Michael Jackson: 10 Years Since The Court Acquittal That Eventually Killed Him

[RobertZ]

Excellent, thorough [[long) piece by Roger Friedman:

http://www.showbiz411.com/2015/06/12...lly-killed-him

Ten years ago tomorrow a jury in Santa Maria, California acquitted mega pop star Michael Jackson of child molestation and conspiracy. Santa Barbara District Attorney Tom Sneddon charged Michael with molesting Garvin Arvizo and then kidnapping Gavin’s family– his mother, brother, and sister. Attorney Thomas Mesereau mounted a brilliant defense and Michael, after four months, was acquitted. But the damage was done. Michael had sat through weeks and weeks of crazy testimony and accusations. His entire life was laid open– his finances, his personal peccadilloes, relationships with every single person he ever knew, descriptions of his body parts. His mother and sometimes his father, or a sibling, sat in the row behind him. They heard it all. Everything was on the record for his child one day to read.
By the time the jury reached their verdict, Jackson was destroyed. There was no jubilant celebration. He was done. He took his kids and left California. Mesereau advised him, “Leave here now.” Why? He knew, as did I, and every reasonable person who’d watched this circus since Jackson’s arrest in November 2003, that Sneddon had it in for him. Sneddon was not going to stop until he somehow put Michael Jackson in jail. If Michael stayed at Neverland, in Santa Barbara County, he would always be a target.
Sneddon’s vendetta against Jackson reached back a decade, to when Michael agreed to a financial settlement with the family of another boy, Jordan Chandler. It was the worst decision that Michael ever made. It created an aura around him of a pedophile, one that he couldn’t shake. It made him a target for more extortion. It turned him into a real drug addict who couldn’t always make other, clear decisions. Eventually, it would kill him.
What was the upside of the Chandler settlement? To the lawyers and advisers, it kept Michael out of jail and court in 1994. Sneddon couldn’t prosecute Michael without the Chandlers. Sneddon was defeated before he could make his case. Jackson, Sneddon felt, danced away. Instead of leaving it alone, Jackson mocked Sneddon publicly in song, taunted him. And Sneddon vowed revenge.
There are just a couple of things you need to know about that trial. Gavin Arvizo’s mother, proved in court to be a scammer and a schemer, was crazy. Sneddon found in her a perfect collaborator. She said and did whatever he wanted. It didn’t matter that her so called “kidnappers” had a full record of their time with her including receipts for spa treatments, movie dates, fast food restaurant meals and shopping safaris. When those guys — Frank Cascio and Vinnie Amen– came to me in 2004 with a huge metal briefcase filled with records of what had gone on, the first thing I remember saying to them was, “Are you sure the Arvizos didn’t kidnap you?”
I was joking, but that’s really what had happened. Gavin Arvizo had cancer. His mother, Janet, used the cancer as leverage to worm her way into Michael’s life. Michael Jackson was naive about one thing since his “We are the World” hit project– that he could save the world, and “save the children who are destined to die,” as Marvin Gaye once sang. Michael, after selling 100 million records, and being dubbed the “King of Pop,” saw himself as a savior. Saving Gavin was just part of his duties.
And that’s what blew him up. He allowed Martin Bashir to come to his house and make a documentary that showed Michael embracing the Arvizos. It was appalling. The worst part of Bashir’ heavily slanted film, called “Living with Michael Jackson,” was a segment in which Gavin– who Michael had brought to Neverland for the filming to show that he was a savior– talked about sleeping in Michael’s bed. When the documentary ran on ABC at the end of January 2003, this moment set off alarms. I wrote at the time that it was possible Michael would wind up in jail. The internet blew up.
Sneddon immediately sent his people to the Arvizos’ apartment in Los Angeles. They left his card under their door. And when Michael realized what had happened, he kicked the freeloading Arvizo’s out of Neverland. They had to return to their real life– no more spa treatments and gifts. And that’s when Sneddon found a conspirator in Janet Arvizo. The only thing was, he didn’t do due diligence. He was so excited to have someone who could help him realize his goal of putting Michael Jackson in jail, he never investigated Janet Arvizo’s background.
My favorite moment sitting in that Santa Maria courthouse? When Tom Mesereau got Janet Arvizo to testify she thought Michael Jackson was going to steal her children by taking them away in a hot air balloon. The courtroom howled. Judge Melville banged his gavel. It was the culmination of a devastating testimony skillfully delived by Mesereau. Everyone knew at that moment the jury was not going to buy Sneddon’s prosecution. Everyone, that is, except Sneddon.
There were good prosecutors on Sneddon’s team. Ron Zonen was and is respected. So is Gordon Auchincloss. They had some great dramatic moments in court. But they never questioned Sneddon’s motives. They followed him right off the bridge into the ocean.
The prosecutors were so out of touch with what was happening that on the eve of the verdict, they threw themselves a congratulatory party. In a public restaurant. A woman I knew stumbled upon them and called me immediately.
This is what I wrote on June 10, 2005:
The prosecutors in Michael Jackson’s child molestation and conspiracy trial apparently feel they’ve already won their case.
On Wednesday night [June 8], the whole lot of them — DA Tom Sneddon, Ron Zonen, Gordon Auchincloss, their wives and families — all celebrated at the Hitching Post restaurant in Casmalia.
The Hitching Post, cousin of the Buellton restaurant featured in the movie “Sideways,” is considered the best restaurant in the greater Santa Maria area.
Sneddon was so happy that he actually embraced celebrity crime reporter Aphrodite Jones. She told me he was in a jubilant mood, and the most outgoing of all the people on hand.
Said one observer, “This group was happy. There was definitely a celebratory mood.”
The prosecutor’s team was first spotted making merry at the bar, and then retreated to a private dining room behind the bar that has no door.
“They could be heard laughing and carrying on,” said a source.
Also present at what could only be termed a party were several of the police investigators involved in the case, including Sgts. Steve Robel and Jeff Klapakis.
By contrast, little has been seen around town of defense attorney Tom Mesereau, who’s kept a low profile since the jury began deliberations a week ago.
It was two weeks since the defense had rested. It would be five more days before the jury would come back with their stunning verdict that rebuked Sneddon’s entire case. But there they were, so full of hubris, certain that they’d prevailed.
In a way they had. Tom Sneddon essentially killed Michael Jackson. If Sneddon had really been objective and had investigated the Arvizo’s properly, the case would not have come to trial. But he turned it into a circus from day 1–staging a surprise raid of Neverland, conspiring with tabloid reporter Diane Dimond [[whose entire career is built on her obsession with being Jackson’s snarling enemy)– to make it a big media splash. Nothing was done by the book. It was all done to ruin Michael Jackson and it worked.
The Arvizos– we’ve never heard from them again, not a peep [[except for Diane Dimond’s report about his 2013 wedding where — unbelievably– at least one Michael Jackson was played by the deejay). Jordan Chandler? His father, after turning his son into a recluse and destroying Jackson’s reputation, committed suicide five months after Michael’s death at the hands of Dr. Conrad Murray. In 1996, a journalist named Mary Fisher wrote a seminal piece in GQ proving Evan Chandler and his ex-wife’s new husband had brainwashed Jordy into thinking he’d been molested. They got $20 million for their hard work. Thirteen years later Michael Jackson was dead.
The jury in the trial thought that once they’d acquitted Michael, the solid gold gates to Neverland would swing open and Jackson would thank each of them individually. They were so wrong. The gates snapped shut. Jackson was never seen again in the town of Los Olivos. Two weeks later he and his children were gone, kicking off four years of homelessness that would end in death. Neverland fell silent. Unlike with the prosecutors, there was no celebration of this bitter victory.

[marybrewster]

With all due respect, I think it's a bit of a stretch to say this event in itself is what killed Michael Jackson. I think it's fair to say that MJ was, ironically, in the midst of a huge comeback at the time of his passing. Sure, on the surface Michael might have been "ruined", but he'll always be remembered as one of the WORLD'S greatest artists. If not THE.

[jobeterob]

I don't know if I really buy that Mary.

I think when people think Michael Jackson, the fans think "greatest singer" "king of pop" but I think the public thinks "pervert" or "pedophile".

Was he really the greatest artist? He was a great artist with a great body of work but so is Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash. Was he really more important than Elvis Presley or the Beatles? I'm not so sure about that either.

[marv2]

I don't know if I really buy that Mary.

I think when people think Michael Jackson, the fans think "greatest singer" "king of pop" but I think the public thinks "pervert" or "pedophile".

Was he really the greatest artist? He was a great artist with a great body of work but so is Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash. Was he really more important than Elvis Presley or the Beatles? I'm not so sure about that either.

Michael Jackson was indeed the World's greatests! Elvis, the Beatles nor any of those other folks you mentioned came no where near crossing over to the masses the way Michael did here and around the World!

[jobeterob]

I'm sure other people agree with you.

At least you didn't try and sell us on Mary surpassing Michael!

[RobertZ]

I'm sure other people agree with you.

At least you didn't try and sell us on Mary surpassing Michael!

... I can't ...

[Bluebrock]

Michael Jackson was indeed the World's greatests! Elvis, the Beatles nor any of those other folks you mentioned came no where near crossing over to the masses the way Michael did here and around the World!

He was indeed a unique talent who will quite rightly be remembered forever, but I am not totally convinced he had the same influence as the Beatles who continue to have their songs covered on a daily basis. Jacko left behind a great body of work. His live performances were groundbreaking and he was an icon for millions, but as regards a lasting legacy I would say he would be behind the Beatles and possibly level pegging with Elvis. Just my opinion but when you see the vast variety of past and present artists who have covered the Beatles I would have to give them the nod.

[detmotownguy]

He was indeed a unique talent who will quite rightly be remembered forever, but I am not totally convinced he had the same influence as the Beatles who continue to have their songs covered on a daily basis. Jacko left behind a great body of work. His live performances were groundbreaking and he was an icon for millions, but as regards a lasting legacy I would say he would be behind the Beatles and possibly level pegging with Elvis. Just my opinion but when you see the vast variety of past and present artists who have covered the Beatles I would have to give them the nod.

I appreciate your viewpoint! I postulate that Michaels's body of work, including his dancing is extremely difficult to imitate. I guess I am thinking specifically of his Thriller album. How can anyone even attempt to top that. The Beatles work seems to me a much easier product to replicate as you say on a daily basis. Also, can we say the the British bands were very much intrigued with The Motown sound? Didn't the Beatles tour with Mary Wells?

I also suggest that his music was purchased by a more diverse market compared to the Beatles or Elvis. He was also a more commercial product.

Although, in the end, all three are examples of great success.

[Bluebrock]

I appreciate your viewpoint! I postulate that Michaels's body of work, including his dancing is extremely difficult to imitate. I guess I am thinking specifically of his Thriller album. How can anyone even attempt to top that. The Beatles work seems to me a much easier product to replicate as you say on a daily basis. Also, can we say the the British bands were very much intrigued with The Motown sound? Didn't the Beatles tour with Mary Wells?

I also suggest that his music was purchased by a more diverse market compared to the Beatles or Elvis. He was also a more commercial product.

Although, in the end, all three are examples of great success.

detmotownguy - if I was speaking personally I would probably say Jacko was indeed the more unique performer. As you rightly say it would be extremely difficult to imitate though Justin Timberlake has had a decent stab at it.
The Beatles catalogue is probably an easier product to replicate but it is true to say almost every motown performer had a go at it inc Stevie, Marvin, Supremes, Smokey, Temps, Tops. Also the likes of Sinatra, Sarah Vaughn, Bowie and literally 1000's of others. Their legacy cannot be overstated, and I speak as huge fans of them, Jacko and Elvis.
The Beatles were indeed greatly intrigued by motown and personally requested Mary Wells tour with them.
A fascinating debate for sure. Thanks for your balanced response.

[marv2]

detmotownguy - if I was speaking personally I would probably say Jacko was indeed the more unique performer. As you rightly say it would be extremely difficult to imitate though Justin Timberlake has had a decent stab at it.
The Beatles catalogue is probably an easier product to replicate but it is true to say almost every motown performer had a go at it inc Stevie, Marvin, Supremes, Smokey, Temps, Tops. Also the likes of Sinatra, Sarah Vaughn, Bowie and literally 1000's of others. Their legacy cannot be overstated, and I speak as huge fans of them, Jacko and Elvis.
The Beatles were indeed greatly intrigued by motown and personally requested Mary Wells tour with them.
A fascinating debate for sure. Thanks for your balanced response.

Doesn't Michael Jackson or rather his estate own the Beatles catalogue?

[jobeterob]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...catalogue.html

[marv2]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...catalogue.html

In five years he should be very close to 80 if he lives. The time to make the most money off of those old songs will have past. I am sure Michael Jackson's Estate will milked them for that they are worth.

[jobeterob]

The lawyers have bailed the estate from bankruptcy ~ and probably became very wealthy in the process.

Most of us are worth more in death than in life.

[milven]

The lawyers have bailed the estate from bankruptcy ~ and probably became very wealthy in the process.

Most of us are worth more in death than in life.

Is that a fact? I never knew that. I always thought that whatever most people leave behind when they die, just dwindles away .

I know that many celebrities like Elvis and Michael have estates that grow and thrive after death.

[midnightman]

The trial might've not killed MJ but it definitely did some damage to his psyche. The guy was so convinced he needed children around him and the trial exposed some details that his lawyers couldn't dismiss from the proceedings [[i.e., the "bad acts" inclusion prior to 2003 of MJ's impropriety with children, I'll say "alleged" here to keep things neutral since I don't wanna be startin' something, pun intended lol). And you can tell he wasn't there when he came out. I just wished MJ had learned from his bad decisions but of course what happened to him in June 2009 showed he was still reckless in his choosing [[hiring a doctor only to get the doctor to do what he wanted).

As for greatest artist, I don't know. Maybe ONE of the greatest, but I felt Prince was a greater live performer and his body of work exceeds that of MJ's. Just my personal opinion anyway.

[midnightman]

Is that a fact? I never knew that. I always thought that whatever most people leave behind when they die, just dwindles away .

I know that many celebrities like Elvis and Michael have estates that grow and thrive after death.

Some entertainers die dead broke almost [[well as entertainers would call "dead broke" at least). Elvis only had $1 million in his personal account when he died and was millions in debt [[which is why he constantly went on tour on the behest of Col. Tom Parker, who kept stealing Elvis' money to pay off his gambling debts). MJ, according to lawyers of his estate, was also in the red and while his net worth had at one point been up to $350 million in his lifetime [[$750 million seems too excessive a number), his personal fortune had dwindled down to $7 million.

Both Elvis' and MJ's estates are now worth over $1 billion.

[midnightman]

Doesn't Michael Jackson or rather his estate own the Beatles catalogue?

In 1985, MJ's attorney made a deal for MJ to get the ATV catalog that included most of the Beatles' material [[with the exception of "Love Me Do" and "Please Please Me" [[and two b-sides from those songs), the Beatles signed with Northern Songs [[later ATV) around '63 so everything from I Wanna Hold Your Hand to The Long and Winding Road MJ owned, at least 50% of it [[not 100% as rumored).

In 1995, MJ made a deal with Sony to merge the catalog [[now known as Sony ATV to this day) so MJ was left with 50% ownership. Allegedly ownership was deducted from MJ's account until he died [[he was alleged to have just owned 25% of the entire Sony ATV catalog).

Snopes would explain it better than I do:

http://www.snopes.com/music/artists/jackson.asp

Technically, it really doesn't mean anything as we would think:

Snopes says:

The key point here is that holding the publishing rights to songs doesn't really give the rightsholder much Beatles "power" over those songs. The rightsholder has some latitude in negotiating royalty rates and determining who may use a song in film or print its lyrics, but that's about it. The chief benefit to owning the publishing rights of songs is that standard publishing agreements call for royalties to be split 50-50 between the publisher and the songwriter[[s), so owning the publishing rights to popular songs can be a lucrative form of income.

Ringo didn't really write much songs so whatever he gets is from "With a Little Help From My Friends" and "Yellow Submarine" [[I think Ringo wrote it anyway). George Harrison's estate owns his self-penned Beatles songs from 1968 onwards [[which includes "Something", I think).