081: Vindication Day Special with Aphrodite Jones

The MJCast present their fourth annual special episode recognising Michael Jackson’s acquittal from false child molestation allegations on June 13th, 2005. On each of these annual episodes, The MJCast’s Legal Correspondent Charles Thomson along with hosts Jamon Bull and Q, bring a very special guest onto the show to discuss their experience with the trial that so deeply affected Jackson’s life.

In this year’s show, the guys welcome author of the newly released special edition of Michael Jackson Conspiracy, Aphrodite Jones. Aphrodite is a journalist and the author of several bestselling true crime books, one of which was turned into the Oscar-winning movie, Boys Don’t Cry. During Michael Jackson’s 2005 trial, Aphrodite initially found herself on the side of the prosecution. However, after the trial was over, she reassessed her stance, and admitted that she got it wrong. She went on to write one of the most comprehensive books about the trial, Michael Jackson Conspiracy, which includes a Foreword by Tom Mesereau. Self-published in 2007, the book went on to become a cult hit, and is being re-released in a new edition this week. Michael Jackson Conspiracy is the last book Aphrodite published, though she has gone on to be a successful true crime documentary host as well as host of her own podcast, called Sex, Love & Murder.

The new edition of the book features colour photos, exclusive links to footage of accuser Gavin Arvizo being led in a police interview, Michael Jackson discussing a children’s holiday with Martin Bashir and Neverland Valley Ranch during the trial era.

Jamon, Q, and Charles talk with Aphrodite about her early life, her experience being one of the few reporters given permanent seats in the courtroom throughout Jackson’s trial, how she fell under the pro-persecution spell and how she changed her mind. Topics also discussed include her interpretation of how the media handled the trial and how it impacted Michael in his final years.

Additional Links
• 
Aphrodite Jones’ Facebook, Twitter and website
• Charles Thomson’s Facebook, Twitter and website
• Aphrodite Jones’ Michael Jackson Conspiracy (Special Edition) on her website and Amazon
• The MJCast – Episode 010: Vindication Day 10th Anniversary Special with Tom Mesereau
• The MJCast’s – Episode 033: Vindication Day Special with Scott Ross
• The MJCast – Episode 058: Vindication Day Special (Pirates in Neverland: The Michael Jackson Allegations)
• Aphrodite Jones’ Cruel Sacrifice book
• Aphrodite Jones’ All He Wanted book
• Mary Fischer’s GQ article “Was Michael Jackson Framed?”, available on Amazon or on the MJJTruthNow blog

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comStay BAD!

080: A Good Kind of Weird

Jamon and Q have lots of exciting news and discussion items to get into in this week’s regular episode, including their anticipated follow-up chat about Jamon’s interview with Bryan Loren in Episode 079, which inspired strong reactions from listeners across social media. They get into their personal thoughts on that episode, and also talk about the MJ social media storm around Twitter’s #TweetLikeTheMJEstate.

In Jackson family news, the guys discuss the new Pepsi can design featuring Michael Jackson, as well as updates on La Toya (nope, she did not have a stroke!), Jackie Jackson’s new record label, and the upcoming Jacksons events in Detroit. And, of course, they celebrate Janet Jackson’s well-deserved ICON Award and incredible performance at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.

In controversial news, an essay by Ta-Nehisi Coates, published in The Atlantic, causes quite a stir, leading Joe Vogel to respond with his own article in Forbes. Plus, the debut of the ABC documentary “The Last Days of Michael Jackson” has the fan community talking, and the Estate suing. And, Lenny Kravitz releases a new “duet” with Michael Jackson called “Low“.

Last, but certainly not least, the guys are thrilled to have J.D. from HIStory In The Mix with them on today’s show. J.D. is a massive fan (and very wise for his young age!) whose must-watch web-series chronicles the life and career of Michael Jackson. Jamon and Q will talk with J.D. about his fan story, history of his web-series, thoughts on Michael Jackson, the Estate, and more.

News
• Michael Jackson features on new Pepsi can design and accompanying TV ad.
• 
La Toya wins “Celebrity Worst Cooks in America” cooking challenges, and visits the Cannes film festival for the South Korean film, “Burning”.
• La Toya and B. Howard feature together in the finally-released track “Let Me Know (Dimelo)”.
• After all that, obviously La Toya did not have a stroke.
• Ta-Nehisi Coates publishes a controversial essay in The Atlantic, comparing Michael Jackson to Kanye West, to which Joe Vogel responds with his own article in Forbes.
• Janet Jackson performs at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards and receives the ICON Award.
• Janet Jackson opens up to Billboard in new interview.
• A new ABC documentary “The Last Days of Michael Jackson” airs, not endorsed by his family nor his Estate Executors.
• Jackie Jackson discusses his new record label, Critically Amused, and his signed artists.
• The Jacksons receive a key to the city of Detroit, and get an honorary street renaming, as they are set to headline the Detroit Music Weekend, June 14/17.
• Lenny Kravitz releases a new ‘duet’ with Michael Jackson, called “Low”.

Main Discussion Topic
• 
Fan chat with J.D. of HIStory in the Mix

Finds of the Week
• 
Jamon – Aphrodite Jones’ book Michael Jackson Conspiracy.
• Q – RetroWDW Podcast Episode 39 – Hotel Plaza Boulevard, in which host Brian gives us the history of the Michael Jackson Suite at the Hotel Royal Plaza on WDW property.
• 
J.D.- Janet and Michael Jackson – Rhythm On the Dancefloor mashup.

Additional Links
• 
The MJCast – Episode 079: Bryan Loren SpecialApple Podcasts
• Links to La Toya’s track
• The MJCast – Episode 064: Vincent Paterson SpecialApple Podcasts

Ad & Music Breaks
• 
The Jacksons – Can You Feel It (Groovefunkel Remix)
• Janet Jackson – That’s the Way Love Goes (Haus of Glitch Waltz Groove)
• Michael Jackson – HIStory (KaiOken Remix)

Correspondent Appearances
• Steven Hodges of MJFFC (Charity Correspondent)
• Charles Thomson (Legal Correspondent)
• Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source (Jackson family Correspondent)

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Michael on!

Episode 033 – Vindication Day Special with Scott Ross

Episode 033 - Vindication Day Special with Scott Ross Show Art

Eleven years ago today, on June 13th 2005, the King of Pop Michael Jackson was acquitted of molestation allegations in a trial that took an insurmountable toll on his life. Although this day is not one we celebrate, it is one we remember each year for the fact that Michael was finally vindicated for the heinous allegations brought against him. On this special episode, The MJCast’s Legal Correspondent Charles Thomson along with regular hosts Jamon Bull and Q interview Scott Ross, a somewhat overlooked figure of the trial, but one whose work lead attorney Tom Mesereau says was crucial to the defence team’s success.

Scott+Ross+Michael+Jackson+Pre+trial+Hearing+HikD4nt5YlelScott Ross has been Tom Mesereau’s go-to private investigator ever since they met in 2002 on the Robert Blake murder case. Mesereau describes him as the best investigator he has ever worked with. Scott has worked on notorious cases including the McMarten Pre-school molestation trial and the Scott Peterson murder case, as well as collaborating with former Michael Jackson attorney Mark Geragos on cases such Chris Brown’s assault on Rihanna and the Winona Ryder shoplifting trial. In 2011 he worked for the defence in Conrad Murray’s trial, where Murray was convicted of Michael Jackson’s homicide. Topics of discussion include Ross’s early career, the Michael Jackson trial itself and his contributions to the defence, his thoughts around the Conrad Murray trial and Scott’s valued reflections on Michael Jackson the man.

Note: The MJCast would like to apologise for the background noise in the first eight minutes of this episode.

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comMichael on!