreuna cu fratele ei,Wade. Inca o data Joy a spus ca ea a fost in dormitorul lui Jackson de multe ori cand Wade era acolo.Ea a precizat ca nu a fost niciodata ingrijorata. "Daca nu il cunosti pe Jackson este greu de inteles" a adaugat ea."Nu este asemenea baiatului din vecini... el are o dragoste foarte pura pentru copii " . "Il cunosc pe Michael de foarte mult timp.Am petrecut ore vorbind cu el despre orice.Il consider un membru al familiei.Am incredere in el.Am incredere in el cu copiii mei" a raspuns ea la intrebarile lui Mesereau. Joy a spus ca s-a intalnit de cateva ori la Neverland cu baiatul din '93 si mama lui. Ea a spus ca "impresia mea despre mama era ca ea vroia sa fie stapana la Neverland.Comanda angajatilor ca si cum ferma ar fi fost propietatea ei.Impresia mea despre ea este ca era in cautare de comori." Mesereau a intrebat "Ai simtit ca vrea sa il foloseasca pe Jackson?" "Da" a raspuns ea. Sneedon a intrebat-o daca era geloasa pe aceea femeie "pentru ca te-a inlocuit".. "In nici un caz" a spus martora."Nu imi doresc sa fiu ca ea". "Te-am intrebat daca erai geloasa pe pozitia ei". "Care era aceasta pozitie?" "Ea era aproape de Michael Jackson". "Nu stiu daca era aproape de Michael Jackson". Alta persoana care l-a laudat pe Jackson a fost Marie Elizabeth Barnes."Am incredere in el in mod implicit " a spus ea. "E o persoana foarte draguta.Stii cand poti avea incredere in cineva". A doua femeie fiind intrebata de ce i-a permis fiului sau sa doarma in patul lui Jackson a raspuns "De ce nu?". "Exista o anumita incredere pe care am simtit-o imediat"."Nu mi-a trecut niciodata prin cap ca asta ar fi o problema". Mama a spus ca nu i-a lasat pe oamenii legii sa discute cu fiul ei in '93 pentru ca n-a avut incredere in ei.Ea a zis ca s-a gandit ca vor incerca sa il manipuleze. Joy Robson a fost urmata de fiica ei,Chantal Robson ,o dansatoare de 26 de ani care a spus ca si ea a dormit in camera lui Jackson de patru ori cand era copil. "L-ai vazut pe Michael Jackson abuzand de fratele tau ,Wade?" a intrebat Mesereau. "NU " a spus ea zambind. Procurorul a intrebat-o daca considera potrivit ca o fata de 10 ani sa doarma in acelasi pat cu un barbat care are mai mult de 30. "Cred ca este potrivit ca o fata de 10 ani sa doarma in acelasi pat cu un prieten" a spus ea,adaugand ca este O.K daca fata si parinti ei sunt de acord. Sora lui Wade a marturisit ca ea il considera pe Jackson un "prieten de familie".
|
|||||||||||||
Angajatii de la ferma Neverland au spus luni ca acuzatorul lui Michael Jackson si fratele lui erau nedisciplinati deseori in timpul vizitelor . Un fost angajat in probleme de securitate a megastarului a depus luni marturie ca nu l-a vazut niciodata pe starul pop manifestand atitudini nepotrivite fata de copii. Violet Silva ,a recunocut ca nu putea intra in dormitorul lui Jackson decat daca cineva ii deschidea de pe dinauntru. Silva inca lucreaza la Neverland ca coordonator in probleme de securitate dar nu mai este sef al securitati ,pozitie pe care o detinea in februarie,martie 2003. Luni a marcat inceperea primei saptamani a cazului apararii in tinpul careia avocatii lui Michael trebuie sa reuseasca sa distruga depozitia martorilor acuzarii precum mama acuzatorului si Adrian McManus ,o fosta menajera care au spus ca l-au vazut pe Jackson avand comportamente nepotrivite fata de copii. Silva a declarat ca membrii familiei Arvizo ar fi putut sa sune la 911 de la orice telefon din casele de oaspeti. Ea a mai adaugat ca membrii familiei au parasit ferma de nenumarate ori cand au vrut -oamenii securitati deschizandu-le portile la orice ora. Silva a spus ca in perioada saptamanilor cand au stat la ferma si ar fi avut loc presupusul abuz baiatul si fratele lui aveau o atitudine "destul de distructiva". Ea a precizat ca mama baiatului si sora cea mare nu ii certau aproape deloc si nu incercau sa le corecteze atitudinea. Angajata a zis ca poarta putea fi deschisa foarte usor de oricine si ca se putea iesi de pe proprietate si pe jos. Mai devreme in aceea zi ,angajata a declarat ca mama baiatului i-a cerut o slujba in perioada in care se aflau la ferma.Mama s-a oferit sa doarma in masina pentru a fi disponibila sa vina la timp la slujba deoarece aveau probleme cu banii. Goforth a spus ca a incercat sa o convinga pe femeie ca statea prea departe de ferma ,la distanta de 100 de mile. Ea a spus ca mama s-a oferit sa se mute la Santa Ynez Valley unde e situat in Neverland-ul. Cand i s-a spus ca in zona chiriile sunt foarte scumpe mama a adaugat ca poate sta in masina. O fosta menajera care a lucrat cu McManus a spus in marturia ei ca intr-o vizita la McManus a vazut lucruri de la ferma care ii apartineau lui Jackson inclusiv pijamale ,palarii ,tricouri. McManus i-a spus ca lua lucrurile doar ca sa le calce dar Contreras a spus ca nu avea ce sa faca cu o palarie. "Nu poti calca o palarie". Managerul de la ferma Neverland a declarat marti ca nu a primit nici un ordin ca sa-i tina prizonieri pe membrii familiei Arvizo . Managerul a mai spus ca nu a fost instruit sa ii tina pe acestia captivi si ca aceasta poveste nu este reala. Joe Marcus,martorul al 11 -lea a spus ca baietii aveau o atitudine distructiva..scriau grafiti .El a mai adaugat ca mama "parea sa se distreze" la ferma in ciuda declaratiilor facute in prezent. Marcus a declarat ca motivul pentru care a fost dat ordinul de anu-i lasa pe copii sa paraseasca ferma a avut legatura cu faptul ca acestia au condus automobile fara a avea vreo permisiune (atat masina privata a lui Michael,cat si masina propietatii) in jurul Neverlandului creind probleme si nu trebuiau sa iasa pe strada conducand un autovechicul. "Ai primit vreo instructiune privind retinerea familiei impotriva vointei ei?" a intrebat Robert Sanger. "Nu" a raspuns Marcus. "A parut ca mama vroia sa paraseasca ferma si nu i se permitea?" a intrebat Sanger. "Nu". "Ti s-a plans de ceva ?" . "Niciodata" a raspuns Marcus. Cand au fost la cumparaturi in Solvang Marcus a stat in masina in timp ce ei s-au plimbat pentru o ora.In perioada in care mama a declarat ca a fost tinuta ostatica Marcus a spus ca au fost cel putin 6 iesiri . El si ceilalti membri ai stafului de personal au spus ca i-au simpatizat pe baiat si familie prima oara cand au venit,in perioada in care baiatul era bolnav. Dar un an mai tarziu cand s-au reintors acestia aveau o comportatre rautacioasa ,se bagau mereu in probleme ,ciocnind masinutele de golf . Marcus,angajat de 18 ani ,a spus ca nu l-a vazut niciodata pe Jackson comportandu-se nepotrivit cu copii si ca nu a vazut nicidata acte care sa-l faca sa anunte autoritatile. In timpul declaratiei ,acesta s-a uitat la Jackson. "De ce va tot uitati la domnul Jackson?" a intrebat Auchincloss la un moment dat. Martorul a parut contrariat si nu a raspuns pentru ca obiectia apararii a fost acceptata. "Te consideri un angajat loial al domnului Jackson?" a intrebat procurorul. "Da" a spus Marcus. "Domnul Jackson este singurul care impune deciziile si practicile aplicate la ferma?" "Adevarat", a raspuns Marcus. Martorul a mai spus ca nu l-a vazut nicioadata pe Jackson in mana cu reviste sau carti pentru adulti. Purtoarea de cuvant a lui Jackson a spus ca durerea de spate a megastarului persista . Intrebata daca acesta va depune marturie ea a spus ca "Nu se va opune la ceea ce il vor sfatui avocatii". Ea a mai adugat ca cantaretul nu intentioneaza sa vanda catalogul Sony-ATV. Actorul Macauley Culkin a depus marturie miercuri pentru a-si apara prietenul ,spunand ca Jackson nu a abuzat de el si nu l-a atins nepotrivit "Nicioadata". Baiatul ,in varsta de 22 de ani, a spus ca nu a fost molestat de Jackson ,distrugand astfel imaginea creata de procurori. Culkin a mai spus ca nu are nici un motiv sa creada ca jackson l-a molestat la vreun moment dat. Juriul le-a auzit acum pe cele trei presupuse "victime" ale procuraturii.Toti tinerii au declarat ca nu s-a intamplat nimic intre ei si Jacskon de natura sexuala. Culkin a mai declarat ca nu l-a vazut pe Jackson comportandu-se in acest mod cu nici un copil.EL a spus ca procurorii nu l-au contactat la nici un moment pentru a verifica ca marturia martorului lor este intr-adevar corecta . Interogarea acestui martor a fost mai degraba o incercare patetica din partea procuraturii.Zonen a incercat sa-l convinga pe Culkin ca a fost molestat in somn,dar nu a prezentat absolut nici o dovada care sa ii sustina acuzatiile.Acelasi lucru l-a incercat si nu a reusit cu ceilalti doi martori:Robson si Barnes. Intrebat ce parere are despre dormitul unui copil cu o persoana adulta,actorul a spus ca nu a dormit cu nici un alt barbat de 35 de ani ."Din ce-mi amintesc eu ,nu" dar " nu am fost prieten cu nici un altul de aceasta varsta care sa ma inteleaga". Culkin a declarat ca nu si-a propus sa adoarma in patul megastarului "el sau alti au adormit acolo de oboseala".Zonen a fost certat de judecator de multe ori pentru ca nu i-a permis lui Culkin sa-si termine propozitiile. Actorul a recunoscut ca a dormit de multe ori cu Jackson intre 9 si 14 ani ,dar nu s-a intamplat nimic intre noi " cadeam lat de oboseala". El a mai adaugat ca parintii aveau incredere in Jackson si erau la curent cu faptul ca isi petrecea unele nopti in camera lui Jackson.Intr-una din zile a venit sa-l trezeasca din dormitorul megastarului chiar tatal sau.Cand a dormit cu Jackskon ,Michael a purtat blugi si un tricou (nu asa cum isi imaginau procurorii...). Procurorii au sustinut cu martori ca Culkin a fost abuzat de Jackson."Prima data cand am aflat de declaratie m-a chemat un prieten"."Ar trebui sa te uiti la CNN.Zic ceva de tine." "Nu am putut sa cred". El le-a explicat juratior ca Michael si el s-au apropiat deoarece facem amandoi parte "dintr-un grup unic" al oamenilor care au infruntat celebritatea de foarte tineri. "Am avut o relatie foarte apropiata" a spus Culkin."Am avut aceasta intelegere unul fata de altul." Culkin a avut o atitudine relaxata in cele 90 minute cat a durat declaratia. Sub examinarea lui Mesereau ,Culkin a spus ca Jackson nu a incercat sa-l manipuleze in nici un mod cu daruri pentru a-l seduce mai tarziu. "Nu m-a fortat la nimic.A fost doar prietenul meu.Nu m-a obligat sa ma duc la culcare sau sa mananc legumele". Intrebat daca e potrivit pentru o persoana copilareasca sa aiba reviste pentru adulti Culkin a spus" Aveam si eu la 12 -13 ani cateva reviste Playboy sub pat" Cand Zonen a descris continutul lor si a intrebat daca sunt copilaresti Culkin a spus ca "Nu vad nic rau in a avea astfel de lucruri." Judectaorul in cazul lui Jackson a permis apararii sa puna caseta cu partile care nu au fost difuzate in documentarul lui Bashir. Acum este foarte clar ce s-a intamplat in momentul in care a fost editat interviul cu Bashir (foarte multe afirmatii au fost total scoase din context,iar altele au fost taiate de tot). Aceasta inregistrare a venit imediat dupa puternica si convingatoarea marturie a lui Culkin. In caseta ascultata miercuri Jackson declara "Nu sunt un nebun.Sunt foarte inteligent.Nu ajungi atat de departe fiind un ticnit." A fost foarte bine explicat in videoclip dragostea lui Jackson pentru copii,dorinta lui de a-si construi Neverland-ul si sentimentele sale ,faptul ca se simte mai in siguranta in prezenta copiilor decat in cea a adultilor. "Nu am fost tradat de copii"."Adultii m-au lasat de multe ori balta". La un moment dat Bashir spune "Ma intreb cum un artist ca tine care scrie muzica vietilor noastre este atat de criticat." "Asta este foarte dureros" a raspuns Jackson" sa-ti daruiesti inima pentru a da bucurie si oamenii sa fie atat de cruzi.De ce sa ranesti omul care aduce rasaritul in viata ta.Nu inteleg." In videoclip Bashir intreaba de relatia megastarului cu Elizabeth Taylor. Intrebat ce a vrut cu aceasta intrebare,Bashir a spus "Se spune ca doi oameni nebuni stau impreuna". "Asta este rautacios" a spus Jackson."De ce sa nu fiu dragut cu o doamna in varsta care a avut o viata asemanatoare cu a mea.Am fost impreuna in multe.Este doar o fetita pe dinauntru.Este o persoana minunata." Juratii din cazul lui Jackson l-au putut auzi explicandu-si dragostea inocenta pentru copii,singuratatea coplesitoare pe care a simtit-o si furia pe care o simte inca cand este numit "wacko". "Tot ce am facut am fost inspirat de copii.Daca nu ar fi fost ei ,m-as arunca pe geam.nu as avea motiv sa traiesc.." Stand cu avocatii lui ,Jackson si-a sters ochii cu o batista in timp ce urmarea caseta. "M-au numit ciudat,wacko.Au spus ca sunt o fata ,un homosexual .Nimic din toate astea nu e adevarat,e numai gelozie" a spus el. "Am fost foarte singur" a spus el ,aproape plangand."Ma duceam la strainii de pe strada si ii intrebam daca vor sa-mi fie prieteni". Judecatorul din cazul lui Michael Jackson a ordonat ca celebrul fost avocat al megastarului,Mark Geragos, sa depuna marturie vineri deorece a fost citat de echipa de avocati ai apararii. Geragos l-a reprezentat pe Jackson dupa ce a fost arestat pentru molestarea unui minor in noiembrie 2003.El a parasit cazul acestuia dupa 5 luni cand a fost inlocuit de Thomas Mesereau Jr. Geragos care l-a reprezentat pe domnul Jackson a spus la inceputul saptamanii ca trebuie sa amane prezenta sa la bara cel putin pana luni din cauza unor probleme.Asociatul sau Shepard Kopp ,a adaugat ca apararea nu i-a dat suficient timp pentru a-si face aparitia. Decizia judecatorului nu a fost luata in timp ce juratii erau in sala.Cand Kopp a cerut putina flexibilitate in program ,Melville i-a repetat ca Geragos trebuie sa vina in aceea dimineata."Daca nu,asta o sa-mi dea timp sa-i pregatesc mandatul de arestare" s-a rastit Melville. Pentru declaratiile de joi a fost chemat la bara un avocat in probleme de afaceri al starului .El a spus ca Michael a fost inselat si indus in eroare de alti asociati si de Martin Bashir. David LeGrand a spus ca a vazut familia baiatului "ca problema perfecta" pentru Jackson si l-a instiintat pe unul din asociatii acestuia ca familia trebuie indepartata . Contractul pe care l-a semnat Michael cu Bashir a fost "teribil" a spus LeGrand.A constat din 2 paragrafe pe care le-au propus Bashir si Grenada. Bashir nu s-a tinut de promisiune-sa-l lase pe starul pop "sa vada si sa editeze" produsul final. LeGrand a mai adaugat ca dupa ce a fost angajat in 2033 a devenit suspicios in privinta asociatiilor megastarului ,care dupa parerea lui incercau sa preia controlul afacerilor acestuia. "Parea ca toti doreau sa beneficieze de pe seama lui Jackson intr-un mod sau altul". Cand Jackson la un momendat s-a plans de reportajele presei "schimbate" cu privinta la el ,Bashir l-a asigurat "nu vom face asta aici".Deasemenea i-a mai spus lui Jackson ca "arata foarte sexy" pe parcursul emisiuni. LeGrand a mai spus juratilor ca Bashir "nu a prezentat domnului Jackson ce vor face cu aceasta productie". Cand Bashir a laudat relatia lui Jackson cu copiii sai a spus ,megastarul a spus:"Sunt innebunit dupa ei.Ma uit in ochii lor si le spun ca taticu ii iubeste in ficare zi". A mai depus marturie joi si fiul unui angajat al lui Jackson,Carlos Velasco.El a fost la aceasi scoala cu un baiat care a sustinut mai devreme ca a fost molestat de Jackson. Velasco a spus ca i-a vazut pe cei doi in diferite ocazii si nu a observat nimic nepotrivit. Velasco a mai adaugat ca acesta nu a vorbit niciodata despre vreo presupusa molestare. Fostul avocat al lui Michael a spus in marturia sa de vineri ca a pus sa fie urmarita familia Arvizo deoarece acestia puteau sa il santajeze pe cantaret. "Am incercat sa previn o nedreptate fata de clientul meu.Am crezut ca vor incerca sa profite de acesta". Geragos a fost angajat in februarie 2003 pentru a ajuta pe cantaret dupa zbuciumanta intamplare cu documentarul in care acesta se tine de mana cu un copil de 13 ani si admite ca au impartit acelasi pat . Geragos a mai adaugat ca a fost ingrijorat de intentiile familiei si a angajat o detectiv particular pentru a le urmari indeaproape "pasi". "Lucrurile pe care le-am auzit depsre ei mi-au provocat ingrijorare..." a spus Geragos. "Am vrut sa stiu ce faceau,unde se duceau,cu cine se intalneau". Dupa o investigatie care a durat 6 saptamani acesta i-a spus lui Jackson ca trebuie sa taie orice tip de legatura cu familia. "Am simtit un dezastru venind". La intrebarea domnului Mesereau daca a conspirat sa faca vreo "crima" acesta a raspuns "Absolut nu.""Am incercat doar sa previn comiterea unei crime impotriva clientului meu." La Neverland l-am auzit pe baiat fiind instruit sa-l strige pe Jackson "tata"."Asta m-a facut sa gandesc"."In raspuns la asta am pornit o investigatie ..Am fost ingrijorat la un moment dat,luand in consideratie situatia ,ca imi vor manipula clientul. Mie imi era cunoscut ca clientul meu era o victima frecventa la astfel de santajuri." A mai adaugat ca a devenit intr-adevar ingrijorat cand a aflat ca mama a intentat proces impotriva lui Jacey Penney Co si ca a primit 150.000$. In timpul interogarii martorului de catre procuratura Mr Zonen l-a intrebat pe Geragos daca a vazut documentarul care contine "recunoasterea faptului ca Jackson doarme cu baieti". "Ce vreti sa spuneti prin faptul ca doarme cu baieti?" a intrebat Geragos? "Ca doarme cu baieti" a raspuns Zonen. "Vreti sa spuneti ca imparte dormitorul cu baieti? " a intrebat Mark G. "Vreau sa spun ca doarme cu baieti" a replicat Zonen. "Vreti sa spuneti ca e ceva sexual?" a raspuns Mark G. Interogarea a continuat pana cand judecatorul a cerut o pauza.Cand s-au reunit procurorul l-a intrebat pe Geragos daca si-a sfatuit clientul sa nu doarma cu copii. El a raspuns :"Nu.Am vazut pe cineva foarte copilaresc in dragostea sa pentru copii.Nimic gresit." "Problema este,domnule Zonen ,atunci cand oamenii vorbescdespre dormitul cu cineva in camera se sare direct la concluzia ca este ceva gresit,foarte rau." Geragos se va intoarce la bara luni,20. |
|||||||||||||
Mai multi martori au spus juratilor ca mama nu parea speriata si nu vroia sa evadeze in timpul sederii la Neverland in feb 2003.Deasemenea toti au spus ca ea nu s-a plans de modul in care a fost tratata. O menajera,Maria Gomez,a spus ca mama spunea ca Michael "este ca un tata".Ea a mai precizat ca in momentul cand a curatat unele din camerele de oaspeti in care au stat baietii a gasit materiale pentru adulti. Ea a marturisit ca se vedea ca copiii au dormit in paturi si ca baietii lasau in urma lor o mizerie de nedescris. Angel Vivanco,un asistent al bucatarului a spus ca baietii i-au aratat materiale pentru adulti cand le-a adus mancarea in camere. Deasemenea Vivanco a declarat ca fratele adolescentului i-a cerut odata sa-i puna lichior intr-un milkshake."Mi-a spus ca daca nu fac asta,o sa ma spuna lui Michael si o sa fiu concediat." Alt martor,Shane Meridith, un fost bodyguard la ferma, a spus ca i-a prins pe adolescenti singuri in pivnita cu vinuri in posesia unei sticle de vin pe jumatate goala.Jackson era acasa in acel moment ,dar nu era cu ei. Seamount,o dentista,a zis ca membrii familiei nu au cerut nici un fel de ajutor,nu au incercat sa sune dupa ajutor,si nu au incercat sa paraseasca cabinetul,cand au venit la control.Deasemenea ea a spus ca nu a vazut nici un bodyguard cu ei.Intrebata daca membrii familiei pareau speriati,ea a raspuns "deloc". Ea a spus ca i-au dat impresia ca se credeau "mai buni decat noi". Seamount a marturisit ca mama i-a cerut sa inlature aparatele dentare de la copii ca sa poata sa le trimita inapoi vechiului dentist."Ea sustinea ca dentistul a aflat cine este ea si vrea mai multi bani." Dentista a precizat ca baiatul care il acuza acum pe Jackson s-a comportat ingrozitor,a umblat prin toate sertarele,silind-o sa arunce cateva obiecte sterilizate. Deasemenea martor luni a fost si Carole McCoy,cea care a epilat-o "pe tot corpul" pe mama in feb 2003.McCoy a spus ca a facut o epilare pe picioare,sprancene,mustata,fata,bikini.In timpul marturiei de mai demult mama a sustinut sus si tare ca s-a epilat doar pe picioare.Michael a platit pentru toate astea...$140. Ea a mai declarat ca mama s-a laudat ca Michael se comporta extraordinar cu familia ei. Toti martorii de luni au precizat ca nu au vazut o echipa de filmare urmarind familia in calatoriile lor in afara fermei. Simone Jackson,o verisoara a lui Michael,a spus ca i-a vazut pe baieti furand o sticla de vin din bucataria de la Neverland.Ea juca un joc video in bucatarie cand baietii s-au furisat cu sticla."Le-am spus ca nu aveau voie sa faca asta si ei mi-au spus sa tac si sa nu spun nimanui." O asistenta sociala,Irene Lavern Peters,a declarat marti ca ea s-a intalnit cu aceasta familie in perioada in care sustin ca erau tinuti prizonieri si ca ei l-au laudat pe Jackson si au negat orice abuz. Rijo Jackson,un verisor a lui Jackson,a spus ca el statea in aceasi incinta cu fratii cand intr-o noapte in 2003 ei au aprins televizorul pe un canal cu femei goale si au inceput sa se masturbeze,invitandu-l sa faca la fel. "Am refuzat pentru ca mi s-a parut dezgustator.",a spus martorul care avea 10 ani in perioada respectiva. Intrebat de procuror,baiatul a spus ca s-a dus in dormitorul lui Michael si a dormit acolo in acea noapte si ca i-a spus starului pop ce urmareau baietii la tv. "Nu m-a crezut.A crezut ca erau baieti buni si ca nu puteau face una ca asta." Zonen l-a intrebat daca i-a spus lui Jackson de masturbare si martorul a spus ca nu. "Nu am vrut sa-i spun pentru ca eram speriat.",a spus Rijo. Deasemenea Rijo a zis ca i-a vazut pe baieti luand vinul care fusese adus lui Michael in dormitor.El a zis ca Michael era la baie cand a fost adusa sticla cu dop .Baiatul a precizat ca fratii au plecat cu sticla la etaj si cand a vazut din nou sticla dopul era scos si lipsea o parte din vin.Rijo a spus ca nu i-a atras atentia lui Jackson pentru ca nu ii vazuse pe frati band vinul. Rijo a mai marturisit ca i-a vazut pe baieti furand obiecte din sertare,inclusiv banii unui bucatar.Martorul a declarat ca nu i-a spus lui Michael pentru ca era plecat,dar ca i-a spus unei menajere despre banii furati din bucatarie. In ciuda examinarii fulger a procurorului, tacutul baiat si-a aparat povestea si chiar i-a spus lui Zonen:"Nu te inteleg.Vorbesti prea repede." Alt martor a fost actrita Vernee Watson Johnson care a marturisit ca i-a intalnit pe Arvizo si ca l-a vizitat pe baiat in spital. Ea a spus ca familia parea ca incearca sa se mute la ea acasa.Ea a precizat ca mama nu i-a cerut niciodata direct bani dar ca a fost foarte clara ca familia are nevoie."De cate ori vorbeam cu ea,imi spunea cum au nevoie,ca nu au nimic,ca au nevoie de un loc unde sa stea.Erau foarte multe apropouri." Actrita a spus ca copiii erau instruiti in privinta sederilor peste noapte:"Fratele suna si o puteam auzi pe mama in fundal spunand,'spune-i ca o iubesti,spune-i ca o iubesti'.Si dupa ,ma ruga sa petreaca noaptea cu mine.Am auzit-o spunandu-i sa imi ceara asta." Ea a refuzat acest lucru din cauza modului in care s-au comportat copiii intr-o vizita. "A fost ridicol .Erau peste tot in casa.Au umblat in toate lucrurile mele." Deasemenea miercuri a fost martor si un videograf care a condus interviul cu familia in feb 2003.El a spus ca raspunsurile nu au fost regizate si ca familia nu a vazut intrebarile in avans. Judecatorul nu l-a lasat pe Larry King sa depuna marturie. King spusese ca Feldman,un avocat al familiei,i-a spus ca se indoieste de credibilitatea familiei.King a precizat ca avocatul a spus ca "femeia asta este o ticnita " si ca ei sunt in acest proces "pentru bani". Judecatorul a spus ca aceasta conversatie nu este suficienta ca sa contrazica marturia anterioara a avocatului. Deasemenea si scriitorul Michael Viner care a fost prezent la acea convorbire,a povestit acelasi lucru,dar nici marturia lui nu a fost permisa. Azja Pryor a venit la bara ca sa povesteasca despre relatia ei cu familia adolescentului. Ea a spus ca in timpul conversatiilor telefonice frecvente cu familia in feb,martie 2003,familia l-a laudat pe Jackson si nu l-a acuzat de nimic rau. Cu toate ca mama a spus ca a fost fortata sa faca un interviu pozitiv despre Jackson,aceasta martora a declarat ca mama abia asteapta sa spuna adevarul "era foarte incantata sa spuna lumii ca acea prietenie nu era decat ce au vazut o prietenie foarte frumoasa." Mama a marturisit ca s-au facut planuri pentru plecarea in Brazilia impotriva vointei lor.Pryor a spus ca mama a invitat-o in vacanta in Brazilia."Mi-a spus ca se duc in Brazilia pentru carnaval." "Ce om minunat este.Este un inger.Dragostea lui este grozava.",sunt cateva afirmatii atribuite mamei. Pryor a zambit cand a fost intrebata despre evadarea de la Neverland. "De ce zambesti?",a intrebat Mesereau. "Este Neverland",a spus martora."Nu stiu cine ar vrea sa evadeze de la Neverland." Judecatorul a permis o victorie a apararii lasandu-i pe jurati sa vada un filmulet cu un tur al Neverland-ului. Pe langa parcul de distractii si gradina zoologica,se puteau vedea multe ceasuri,asta contrazicand marturia familiei care a spus ca nu au putut urmarii scurgerea timpului. Procurorul Tom Sneddon s-a opus vehement acestui video,numindu-l "propaganda".El a citat in mod special o scena care arata o nota scrisa pe o tabla de unul dintre copiii lui Jackson,in care scria "I love you daddy." Fostul avocat al lui Jackson,Mark Geragos,poate refuza sa raspunda la intrebari legate de evenimente care au avut loc dupa arestarea megastarului,dar avocatul lui curent s-ar putea sa suporte sanctiuni din cauza unei erori in folosirea privilegiului client-avocat,a hotarat judecatorul vineri. Mark Geragos a spus vineri ca a dat o directiva unui detectiv particular sa urmareasca familia adolescentului in feb 2003,dar ca nu le-a spus sa-i filmeze. "Eram ingrijorat daca ei se vor duce la un avocat sau daca vor incerca sa vanda povestea ziarelor de scandal.",a apus avocatul juratilor. Replicile dure dintre Geragos si Zonen s-au intins mult inafara subiectului uneori. La un moment dat Zonen a subliniat ca detectivul a platit chiria familiei pe cateva luni. "Ar fi dispus Miller sa-mi plateasca si mie ipoteca de luna viitoare?",a intrebat Zonen. "Cat de mare este casa ta?",a raspuns Geragos. "Este in Santa Barbara .Este mica.",a replicat Zonen. |
|||||||||||||
Luni,au fost puse sub indoiala intentiile mamei adolescentului, dupa ce mai multi martori au vorbit despre situatia ei financiara. Mama ,a depus cerere pentru asistenta sociala si tichete de masa la doua saptamani dupa ce primise 32.000$ dintr-un proces -pe care nu i-a declarat asa cum ar fi trebuit, a spus o lucratoare de la serviciile sociale.Aceasta dezvaluire ar fi afectat decizia ca familia sa primeasca bani de la stat. Mike Radakovich a declarat ca cei 32.000$ au fost depusi intr-un cont al mamei.Familia a primit banii in urma unui proces in care i-au acuzat pe bodyguarzi de la JC Penny de abuz in timp ce familia fusese retinuta pentru furt.Registrele arata ca 29.000$ au fost retrasi din cont si depusi la o reprezentanta Ford. Functionarul care s-a ocupat de fisa mamei a spus ca ea a declarat ca nu are nici o sursa de venit sau alte obiecte de valoare.Manriquez a marturisit ca o persoana care exclude surse de venit din formular se face vinovata de frauda. Una din fostele menajere ale lui Jackson a spus luni ca alarma de la dormitorul cantaretului are acelasi volum ca si in anii anteriori. Apararea,care vrea sa arate ca aceasta familia are o istorie lunga in privinta schemelor pentru obtinerea banilor,a chemat si un contabil pentru a arata ca familia a cinat,facut cumpararaturi si cheltuit bani pe alte servicii . Aceste cheltuieli au ajuns la 7.000$ (din banii lui Jackson) chiar in timpul saptamanii cand se presupune ca erau tinuti prizonieri. Cumparaturile au fost facute la un magazin de bagaje si la altele de haine.Pe o perioada de una -doua zile cumparaturile au ajuns la 4800$. Fosta cumnata a mamei a marturisit ca in momentul cand mama adolescentului a aflat despre actiunea ei de a recolta sange pentru baiatul bolnav ,a sunat-o si i-a spus ca nu are nevoie de sange ci de bani. Un ziarist a declarat ca mama la innebunit dupa ce a scris un articol despre boala copilului spunandu-i ca nu au rezultat destui bani. Cand un angajat de la ziar a dus familiei un curcan mama i-a spus ca are nevoie de bani si nu de mancare. Jay Leno a declarat marti ca a primit cateva mesaje telefonice de la adolescent in 2000 si ca a vorbit cu el la telefon dar comediantul a spus ca baiatul sau familia lui nu i-au cerut bani. Dar Leno a incuviintat ca in momentul in care politia l-a contactat ca sa-l intrebe daca el crede ca familia vrea bani ,el a spus "cred ca da". "Parea destul de regizat la telefon" a spus Leno.Deasemenea "mi s-a parut ciudat " ca un copil sa fie fanul "unui comediant de 50 de ani". Si chiar daca spune ca nu i s-au cerut niciodata direct bani el a comentat ceva de genul:"Uneori primesti o rugaminte ca 'sunt un fermier ,tractorul nostru s-a stricat ,recolta noastra nu o duce bine' si adresa de retur este Brooklyn ,New York" a spus Leno. Alt martor,Chris Tucker a spus ca l-a intalnit pe baiat la un un club de comedie.Tatal baiatului a venit la el si i-a spus ca fiul sau il iubeste foarte mult si este bolnav de cancer.Tucker a acceptat sa participe la o strangere de fonduri pentru baiat .Dupa asta baiatul a venit la el si i-a spus ca nu s-au strans prea multi bani si ca au nevoie de bani,asa ca Tucker le-a dat 1.500$.Deasemenea el i-a luat pe baiat si familie la mall ca sa le cumpere haine si la un parc de distractii si i-a inclus de multe ori la iesirile lui cu fiul sau. Deasemenea Tucker a precizat ca prin baiat l-a cunoscut prima data pe Jackson, pe care acum il considera un prieten bun. Un angajat la firma de avocati care a reprezentat familia impotriva lui JC Penny a spus ca mama baiatului i-a marturisit ca ranile pe care a sustinut ca le are din altercatia cu bodyguarzii erau facute de fostul ei sot. Holzer a spus ca mama i-a zis ca i-a trimis pe copii intr-o tabara de comedie pentru ca vroia ca ei sa devina buni actori ca sa le spuna exact ce sa declare. Deasemenea mama a exprimat ingrijorare pentru ca fiul ei mai mic nu era in stare sa-si aminteasca ce repetasera sa declare in procesul civil. Holzer i-a spus ca nu poate sa minta asa si ca trebuie sa vorbeasca cu avocatul ei ca sa-si schimbe depozitia ,dar mama a amenintat-o. "Mi-a spus ca fratele sotului ei este in mafia mexicana si ca ea stie unde stau si ca pot veni sa ma omoare pe mine si pe fiica mea de 9 ani". Pentru ca a fost inspaimantata,angajata nu a spus nimic. Alta marturie despre acest caz a venit de la Ranieri ,un avocat care a spus ca mama nu a zis niciodata in depozitii ca sotul ei a batut-o. Un angajat de la un spital a confirmat ca nu au existat facturi medicale pentru ca asigurarea tatalui baiatului a acoperit toate costurile. Deci nu se pune problema :Jackson si alte celebritati care au donat bani pentru costurile medicale au fost inselati. Apararea a terminat prezentarea cazului dupa marturia lui Chris Tucker care a spus ca l-a avertizat pe Michael sa fie atent in privinta acestei familii. "I-am spus sa fie atent pentru ca eram suspicios in privinta mamei. Incercam sa vorbesc cu Michael.Ea ne tot intrerupea...L-am tras pe Micahel intr-o camera.I-am spus :Trebuie sa te pazesti". Dupa sfarsitul acestei marturii ,Mesereau s-a ridicat si i-a spus judecatorului ca apararea a terminat-fara sa-l cheme pe Jackson la bara. "Avocatii lui au considerat ca in acest moment nu este necesar" a spus purtatoarea de cuvant a lui Jacskon. In marturia de miercuri Tucker a spus ca baiatul era inteligent si viclean ,si se folosea de boala lui pentru a cere bani. "Imi spunea intotdeauna 'Chris lasa-ma sa am asta...nu ma simt prea bine'". Tucker a zis ca fratele lui era si mai viclean ,asa ca la un moment dat trebuia sa ii verifice buzunarele inainte sa il lase sa paraseasca casa. Tucker a precizat ca l-a avertizat pe Michael dupa ce mama s-a referit in mod repetat la Jackson ca la un tata si la el ca la un frate. Actorul a declarat ca a ramas prieten cu Jackson dar ca nu a mai vorbit cu familia de peste un an.El a marurisit ca l-a sunat pe baiat acum un an si ca aceea convorbire a fost intrerupta dupa ce a auzit-o pe mama adolescentului strigand la fiul sau sa plece de la telefon. Tucker a declarat ca s-a gandit sa le dea o masina dar a fost ingrijorat ca face prea multe pentru ei. "Sunau constat dupa masina si am simtit ca mama ii punea sa sune ca sa ma enerveze." Procurorilor li s-a permis sa isi sfarseasca cazul cu un interviu al adolescentului la politie atunci cand a facut prima data aceste acuzatii. Judecatorul a permis juratilor sa vada inregistrarea.Asta deschide posibilitatea pentru o a doua confruntare intre Jackson si baiat in tribunal,daca apararea vrea sa-l chestioneze dupa caseta. Totusi ,Melville a refuzat cererea procurorilor de a arata pozele cu Jackson dezbracat care au fost facute in '93. Timp de 12 ani au existat informatii potrivit carora Chandler a dat 2 descrieri diferite despre corpul lui Jackson inainte de a furniza una care se pare ca se potriveste ,dar asta numai dupa ce politia luase deja pozele. Potrivit acuzatiilor originale impotriva lui Jackson Gavin a sustinut ca abuzul a inceput pe 7 februarie 2003 .Dar potrivit acuzatiilor din 2004 el sustine ca abuzul a inceput pe 20 februarie 2003. La un moment dat adolescentul,l-a acuzat pe Jackson ca a incercat sa-i dea pastile si nu alcool. Un contract de 20000$ intre un ziar de scandal britanic si parintii baiatului a aparut. Cand Janet Arvizo a fost martorul procurorului ea a spus juratilor ca nu este genul de persoana care sa isi vanda povestea-dar se pare ca de fapt a fost. Acest caz se apropie de final.Ambele parti au terminat vineri ceea ce a fost o surpriza. Apararea a decis sa incheie dupa interviul prezentat de procuror. Videoclipul inregistrat pe 6 iulie 2003 a oferit o descriere grafica a ceea ce baiatul sustine ca i-a facut Jackson. Judecatorul le-a spus juratilor sa il urmareasca doar pentru a vedea comporatmentul baiatului,nu pentru a determina daca a spus adevarul. Interviul nu s-a ridicat la nivelul asteptarilor.Unii jurati s-au uitat in jur parca spunand "da,da stim,stim".Au fost putin nerabdatori cu procuratura. Pe caseta, politia ii spune lui Arvizo lucruri ca "Michael Jackson este cel rau aici,tu esti cel bun.Tu si familia ta sunteti cei buni". Arvizo s-a balbait mult ,s-a uitat in jos ,a oftat mult si practic politistii au trebuit sa scoata de la el cu clestele acuzatiile. Se pare ca baiatul a spus deasemenea o poveste diferita fata de ce va spune mai tarziu in fata Marelui Juriu.Deasemenea povestea lui este diferita de ceea a fratelui. |
|||||||||||||
Iunie |
|||||||||||||
Procurorul Tom Sneddon a decis sa nu sustina pledoariile finale dandu-i aceasta sarcina ajutorului sau ,Zonen. Marti ,argumentele din partea avocatiilor au tinut ore,ceea ce l-a facut pe avocatul apararii,Robert Sanger sa spuna "domnule judecator daca am fi televizat discutiile de azi am fi determinat o intreaga generatie de copii sa nu mai dea la scolile de drept". Michael Jackson a stat tacut miercuri in sala de judecta in timp ce juratii au ascultat instructiunile inainte de pledoariile finale. Judecatorul le-a spus sa ia o decizie fara mila sau prejudecati fata de acuzat. Acuzatiile impotriva lui Jackson sunt: patru acuzatii de abuz ,patru acuzatii de servire de alcool in vederea comiterii abuzului,o acuzatie de conspiratie si o acuzatie de incercare de abuz. Juratilor li s-a spus ca pot considera cele patru acuzatii de alcool ca acuzatii mai usoare ,de aprovizionare cu alcool a unui minor.Asta inseamna ca o pot considera o greseala de comportament si atunci juratii sunt liberi sa nu o lege de acuzatiile de abuz. Judecatorul le-a spus sa considere cele patru documentare prezentate in proces nu atat pentru adevarul remarcilor cu exceptia catorva afirmatii. Deasemenea el le-a spus juratilor sa considere acuzatiile din trecut doar daca arata vreo intentie din partea lui Jackosn privind acuzatiile curente. Judecatorul s-a oprit la un moment dat ca sa vada daca sunt atenti."Stiti,eu ii citesc sotiei mele seara ca sa adoarma.Am acelasi efect aici?". Joi,procurorul,l-a numit pe Jackson in pledoariile finale un pradator care are probleme cu bautura si care a cautat baieti vulnerabili din familii fara tati. Dar avocatul apararii a spus ca chiar daca uneori cantaretul este naiv sau ciudat el nu este un pedofil si ca adolescentul si familia sa sunt niste actori foarte buni a caror marturii nu sunt destul de credibile pentru a-l trimite pe cantaret la inchisoare. Mesereau a contraatacat in pledoaria lui finala argumentele aduse de procuror subliniind ca Zonen a aratat cat de slab este cazul sau in momentul cand l-a atacat pe el. "Intotdeuna cand un procuror face asta ,sti ca are probleme", a spus Mesereau juratiilor care vor primi cazul vineri. "Acesta nu este un concurs de popularitate intre avocatii." El a spus ca familia si altii planuiesc sigur sa il dea in judecata pe Jackson dupa acest proces. "Toata lumea asteapta un cec gras pe cheltuiala lui Jackson.""Va fi o mare sarbatoare in acest grup daca el este condamnat pentru o singura acuzatie din acest caz." Deasemenea Mesereau a aratat tabele care sugerau ca este ridicol sa crezi ca intr-un moment cand Jackson se afla sub presiunea internationala ar fi ales sa comita acest abuz. Mesereau a raspuns ca Jackson nu este acuzat de posesie de pornografie ilegala pentru ca tot ce a fost gasit in casa era legal,ca nu a fost gasita pornografie cu minori nici in casa si nici in calculatoare,si ca procurorii au folosit revistele pentru adulti doar ca sa-l faca pe cantaret sa arate rau in fata juratilor. "L-au murdarit pentru ca este un om.Dar ei nu si-au putut dovedi cazul pentru ca asta nu este posibil" a spus avocatul apararii. Mesereau a sugerat ca atat adolsecentul cat si fratele sau s-au prefacut inocenti in probleme sexuale.In primul interviu de la politie "el s-a purtat ca si cand nu stie ce este o erectie.Are totusi 13 ani" a spus avocatul. Deasemenea Mesereau a subliniat ca baiatul nu a aratat nici o emotie cand a descris abuzul atat in videoclip cat si in marturie. Juratii care decid vinovatia sau nevinovatia lui Michael Jackson au deliberat 2 ore vineri . Michael va astepta verdictul la Neverland ,care se gaseste la aproape o ora de tribunalul din Santa Maria. "Este de ajuns o singura minciuna sub juramant pentru a arunca acest caz afara din tribunal" ,le-a spus Mesereau juratiilor. "Si nu se pot numara cate minciuni au spus membrii acestei familii". "Trebuie sa aruncati acest caz acolo unde ii este locul-afara pe usa" a spus el. Zonen si-a incheiat prezentarea punandu-le inca o data primul interviu de la politie. Deasemenea Zonen a atras atentia asupra marturiei care vorbea despre relatia lui Jackson cu un alt baiat la inceputul anilor 90. "Acest barbat nu a avut niciodata o companie adulta la acest nivel despre care sa auzim noi" a spus procurorul. "Deci noi ar trebui sa credem ca aceasta relatie nu a avut implicatii sexuale?!". Jackson a venit la timp la tribunal cu toate ca a trebuit sa mearga la un spital de langa Neverland. Mesereau si-a terminat frumoasa pledoarie azi.El a scos in evidenta practic fiecare diferenta din povestile lui Gavin ,Star ,Davellin si Janet Arvizo.El s-a legat de fiecare inconsistenta din marturiile de la Marele Juriu ,din afirmatiile de la politie,si din marturiile sub juramant de acum. Mesereau spune ca datele presupusului abuz au fost schimbate. El sutine ca numarul de abuzuri a fost schimbat deasemenea. La un moment dat ,Mesereau s-a uitat la jurati si le-a spus "cate minciuni trebuie sa spuna acesti oameni ca sa vedeti ce se intampla?" Niste pledoariii finale total explozive si devastatoare din partea lui Mesereau... Si el le-a mai spus juratilor " Daca il condamnati pe Michael Jacskon de orice ei vor deveni multi-milionari.Este cea mai mare escrocherie din cariera lor .Vor sarbatori. Ei asteapta , au nevoie ca voi sa ii ajutati." De fapt Mesereau a folosit chiar videoclipul despre care a vorbit toata lumea.Primul interviu al baiatului.El a spus "Sper ca va uitati la comportamentul lui."" Sper ca va uitati la comportamentul lui in timp ce minte." Apoi le-a spus juratilor" Este viclen si inteligent,amintiti-va ce a spus Chris Tucker". Mesereau a spus ca mama a comis sperjur chiar in acest tribunal in fata juaratilor.El a spus ca sperjurul este un obicei pentru ea. Mesereau a prezentat cateva bucati din documentarul lui Bashir pe care acesta le-a lasat intentionat afara din varianta T.V. Oamenii din tribunal chiar au aplaudat cand Mesereau a terminat.In mod definitiv nu un semn bun pentru procuror. Chiar si unii simpatizanti ai procurorului au inceput sa puna intrebari despre argumentele aduse de Zonen in fata juratilor.Una din "dovezile" aduse a fost un colaj cu poze a lui Jackson ,langa Jordan Chandler ,Jason Francia,Brett Barnes si Gavin Arvizo.Procurorii au incercat sa arate ca acesti copii seamana.Unii obeservatori au gasit ciudata introducere pozei lui Brett Barnes pentru ca el a depus deja marturie ca Jackson nu a abuzat de el.Alti observatori au atras atentia asupra altei probleme.Din colaj lipsesc poze ale blondului cu ochi albastri Mac Culkin si ale blondului Wade Robson.Ei nu se potriveau profilului pe care au sustinut procurorii ca il au " victimele " lui Jackson asa ca,procurorii i-au exclus in mod intentionat. |
|||||||||||||
June 13- VERDICTUL: 14 NOT GUILTY |
|||||||||||||
Cand oameni ca Jackson,sunt acuzati pe nedrept de persoane care nu vor decat bani,atentie,momentul lor de glorie ,bucuria victoriei este mult mai mare decat oricine isi poate imagina.Toti fanii care s-au adunat in fata tribunalului si au stat in fiecare zi,asteptand si rugandu-se in modul lor ca Michael sa fie achitat au descris un moment unic in timp.Pentru mai multe secunde,in timp ce acuzatiile erau citite o bucurie neasteptata ,rasete de fericire pura au inceput sa se auda. Ce am gandit cu totii,s-au ce ar fi trebuit sa gandim -s-a facut dreptate:inocenta ,moralitatea au invins in fata noastra,in acel moment,pe care il vom pretui si aminti mult timp de acum...In fata banilor,intereselor ,geloziei,prostiei omenesti.Toate mintile marunte care au crezut astfel de acuzatii ,care le-au sustinut dintr-un motiv,unul mai rusinos ca altul, au pierdut si asta in secolul 22 se intampla atat de rar.Nu a fost o victorie doar a comunitatii oamenilor de culoare,sau o victorie doar pentru fanii si pentru familia megastarului,a fost o victorie a tuturor care astepta ,de mult in van ,sa se faca dreptate,adevarul sa fie imbratisat de toata lumea,fara prejudectati si indoieli. Orice vor spune ,scrie sau arata de acum incolo posturile de televiziune,ziaristii si toti cei interesati de senzatie nu va mai avea puterea dinainte.Vor fi doar soapte ,spuse de oameni care nu stiu sa respecte si sa accepte o invingere. In toti acesti 10 ani am fost martori la atatea abuzuri verbale si nu numai , adresate faniilor si artistului,cuvinte dure,urate dar cel mai important .total nemeritate. Adevarul il stim cu toti..Ce a provocat si intretinut aceasta falcara ,aceasta nedreptate este diferenta uriasa care se naste intre oamenii atat de speciali ca megastarul din povestea noastra si persoanele marunte,gata de orice pentru bani,din egoism sau purtate de alte sentimente si dorinte 'inaltatoare'. Toti care am crezut in absolvirea lui Michael ,toti care am inteles intentiile murdare a familiei care l-a acuzat,a autoritatiilor,a ziarelor de scandal si nu numai.,putem acum sa ne mandrim,si trebuie sa o facem cu faptul ca oamenii dintr-o comunitate atat de mica precum cea unde a fost judecat megastarul au putut sa vada si sa accepte ceea ce de 10 ani nimeni altcineva nu vrea....Michael nu a facut nimic rau.sau a facut mult 'rau ' daca prin acest cuvant poti intelege a ajuta oamnenii,a-ti pasa de ultimile clipe ale unor copii nevinovati,a te implica in atatea activitati caritabile -nu numai donand bani,dar mult mai important pasandu-ti de ce se intampla azi,de ce se poate intampla maine cand nimanui nu-i pasa. Si ,daca o asemenea calitate nu era destul,Michael e inzestrat cu un talent incredibil.Toti care l-au vazut pe scena dansand,sau l-au auzit cantand , isi pot da seama singuri ca in lume sunt putine genii,putine persoane iesite cu totul din tiparele noastre,persoane care fac intr-adevar diferenta.Nu-ti trebuie ochelari ca sa vezi ca este o prapastie uriasa intre astfel de artisti si cei pe care ii numim noi artisti ,azi.staruri fabricate,fara personalitate ,interesate doar de aspectul fizic ,de bani,de faima. Unde este dreptatea?..nicaieri..Tocmai de astfel de oameni ne legam?!Dar cei care comit intr-adevar nedreptati,abuzuri?Am vazut vreodata astfel de persoane pedepsite de presa,de public,privite cu dispret?! Raspunsul este desigur ca nu.Cei care se ridica mai presus de ceilalti trebuie adusi la aceasi inaltime cu noi sau mai degraba pusi la pamant,ingropati.. Adevarul este ca oamenii ar trebui sa inceteze sa se teama sa recunoasca un erou atunci cand il vad...Sa inceteze sa manipuleze adevarul.Au uitat de adevaratele valori.Ziaristii s-au nascut din dorinta de a prezenta adevarul.Acum il trunchiaza sau il fabrica.Televiziunea ar fi trebuit sa ne prezinte eroi,oameni de exceptie-nu sa ii transchimbe pe acestia in niste imagini lipsite de adevar,sa le fure stralucirea. Cel mai important ,si ceea ce ne ramane,si pe care timpul nu le poate ucide pentru ca devin eterne sunt clipele si oamenii ca Michael,care ne fac sa privim viata altfel.Ii dau stralucire acestei calatorii in necunoscut,ne dovedesc ca viata merita traita cand o traiesti mai mult pentru altii decat pentru tine,cand daruiesti speranta si fericire celorlalti,cand eforturile tale nu sunt niciodata doar pentru tine,ci gandesti mereu la plural.Jackson danseaza ,canta si respira pentru copiii sai ,pentru familia sa ,pentru fanii sai,pentru toti aceia dintre noi care nu sunt atat de orgoliosi si concentrati asupra lor . Michael ,iti multumim ,si iti dorim tie si oamenilor ca tine la multe,multe alte clipe in care sa ne arati cum o persoana inocenta poate schimba si poate darui atat de multe... "Vorbind strict despre ea ,supravietuirea inseamna sa vezi lucrurile asa cum sunt si sa actionezi in conseinta.Inseamna sa traiesti deschis.Asta este inocenta.Este simpla si increzatoare ca un copil,nu ceva judicios si privit dintr-un punct de vedere limitat.Daca esti inchis intr-o forma de gandire si responsabilitate,creativitatea se blocheaza.Va este dor de prospetimea si vraja momentului.Invatati sa fiti din nou inocenti si prospetimea aceea nu va pieri niciodata." Inocenta(Dansand visul-Poeme si reflectii scrise de Michael Jackson) We're very pleased to have Jackson juror Melissa Herard joining us now. Juror #8. Welcome, Melissa Herard, thanks for being our guest online today. sfboys: what was it like being in the courtroom with michael for that long? was it odd to be in the presence of a superstar. At first it was a little intimidating. But after sitting there for all those months, he just was another person. I mean, he's human, like the rest of us. You know, I am impressed at how he sat there throughtout the whole trial. I could see him the whole time, he didn't do any of what people are saying, giving people the peace sign -- he didn't do any of that. He's just a regular person. He'd laught when we'd laugh, that broke some of the tension, and I think the judge realized that. CindyRilla: Melisa, do you find the 1109 evidence and witnesses were weak as well? not just weak. We were instructed specifically to look at the 1108 not for the truth of the matter. We were to look at that as wheter it established a pattern with MJ, as I called him in my notebooks, and that right there -- there was no pattern. We could not estabilish a pattern. This case was totally different from the 1993 accusations, so there was there that promoted a pattern. at: Do you think that it is fair to use the 1108 evidence in a current case? Well, I'm not to second guess Judge Melville. He did what he had to do as a judge. To me, do I think it was fair -- it made me personally ask more questions in my own mind. And I think that helped me along when we were in the deliberations. All of that -- there was more evidence from 1993 that there was this time, the 2003 case. LuvU2: What was it like seeing MJ in his Pajama Pants? No big deal for me -- my children have worn their PJs to school. That's a thing that they do around here. I wish I could wear my jammies. lookingglass72: I would like to know if the books and the mags layed a part in their decision or how they viewed them. It was testimony that he received a lot of things from people from around the world, from fans, and he's a packrat, he keeps everything, you could see it in the pictures and stuff they showed as evidence from his room and all the stuff that's kept there. None of those items are illegal to have, and he wasn't charged with showing the accusers pornography. And out of 21,000 pages of fingerprints, not one of them could put them together in the same room, because there was testimony that the accuser was caught looked at the magazines without Michael Jackson being present. Out of all of these pages, they only found fingerprints on several, so who's to say that he even looked at most of that stuff. JurySupporter: What did you think of the Macaulay Culkin testimony? I think he was great -- he was relaxed, he was forward, he didn't hesitate on any of his answers. I truly believed him. The person who testified that he saw Jackson do something with Macauley -- think about it -- if I saw somebody doing something like that, I would definitely turn them in. But these people were so nervous about losing their jobs, so they didn't -- but they only made minimum wage, c'mon. And all of them from 1993 ended up suiing Michael Jackson, and he's the one who ended up winning the cases. And he still hasn't gone after them for the million dollars he was awarded. Genaro: Why wasn't the boy deemed credible? Well, it wasn't that he wasn't deemed credible, it was just that there were too many inconsistences in his story. It just didn't fit into that whole picture. JurySupporter: Now that you have access to the media, are you surprised by any of it? Oh, definitely. I couldn't imagine having them follow you and stick microphones in your face -- I couldn't live with that every day. nature: Has the after-verdict attention from the world been difficult for you? I left my family for two days and flews to New York, and it's still continuing on. I'll be on Larry King tomorrow night, and hopefully after that, it will all die down, because I'm getting ready to move and it would be nice to just leave it all behind. justice4all05: How has the community received you and other jurors since your verdict? It's great -- because the people that I know wanted to know how everything went, and they totally believe in me -- they know I was there and they totally trust me to do the right thing. I've had strangers come up to me and thank me, for doing such a fine job -- and I didn't even know them. I haven't had one persone come up to me and be negative to me. JurySupporter: Melissa, great job! Did you at any point, think there would be guilty verdicts and if so, on what charges? There were some trying times in there, but we all had to remember that in this country, you're innocent until proven guilty. But we went through all the evidence and came to a unanimous conclusion that he wasn't guilty. Athena: Do you believe it possible that Jason Francia's admission was coerced by police? I don't know what to say on that -- it was very emotional when he was testifying. It just didn't fit in -- and again, as far as his testimony was concerned, we were not to look at it to consider the truth of the matter, just a pattern -- and the pattern just wasn't there. nature: Melissa: did your knowledge of sexual abuse give you insight into the young accuser's credibility? No, I can't say that the past experiences that I had had anything to do with it because mine had to do with girls not boys, so there could be a difference about the way they come forward. His testimony just was not consistent. JERRY: Hi Melissa, I believe that the jury that you sat on mirrored the OJ Simpson jury. The Simpson jury made the whole trial about Furhman and the jury you sat on made the whole trila about the kids mother. I thought that was very unfair of the jury. First off, just because she was aggressive in her testimony does not mean that it blew the whole case. We didn't put it like that. It wasn't just the mother's testimony -- that's why we were there so long. We rewieved testimonty, videos, and we all talked it out because we all had our own facts in our notes. No, it wasn't just based on the mother. I think that people need to understand that the mother had nothing to do with the molestation part. I feel sorry for the family. I don't dislike them, because I don't know them, but in this case, there was nothing found, so we had to go on that. Bubblegum: Melissa...why no conviction on the alcohol? At least? Those charges, since we found MJ not guilty on the administering of an intoxicating agent for a felony, we were given a choice of finding him guilty or not guilty on a misdemeanor charge. And not once was there testimony throughout the whole trial that MJ either gave them alcohol. There Was testimony by some of the security personnel that some of the boys were caught with alcohol. And I feel there is a lot of reasonable doubt there -- so we had to do what we had to do. Mystie: Hi Melissa: What was the tension level like in the deliberation room? I don't know how to put it. We all had gotten very close and when we were in the deliberating room, at some times it was really tense but when we had our ten minutes breaks, we could still get up, hug each other, and go outside and have our breaks, eat lunch together, and get back to work. novelidea: To Melissa: How do you feel when interviewers challenge you rahter harshly about your decision because they didn't agree with it? That's okay, because this is America, and everybody can believe what they want. It doesn't affect me, because I believe we did the right thing on what we were instructed to do, and I stand by that. They weren't in there. treebabi: are you writing a book? LOL. You know, we're instructed that we're not allowed to for 90 days, so we'll just have to wait and see. JurySupporter: How did the jury react to the personalities of the lawyers? Did you find some of them to be more effective than others? I personally believed that both sides did a phenomenal job. Some lawyers were more interesting than others, but they both did a great job, especially the prosecution, considering who they had to work with. I could see them struggling some. at: Has you life changed? Yeah. I think it has. Sitting there for those months has actually made me try not to judge people for what they appear like, but to really stop and listen. My family has always been important, but it's made me realize it even more. I'm moving away, but my oldest three children will be stayin in the area. JUSTICE: Hi Melissa. Did you ever see the MJ fans and could you hear them outside while you were in the jury room? You could hear just a teeny bit. We couldn't hear any words spoken. When we took our breaks we could hear them outside, and we saw them in the morning, when we came in - the bikini lady - but it didn't affect anything. janena: I would like to know how you felt about the testimony of Debbie Rowe, she was called by the pros, but ended up making favorable statements for the defence, were you surprised about that? Not really. From looking at the way she looked at Michael. I wouldn't expect her to tear him down. He is the father of her children too. Ty: Hi. Did you feel the press was really hard on MJ? As I'm looking back on some of the things that were going on at the time, because we weren't allowed to look at it during the trial, yes, I asked myself were they in the same courtroom as I was. What's funny, it's more like thay had their own personal opinion and they left out a lot of the stuff that would show the other side, because the more sensationalized it is, the more papers they would sell. So yes, they were biased, most of them. justice4all05: Hi Melissa, can you tell us if any of the jurors admitted to watching Jay Leno during the trial? It was reported that the judge made a joke the next day and all of the jurors laughed like they knew he was talking about. You know, i didn't watch Jay Leno, so when they started laughing, I started laughing. JurySupporter: What were the results of the first vote taken by the jury? It depended on what count. We had three options, we did guilty, not guilty, or question. It was different on different charges. We had to have a place to start. And then we just went on from there. After: Melissa, did you think it was appropriate for Cococoz to attend that Jackson party? And did you go? It wasn't me. But yes, there's no crime in that. They gave out bracelets to anyone who went to the gate. I'd like to ask you a question: I want to know, if people are so upset about the juror going to the party that Michael Jackson did not put on, but his family put on: would they be upset that I have Michael Jackson CDs or go buy a new one? Because when I was questioned to be put on this jury, I let them know that I grew up in Detroit, with Michael Jackson's music, so am I bad for listening to his music? They need to understand that Michael Jackson and his music are totally separate from what was happening in that courtroom. gcf1172: Did the jury believe that mj was infact a child molester that the prosecution just couldn't prove it in this case? Mystie: Three jurors were mentioned as believing Michael Jackson had molested before. Were you one of them? No, I wasn't one of them. i think everybody is entitled to their own opinion. Amber: At any time during the trial, did you ever find yourself wondering why the DA forwarded this legal action? Well, I think that I really haven't had time to think about that one, I'll have to get back to you on that one! Blizzard: What did you think when the Mother said she saw Jackson lick her son's head and did nothing about it? At that time, when she testified to that, she seemed so dramatic, and it was like, over the top, and being a mother myself, if I saw someone licking my child's head, I wouldn't just keep it in my head, I would go over and do something about it. Her excuse was that she just thought she was seeing things -- does she see a lot of things? It was just too much over the top. It would be strange that everybody was sleeping on a private jet - I flew on a private jet (after the case) and we had two stewards, and they didn't sit down the whole time. And they had twice as many people on the plane, so I don't see how they could have been sitting down at all. It just didn't add up. sfboys: Have you read about anything that was kept from the jury durign the case? Would anything have changed the way you feel about the outcome? Or does it just solidify your decision. Actually, a lot of things I head would have solidified our action -- but I probably haven't heard everything. Any closing thoughts? I'd just like to thank everybody to take the time to listen to the TRUE story. Our American justice system does worlk, and people have to remember that people are innocent until proven guilty BEYOND a reasonable doubt. Thank you. Thank you! |
|||||||||||||
Michael Jackson's Attorney Speaks Out About Trial LARRY KING, HOST: Tonight, a prime-time exclusive: Michael Jackson's defense lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, how he won yesterday's total victory in Jackson's child molestation trial. How Michael is really doing right now and more. Thomas Mesereau for the hour with your phone calls, a prime time exclusive next on LARRY KING LIVE. He comes to us from Santa Maria, California, his great victory there yesterday, a shutout victory. By the way, Tom, on your skills on cross-examination, Loyola law professor Lauri Levenson said she's the best she's ever seen. Is that an art or a science? THOMAS MESEREAU, MICHAEL JACKSON'S LAWYER: It's really an art, Larry. And I'm very flattered by the comment. I don't know if it's well deserved, but it is an art. It's something that you're always learning about, you never completely master. And you have to always be open-minded about how to do it. KING: How did you get this case? MESEREAU: I had known Randy Jackson for many years. Initially, when the search of Neverland took place, I did get a call about flying to Las Vegas to meet Michael Jackson. I could not do it then. I was tied up in the Robert Blake case, getting ready for trial and, eventually, I had a falling out with Mr. Blake. And about three months after that, I got another call to fly to Florida and meet Michael, and one thing led to another. KING: Is -- is it common in criminal cases for lawyers to be switched, like Blake drops you, you go somewhere else? MESEREAU: I don't know if it's common, but you know, the criminal defense business is a very tense, high stakes business, and clients do get very upset at times. They're very vulnerable emotionally, and changes do happen from time to time. KING: Did you work with Jackson's preceding lawyers? MESEREAU: A little bit. Mark Geragos was very gracious and very professional at all times. I've known him for a long time. He's a very, very decent and very, very skilled lawyer. And he was very helpful in the transition. KING: You said that you were not surprised by the verdict, meaning you were confident. But most lawyers say never predict a jury. Never be confident. Explain. MESEREAU: I was confident. I thought that we had really destroyed their case very effectively on cross examination, and I thought we had called a lot of very effective witnesses in our case. And I thought when you put that whole package together, they were going to have trouble. KING: How do you psychologically prepare a client for something like -- like for example, do you make him aware that he might be in jail that night? Do you discuss that at all, or do you only go the positive routes? MESEREAU: It depends on the client, Larry. You have to be candid with your client. You have to explain the possibilities and the options without sounding defeatist. And at no time did I ever take a defeatist attitude with Michael Jackson, because I always thought we'd win this case. KING: What kind of client was he? MESEREAU: He's a wonderful client. He's one of the easiest clients to deal with that I've ever experienced. He's very kind. He's very gentle. He's very cooperative. He's a very, very honorable, decent person. And I thoroughly enjoyed representing him, and I consider him a friend. KING: Was there any thought of him taking the stand? MESEREAU: Yes, there was. When I gave my opening statement, I intended to put him on the stand, and he intended to testify. As the case developed, it became very clear to me that he didn't have to. We had cross-examined very effectively. We had shown the jury a videotape of a two hour and 45-minute interview with Michael Jackson, where he explained his life and his philosophy of music and living and his experiences growing up. And when we put all that together, we decided there was nothing really to be achieved by it. KING: Was there ever a point, Tom, where you were, during this, down? MESEREAU: You know, Larry, it's interesting. All trials have ups and downs. And all trials have surprises. But in this case, I felt that we were very aggressive from the opening bell, in our opening statement, in our cross examination of their initial witnesses. And our plan was to be extremely aggressive and put them on the defensive as quickly as possible. And I think we achieved that. So, we had a lot of good days in this trial, particularly in their case, and particularly in our case. And I was always confident. KING: There were some who were saying the prosecution was obsessed with Michael Jackson. Do you share that view? MESEREAU: Yes, I do. I share it completely. I think they were not objective about this case. They were not objective about their witnesses. They were not objective about the theories they tried to prove, which were unprovable, because they were false. And I think their obsession really hurt them. KING: You think it goes back to the settlement years back? MESEREAU: I don't know where it began, Larry. It would appear around that time there developed an obsession about Michael Jackson in this prosecuting agency, but, clearly they were not being objective when they put this case together. KING: Now, why, Tom? I mean, they had people come to them. They had a lady come to them, the son telling them stories. They had other people who were witnesses. Why did they make a mistake in going ahead with this? MESEREAU: Well, first of all, they never thoroughly investigated the accusers and the accuser's family, in my opinion. And if you look at the early interviews with the accusers, you'll see the police basically accepting their story before they even investigated who they are. It was really us that found all the problems with these witnesses, what their history, with their backgrounds. The prosecution almost turned a blind eye to what was really going on. And I think even in the middle of the trial, they were trying to deny reality, and it caught up with them. KING: How big a factor was Macaulay Culkin? MESEREAU: He was a big factor. He was a wonderful witness for Michael Jackson. And I will always have tremendous respect for Macaulay Culkin. He's on top of the world. He didn't have to go to bat for his friend. And he did it anyway. And there never was any doubt that he was going to come and testify. He always said, "I want to be there. I want to help Michael Jackson, and I want to tell the truth." He was a big factor, and he was a man of really strong character. KING: Do you like to talk to jurors after trial, win or lose? MESEREAU: I do. I haven't had the opportunity to do it here, but, yes, I do. You always learn things from jurors. And I've never had the privilege to be a juror myself. So -- and I've always liked to have the opportunity, but I never did. I always get bumped off when I get called for jury duty. KING: I would imagine. We had one of the -- we had the foremen on last night. We also had one of the jurors who said he believed that Michael Jackson was or is a pedophile. It's just that this prosecution didn't prove this case. How do you react to a statement like that? MESEREAU: Well, I think he's wrong. Michael Jackson is not a pedophile. He's never been a pedophile. The prosecution has spent years trying to put together a story which they hoped they could prove and failed to prove. Michael Jackson is not a pedophile. He's never molested a child, nor would he ever even conceive of doing such a thing. KING: So these were concocted stories? MESEREAU: Well, certainly, they were concocted by the main accusers, and certainly, the prosecution tried to create the impression that other people were molested. And they all came in and said they weren't. KING: The amazing thing, though, is when you have a guy who's certainly different from the norm, an older -- a man who sleeps with boys, to get a jury, as my friend Edward Bennett Williams used to say, what you have with a jury is to get the jury to put themselves in your client's shoes. If the jury can put themselves in your client's shoes, you win. How does someone put themselves in Michael Jackson's shoes? MESEREAU: Well, first of all, Larry, this notion that he sleeps with boys was a concoction by the prosecution. What he said very openly was that he allows families into his room. Now, his room is the size of a duplex. It's two levels. He's had mothers sleep there, fathers sleep there, sisters sleep there, brothers sleep there. The prosecution concocted this little saying about sleeping with boys, because they thought it would turn off the jury, and they failed. But yes, we did have to explain who Michael Jackson was to the jury, that he's a very creative spirit, a very gentle soul, a brilliant musician, a brilliant choreographer, and a very sensitive person who's very concerned about the world and the problems in the world. And he has a very childlike spirit and essence to him, and he attracts children all over the world. We did have to explain who he was. But this is a country which prides itself on diversity, on the freedom to be who you are. And we never diverted our attention from who Michael was. We never tried to make him look like anything but himself. He never tried to dress differently for the courtroom. Our whole intention is to show who Michael is and be proud of it and embrace it. KING: We'll be right back with more of Thomas Mesereau, Michael Jackson's very successful defense attorney. We'll have more questions. We'll take your calls, as well. He's with us for the full program. Don't go away. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) THOMAS SNEDDON, SANTA BARBARA COUNTY D.A.: When a victim comes in, the victim tells you they've been victimized, and you believe that and you believe that the evidence supports that, you don't look at their pedigree. We look at what we think is what's right. You do the right things for the right reasons. If it doesn't work out, that's why we have a jury system. But we did the right thing for the right reasons. (END VIDEO CLIP) (COMMERCIAL BREAK) KING: Thomas Mesereau is our special guest. What's it like in your gut? Now, you can be as confident as you wish, but when they walk in, before those words are uttered, what goes through you? MESEREAU: You know, Larry, it's a very tense, uncomfortable moment. You never really get used to it. Your heart skips a few beats. And it's something that I never look forward to, in a sense, because it's never easy. KING: Did you, at all, clutch Jackson's arm or he your arm? MESEREAU: Yes. When the verdicts were being read, I did grab Michael's hand. And he seemed to appreciate it. I wanted to show him my support. And I also wanted to send the message, "We are winning this case." KING: What did he say to you when all 10 counts were read? MESEREAU: He said the word, "Thank you, thank you, thank you." His first reaction was gratitude. Gratitude to God, gratitude to his defense team. Gratitude to his family and friends. That's really all he said. KING: And that's the joy of a criminal defense lawyer, right? MESEREAU: You bet. KING: What happened -- he posted bail, did he not? Is that returned immediately? How is his -- what, did he take a lien on the house? How is that done? MESEREAU: Well, that was done early in the case. It was done, actually, before I was -- appeared on the case as council of record. And bail was posted by a bail bondsman. It was secured by property. KING: And is that then torn up immediately? MESEREAU: Yes, yes. When he was acquitted, the provision was made for bail to be revoked, and he moves on and he's free. KING: When your friend, Mark Geragos, who was on this program last week, he was highly critical of pundits, television pundits, 24 hour news, round-the-clock people knocking, making forecasts. He was even giving thought that maybe the British system of not allowing coverage of trials is better. What are your thoughts about pundits? MESEREAU: By the way, I used the word "revoked." Bail was exonerated, not revoked. KING: Good. MESEREAU: I share Mark Geragos' comments. I think that we have developed an industry of would-be experts who are not professional, who are not experienced, who are very amateurish about their comments about what's going on in courtrooms and who are willing to give opinions when they're not even there. And I think it has become the theater of the absurd, and I think it reached its lowest level in this case. KING: What was it like for you to -- you weren't under an order not to watch it. What was it like to watch it? MESEREAU: Well, I didn't watch it that often, Larry. I was too busy working on the case. KING: But you knew it was going on? MESEREAU: I knew a lot of it was going on. When I would take a break in my apartment while I was preparing, I would turn on the TV set. And a lot of it was appalling: the factual inaccuracies, the obvious bias among people like Court TV, who I felt was really an arm of the prosecution through this case. It was very amateurish and very unprofessional and very disturbing. KING: Would you say it is -- it is hard or impossible to predict an outcome of a trial you didn't attend? MESEREAU: It's very hard, because you don't know the chemistry of the courtroom. You're not watching the interaction between the witnesses and the jury and the judge and both sides. There's just so much that you miss if you're not there. And plus, how do you compress, you know, six to eight hours of testimony into a sound bite? You can't possibly be accurate. KING: What about the British system? Once an arrest is made, no coverage? MESEREAU: Well, there's certainly a lot to be said for that. I frankly like freedom of the press. But it's reaching an absurd state when it comes to trials in America. We are obsessed with celebrity trials. It's become an industry of pundits who really are trying to be movie stars and not real legal experts. And it's just -- it just reached the bottom of the barrel in this case. Fortunately, the jury was not affected. They did the right thing. KING: The prosecutor, Mr. Sneddon, said that there is celebrity justice, like in California. Blake is an example. This is an example, O.J. How do you react? MESEREAU: That's sour grapes on his part. I'll tell you what celebrity injustice was in this case. It was sending 70 sheriffs to raid Michael Jackson's home in a search. It was putting more experts, more sheriffs and more investigators on this case than they do with serial killers. That's what I call celebrity injustice. So in a sense, he's correct; he just is looking at it the wrong way. KING: Does... MESEREAU: Michael Jackson was treated differently because he was a celebrity. KING: Does, though, a celebrity have an edge in that we can assume going in most of the people like them? MESEREAU: I don't consider that necessarily an edge. I think that jurors tend to be very mindful that they're not supposed to treat celebrities differently, and they might even go -- bend over backwards to make sure they don't do that. So, there's a lot of injustice that's directed at celebrities. They're bigger targets for prosecutors. They're bigger targets for sheriffs and police officers. They're bigger targets for people who want fame and fortune. KING: What do you make of -- what's your assessment of the performance of the prosecution in the courtroom? MESEREAU: They were extremely aggressive and extremely prepared and very determined. I think their biggest problem was they were not objective about their case. They believed things they wanted to believe. They tried to prove theories that were absurd. And they tried to demonize Michael Jackson in a way which looked absolutely ridiculous when you really took a close look at the evidence. And they went way over the edge, and it hurt them. KING: Weren't you very concerned, though, when that tape was allowed in at the end? MESEREAU: I was concerned. I didn't think there was a legal basis for it. But after looking at it a second time and realizing how many conflicting statements this accuser had made in that interview and how that interview showed the police officer was willing to accept his story before he even investigated the case, the more I looked at it, the more I thought it would probably help us. And based on some of the juror's comments, it did help us. KING: Emotionally, is it hard to press when you cross-examine an accuser, a young accuser, a mother? MESEREAU: Well, you have to gauge your cross-examination to the witness. You don't want to look like a bully. You don't want to look like you're -- you're really taking advantage of your position. However, you have to adjust, depending on the personality in front of you. Some young kids are -- have a level of maturity that's extremely high. And as Chris Tucker said about the accuser, he was very cunning and very smart. We had to take all of that into account and factor our cross-examination accordingly. And I think you also want a cross-examination -- you want to cross-examine at different speeds with different tones, and you want to do whatever you think will be effective for that particular witness. KING: We'll be right back with more of Thomas Mesereau. We'll be including your phone calls. Tomorrow night, Jermaine and Tito Jackson, Michael's brothers, will be our special guests. And Thursday night, a very special hour with a very special man, Reverend Billy Graham. We'll be right back. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) SNEDDON: We believed in the child. We believed in the case and we believed that there was sufficient corroboration for what the children said occurred. And so, whether it be Michael Jackson, or John Smith, or whoever it may be, this is the kind of case that a sheriff investigates. The sheriff believed in this case, and their detectives believed in this case, and we believed in this case. And like I said, I'm not going to apologize for what we do. (END VIDEO CLIP) KING: I guess, Tom Mesereau, the jury didn't agree? MESEREAU: They certainly didn't. Michael Jackson was acquitted of every felony count and every misdemeanor count. It was a clean sweep. KING: Did you expect any -- did you have any worries about some of the misdemeanor counts? MESEREAU: I really didn't, because to convict him of any of the misdemeanor counts, you had to believe the accuser beyond a reasonable doubt. And that was not going to happen, in my opinion. KING: So, even as small a thing as serving liquor without any intention for sex was turned down as well by the jury? MESEREAU: They were completely turned down by the jury. They did not believe these accusers. They did not believe any of these -- this family's testimony on any significant level. KING: Would you like cameras in the courtroom? MESEREAU: You know, I have mixed feelings about it. I'm glad there were not cameras in this particular courtroom. I think it would have created more of a circus-type environment than existed outside the courtroom, already. I like the idea of the public seeing what goes on in courts, because we're supposed to conduct public trials. But I think given the media's repeated attempts to make a circus- liken environment out of criminal trials, I'm beginning to change my opinion of that, and maybe they don't belong in courtrooms. KING: Do you like gag orders? MESEREAU: I don't particularly like them. I think in this case, it worked very well. I think the temptation among lawyers and prosecutors to become movie stars, and essentially promote themselves on camera is something that's got to be avoided, if we're going to have justice in our criminal justice system. KING: Mr. Mark Geragos a good witness for you? MESEREAU: He was an excellent witness. He was a very, very honest witness. He really spoke for his client. He explained, very simply and very carefully and honestly, what he had done to surveil this family because of his suspicions. And he really did go to bat for his client. KING: There were some Jackson supporters concerned over the fact there was no black on the jury -- composite of that community, of course. There was a black alternate. Were you concerned about the race issue? MESEREAU: Well, certainly Michael Jackson is part of a very prominent African-American family and initially, we did hope there would be some African-American representation on the jury. But once the jury was picked, I always had a good feeling about this jury. I always felt they were very independent-minded. Nobody was going to intimidate them. They were going to take their job very seriously and be very fair. And I was correct. KING: Do you like jurors who take notes? MESEREAU: I don't know how to answer that, Larry. I think note-taking is an indication that someone is paying attention and very concerned about their job. But on the other hand, you can also be paying attention and absorbing what's going on without taking notes. So, I don't really know how to answer that question. KING: All right. When the jury asked a couple of questions of the judge, they were not revealed to the press or the public. Were you concerned about any of that? Anything you can tell us about what they asked? MESEREAU: You know, I really don't want to reveal that. I don't know if Judge Melville has unsealed those questions, or not. So, at this point, I'd rather not discuss that. KING: Were you concerned by any of them, without telling us what they were? MESEREAU: I was not concerned. I was actually encouraged by them. KING: So, when you heard the question, that furthered your confidence? MESEREAU: Yes, it did. KING: How well did the judge do? MESEREAU: The judge was an outstanding jurist. I think all judges in America should learn a lesson from the way Judge Melville conducted this trial. He was determined, from day one, that this was not going to get out of control. He was determined that justice was going to be done in and outside that courtroom. He employed some very creative procedures to make sure that order was kept throughout the trial. He did a masterful job and I have total respect for Judge Melville and his wonderful staff. KING: Even though he got mad at you a few times? MESEREAU: Yes, he did, but he got mad at the prosecution, also. He was very fair-minded. KING: That's all you want, right? balance and fair? MESEREAU: That's, I think, the most we can expect, and we had it with Judge Melville. He's an outstanding judge. KING: We'll be right back with more a Thomas Mesereau. We'll be including your phone calls on this edition of LARRY KING LIVE. Don't go away. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: ... The mother, when she looked at me and snapped her fingers a few times, and she says, "You know how our culture is," and winks at me. I thought, "No, that's not the way our culture is." UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: As a mother to -- the values and stuff that she has taught them and they've learned -- and that is really hard for me to comprehend, you know, because I wouldn't want any of my children to lie for their own gain. (END VIDEO CLIP) (COMMERCIAL BREAK) KING: We're back with Thomas Mesereau. We certainly thank him for giving us this time tonight, exclusively. Let's take a few calls. Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the victorious defense attorney. Hello. CALLER: Hi. Um, Mr -- hi, Larry. KING: Hi. CALLER: Mr. Mesereau, do you have any idea when Michael might make a statement? MESEREAU: You know, I really don't. I have not talked to him about that. Michael is going to have to go through a period of physical recovery. He's exhausted. He was not sleeping. He was not eating. It was a very, very traumatic experience for him and it's going to take a while for him to recover. I don't anticipate his making a statement very soon, but I suppose it's possible. But I have not discussed it with him. KING: You then would not recommend any immediate in-depth interview? MESEREAU: I really would not. I think Michael needs to spend time with his children and his family. He needs to savor his victory. He's a very, very grateful, very spiritual person. I think he would like to be left alone, and would like to heal and mend and move forward. KING: They all took off in their cars back to Neverland. Where did you go right after the verdict? MESEREAU: After the verdict, we went to see Judge Melville and his staff to thank them for their very professional behavior towards all of us and then we went to Neverland as well. KING: Indiana, Pennsylvania, hello. CALLER: Hello. My hats off to you, Larry, for your fairness during this thing and to you, Mr. Mesereau. My question is, the media has branded Michael Jackson as a freak and pedophile. How can he recover as the consummate talent he is? KING: Good question. MESEREAU: Well, I think he can recover because Michael is a very resilient person. Yes, he has been a target for many years. He's been maligned. He's been scandalized, but he's also one of the world's greatest artists and one of the world's greatest talents and also one of the world's greatest humanitarians and Michael has all the tools and the skills and the support to recover and go forward and do very well. KING: Do you expect him to return to the stage? MESEREAU: Larry, I'm not an expert on the music industry or the entertainment business, but I know Michael is an artist. He's a creative soul. You can't stifle his creativity and I would not be surprised if he makes a rebound and does it very effectively. KING: Was the family easy to deal with for you? They're such a tight-knit group. MESEREAU: The family was lovely to deal with. They're very, very wonderful people. They were all very supportive of Michael. There were a lot of rumors about dissension that were not true. They were a joy to deal with, a very lovely family. KING: What happened to Raymone Bain? MESEREAU: Well, you know, I worked with Raymone for many months. We worked very effectively together. We had a few differences towards the end, but that happens in big cases, but I have a lot of respect for Raymone, and always enjoyed seeing her and working with her. KING: Why let her out that late in the case, though? MESEREAU: You know, there's some confidential reasons why we had some differences at the end, but they're really insignificant. The fact of the matter is we were a team and we won and she did a very fine job. KING: There's the famous tape of you apparently having an argument with, I guess, Brian Oxman and there was strong -- of course, correspondents went nuts with that tumult in the Jackson defense. What was that about? MESEREAU: I'm not going to talk about that, Larry. I think that's a matter of confidence. Brian was a very hard worker. He has known the Jacksons for a long time. He has given them very effective representation in many areas. We had differences. It happens in big cases when the stakes are high. KING: None of our business? MESEREAU: That's correct. KING: You have said that Michael was a victim of bad advice in the past, that settling past molestation claims led to greed begetting greed. Are you saying he shouldn't have settled anything? MESEREAU: That's correct. I think, looking backwards -- you know, we can all be Monday-morning quarterbacks in life and change things we've done, but I think if Michael could go back, he would never have settled those cases. He would've fought them to the end and the message would have got out, don't make false claims against Michael Jackson or you're going to trial. KING: Oxman still represents -- he told Paula Zahn -- he still represents the family, right? MESEREAU: That's my understanding. I have not talked to Brian since he left the defense team. KING: Are you concerned there might be civil suits against Michael after this? Or does this wash that out? MESEREAU: Well, I think it would be crazy to file a civil suit against Michael, given what happened in this trial. It's always possible. But, if it's done, he will fight it until the end and he will win. KING: His ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, was called by the state. She appeared to help the defense. Do you agree? MESEREAU: Yes, I do. She helped us a lot. KING: Why, then, was she called? MESEREAU: You'll have to ask the prosecutors about that. They wined and dined her at a local restaurant the night before. From what I understand, a lot of pressure was put on her to say what they wanted her to say. When she got on the witness stand, she told the truth and she explained who Michael was and was very effective for us. KING: Anyone you called you regretted? MESEREAU: Not really, Larry. You know, there were a couple of witnesses that didn't pan out exactly as we had hoped, but we did pretty well. We put on a very strong defense after, I think very effectively cross-examining their witnesses. So, we had an extraordinarily large number of good days in this trial. KING: Sometimes defendants are a very important part of their case, sometimes not. Was Michael very involved in the defense? MESEREAU: Yes, he was, but Michael is an artist. He's a musician. He's not a criminal defense lawyer and he was very willing to listen and to do what he was advised was the correct thing, and he was actually a joy to work with. KING: So, in other words, if you had told him, Michael, I think you should take the stand, he would have? MESEREAU: He absolutely would have. In fact, he expected to. KING: We'll be back with more, and more phone calls for Thomas Mesereau on this edition of LARRY KING LIVE. Don't go away. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) KING: We're back with Thomas Mesereau. Let's take another call. Glenolden, Pennsylvania, hello. CALLER: Hello, Larry. I'd like to ask Mr. Mesereau if there's a possibility that a malicious prosecution case be filed against the D.A.'s office of Santa Barbara and Mr. Tom Sneddon? MESEREAU: I think it would be warranted but I have not discussed it with Michael Jackson. We just got the verdict, you know, recently. He's now recovering. Nobody has really discussed that issue. But if you ask me... KING: But you think it was malicious? MESEREAU: I do. I think that he was treated in a way that no one else would've been similarly treated. It was because he was a mega-celebrity. Why 70 sheriffs searching Neverland Ranch, based upon what this accuser and his family said, before they'd even investigated the background of the accuser and his family? KING: So, you're saying, if he wanted to, he could bring a malicious prosecution suit, and be successful? MESEREAU: I don't -- I'm not going to say right now what the merits or demerits of the suit would be. That would have to be explored. But do I think this was done maliciously and unfairly? Absolutely. KING: You had a tragedy happen to you during this trial. Your sister died of lung cancer, right? MESEREAU: That's correct. KING: How did that affect this whole thing for you, I mean, emotionally? MESEREAU: Well, it was very difficult emotionally. It happened right as the trial was beginning. Judge Melville gave me some time to handle the funeral and all the things related to that. It was very difficult, but I will say that one of her last messages to me was that she thought we were going to win. And I thought about her throughout the trial, yes. KING: How old was she? MESEREAU: She was 53. KING: She smoked? MESEREAU: Yes, she did. She smoked from the time she was 13, and, unfortunately, it took a toll. KING: Was Michael compassionate about that death? MESEREAU: Michael was not only compassionate; he sent her the most beautiful, the largest bouquet of flowers you've ever seen. He wrote a little poem for her. It came from he and his children. And it was one of the most meaningful and most wonderful things that he could have done for her during her final days. KING: How does he interact with his kids? MESEREAU: Beautifully. He loves his children. They love him. He spends a lot of time with them. He is a loving, doting, caring father. And his children just adore him. KING: Are they well mannered? MESEREAU: Yes, they are. They're wonderful children. I was with them yesterday. KING: When you were doing your pre-trial questioning of Michael, when you have to get into a lot of subjects that are not everyday table conversation, was that hard? When you have to ask your own client, did you do this to this boy? MESEREAU: I'm not going to go into the questions I asked Michael; they're privileged and confidential. KING: Of course, but were they difficult for you? MESEREAU: Frankly, no, because the more I got to know Michael Jackson and the more ridiculous I realized these charges were, and the more of a gentle, charitable, kind-hearted, decent person he is, the less difficulty there was. I mean, he always was a very straightforward, honest, down-to-Earth person to deal with. And the Michael Jackson that I know doesn't even come close to the Michael Jackson they tried to portray. KING: And when you asked... MESEREAU: So he was an easy person to deal with. KING: And when you asked him questions, he answered you directly? MESEREAU: Of course he did. He's very honest and he's very down-to-Earth. If you look at the few interviews he has done, you see a very, very simple, down-to-Earth person who is very honest about who he is, honest about his loneliness, honest about his childhood. He is a very, very decent, kind person and easy to deal with. KING: And trusting? MESEREAU: Too trusting. That's been his downfall. He has trusted the wrong people. He has felt sorry for the wrong people. He has tried to heal the wrong people. And they have turned on him and tried to take advantage of him through the legal system. KING: Will he be tougher? MESEREAU: Yes, he will. We've already had a talk about that. He will, for sure. This was a horrible experience for him, and he's not going to allow people to just run wild through his home, and -- because he feels sorry for them and wants to take care of them and wants to heal them. He has to get much firmer and he will. KING: You said earlier, you let him be him. You didn't tell him what to wear or anything, but the pajama incident that got a lot of press, did that bother you? MESEREAU: Well, but that was not something anybody planned. He had to go to the hospital. He expected to be there for a short period of time. Judge Melville took a very firm position, which he had the right to do, and said, get him here quickly or he was going to issue a bench warrant. So Michael had to run right from the hospital to the courthouse. He complied with Judge Melville's order. That was not something anybody planned or wanted. It just happened. KING: You think it was much ado about nothing? (CROSSTALK) MESEREAU: I agree. Absolutely. KING: So, therefore, you didn't deal with you telling him how to act in court? Sit up, sit this way, do this, do that, wear this, wear that? MESEREAU: No. I wanted Michael Jackson to be who Michael Jackson is. And you know, jurors are smart. They're intuitive. They're instinctive. They know what they're being asked to do to somebody at the counsel table. And you don't want to have your client to do something that is phony or unrealistic. I wanted Michael Jackson to be exactly who he was and is, and be proud of it, and that's what he did. There was nothing phony about our side of the table. There was a lot that was phony about the prosecution's side of the table. KING: Phony? MESEREAU: Yes. KING: Meaning they knew they were doing something that wasn't right? MESEREAU: I don't see how they could not have known that. Look at their conspiracy theory, for example. They were trying to say that Michael Jackson had a financial motive to essentially abduct a family and ship them to Brazil. It was the most ridiculous theory I have ever heard of. I don't know how they did it with a straight face. And it backfired on them, as it should have. KING: We'll be back with more of Thomas Mesereau, some more phone calls, too, on this very interesting hour of LARRY KING LIVE. Don't go away. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) KING: We're back. You mentioned earlier how you boosted your client and always tried to be optimistic. But do you have to give -- do you have to talk at all about the possibility of a guilty verdict, tell him what might happen to him? Deal with what might happen? MESEREAU: Well, Larry, you have to be honest with your client at all times. You do have ethical and professional obligations to explain the situation the client is in, but at the same time, you know, if you really believe in your case and you really are optimistic about your chances, you also have to convey that as well. And I was always optimistic about this case once I learned about it, because the more you looked into who these accusers were and who the witnesses the prosecution was going to call were, the more ridiculous everything looked. KING: So, there was no reason to say, Michael, be prepared, you might be in jail tonight? MESEREAU: Well, you never know what a jury is going to do. You don't know those 12 people. They're not personal friends of yours. You don't know what makes them tick. But I always had a good feeling about this jury. I always felt that our case was going in very well. And I always thought the truth would prevail. And I really felt that these jurors were very independent-minded, that nobody was going to push them around, they were going to follow the law and do what's right. KING: Tempe, Arizona, for Tom Mesereau. Hello. CALLER: Hello, Larry, I love your show. KING: Thank you. CALLER: My question is, how do you think the media coverage affected this case, Mr. Mesereau? KING: Yeah. Did it? MESEREAU: Well, ultimately, we had the right result. Justice was served. An innocent man walked free. So, I can't say that, in the long run, the media had the damaging effect that I was worried about at certain points in the trial. The problem I have with the media was they tried to turn it into a circus. They tried to pursue biases and prejudices against Mr. Jackson, because they thought it would generate interest and ratings, and they tried to make a circus out of the case. And to some extent, they did. But in the end, justice prevailed, because this jury was not going to be unduly influenced by other people. They were going to do what was right, and they did. KING: Do you believe, therefore -- do you believe the jury didn't watch television? MESEREAU: I believe they didn't. I believe this jury took Judge Melville's orders very seriously. I believe they took their job very seriously and I believe they were determined not to be unfairly or unduly influenced by anybody. KING: Manillapan, Florida, hello. CALLER: Hi, Mr. King. I love your show. KING: Thank you. CALLER: I'd like to know if Mr. Mesereau could disclose the approximate cost of the defense. MESEREAU: I'm sorry. I didn't totally understand the question. KING: If you could disclose the approximate cost of the defense. MESEREAU: I will not talk about legal fees or cost. That's confidential. KING: What did it cost the state? MESEREAU: It had to have cost them many millions of dollars. I have been told that the board of supervisors of Santa Barbara county has been up in arms about the cost of this case and if you look at the number of sheriffs and investigators and experts and people and prosecutors put on this case, it's absurd. They wouldn't do it in a murder case. They wouldn't do it in a serial killer case, but they did it because Michael Jackson is a superstar and they wanted to take a superstar down. KING: How important was your investigator, Scott Ross? MESEREAU: He was extremely important. Scott Ross did a fabulous job, as did Jesus Castillo, our second investigator. They were critical to our defense. They were relentless. They were professional. They dug up the facts. They found the witnesses. They got them to court. These guys were just terrific. KING: Do you use your team a lot, Tom? Did other lawyers work with you? MESEREAU: Yes. My co-counsel and law partner, Susan Yu, was absolutely essential to this defense. She was tireless in the way she put the evidence together, the way she assisted me in preparation. Bob Sanger, my co-counsel from Santa Barbara was an unbelievably effective lawyer. He was a trial lawyer in the trial court. He argued in the appellate courts. He did law in motion. He knew the local procedures and system. We had a lot of assistants helping us out in his office and my office and it was a great team effort and it succeeded. KING: And, we'll be back with some more moments with Thomas Mesereau, ask about him, his future. Don't go away. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) KING: One more call. Gainesville, Georgia, hello. CALLER: Yes. I'd like to ask Mr. Mesereau if he believes that Tom Sneddon is responsible for the grand jury testimony being leaked to the press. MESEREAU: I don't know if Tom Sneddon is personally responsible for that, but certainly somebody in the prosecution side, it would appear, was responsible and when I say prosecution side, I'm including the sheriff's department. As you know, those transcripts were leaked just as the trial was beginning, and it's my belief they were leaked to try and prejudice the entire process. Do I know that Tom Sneddon did it personally? I do not have any understanding of that, but I think somebody who favored the prosecution did it. That's my belief. KING: You said Michael's going to stay at Neverland? MESEREAU: I don't know the answer to that, Larry. We just haven't had a chance to talk about his future very much. KING: He's got such an interest in kids. Do you think he'll still have some come over? Or are you going to advise him against... MESEREAU: Again, well, I really haven't talked to Michael very much about the future. I do know, as we said before, that he has to get a lot tougher with who he lets into his life and who he feels sorry for and who he wants to heal and help because he's a real target. KING: We'll ask his brothers tomorrow. One other thing I didn't cover. Were you surprised -- I know you left the case -- were you surprised at the Robert Blake verdict? MESEREAU: No, I was not. As you may recall, I did the three- week preliminary hearing in that case. KING: I remember. MESEREAU: I thought the case was full of holes and full of problems. KING: You told me that. MESEREAU: I was not surprised at all. KING: You told me then you thought he would win. MESEREAU: Yes. KING: Sorry you left it? MESEREAU: No. You know, life goes on. We had a falling out and those things happen in the high-pressure world of criminal defense. But he hired a very, very excellent lawyer who did a very excellent job and he's free. KING: Interesting thing about Thomas Mesereau, born in West Point, father, lieutenant colonel; worked for his in-laws restaurant business, Mama Leone's, one of the most successful restaurants ever in America, famous in New York; was an amateur boxer; and represented defendants in death penalty cases in the south, pro bono, didn't charge; gives free legal assistance through the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in L.A. -- were you glad about that apology yesterday, for slavery and (INAUDIBLE) hangings? MESEREAU: Well, what -- you know, Larry, yesterday was a wild day. Which apology... KING: The Senate -- the Senate apologized for the treatment in the past of the American black. MESEREAU: I'm absolutely in favor of that, if that's the way it was done and it was articulated properly, I am absolutely behind that. KING: Are you looking forward to a lot more criminal cases? I mean, you're famous, widespread now. You know, it's obvious you're going to get a lot of calls. Are you ready for an onslaught of new business? MESEREAU: No, I'm ready to get some sleep. KING: But you seriously know you're going to get a lot of attention now? MESEREAU: I'm sure I will, and, you know, I'll take it as it comes. I have strong views about my profession. I love what I do. I have a strong belief in civil rights and in making sure our justice system works and we'll just move forward. I feel very blessed by god to have been in the case. KING: How many partners in your firm? MESEREAU: Just four partners. It's a small firm. KING: Might you expand? MESEREAU: I don't know. We'll have to take it as it comes. I don't have any plans, other than to get some sleep, see my family and friends and move forward. KING: Take a vacation for a while? MESEREAU: I could definitely use one, yes. KING: Thomas, thank you so much for a very informative hour. I appreciate you giving us an hour. We know how tired you are. MESEREAU: Well, thank you for having me. KING: Thomas Mesereau, very successful defense attorney, quite a career, quite a life, quite a story. Source: CNN |
|||||||||||||
Leno Interviews Thomas Mesereau Jr. on the Tonight Show
Leno: First off, thank you so much for coming. We ah, we kinda play different roles in these things - I'm a comedian and my job is obviously to make light of all this, you're of course a defense attorney...to take it all very seriously. You know, the Michael, sort of, we see, is obviously different from the one you knew. Tell us - we all know the one we know - tell us about the one you know. Mez: The Michael Jackson I know is a very sensitive, honest, down to earth, kind-hearted person, much more simple in his tastes than you probably think, very kind-hearted, loves people, loves to help people who are in trouble, he's too nice to too many people and that's how he got in the trouble he was in. But he's one of my favourite human beings, he's misunderstood, and one of my jobs in the trial was to make sure the jury knew who he was and I think they did and that's why they acquitted him of every count. Leno: Now, you refer to him and you make this point of innocence versus not guilty. Mez: ...yes. Leno: .explain. Mez: Well, he's innocent of these charges. And Michael is the kind of person, when you sit down with him and get to know him, and hear his philosophy of life and what he wants to achieve in life, you realize that he could never hurt a child and he never has hurt a child. Now, thousands and thousands of children and their parents have flocked to Michael Jackson all over the world; a couple suddenly invented some claims and wanted money, and he made a mistake in the early 90's of paying them money to get rid of them. And it was really insignificant money giving what he was making, he's probably grossed over a billion dollars in his life, and all of his business advisors are saying Michael, you've got bigger fish to fry, just pay whatever it takes, get rid of these cases. Unfortunately, once he did that, others thought they could get an easy payday as well, and hence he got in this kind of trouble. Leno: Do you believe in all of your clients, is that an important part of your defense? Do you personally have to believe or can you defend someone you don't quite believe, but maybe the letter of the law has been violated - Mez: There are two major purposes that I have in my profession - one is to make sure that innocent people like Michael Jackson are not convicted, and two is to make sure this system works so prosecutors and cops don't abuse their power because if you let them do it they will routinely do it, and they have throughout American history. Leno: Now does it bother you that, I think, only 34% of the public did not believe the verdict? Mez: It does bother me, because it's a result of spin from the media and not knowing the evidence - if you really look at the evidence in the case, they had nothing. They had absolutely nothing. And networks like court TV do their best to spin a conviction, but you can't spin a conviction, you have to have evidence to support it, the evidence wasn't there. Leno: Let me ask about the jury for a second, I know you were instrumental in picking the jury, and again I've been told this, that Michael was quite concerned that there were no African Americans on there, I mean literally like - what's going on here. Mez: Well, Michaels from a prominent African American family and as you would expect he was hoping to have some African American representation on the jury. But I have to tell you, once this jury was picked, I had no problem with this jury - I thought they were very strong willed, independent minded people, smart, nobody was going to push them around and they were going to follow the law and do the right thing - and that's exactly what they did. Leno: So, how do you pick a juror? I mean, what do you look for in a case like - cause I have to admit, watching from the sidelines - this ones a parent, 3 children, this ones a - postal worker possibly - this seems pretty conservative, a little out of the mainstream, not Hollywood kind of wacky - Mez: I wasn't worried about conservative people, Santa Maria is a conservative community, the communities around Santa Maria are conservative. What I wanted were people who I thought were strong willed, independent minded, and open to look at the evidence, and not be hood-wanked or influenced by outside forces, which were trying to basically spin the case in a way that wasn't realistic. We got some very honourable, courageous people, and they did the right thing. Leno: Did it bother you that some of the jurors came out afterwards and said they think he might have been guilty of something in the past, but couldn't prove it this time? Mez: Well, they think he might have been - that's like saying, we suspect it but nothing's ever been proven - because nothing was proven. The prosecution, in an act of desperation, tried to say he molested people in the past. They mentioned 3 young men, one of whom was Macaulay Culkin, and said nothing ever happened to us, we were not molested. They mentioned a fourth person who never showed up, and they mentioned a fifth person who showed up and said I was tickled improperly and I wanted money and I took it, after denying that it had happened - his mother took money, and she also sold the story to a tabloid. Leno: We never heard that there were any young girls there, I mean we hear of children going to neverland, but it all seems to be boys - Mez: False. Absolutely false. Leno: - okay. Mez: Women testified that they stayed in his room, which - and by the way, his room is a two story duplex, a huge duplex, that's what we call his room - and women stayed there, mothers stayed there, parents stayed there, kids stayed there. And any time a child came up to him and said we want to play in your room, which he has arcade games and that kind of thing, he always said I want your parents here right now and I want their permission. And the parents were free to stay - and we had parents testify who did stay. So a lot of this was spin by the prosecution because they wanted to try and convict him through spin. They had nothing to deal with in the courtroom. Leno: Is he childlike? I mean, it's almost hard for me to believe that you can be such a polished entertainer - I mean, when you spend time with him, is it like spending time with a child? Mez: He is childlike. And he's been very vocal when interviewed about why he's childlike. He had no childhood - he was working clubs at 3 in the morning when he was a very small child - he said he used to gaze at school yards and wonder what it was like to be just a spontaneous kid. He couldn't do that, he was disciplined very strictly, and he feels as if he never really had a free and spontaneous childhood. And he also, he feels as if he's been let down by adults most of his life. He was a child asked to sign papers, he didn't know what money was, all this money was spinning around him - he got taken advantage of, and he has an empathy for children because he thinks children need more attention in the world. He's helped kids with AIDs around the planet, he's helped kids with all sorts of diseased - Ryan White, a young man that had AIDs and died of it, he took care of him. When a little child in the early 80's was doused with gasoline by his father in orange county Michael paid his bills, he's paid bills for injured children all over the world. A lot of this the prosecution tried to bury, because they wanted to make him look like a monster - and they failed. Leno: When that documentary came out, and Michael said about sharing your bed and that type of thing, what should the prosecution have done? I mean, when people say, lets say I live in a neighbourhood and I know there's a 45 year old man over there, I see young boys going in and out or children going in and out, and I hear rumours of alcohol, rumours of pornography, locks on the doors - should they not have investigated? Mez: Well first of all, what he said in the documentary was I gave this child my bed and I slept on the floor, and I've never done anything sexual with a child - that's in the documentary. There are also some outtakes that were not included in the documentary where he even expanded on that - he said I would slit my wrists before I would hurt a child. Okay, so the prosecution tried to spin this so that you didn't know that's in the documentary. The second thing is, yes, if you think there is a valid claim of child molestation, you should investigate - and they did. 70 officers raided neverland, they couldn't find any forensic evidence to support the claims - no DNA, no hair, no fibre, no fluids, nothing. Leno: Is that uncommon? I mean is.I'll tell you what, we'll take a break and follow up on this. ---- Leno: Welcome back, talking with tom Mesereau the lead defense attorney in the Michael Jackson trial. It's fascinating to hear your side of it, we were just talking about DNA evidence and you mention when they went to the neverland ranch they found not a trace of DNA evidence - no fluids, no hair, is that - I mean, people who are pedophiles, is that common that they would be very careful or no? Mez: Well, I mean I don't know what the answer to that is, but certainly they do find in this day and age, DNA - it's an easy thing to find, and it lasts for hundreds of years - so it's significant they couldn't find any forensic evidence whatsoever to prove this crime, because the crime didn't happen. Leno: Let me ask you about the jury - I was sort of stunned to hear the jury was not sequestered. Because this is all anybody talks about - if I'm on the jury and I walk into McDonalds or anywhere, someone's going to go hey - you're going to hear something - it's on every TV it's on every radio, you hear jokes - you hear information that maybe they shouldn't be privy too. Weren't you worried about that? Mez: I really wasn't. The judge was a very very good judge; he had the full respect of the jury I could tell. And he told them very clearly you cannot listen to any media, you cannot expose yourself to any outside influence, you must follow the law and look at the evidence in the court room. And in my opinion, sequestered juries tend to be uncomfortable juries - you know, they're confined, they have limitations, people are watching them, generally I don't like it. And I really had a feeling they'd be fair, and they were. Leno: The media circus - were you surprised at the extent of people hiding in the bushes, seeing whether you put two sugars in your coffee and this type of thing - Mez: No, I wasn't surprised, I expected that. This has real international interest. Michael is a mega star, he is popular all over the world, and we had support all over the world for our side, so I'm not surprised. Leno: Now, they're not allowed to watch the pundits, but you - when you go home - would you turn on and see what some of the experts were saying? Mez: Once in a while - I was working very hard, you know normally I read three newspapers a day, and I wasn't reading any except on the weekends. So once and a while for a break I would, and generally I was pretty unimpressed. Leno: Were they accurate? Mez: Generally no. Leno: Agenda? Did they have an agenda-? Mez: Oh, take court TV for example. I'd always been a fan of court TV; I'd always respected court TV, particularly when Steve Brill was running it. In this particular case, in my opinion they became a tabloid - they had their own agenda, they misstated the facts, they didn't understand the significance of what was going on in the courtroom, and that's why their major critics were stunned by the verdict, and why now they're trying to say there's something wrong with jury, there's something wrong with the system - they were humiliated because they never really understood what was going on in the courtroom. Leno: Now, the district attorney, Sneddon, is he a fair guy? Mez: In my opinion, no. In this particular case, he had a personal vendetta against Michael Jackson, he wasn't objective, he saw things that didn't exist - when you're not objective, when you're too personally involved, you can really mischaracterize your case, and he mischaracterized his case from day one. Leno: I mean, was he - because of the events from ten years ago? Mez: You know, I don't know exactly why he got so interested in Michael Jackson, but.he flew to Australia at one point in the mid-nineties to try and find an alleged victim, and the person said take a hike, get out of here. He had a website at the sheriffs department to try and see if he could find witnesses to build a case - it was like an open casting call on Michael Jackson. And the best they could come up with was this family that we thoroughly discredited from A to Z. From A to Z. Leno: Now, have you talked to Michael since the verdict? Mez: Oh sure. Leno: And how's he doing? Mez: He's very drained, physically and emotionally. He was dehydrated, he had trouble eating and sleeping, he's going to have to spend time recovering. Leno: Let me ask you a question, and this is something I saw people speculate on - every time it seemed like the trial was going one way or the other, he would go to the hospital. And - I don't mean this to be flippant - but, there's the umbrella guy, there's the magician, why isn't there a doctor with him all the time? Why would he have to get up -? Small audience laughter ..No, I'm not being a wise guy, it seems like in the middle of the night he would be taken to the hospital - it seems like he could have a staff of physicians there. Mez: I haven't asked that question, he has had personal physicians in the past. He didn't intend to take these trips to the hospital, he had legitimate physical problems. I mean, he has a very serious back problem, and he really had emotional problems - he had trouble eating and sleeping - Michael was not emotionally built for this kind of a process - month after month of sitting in a court room listening to all this nonsense thrown at you, knowing your life and your freedom are on the line. It was a very hard process for him emotionally. Leno: Now, I know a lot of people have been critical of you, but I know you do an awful lot of pro bono work - terrific, within different communities, and that - is that why you took this, you saw it as injustice? Mez: I saw it as tremendous injustice. I had known randy Jackson for a long time, he's a good friend of mine - he asked me if I would talk to Michael about his case, and I flew to Florida, met Michael and talked to him extensively about it. And I just, very quickly - and I'm a very intuitive person - I said, this cannot be the monster they're portraying. What is this? Because what they were saying was, that this kid had cancer and that he intentionally plied him with alcohol so he could molest him, and you get to know Michael and you say this is absurd. They're also saying he masterminded a conspiracy to abduct a family to Brazil - Michael Jackson wouldn't even know how to conceive of such a thing. Michael Jackson is an artist - he's a creative spirit - he likes to sit in a tree and compose music, and he freely says that. You know. Leno: That's where my part comes in, sitting in the tree. I have to do the sitting in the tree stuff. Small laughter Mez: Well he loves climbing trees - he says other people like football and baseball, I like climbing trees. He freely admits that. Mez smiling Leno: Well Tom, I appreciate you coming here and telling us your side of the story - thank you very much. |
|||||||||||||
Tuesday, June 28 2005 Statement of Michael Jackson: A Message For My Fans
Created: Sunday, 26 June 2005 Without God, my children, my family and you, my fans, I could not have made it through. Your love, support and loyalty made it all possible. You were there when I really needed you. I will never forget you. Your ever-present love held me, dried my tears, and carried me through. I will treasure your devotion and support forever. You are my inspiration. Love, Michael Jackson Source:www.mjjsource.com |
|||||||||||||
Dupa 13 iunie cand Michael a castigat procesul de pedofilie,acesta s-a retras din fata publicului.Se stie ca Michael a luat o mica vancanta in Bahrain unde a fost invitat de familia regala. In acest timp avocatii lui au incercat sa ii determine pe procurori sa inapoieze obiectele pe care politia le-a confiscat de la Neverland.Dupa multe discutii procurorul a fost fortat sa returneze lucrurile confiscate in perchezitiile din '93 si 2003.Sneddon a spus curtii ca este ingrijorat pentru ca multe dintre revistele pentru adulti au fost testate chimic pentru amprente."Au pe ele o stampila care spune ca sunt toxice.Deci avem nevoie de o declaratie semnata de la domnul Jackson...daca unul dintre copii sau chiar el au o reactie la aceste materiale?"Ce grijuliu,nu?Dar el nu a vrut sub nici o forma sa inapoieze pozele cu Michael dezbracat facute de politie in timpul investigatiei din '93.Sneddon sustine ca pozele nu ii apartin lui Michael si deci seriful le va pastra in continuare.Michael si apararea au considerat pozele o amenintate pentru ca ele pot fi date presei in orice moment (va amintiti de transcriptele de la Marele Juriu?). Procesul a costat enorm.Contribuabilii trebuie sa plateasca peste $3 milioane. In New Orleans a inceput un proces civil impotriva lui Michael.Cantaretul a lipsit de la prima sedinta,iar judecatorul nu a fost deloc incantat.Un barbat de 40 de ani il acuza pe Michael de abuz in '84.Ceea ce presa nu spune este ca acest barbat a fost condamnat de hartuire sexuala si ca acum cativa ani a acuzat un preot de abuz.Este greu de crezut ca si-a amintit acest abuz exact acum,nu? After June 13,when Michael won his molestation case,he steped back from the public eye.It is known that he took a vacation in Bahrain where he was invited by the royal family . |
|
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
Julie |
|||||||||||||
Dupri spune ca Michael Jackson nu trebuie sa fie umil in privinta achitarii pentru acuzatiile de abuz Associated Press NEW YORK-Daca Michael Jackson ar urma sfatul lui Jermaine Dupri ar fi la televizor laudandu-se cu achitarea si nu ar sta retras,departe de ochii publicului. "Daca as fi el,as fi mers imediat la TRL si le-as fi spus:"Toata lumea care vrea sa spuna ceva despre mine puteti spune exact ce vreti pentru ca in acest moment oricum nu mai puteti adauga nimic care sa contrazica ce s-a intamplat"",a spus Dupri care sta in Atlanta si este prietenul lui Janet Jackson. Jackson a fost achitat in iunie de toate acuzatiile de abuz. In timp ce alte vedete afectate de scandaluri au mers cu lacrimi in ochi la Oprah Winfrey sau Barbara Walters,Dupri a fost impotriva unui Jackson care se lupta cu remuscarile. "El nu trebuie sa faca asta pentru ca el nu a facut nimic rau.Toata lumea i-a facut lui rau.Ce a gresit el?De ce sa se intoarca inapoi plangand?" a intrebat Dupri. Si chiar daca unii au ceva indoieli in privinta unui comeback incununat de succes din partea lui Michael,Dupri spune ca Jackson are o calitate magica care ii tine pe oameni interesati de el. "Daca Michael Jackson ar intra acum in camera ,nu ar fi nimeni din aceasta camera care si-ar putea lua privirea de la el.Cat timp ai aceasta putere nu vei fi niciodata distrus.",a spus Dupri intr-un interviu recent."El are mai mult decat oricine aceasta putere.Daca oamenii nu pot sa-si ia privirea de la tine,daca esti atat de interesant,nu exista nici un mod in care ai putea fi distrus". Sursa:www.mjeol.com |
|||||||||||||
Potrivit rapoartelor doi jurati ,Cook si Hultman,pretind acum dupa ce au votat pentru achitare ca Jackson era totusi vinovat de ceva?!Momentul este cu totul potrivit mai ales ca in urmatoarea perioada vor aparea pe piata cartile scrise de ei... Al treilea jurat,Katharina Carls,sustine ca ea a crezut ceva din povestile familiei Arvizo.Deci care poveste a crezut-o?Cea spusa psihiatrului?Cea spusa politiei?Sau cea de la bara?Bine ca nu toti juratii au fost asa indecisi. Bineinteles aceste opinii nu sunt sustinute de nici o dovada. Ceea ce este si mai grav este ca macar unul din acesti oportunisti se face vinovat de un comportament ilegal.Cook a incercat sa le aduca juratilor o carte de medicina cu ajutorul careia sa demonstreze ca Jackson se potriveste profilului unui pedofil. Deasemenea se pare ca cineva a introdus o caseta cu emisiunile de la Court Tv despre proces ca sa influenteze juratii. Exista prin lege o perioada de 90 de zile de la verdict in care juratii nu au voie sa profite de pe urma procesului.Se pare ca cei doi jurati au incalcat si aceasta regula. Trebuie neaparat sa fie trimis un mesaj de netoleranta fata de lipsa de integritate a acestor jurati ca toti viitorii jurati sa ia in serios sarcina lor.Iar autoritatile care l-au acuzat pe Michael Jackson ar trebui sa-i aduca in fata instantei si pe acesti oameni care prin propria confesiune se fac vinovati de o crima. Chiar si Sneddon s-a ferit sa comenteze.El a spus ca "Am mers inainte" si "Aceste declaratii nu ne mai ajuta cu nimic". "Adevarul este ca nu conteaza deloc ce spun ei",a spus si Thomas Mesereau,subliniind ca aceste afirmatii fac parte din campania de promovare a cartilor."12 oameni au deliberat si din acest proces juridic a iesit rezultatul.Acum, 2 luni mai tarziu, acest jurati se razgandesc.E clar ca le place teribil sa se vada la televizor",a comentat Mesereau."Sunt foarte suspicios." |
|||||||||||||
August |
|||||||||||||
Procurorii din Los Angeles au depus cinci acuzatii de frauda si sperjur impotriva lui Janet Arvizo,mama acuzatorului megastarului-a carui credibilitate a reprezentat centrul acuzatiilor de molestare. Procurorii au ajuns la concluzia ca Janet Arvizo a primit mai mult de $18.000 ca beneficii-ilegal,nedeclarand ca ea si familia ei au primit mii de dolari in urma unui proces civil. Arvizo risca sa fie condamnata la mai multi ani de puscarie in urma acestor acuzatii. Un judecator a dat megastarului o amenda de $10.000 megastarului miercuri din cauza absentei acestuia la un proces civil. Judecatorul Eldon Fallon a ordonat cantaretului sa plateasca amenda dupa ce nici Jackson ,nici avocatii acestuia nu s-au prezentat la audierea din iulie -unde e acuzat de o molestare din anul 1984 in timpul Targului Mondial. Avocatul cantaretului,Charles Gay, a spus judecatorului ca somatiile pentru prezentarea la tribunal au fost ratacite din cauza agitatiei de pe parcursul procesului din Santa Barbara.Somatiile au ajuns la ferma pe data de 13 iunie,cand Michael a fost achitat de acuzatii. "As vrea sa subliniez ca 13 iunie a fost probabil cea mai agitata zi din viata lui Michael Jackson" a adaugat Gay. Gay a spus judecatorului ca Jackson nu a mancat sau dormit pe parcursul acestui proces si ca era groaznic de ingrijorat pentru viitorul lui si al copiilor sai. Judecatorul Fallon a spus ca ar fi nepotrivit sa il acuze pe Jackson de sfidarea curtii,dar trebuie sa-i dea alte amenzi in legatura cu costurile curtii de judecata. Regele pop,si-a vizitat fanii din Dubai si a spus ca prima vizita nu va fi cu siguranta ultima.Ben Sulayem a declarat ieri ziarului Gulf News ca Jackson "este un gentleman" care i-a cucerit pe toti oamenii pe care i-a intalnit inclusiv un numar mare de fani cu care s-a pozat in cateva fotografii. "Toata lumea stia cine este si el a fost foarte dragut cu ei.Si-a facut timp sa faca poze,sa vorbeasca cu ei si sa le stranga mainile" "Noi i-am spus:Te rugam ,Michael,trebuie sa mergem,dar el a continuat.A fost incredibil de politicos." "Stim toti de cariera si muzica sa incredibila ,dar nu multi oameni stiu ce persoana intr-adevar draguta este.A fost o placere sa stai cu el."a spus seicul."Am intalnit persoane nici 10% atat de faimoase ca el si e mult mai greu sa te impaci cu ei." In ciuda reputatiei lui Jackson de excentric ,Ben Sulayem a spus ca starul e foarte normal si cu picioarele pe pamant. Cei care l-au insotit pe Jackson au spus ca nu au auzit nici o plangere din partea lui privind caldura foarte mare din aceasta perioada. Diane Diamond a fost concediata de la postul de televiziune Court T.V...sa aiba ceva de-a face cu cat de neprofesionist a tratat cazul lui Michael...??? Si sa nu uitam LA MULTI ANI ,MICHAEL! |
|||||||||||||
"Dear You, Have you ever noticed that every love song contains the word "you"? Like, for example: "Oh, How Happy You Have Made Me"; "Can I See You In The Morning" or "The Love You Save". So, that's why I thought it would be allright to start this love letter to you with "Dear You". If it works in songs of love, it ought to be right on for letters of love, too, don't you agree? Of course, there's another reason, too. I don't know your name. Chances are we have never met. And maybe you are just starting to really get to know me through the pages and pictures here in "TcB" . You're luckier than I am. I don't even get to know the first thing about you, the girl I'm hoping to find someday...some how...some way...I can't even be sure you're reading this. But I won't lose hope. I will never stop looking for your face in every audience I see before me, in every eager fan who waves and smiles at me. I'll be waiting for you, baby. Will you wait, too? I'll be there... Michael.(from TcB magazine, Michael, aged 13, I believe). |
|||||||||||||
Septembrie |
|||||||||||||
Starul pop Michael Jackson vrea sa inregistreze un cantec ca sa stranga bani pentru victimele facute de uraganul Katrina in Bahrain si USA.Proiectul 'De la un golf la altul' este initiativa a casei de discuri Seas, o colaborare intre guvernatorul Shaikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Khalifa si fratele megastarului Jermaine.Mai mult de 20 de artisti vor lua participala acest cantec intitulat"From the bottom of my heart". Mihael Jackson este incantat sa anunte ca printre artisti sa vor afla Jay-z,Mariah Carey,Missy Elliot,R.Kelly,Wyclef Jean,Lenny Kravitz,Lauren Hill,Mary j.Blidge,Yolanda Adams,Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds,James Brown,Snoop Dogg,the O'Jays si Ciara. Intr-un telefon la The Associated Press,Jackson a spus ca procesul 'a fost cel greu lucru pe care l-a avut de facut in toata viata lui' si ca el si copiii sai sunt inca in Bahrain 'odihnindu-se si incercand sa isi revina' de pe urma celor petrecute. Jackson a mai declarat ca lucreza continuu la noul cantec.'Eu muncesc mereu ' a spus el. Intrebat de sanatatea sa care a avut mult de suferit pe parcursul procesului dar a raspuns ca acum 'ma simt bine'. |
|||||||||||||
Octombrie |
|||||||||||||
Avocatii lui Michael Jackson au intentat proces impotriva lui Marcel Avram,promotorul concertelor Dangerous -actiuni legale care vor sa impiedice un arbitraj care ar trebui sa aiba loc in aceasta luna.Aceasta este doar o noua pagina a actiunilor legale desfasurate intre cei doi de acum 5 ani.In 2003 ,un juriu din Santa Monica ,California i-a dat sansa lui Avram sa incaseze 5.3 milioane $ din partea domnului Jackson-in urma conceretelor care nu au avut niciodata loc.Cei doi au ajuns la o intelgere mai tarziu ,in acel an,pentru a rezolva toate neintelegerile legate de acele concerte care ar fi trebuit sa aiba loc,oprind orice alta actiune legala.Toate disputele noi ar fi trebuit sa fie rezolvate acum la Curtea Suprema ,dar Avram ar prefera arbitrajul.In arbitraj,ambele parti isi expun cazul in fata unor jurati care dau o decizie in scris.Aceasta decizie l-ar putea costa pe domnul Jackson alti bani. Lunile ce au urmat dupa achitatarea megastarului au adus in ochii publicului mai multe amanunte interesante despre oamenii care l-au acuzat si hartuit. Sneddon ar putea sa se afle in mare 'primedie' in legatura cu un proces federal intentat de avocatul Gary Dunlap de circa 10 milioane $,desfasurat impotriva lui si a biroului sau.Dulap a fost acuzat de Sneddon si a fost gasit nevinovat.El da in judecata biroul lui Sneddon pentru comportamente incorente,conspiratie,inselarea unei sali de judecata si inregistrare in mod abuziv si ilegal.Judecatoarea in cazul lui Dunlap a luat deja o decizie si biroul lui Sneddon a incercat sa o oblige prin ilegalitati sa si-o schimbe. Unul dintre jurati,Hultman il da in judecat pe Garrison pentru a iesi dintr-o intelgere pentru o carte.El spune ca Garrison a profitat de naivitatea sa.Desigur...El spune ca Brown,cel care ar fi trebuit sa scie cartea -a plagiat gunoi,..de fapt..a plagiat 'un material' din cunoscuta revista Vanity Fair. Janet Arvizo este acuzata de frauda in sistemul din Los Angeles.Culmea tupeului e ca a pledat da,da..'nevinovata'. Procurorul Ron Zonen,unul din ajutoatele lui Sneddon,este deasemenea intr- situatie nu prea roza,din cauza cazului de crima care il priveste pe Jesse James.Zonen este unul dintre cei care a 'impartit' presei detalii despre cazul lui Jackson.Daca luam in considerale acele mici detalii numite legi,Zonen este vinovat de impartirea in public a unor informatii confidentiale pentru productia unui film despre personajul acuzat de crima. Fostul bodyguard Chris Carter este deasemenea intr-o asemenea situatie,are mari probleme cu justitia.El asteapta sa fie judecat pentru mai multe jafuri in zona Las Vegas. Cand Jackson a zburat in Santa Barbara pentru a raspunde la mandatul de arestare emis pe numele lui de Sneddon in noiebrie 2003,in avionul in care se afla au fost puse echipamente specializate de inregistrat.Acum doi dintre cei care au organizat toata aceasta sunt acuzatii intr-un caz federal de inregistrarea celor doi clienti ai lor,Jackson si Geragos. Si pentru incheiere ,nu putem uita de Diane Diamond care a fost concediata,probabil pentru treaba absolut divina pe care a facuta in timpul procesului lui Jackson... |
|||||||||||||
Michael a fost vazut intr-un hotel din Londra (mai precis in parcarea hotelului),vorbind cu fanii si dand autografe.El s-a lasat fara nici o problema fotografiat de multi admiratori. Se pare ca aceasta este prima vizita a cantaretului in Marea Britanie dupa procesul pe care l-a castigat in iunie. Se crede ca el a venit in Londra pentru a inregistra un cantec nou numit From The Bottom of My Heart.Toate veniturile provenite din vanzarea acestui cantec vor fi donate victimelor uraganului Katrina. Deasemenea se pare ca Michael a fost reperat impreuna cu avocatul lui,Thomas Mesereau,purtand discutii cu mai multi directori ai unor cunoscute case de discuri. Michael a fost impreuna cu copiii sai la Palatul Victoria pentru a urmari musicalul Billy Elliot,vineri la pranz. In timpul pauzei el s-a conversat cu alti spectatori si a semnat autografe pentru ei. Roxanne Wisenberg,in varsta de 47 de ani,din San Diego,a fost una din persoanele care l-au intalnit pe cantaret in pauza. "Ne-a spus Hello si erau foarte multi oameni in jurul lui". "A fost foarte dragut si copiii lui erau cu el." Dar au urmat scene haotice la iesirea din teatru unde asteptau foarte multi fani.Scenele au fost similare cu cele de mai devreme din fata hotelului Dorchester unde Jackson a fost nevoit sa isi abandoneze planul de a iesi prin intrarea din fata a hotelului. Starul pop Michael Jackson a facut deliciul turistilor si in a doua zi petrecuta la Londra cand a vizitat muzeul Madame Tussaud,duminica seara. Controversatul artist a fost luat cu asalt de o multime de fani cand a sosit la muzeu impreuna cu cei trei copii ai lui. O parte foarte mare din angajatii vestitului muzeu l-a intampinat pe Michael inauntru. Katherine,fetita de 7 anisori a lui Michael,a avut fata acoperita de o esarfa si l-a tinut de mana pe tatal ei pe parcursul intregii vizite. Michael arata foarte bine si parea foarte fericit:-) Nebunia care l-a inconjurat pe Jackson dovedeste ca fanii lui sunt la fel de devotati ca intotdeauna,poate chiar mai mult. Multimea care a inconjurat hotelul a fost prezenta zi si noapte.Strigandu-i numele si fluturand pancarte,multimea de fani,persoane de 30 si 20 de ani dar si copii, au sperat sa il zareasca pe Jackson.Si au fost rasplatiti cand Michael a aparut la fereastra apartamentului sau si a facut cu mana.Minute mai tarziu o multime de pizza au fost livrate afara,fiind comandate de cantaret pentru fanii lui. Au fost scene haotice si afara si inauntru la magazinul Harrods seara trecuta cand au aparut Michael si cei trei copii ai sai.A fost asaltat de fani in departamentul cu DVD-uri unde cantaretul a cumparat zeci de documentare printre care si documentarul BBC-ului "Mergand cu dinozaurii". L-a cunoscut si pe patronul magazinului ,Mohamed Fayed, si a facut cumparaturi cam doua ore. |
|||||||||||||
Noiembrie |
|||||||||||||
Michael Jackson,cel mai faimos acuzat din istorie,a primit de curand la Neverland o somatie in care i se cere sa fie jurat. Dar nu este probabil ca Jackson,care acum locuieste in Bahrain,sa devina cel mai faimos jurat al tuturor timpurilor. "Locuieste permanent in afara Statelor Unite",a spus Thomas Mesereau,avocatul care l-a aparat in recentul proces de abuz.Pentru a evita orice pedeapsa pentru ca nu poate sa se prezinte la tribunal,avocatii lui Michael au depus toate actele necesare pentru a fi scuzat. Totusi asta nu opreste speculatiile la scena care s-ar produce daca Michael ar aparea in Santa Maria. "Sunt sigura ca ar avea o primire calda din partea procurorilor",a glumit Laurie Levenson,profesor la o scoala de drept. Persoanele care evita in mod deliberat datoria civica pot fi amendate cu $1500 sau pot primi chiar inchisoare.Dar cel care se ocupa de comisia pentru alegerea juratilor ,Gary Blair,a spus ca domnul Jackson nu va avea nici o problema."Trebuie doar sa arate ca nu mai are resedinta aici." Levenson a adaugat:"Este una din ironiile vietii sa fie chemat ca jurat.Dar intr-o perspectiva mai serioasa,daca as fi acuzata de ceva l-as primi cu bratele deschise ca jurat." "A trecut prin sistem si sunt sigura ca apreciaza prezumtia de nevinovatie mai mult decat orice persoana care ar putea fi chemata ca jurat."
|
|||||||||||||
1.MAGAZIN DE ANTICHITATI Michael Jackson a reusit sa se inteleaga in afara salii de judecata ,cu magazinul de antichitati care i-a intentat proces. Mayfair Gallery a sustinut ca Jacckson a luat acasa obiecte in jur de 380.000$-incluzand un candelabru,o oglinda si un serviciu de ceai -dar nu a platit decat 200.000$. "Am rezolvat problema procesului in weekend.Am ajuns la o intelegere multumitoare pentr ambele parti" ,a declarat avocatul Brent Ayscough ,adaugand ca nu au mai fost platiti bani ci au fost returnate obiectele. Ascough a spus ca starul in varsta de 47 de ani nu a platit intreaga suma deoarece a fost nesatisfacut de unele din obiecte,crezand ca 'obiectele nu sunt exact ceea ce ar trebui sa fie'. 2.FOSTUL ASOCIAT Jackson a dat in judecata un fost asociat ,Marc Schaffel,care a depus marturie in procesul lui Jackson de abuz. Jackson a mai adaugat ca el a avut o intelegere cu Schaffel in august 2001 ,ca acesta sa produca cantecul 'What more can I give?'. Schaffel a fost de acord sa i se plateasca o suma modica si toate veniturile stranse urmau sa fie donate in scopuri caritabile. Dar Schaffel nu dat pentru caritate nici un ban din suma stransa,dupa declaratia megastarului. Dupa ce a aflat ca Schaffel isi ocupa timpul producand peste 400 de filme porno,Jackson l-a concediat. Jacskon mai sustine ca Schaffel a mai incasat 500.000$ si inca 500.000$ de la Music Fighters Co ,din Japonia si nu l-a instintat de primirea acestor sume. Jackson mai sustine ca Schaffel a mai pastrat si 250.000$ din sculpturi si tablouri de la un artist Romero Britto in 2003 care trebuiau sa ajunga desigur la cantaret. 3.SERIFUL Presendintele Sheriff's Council a fost acuzat de atac aupra unui conducator al unui grup non-profit , intr-o confruntare care s-a desfasurat in fata serifului Jim Anderson.Seriful nu l-a arestat pe Dl.Towel in ciuda dorintei lui Dl.Edgecomb. Domnul Graatelli a spus:"O sa aflati ca povestea este cu totul altfel cand va iesi la iveala adevarul.Este o problema minora.Nu a fost lovit.Nu a fost atacat decat poate mandria dansului." "Baietii o sa fie baieti..". 4.JANET ARVIZO Mama baiatului care l-a acuzat pe cantaret nu cu multe luni in urma,a intarziat sa para la propriul proces,in care este acuzata de frauda. La inceput femeia a fost considerata absenta de la audieri,trimitandu-si avocatul pentru obtinerea unei prelungiri. Dar judecatorul,David Horwitz a hotarat ca este neaparat necesar ca ea sa apara.Ironic,femeia a aparut dupa doua ore intr-un trening. 5.SEFA SECURITATII Sefa de securitate a megastarului a primit o oferta de munca din partea avocatului din echipa de avocati care l-au aparat pe Jackson. Violet Silva a spus ca i s-a alaturat prietenului ei Robert Sanger-avocat de aparare in procese de crima din Santa Barbara. 6.THOMAS MESEREAU Primarul si seful politiei din Los Angeles si alti 100 de membri de culoare ai biserici au onorat pe avocatul apararii dl.Mesereau,numindu-l "campionul justitiei". Slujba de duminica a fost concentrat pe o scriere a lui Daniel ,Murray descriindu-l pe Mesreau "un avocat neintimidat in cusca leilor". "L-ati vazut cu Michael infaptuind imposibilul" a mai aaugat Murray.Afirmatia a fost urmata de aplauze. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pentru a sfarsi controversele referitoare la sederea lui Michael Jackson in Bahrain ,megastarul a aparut in fata camerelor la decernarea premilor Dubai Resort Racing ,care au avut loc luni seara. Superstarul nu a cumaprat nici o casa pe acest teritoriu si nici nu are de gand sa vanda ferma sa din California,Neverland si desigur ca nu inregistreaza cantece cu copiii sai a declarat marti purtatoarea lui de cuvant. Bain deasemenea a mai dezmintit un raport fals ....ca starul a fost vazut reinoindu-si machiajul in toaleta femeilor din malul din Dubai.Ea a spus ca starul a intrat accidental in baie si a iesit imediat fara sa se uite in jur.Acesta a fost nevoit apoi sa astepte intr-o librarie din mall pana cand politia a putut sa vina pentru a-l escorta afara. Bill Bray ,un fost politist din Los Angeles ,care l-a aparat pe Michael pe parcursul lungii sale cariere,fiind seful securitatii a megastarului si mai mult decat atat, o imagine patriarhala pentru Jackson, a incetat din viata la varsta de 80 de ani,saptamana asta. Bray,care a inceput sa lucreze pentru Jackson 5 la inceputul anilor 70 si a fost unul dintre cei mai apropiati confidenti a lui Michael pana la pensionarea sa din mijlocul anilor 90 a decedat marti ,a declarat Raymone Bain. "Michael este foarte,foarte ,foarte trist de la aflarea nefericitei vesti a morti lui Bill Bray,care a fost un prieten si un mentor pentru mult,mult timp,oferindu-i mereu sfaturi . Bray ,a fost persoana la care a apelat Michael de cate ori a avut vreo problema personala care trebuia rezolvata, de la inceputurile aniilor 70 pana in anii 90.Bray a fost mereu alaturi de megastar pe parcursul acestei cariere,acestei calatori foarte dificile,de la sensationala lansare,la recunoasterea internationala din anii 80 pana la cazul de abuz din 1993. Bray a ramas pe statul de plata al megastarului pana in momentul mortii sale,si cu siguranta in inima megastrului pentru multa ,multa vreme de acum incolo.... Mult asteptatul cantec pentru ajutorarea victimelor uraganului Katrina a capatat titlul sau final.Intr-un recent interviu dat de Ciara ,care a lucrat pe aceasta piesa alaturi de megastar a declarat ca melodia este intitulata "I HAVE A DREAM". Ea a mai adaugat ca "este un cantec foarte frumos.Cel mai cool e ca are un mesaj care sa il sustina si este pentru o cauza buna." |
|||||||||||||
December |
|||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||