156: The Case for Innocence Special

Sheryl and June Valone join Elise Capron and Charlie Carter for a discussion about the origins and behind-the-scenes stories of their podcast series, “The Case for Innocence“.

Growing up as a young Michael Jackson fan, June was passionate about learning everything she could about the King of Pop and his music. But when “Leaving Neverland” was released in early 2019, her mother, Sheryl, was concerned about how to handle this information. Would she have to explain to her daughter that her icon was not the hero she thought he was? Believing in the power of due process, Sheryl chose to do her own research so that she could give her daughter the truth, whatever that might ultimately be. In the course of what became an extensive personal investigation over the course of many months, and which expanded into researching each set of allegations against Michael Jackson, Sheryl realized that the evidence overwhelmingly pointed to Jackson’s innocence. She was also shocked by how many major media outlets and well-known figures had completely disregarded or manipulated the actual facts of the allegations. With a mission to share the truth, Sheryl and June decided to create a deep-dive podcast series which covers every detail of the Chandler allegations, the Arvizo allegations, the Robson allegations, and the Safechuck allegations. They leave no stone unturned, and give a fair and balanced perspective in their approach. They have also created an impressive website which documents, in detail, their sources, and provides a wealth of additional resources for listeners.

In this chat, the team talk about their original motivations for creating this podcast, what the process has been like for them, the reception from the fan community, their experience now that Season One is out in the world, their plans for continuing to reach new listeners, and what we can expect from Season Two.

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Additional Links
• The Case for Innocence website and Twitter.
• Please consider donating through PayPal to help cover our costs. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and charity donations. Learn all about the various ways you can support The MJCast through visiting our website.
• We also have an official merchandise shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our fun merch.

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099: Leaving Neverland Q&A

As Leaving Neverland continues to reverberate through the Michael Jackson community, many questions have risen to the surface. In this special Q&A episode, Jamon Bull is honored to welcome two experts to the show to answer listener-submitted questions. The MJCast Legal Correspondent, Charles Thomson, along with author, journalist and Friend of the Show, Mike Smallcombe, have both been vital advocates for Jackson during this difficult time, appearing on television interviews as well as publishing articles to spread the truth about these accusations.

Charles and Mike cover a wide range of topics in this special discussion, ranging from the history of the 1993 and 2005 allegations, the facts about Robson’s and Safechuck’s interactions with Michael Jackson and the Jackson Estate, inconsistencies in the Leaving Neverland film, how things might play out with a possible appeal, the effects on Michael Jackson’s legacy, going forward, and much more.

The MJCast team appreciates the overwhelming response in preparation for this episode, which resulted in over 200 submitted questions. They also thank listeners for understanding that not each and every question could be addressed in detail, though they did their best to curate a list which covered all topics. The team hopes that the insights from this episode are helpful, both in terms of listeners’ own understanding of this situation, and in providing guidance and guidelines when speaking to those outside the fan community.

Participants
• Jamon Bull – Co-Host of The MJCast
• Charles Thomson – Award-winning investigative journalist and Legal Correspondent for The MJCast
• Mike Smallcombe – Journalist and author of Making Michael: Inside the Career of Michael Jackson 

Questions
1. Mercedes Donis (email) – General MJ. Negating the “predator profile.” Can you briefly outline all the differences between EACH accuser and how they show differences in MO?
2. Elsa Anderson (Email) – The 1993 case settlement has sorts of two explanations. Could you shed some light on how they fit together or what is true? Explanation a)The insurance company paid against MJ’s will,which is supported by Mesereau and Scott Ross and was brought into the 2005 trial as a legal document. It’s said to be possible to go against the client’s will, when it’s litigation and the settlement of course was on the litigation charge. Explanation b) It was MJ’s legal team that, after not being able to postpone the civil trial (until after the eventual criminal trial) and especially after Mr. Cochran joined the team, talked MJ into settling and that Cochran made sure the insurance company would pay, before settling. This is supported by Geraldine Hughes – the legal secretary of Rothman and writer of the book Redemption, who also claims an insurance company can’t do anything against their client’s will. Only thing clear is that MJ’s, Cochran’s and Weitzman’s signatures are on the settlement, as leaked to the press, early on in the Arvizo case.
3. @tafattsbarn (Twitter) – Can Thomson explain the alleged match of Jordan’s description of Jackson’s genitalia in 1993? People who believe MJ is guilty are now completely convinced the photos matched even though I know that the narrative before was that it didn’t match. They often reference Dr. Richard Strick and Gary Spiegel as people that confirmed it matched. Moreover, if it did match, then why did the prosecution try to enter it into evidence so late in 2005, only to be declined? Wouldn’t it have been incriminating and so they should’ve entered it earlier?
4. @Devon_DaVinci (Twitter) – I know, I may be in the very small minority, but I feel kind of bad for Jordan Chandler. I know, hear me out. From all of the sources I have studied, which was a LOT. Jordan was dragged into the accusations by his parents and was influenced to stick to it. And even when he went with his dad’s team to meet with Michael and his team, Jordan was described running up to and hugging Michael as if nothing ever happened. After the case was settled he quickly cut contact with his family and I have heard that the main reason was because of what they did to his friendship with Michael. And Jordan has gone out of his way, even leaving the country, to not testify against Michael in court. I know he was barred from talking to the media so that’s why he never made a book or documentary. He was assaulted by his father around the same time he was being asked to go to testify in the 2005 trial. I heard a rumor that the two incidents may have been related. I know this is speculation but what if Jordan is just an MJ fan that go the chance of a lifetime to meet his idol and play and hang out with him, but due to corrupt parents was dragged into a situation that found him now against his Idol and hated by the community he wants to still be apart of? Before you ask, no I’m not Jordan Chandler, lol.
5. @ZoroastersChild (Twitter): On Evan Chandler’s suicide, Geraldine Hughes had said in the Nicole’s View interview on YouTube that she believes he was murdered. Any thoughts on that?
6. @ZoroastersChild (Twitter): Why isn’t Geraldine Hughes invited onto mainstream platforms to speak about the 1993 case?
7. Domna Stavridou (email)- Hello Mike and Charles, thank you so much for doing this! You are such great people! I’m still stuck in something, which I can’t quite understand. Can you please explain once again, after the Martin Bashir documentary, why did Gavin Arvizo and his mother turn their backs on Michael? I still don’t get it. Did his mother force him into it (like Even Chandler did)? Or did they both develop hate? Did they want to destroy Michael just because they felt abandoned and wanted money? What was the reason again? Thank you so much, keep doing what you are going! Many regards from Greece, Domna Stavridou!
8. @tafattsbarn (Twitter) – Is it true that two of the legal art books that were depicting nude boys were found in “a locked filing cabinet in Jackson’s bedroom” as stated by the prosecution and later during Rosibel Smith’s testimony (page 10 onwards)? It sounds pretty suspicious.
9. Martina van der Linden (Facebook): I’d like to know how long Michael’s FBI investigation really was. There are many versions out, from 10 years to 12 years or even 17 years. I know Charles was one of the people who back in 2009 asked for those files to be released, so he might know more about this subject and what kind of investigations the FBI did. I think it’s important to know more about what type of investigations the FBI did in order to get your argument right in case you need it.
10. Caroline Lewis (email) – Hi MJCast!I would love to hear Mike and Charles’ position on Jim Clemente. I’ve heard a few podcasts where he says things like Jordan and Gavin’s experiences completely corroborated; that a computer was seized at Neverland that had the drive completely wiped; and that Jordan was ready to testify at the 2005 trial against Michael. Jim said that Jordan didn’t due to a family illness but that Jordan wanted to pursue a criminal case against Michael if he was acquitted, but ultimate didn’t because of the statute of limitations. Are these points credible/verifiable? Why would a former FBI agent lie? Also are there no implications for him to be going on air discussing Michael molesting Gavin as if it’s fact, when Michael was acquitted of these charges – or do the same defamation laws apply? Thank you both for your hard and thorough work! Best wishes, Caroline.
11. @deepika1038 (Twitter) – Can you tell us what are the inconsistencies between wades own court documents and his Leaving Neverland documentary? Now we know about grand canyon, is there anything else like that?
12. @f861c5b3a4ea4f9 (Twitter) – Also, do you think all the family members are lying? The mothers and also the siblings and the grandmother too? Or are they being lied to too, so they’re reactions are real?
13. @drhajarat (Twitter) – What is the real story about video of [Michael] in disguise shopping for a ring with the young James Safechuck?
14. Debbii Longshaw (Facebook) – Do you think that Dan Reed is actually complicit in all the lies (apart from lack of research) or do they think that like us, he was hoodwinked by Wade & James, and is just another unfortunate pawn in the larger game?
15. @MJJRepository (Twitter) – What is your interpretation of Dan Reed admitting (in the Billboard interview) that the footage from Wade’s “1st take” of telling his abuse story was lost due to his camera breaking? Seems like a convenient excuse to film numerous takes and cherry pick which clips are more believable.
16. @annettaaa (Twitter) – Could you talk about how Dan seems to try sweep important things under the rug and how we are not accusing Wade and James of perjury in 1993 or 2005 (they were telling the truth then) and that when we say they are perjurers it is in their 2012/2013 cases? He always brings that up incorrectly.
17. @KingLeahMay (Twitter): Why are there no updates about what is happening with Wade and James? I find it interesting how *every last* detail about people like Jussie Smollett, or Nipsey Hussle, or R Kelly are leaked to the public but no word on wade and James. they’re literally gone from the scene.
18. @Tina_the_Kitten (Twitter) – Does anybody know when the appeal is going to take place? Any dates of a new court process for James Safechuck & Wade Robson?
19. Simon Clarke (email) – Hi Guys, question: Do you think if Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck lose their appeal, that could change the opinion of those who think Michael Jackson might have abused them? If they win, is it effectively game over for MJ’s legacy?
20. @AngryAngel87 (Twitter): With all of the evidence against them coming out (plus their previously failed lawsuits) do you honestly believe they have any chance with this appeal in a court? Also if this appeal fails, again, do you think that’ll change the current narrative on MJ?
21. Denise Lim (Facebook) – I first saw Mike Smallcombe getting the word out through The Mirror and I know about Charles Thomson on BBC radio. Even with your professions, how challenging was it to get the facts onto these public platforms, given the total anti-MJ climate previously?
22. @TheMJAP (Twitter): My question, mainly for Mike: SO many lies and SO many inconsistencies in Leaving Neverland (compared to trial transcripts). Smoking gun, however, was the train station – tangible, physical evidence of a fraudulent claim. How did you even *think* to investigate it’s build date?
23. @ViolaKl00485493 (Twitter): Can you name any other journalists that you think are doing a great job at scrutinizing the current allegations?
24. @mixinghistory (Instagram): Do you agree that us, the fans, should stop supporting people like Paul McCartney and Ellen after their comments on the film?
25. @SeanJoeFitz (Twitter): Are Michael’s kids able to sue for pain and suffering that this tv show has caused them? This will get these twoguys into court under oath.
26. @wceliam2 (Twitter): You are walking down a street and bump into Wade. What do you say to him?
27. Claudia Sanchez Maureira (Facebook) – There has been a theory in the fan-world that Harvey Weinstein might have financed Leaving Neverland as a strategy to deviate the attention on his own allegations. To me, that theory is a “little bit too much”. Do you know if there are concrete reasons for suspecting this or is it just because there are pictures of Oprah with him on friendly terms that some fans are saying that?
28. Let Mino (Facebook): In the Zeitgeist we are in now, isn’t it true that we *have to* take allegations like that from alleged victims seriously? And serious allegations need serious investigations? At first, we as a society have to take them seriously and then investigate *seriously* to see if they make any sense? If we call alleged victims liars immediately, what does that do to actual victims that didn’t speak out yet? I have no answer, I am just thinking of all the abuse victims that are connected directly to the current discussions…
29. @kustecanja (Instagram) – In your opinion, what are some of the reasons that so many people judge MJ for his eccentricities and call him a weirdo and believe literally every single lie about him, but turn a blind eye when it comes to other celebrities, who are also not perfect?
30. @look.over.your.shoulders (Instagram) – What do you think is the concise yet effective response to people in real life who bring up the documentary or say something negative about Michael regarding these accusations?

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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!

095: Leaving Neverland Roundtable

The recent Sundance screening of Dan Reed’s inflammatory film, Leaving Neverland, has, without a doubt, rocked the Michael Jackson community. Despite being based on the easily discredited stories of Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck, and lacking any sort of real investigation, balanced interviews, or responsible journalism, this film has reignited the media’s firestorm against Jackson’s legacy, even as Michael is not here to defend himself.

In this special roundtable episode, The MJCast brings together a panel of experts and those who have seen the film and are taking action against it. Q and Jamon lead the discussion, and are joined by Taj Jackson (member of 3T and son of Tito Jackson, who is currently raising funds to produce his own docu-series), Charles Thomson (The MJCast’s Legal Correspondent and award-winning investigative journalist who has exposed a range of actual child abusers and cover-ups for The Yellow Advertiser in the UK), Marcos Cabotá (a film director who has seen the film and was one of its earlier critics) and Samar Habib (of the Michael Jackson Academia Project, who has been a leading figure in the online movement against the film).

The panellists discuss Reed’s film, the Sundance Q&A session, and the media reaction, as well as developments coming together to counter the film, such as Taj’s docu-series, which can be supported on GoFundMe. Taj also speaks to his own experiences of actually spending time with Michael at Neverland. The group offers talking points for anyone struggling with how to respond to people who say that Michael Jackson was an abuser, as well as coping strategies and words of encouragement.

Now, more than ever, it is the time to come together as fans, to support each other, and to remind the media and general public of the truth. The MJCast hopes that this episode provides resources, strength, and a sense of community during this challenging moment.

Participants
• Q (Host of The MJCast)
• Jamon Bull (Host of The MJCast)
• Charles Thomson (Award-winning investigative journalist and Legal Correspondent for The MJCast)
• Taj Jackson (Member of 3T, son of Tito Jackson and nephew to Michael Jackson)
• Marcos Cabotá (Film director best known for his Star Wars documentary, I Am Your Father)
• Samar Habib (Michael Jackson Academia Project)

Topics
• Leaving Neverland
• The reality of Robson’s relationship with the Jackson family, and why he turned on them.
• The effects on the Jackson family.
• Taj’s memories of spending time at Neverland with Michael, and what it was like being there during the 2005 trial.
• Taj’s GoFundMe campaign and his vision for the docu-series.
• How fans can combat this onslaught, and how this compares to 1993 and 2003-2005.
• Fan Comebacks 101 – Robson.
• Fan Comebacks 101 – General Allegations.
• Tips on coping, finding community, and supporting balanced opinions.

Additional Links
• Taj Jackson’s GoFundMe campaign
• Marcos Cabotá’s documentary I Am Your Father on iTunes and Netflix
• The MJCast: Episode 094 – Harrison Funk Special
• Jermaine Jackson’s appearance on Good Morning Britain
• Michael Jackson and Wade Robson: The Real Story
• Joseph Vogel’s Forbes article What You Should Know About the New Michael Jackson Documentary
• RazörFist’s The Michael Jackson Rebuttal (Part 1) and Defaming the Dead: The Michael Jackson Rebuttal (Part 2)
• Macaulay Culkin’s appearance on the Inside of You podcast
• Taj Jackson’s interview around Leaving Neverland on Sunrise
• Mary Fischer’s GQ article Was Michael Jackson Framed?
• FBI files pertaining to their ten-year investigation into Michael Jackson
• The MJCast – Episode 058: Vindication Day Special (Pirates in Neverland: The Michael Jackson Allegations)

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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!

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!

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.

Links

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Episode 010 – Vindication Day 10th Anniversary Special with Tom Mesereau

Episode 010 - Vindication Day 10th Anniversary Special With Tom Mesereau YouTube ArtTo mark this important occasion, the 10th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s acquittal from false child molestation allegations on June 13th, 2005, we are releasing this special episode. The MJCast’s Legal Correspondent Charles Thomson along with regular hosts Jamon Bull and Q interview Thomas Mesereau, one of the foremost criminal defence attorney’s in United States legal history. Mesereau served as Michael’s principal attorney during his mid 2000’s criminal trial around false child molestation allegations and continued representing Jackson and his affairs for a time afterwards. Ten years ago today Jackson was acquitted of all fourteen charges brought against him by the Arvizo family and their prosecuting lawyer, Santa Barbara Country District Attorney Tom Sneddon. In addition to Michael’s obvious innocence, his vindication and exoneration are also due to the professionalism and efforts of Tom Mesereau and his then legal partner Susan Yu. Topics of discussion include Mesereau’s childhood, his history as a lawyer, what it was like working with Michael Jackson and also the trial itself. We then delve into a dialogue around Jackson’s posthumous legacy, the legitimacy of his Estate executors, the events surrounding his death and what Michael Jackson’s victory in 2005 has meant for his legacy long term.

The MJCast would also like to thank friend of the show Dan Villalobos who has worked so hard on composing and producing our new intro music, which can be heard for the very first time on this episode! Dan is a phenomenal sound engineer, music producer and MJ fan from London, England who has worked with artists such as Maddison Wilson, Robyn Sherwell and has had his work featured on BBC Radio. Check him out at www.danvillalobos.com, and make sure to visit his SoundcloudTwitter and Instagram accounts. Thanks Dan and we can’t wait to have you on the show.

Links
Triumph: Celebrating a Decade Since Michael Jackson’s Acquittal – An article by Syl Mortilla.
One of the Most Shameful Episodes in Journalistic History – An article by Charles Thomson.
Michael Jackson: Innocent – Author D Francis’ book which covers the mid 2000’s Michael Jackson trial. Win a free copy!
Untouchable: The Strange Life and Tragic Death of Michael Jackson – A biography by Randall Sullivan.
The MJCast’s ‘Episode 005 – Kerry Anderson Special’. Listen to this special interview with Michael’s Director of Security during the time of his mid 2000’s trial.
Mesereau Law Group – Tom Mesereu’s official website.
Charles Thomson’s Twitter account and official website.

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Competition – Win a Free Copy of Michael Jackson: Innocent!

michael-jackson-innocent

Here at The MJCast we love supporting quality books on Michael Jackson, whether they’re texts that explore and analyse his genius, or even ones that delve into the complexities of his life such as his tumultuous legal battles. Michael Jackson: Innocent – 28 February 2005 Book 1 by author and legal expert D Francis is one such book, and since its release on May 5th, 2013 it has gone on to garner critical acclaim from other authors who have written on Michael Jackson such as Lynton Guest. Francis’ book offers a rich, detailed and complex discussion around the ‘trial of the century’, Michael Jackson’s penultimate court battle against child molestation allegations in the mid 2000’s.

As part of our recognition of the 10th Anniversary of Michael’s acquittal against these heinous child molestation allegations on June 13th, 2005,  The MJCast is proud to announce a special competition in partnership with D Francis in which we will give away three physical copies of Francis’ fantastic book.

To enter, all you need to do is like, retweet or reblog our original post about this competition from our Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or Instagram accounts respectively. Doing this on any of our social networks will gain you one entry. If you would like an additional two entries for an even greater chance of winning, you can comment on this blog post on themjcast.com with your thoughts around what Michael’s vindication has meant for his legacy. On the very next regular podcast episode of The MJCast, we will randomly draw the three winning names and will contact the winners to find out a suitable address the books can be mailed to. We are truly honoured to do our part in spreading the truth around what happened in Michael’s mid 2000’s trial in the form of this great book.

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D Francis’ book ‘Michael Jackson: Innocent’

Lynton Guest, author of The Trials of Michael Jackson states that “D Francis has produced a book about Michael Jackson like no other. It is based on the premise that because the trial of the artist on numerous child abuse charges in 2005 was not televised, the only facts in the public domain have been filtered through the sieve of incomplete and prejudiced reporting in the media.

D Francis has gone to great lengths to acquire the actual trial transcripts, a volume running to over 14,000 pages to write a series of books straight from source.

In Michael Jackson: Innocent she concentrates on the trial testimony and adds her commentary; in the process revealing exactly why Michael Jackson was acquitted on all charges.

The Author believes that international media coverage at the time focused far too heavily and uncritically on the prosecution case, which is why so many believed the Michael Jackson was guilty, despite the verdict. So, centring mainly on the defence case and the various legal arguments, she shows precisely how we were all misinformed by a media whose main interest was always in boosting the titillation count rather than giving us a true picture of events.

Michael Jackson: Innocent 28 February 2005 is in fact the first in a series of mini-books, each of which narrates a day in the trial. It is a mammoth project. When it is complete, it will comprise a must-have archive both for the general interest reader, students of journalism and the US criminal justice system.

Michael Jackson: Innocent will thus be a unique series of books, which will stand as a legitimate and factual account of Michael Jackson’s vindication.

This book highlights the cracks in the prosecution case, the shifting timeline of allegations, and inconsistencies in the prosecution Opening Statement. You will be left wondering how this case ever made it to trial.

The first book in the series, Michael Jackson: Innocent 28 February 2005, has been on the Amazon Best Seller’s Kindle list, frequently reaching #1 or within the top #100 in the book category of Biographies & Memoirs for Michael Jackson.

Between 2003 to 2005 the media misrepresented what actually happened at court. It is time that those myths, and mistruths are addressed and the truth is made visible and available. By purchasing a new book you support this project.

Ultimately, this project seeks to look behind the media misrepresentations that has cast doubt on Michael Jackson’s reputation for over 20 years”.

Along with releasing this series of books on Michael’s innocence, D Francis is also releasing a series of podcast like audio snippets on her YouTube channel which serve to introduce Michael’s fan community to her work. Below you will find the first episode, which features Francis herself reading an excerpt from the book.

Francis has also explored other avenues in promoting Michael’s innocence and the truth behind the trial, going as far as commissioning an artist to create a line of hand painted t-shirts that can be bought through her website, www.13june2005.com.  If you’d like to support D Francis in her work, then make sure to take a look at these great shirts. From all accounts, they also serve as a fantastic conversation starter around Michael, his trial and what his acquittal has meant for his legacy. D Francis does not receive any money from the sale of the hand painted t-shirts, this is purely fashion to inspire discussion.

We hope you participate in this great competition. It’s a wonderful chance to win a free copy of ‘Michael Jackson: Innocent’ and to also assist D Francis in her quest to promote the truth around Michael’s trials and tribulations. Francis is currently researching her second book which is to focus on Martin Bashir and the media’s impact on the trial. She is aiming to release the book late in 2015 or 2016.

Update: The competition is now closed. Thank-you for your participation. Winners will be announced on Episode 12 of The MJCast.

D Francis’ official website for the book series ‘Michael Jackson: Innocent’
Michael Jackson: Innocent – 28 February 2005 Book 1 on Amazon
An excerpt of ‘Michael Jackson: Innocent’ as read by Lynton Guest
D Francis’ Facebook and Twitter pages

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