Darkforum.com - Dark Stories, Dark Art, Poetry, Photography, Debates and Discussions - View Single Post

Sybs · **Michael Jackson cleared -** 06-13-05

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4604027.stm

Quote:

Michael Jackson cleared of abuse

Mr Jackson was accompanied to court by his parents and siblings

Singer Michael Jackson has been found innocent on all 10 charges of child abuse at the end of his trial.
The singer strenuously denied the charges of molesting a 13-year-old boy. There were cheers from his fans outside the court as the verdicts were read.

He was also cleared of giving the child alcohol and conspiring to kidnap him and his family.

The verdicts end a one-week wait for the jury's decision in Santa Maria, California.

The star was accompanied from his Neverland ranch by family members including father Joe, mother Katherine and sisters LaToya and Janet.

Michael Jackson fans gathered outside court for the verdict

His trial began in February and the jury retired on 3 June. More than 100 witnesses took the stand in the trial.

They including Mr Jackson's accuser Gavin Arvizo and his mother Janet.

The trial was sparked after British journalist Martin Bashir made a documentary in which Mr Jackson admitted sharing his bed with children.

Past allegations
Bashir gave evidence but refused to answer many of the questions put to him.

Mr Jackson's former wife Debbie Rowe spoke in favour of the pop star, but called his entourage "opportunistic vultures".

And actor Macaulay Culkin denied being abused by Mr Jackson when he was a child star. But Mr Jackson did not take the witness stand himself.

Judge Rodney Melville, who presided over the trial, allowed past allegations against Mr Jackson to be aired in court.