Michael Jackson News

· Michael Jackson Plans Appearance in Tokyo. Michael Jackson plans to make his first public appearance since his trial acquittal last June at a ceremony in Tokyo to accept MTV Japan's "Legend Award," his spokesman said. 

· Jackson Molestation Lawsuit Thrown Out.  A lawsuit filed against Michael Jackson by a Louisiana man who claimed the singer molested him over 20 years ago was thrown out by a federal judge on Thursday. 

·   Michael Jackson restructured his finances with the help of Sony Corp., which co-owns a valuable music catalogue with the pop star, Jackson attorneys said Thursday in a statement. 

· Michael Jackson said near deal to avert bankruptcy.  Singer Michael Jackson is close to a deal that would help him to avert bankruptcy by refinancing hundreds of millions of dollars in loans, the New York Times said on Thursday. The paper, citing people briefed on the plan, said the ongoing negotiations would also require him at some point in the future to offer Sony Corp. part of his interest in a song catalog that includes scores of hits from The Beatles. 

· Jacko's Jewish rant.  In phone messages obtained by ABC News, Michael Jackson likens Jews to "leeches" and claims they conspired to leave him "penniless." "They suck...they're like leeches...I'm so tired of it," Jackson tells former adviser Dieter Wiesner in one of them. "The Jews do it on purpose." The ugly message, which was made two years ago and aired yesterday on "Good Morning America," was one of several provided by Wiesner's lawyer, Howard King. 

· Former Michael Jackson adviser files $64 mln suit.  A former adviser to Michael Jackson has filed a $64 million lawsuit against the pop star, alleging breach of contract and fraud.  Dieter Wiesner filed a civil suit against Jackson on Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court claiming he paid Jackson, who was acquitted in June of sexual molestation charges, millions of dollars for rights to merchandise his name and likeness that were not Jackson's to sell. 

· Jackson Juror Files Lawsuit.  A juror in the Michael Jackson case who said last month that he believed the pop star was guilty of molesting his 15-year-old accuser has filed a lawsuit to get out of a book publishing contract.  A publishing executive was quoted as saying the title of one of the books about the Jackson trial will be: "Guilty as Sin, Free as a Bird." 

· Mother of Jackson's Accuser Charged.  The woman whose son accused Michael Jackson of child molestation in a trial that led to Jackson's acquittal was charged with welfare fraud Tuesday in a five-count complaint alleging she collected $18,782 in payments while making false claims she was indigent. 

· Michael Jackson Fined for Missed Hearing.  An irate judge, miffed by Michael Jackson's failure to have his lawyer show up for a hearing in a civil case, fined the singer $10,000 on Wednesday.  Jackson was a no-show and had no lawyer present at a July hearing in the case accusing him of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old man during the 1984 World's Fair. 

· Jackson Juror Says Fellow Panelists 'Let A Pedophile Go.'  Two jurors who say they regret their decision to acquit Michael Jackson on child molestation charges are ready to go public with their feelings about the matter.  Ray Hultman and Eleanor Cook explain why they regret their actions on the new show "Rita Cosby: Live and Direct."  In a preview shown this morning on NBC's "Today" show, Cosby asked Cook if the other jurors would be angry with her.  "They can be as angry as they want to," Cook said. "They ought to be ashamed. They're the ones that let a pedophile go." 

· Jurors:  Jacko guilty just in time for book deals.  Two jurors who acquitted Michael Jackson of child molestation charges now say they think the pop star was guilty - and they are penning tell-all books about the jury's deliberations.  "Guilty As Sin, Free as a Bird" is the title of 79-year-old Eleanor Cook's tome, according to Larry Garrison. 

· Michael Bullish on Bahrain?  Sounds like Michael Jackson has found a way to beat the heated up California housing market: Buy in Bahrain.  The longtime Golden State resident has purchased 14 acres' worth of "palatial property" as a "potential new home" in the oil-rich Persian Gulf kingdom, the New York Post first reported Monday. His next-door neighbor is said to be Sheik Abdullah bin Hamad al Khalifa, a longtime friend. 

· Prosecutors Must Return Jackson's Property.  The judge who presided over Michael Jackson's child molestation case ordered prosecutors Thursday to return to the entertainer hundreds of items seized by investigators.  The items, including computers, books and adult magazines, were gathered as evidence by authorities looking into allegations that Jackson molested a 13-year-old boy two years ago. Jackson, who was acquitted last month, was not in court. 

· Jackson Misses Hearing in Civil Case.  Neither Michael Jackson nor his attorney showed up Wednesday for a hearing in a civil case that accuses the pop star of sexual assaulting an 18-year-old during the 1984 World's Fair.  Joseph T. Bartucci Jr. claims in the lawsuit that he was lured into Jackson's limousine, then held against his will and sexually assaulted.  Bartucci was 18 at the time and claims he repressed the memories until 2003. 

· Firm Sues Jacko for $48 million.  A financial company specializing in asset acquisition sued Michael Jackson on Monday, saying it is owed $48 million in fees for rescuing the singer's stake in the publishing rights to songs by the Beatles. 

· Michael Jackson Vacations in Bahrain.  Michael Jackson began a vacation at a prince's palace in the tiny Gulf kingdom of Bahrain, his first trip overseas since being acquitted of child molestation charges, an official close to the royal circle said Thursday.  Jackson and his three children arrived on a private plane from Europe on Wednesday night for an indefinite stay, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. 

· Jackson: Family, Fans Helped During Trial.  Michael Jackson says his family, fans and God "dried my tears" and helped him through the hardship of child molestation charges and a four-month trial that ended in his acquittal.  "Your love, support and loyalty made it all possible. You were there when I really needed you. I will never forget you," Jackson said in a statement posted Sunday on his official Web site. 

· Jackson Fans, Family Gather for Party.  Michael Jackson's family and fans - and at least one of the jurors who acquitted him of child molestation - gathered Friday night for a huge party that was billed as a celebration of thanks.  The pop star himself, who has not appeared in public since his 14-week trial ended Monday, was nowhere in sight. 

· Accuser's mom blew the case.  The Michael Jackson jury said the prosecution's molestation case was tainted by the mother of the pop star's accuser, whom they found annoying - and a likely scam artist.  It was hard to give the mom the benefit of the doubt when the defense blasted her as a liar and a thief, jurors said, and her behavior on the stand did little to win their sympathies.  "I disliked it intently when she snapped her fingers at us," said Juror No. 5, a 79-year-old great- grandmother.  "That's when I thought, 'Don't snap your fingers at me, lady.' " 

· Jacko Beats Child Molestation Rap.  Michael Jackson quietly spent the night at his Neverland Valley Ranch while his fans gathered outside its gates to celebrate his acquittal of child molestation charges.  On Monday, the pop star beat 10 charges brought by Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon, including molesting a 13-year-old cancer survivor in 2003 and conspiring to hold the boy and his family captive.

Jackson wiped tears from his eyes as the verdict was read. One of his lawyers, Susan Yu, burst into tears as the first verdicts were announced. Some of the women in the jury also wept and passed around a box of tissues.  When it was over, Jackson stood and was embraced by his chief lawyer, Thomas Mesereau Jr., and Yu.  Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon sat with his head in his hands. 

· Experts: Jackson Could Make a Comeback.  Michael Jackson's career has been declared dead before. When his success as a child wunderkind fronting The Jackson Five was waning, some doubted whether he could make it as an adult star - and were proven wrong. And when he had hits again with his brothers as part of The Jacksons, others questioned whether he could become a solo success - and they were wrong. 

· Jackson 'Probably' A Child Molester, Juror Says.  One of the jurors who acquitted Michael Jackson on all counts said he believes the pop star is "probably" a molester, but the prosecution didn't prove it.  In an interview on CNN, juror Raymond Hultman questioned the way Jackson has shared his bedroom and bed with young boys. Hultman said "that doesn't make sense" to him.  But, he said, that didn't make Jackson guilty of the charges presented in this case. 

· Jackson jurors: Evidence 'just wasn't there.'  A stoic Michael Jackson walked out of court acquitted by jurors who said they didn't have enough evidence to convict him of molestation charges that could have sent him to prison for years.  Jackson made no comment - and didn't even smile - as he left the Santa Maria courthouse after the verdict Monday, surrounded by his parents and siblings. 

· Jackson cleared on all counts.  A California jury found pop superstar Michael Jackson not guilty Monday of all charges in his child-molestation trial. The jury deliberated about 32 hours before reaching its decision.  

· Jacko Prosecutors Celebrate Early.  The prosecutors in Michael Jackson's child molestation and conspiracy trial apparently feel they've already won their case.  On Wednesday night, the whole lot of them — DA Tom Sneddon, Ron Zonen, Gordon Auchincloss, their wives and families — all celebrated at the Hitching Post restaurant.  The prosecutor's team was first spotted making merry at the bar, and then retreated to a private dining room. 

· 5 Days Later, No Verdict in Jackson Trial.  Fans outside the courthouse gates chanted "Michael's innocent" as jurors wrapped up another day of deliberations in the Michael Jackson child molestation case. The jury put in only 2 1/2 hours Thursday. The reason for the abbreviated day was not released by the court, but Judge Rodney S. Melville noted last week that some jurors had school graduation ceremonies to attend.  Since receiving the case on June 3, the eight women and four men have met for more than 22 hours over five days. 

· Jackson's share of Beatles catalog in doubt.  As jurors weigh Michael Jackson's guilt in his child molestation trial, music industry executives and bankers have been weighing a separate, but related question: Will Jackson have to sell his $500 million stake in the Beatles' music catalog? 

· Jackson Jury Deliberates for Second Day.  The scene outside the courthouse was calmer than it had been a day earlier as jurors deliberated for a second full day in Michael Jackson's child molestation case.  There were about 100 fans outside the gates of the courthouse Tuesday, about half as many as there were Monday, when the singer's father made an unexpected appearance and was mobbed by cameras.  The only famous face to visit the courthouse Tuesday was the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who said the pop star was optimistic as he awaited the jury's decision. 

· Michael Jackson Treated in Emergency Room.  Michael Jackson was taken to an emergency room Sunday for treatment of a back problem that has plagued him throughout his molestation trial. He later left to the thunder of flashbulbs.  Jackson, accompanied by a bodyguard, arrived at the Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital about five miles from his Neverland ranch at about 2:30 p.m., spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain said.  "Mr. Jackson's back has spurred up on him again," Bain said. "It's pretty serious. It was serious enough for him to come over here." 

· Jackson's post-trial future hinges on his past.  Even if he is acquitted of child sex abuse charges, there seems little doubt pop singer Michael Jackson's moonwalking glory days are behind him - but his superstar past may be the key to salvaging his future.  Experts in image management and the music industry say the 46-year-old performer could make a modest comeback singing the hits that made him famous, especially in Europe and Asia, where his following has long surpassed his U.S. stature.  Some have suggested he might otherwise carve out a late-career niche as a headliner in Las Vegas, a city of second chances for many performers but a dead end for others. 

· Jackson Jury May Be Deciding Who's Weirder.  The jury deliberating the fate of Michael Jackson may have to decide who's weirder: Jackson or the mother of his accuser. 

· Jackson Jurors Go Home Without Verdict.  Michael Jackson's fate is in the hands of a jury. Jurors received the child-molestation case against the pop star Friday afternoon and deliberated for about two hours before adjourning for the weekend. 

· Jackson Lawyer to Finish Closing Arguments.  Prosecutors portrayed Michael Jackson as a hard-drinking, porn-collecting pedophile to "dirty up" the pop star because they couldn't prove their case that he molested a child, Jackson's lawyer said in closing arguments. Defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. began his closing argument Thursday after Senior Deputy District Attorney Ron Zonen told jurors that Jackson had brought his accuser, then a 13-year-old cancer survivor, "into the world of the forbidden." Mesereau was to conclude his argument Friday, followed by a prosecution rebuttal. The case will then go to the jury. 

· Longtime Jackson Confidant Speaks Out.  Before jury deliberations begin in the Michael Jackson child molestation case, a longtime friend and confidant of the pop star is speaking publicly for the first time to express his belief that Jackson is innocent.  Frank Tyson told ABC News' "Primetime Live" co-anchor Cynthia McFadden: There's "not a question in my mind who's telling the truth. I know who's telling the truth and I know who's lying." 

· Celebs say he'll beat it.  With the King of Pop's judgment day drawing near, the Daily News turned to some famous faces for an all-star jury to predict the outcome of the case.  Most of the lawyers, politicians and sex experts we contacted figure Michael Jackson is very unlikely to be convicted of child molestation; some think he may fall on some lesser charge, and many think the prosecution's case was weak. 

· Jackson jurors can weigh lesser charges on alcohol.  The judge in Michael Jackson’s child molestation trial said Tuesday that the jury will be told that the allegation that Jackson gave alcohol to his accuser can be treated as a lesser offense.  The change made by Superior Court Judge Rodney S. Melville raised the possibility that Jackson could be convicted of providing alcohol to a minor — a misdemeanor — even if he is acquitted of molestation. 

· Defense Rests in Michael Jackson Trial.  The defense rested in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial without putting the pop star on the stand, wrapping up after a three-week effort to portray the accuser and his mother as shakedown artists. 

· Last Witness Called In Jackson Defense.  Michael Jackson's lawyers say they have called their last witness.  Actor Chris Tucker was on the stand at the end of the day Tuesday and is scheduled to finish testimony Wednesday. The announcement by the defense means that Jackson will not testify in his own defense. 

· Online world bets on Jackson trial outcome.  Whether or not Michael Jackson's jurors still have a reasonable doubt about his guilt, the wild world of Internet betting has rendered judgment: the smart money is on acquittal. 

· Leno bombs on Jacko stage.  Despite his positioning as a crucial defense witness in the Michael Jackson case, comedian Jay Leno today fired a blank on the witness stand, testifying that he was never asked for money when contacted five years ago by the LA teenager at the center of the current child molestation prosecution. 

· Jacko's Receipts Could Exonerate Him.  The "captors" of Janet Arvizo's kids, whom Arvizo called "the killers" on the stand, not only bought them books, but paid to replace their lost schoolbooks as well. And they did this during what turned out to be the Arvizo family's last week at Michael Jackson's Neverland Valley Ranch in March 2003. 

· Jackson Witness Testifies on Inaccuracies.  The mother of Michael Jackson's accuser complained that she and her children were being kept away from the pop star during the time period prosecutors say one of her sons was being molested, a witness testified Thursday.  The testimony came after the judge refused to allow the defense to call CNN's Larry King as a witness. The talk show host was in court but left without taking the stand. 

· Larry King Can't Testify for Jackson .  The judge in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial ruled Thursday against allowing CNN host Larry King to testify for the defense, saying his testimony would be irrelevant. 

· Witnesses: Jacko Accuser Had Own Booze, Porn.  A security guard at Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch testified Monday that he caught the pop star's teenage accuser and his brother with a bottle of wine, and a maid told the jury she saw adult magazines in the brother's backpack. 

· Lawyer: Jackson Said Nothing Happened.  Michael Jackson's former attorney Mark Geragos testified at the pop star's child molestation trial Friday that Jackson told him his accuser had slept in his bed but that nothing sexual had happened.  Geragos, who testified that he investigated the accuser's family and became gravely concerned about them, was cross-examined on whether he ever asked Jackson if the boy slept in his bed.  "When I was there, what I saw was a gentleman who was almost childlike in his love for kids. I didn't see anyone doing anything nefarious or criminal. I saw someone who was ripe as a target," he said. 

· Ex-Jackson Lawyer Geragos Appears at Trial.  Michael Jackson's former attorney, Mark Geragos, arrived at the pop star's child molestation trial and was expected to testify in response to a defense subpoena. It was unclear what Geragos would testify about. He represented Jackson while the star was under investigation but was let go in April 2004. Judge Rodney S. Melville sternly issued a warning Thursday calling for Geragos to appear after an associate asked that Geragos be allowed to reschedule because he was working on another trial. Melville ordered Geragos to obey a defense subpoena and ordered that he be ready to take the stand. 

· Bashir admired Jackson’s way with kid.  The jury in the Michael Jackson trial watched a video Thursday in which the journalist who made a damaging documentary about the pop star actually praised him as a parent.  “Your relationship to your children is spectacular,” Martin Bashir said to Jackson during the making of the documentary. “It almost makes me weep.” 

· Culkin’s testimony could be Jackson’s salvation.  In many ways he looked like any other witness in Michael Jackson’s child molestation trial. Dressed casually in a black jacket and white button down shirt, actor Macaulay Culkin arrived at the courthouse on Wednesday with little fanfare.  Unlike comedian George Lopez, who arrived in a white stretch limo, with a small entourage, Culkin entered unannounced through the backdoor of the courthouse. But the star of the blockbuster movie “Home Alone” is anything but just another witness. 

· Culkin Denounces Charges Against Jackson.  "Home Alone" star Macaulay Culkin denounced the molestation allegations against Michael Jackson as "absolutely ridiculous" on Wednesday and testified that, contrary to prosecution claims, he was never victimized during his boyhood visits to the pop star's ranch. 

· Culkin says molestation claims ‘absolutely ridiculous.’  Actor Macaulay Culkin took the stand at Michael Jackson’s child molestation trial Wednesday and denied he was molested, saying the accusations against the pop star were “absolutely ridiculous.” 

· Enquirer reporting Jackson has sold Neverland estate.  Michael Jackson has secretly sold his Neverland Ranch for $35 million, The National Enquirer can reveal. The scandal-plagued superstar is so wracked by financial troubles he can no longer afford to keep his trademark fantasy estate in Los Olivos, near Santa Barbara, California. 

· Culkin to star in Jackson's defense.  Actor Macaulay Culkin - the first real "star" witness in Michael Jackson's child-molestation trial - is set to take the stand today to boost the pop icon's defense.  The 24-year-old "Home Alone" star is expected to say he was never molested or improperly touched by Jackson, 46, during his many boyhood sleepovers at the singer's Neverland Ranch. 

· Former Jackson Employee Disputes Charge.  A former employee of Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch was called to the stand in his child molestation trial Monday to cast doubt on the testimony of an ex-maid who claimed the pop star inappropriately touched actor Macaulay Culkin and other boys. 

· Jackson Defense Will Portray Him As Victim.  Michael Jackson has played the victim in his songs for years. In "Billie Jean," he portrays the target of a false paternity claim. In "Man in the Mirror," he says he's "been a victim of a selfish kind of love." And throughout the album "HIStory," he's threatened by ominous characters such as "D.S." - a character based on the prosecutor now accusing him of child molestation. 

· Moms Testify They Trusted Michael Jackson.  Two mothers testified at Michael Jackson's trial that they trusted the singer enough to let their sons sleep in his bed and were convinced that no molestation ever occurred. 

· Man Describes Innocent Jackson Sleepovers.  Michael Jackson's lawyers opened their case Thursday in his molestation and conspiracy trial, calling a young man who said he repeatedly slept in the pop star's bedroom without incident as a boy and denied allegations that he took a shower with the singer. 

· Witness denies Jackson molested him.  The leadoff witness for Michael Jackson's defense Thursday denied the pop star molested him as a boy, even though he spent several nights in Jackson's bedroom at Neverland Ranch.  "Did Michael Jackson ever molest you?" defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. asked.  "Absolutely not," the witness replied. 

· Juror May Be Dismissed From the Jackson Trial.  A key witness, who testified that Jackson molested him when he was a child, and a live-in sister of Juror No. 11 work together in the same small auto parts store in Santa Maria, Calif., just blocks from the courthouse where "The King of Pop" is being tried. 

· Prosecution wraps up case in Jacko molestation trial.  Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday in the Michael Jackson trial after more than two months of dramatic testimony in which they sought to prove that the pop star molested a teenage cancer patient and conspired to hold his family captive at his fairytale estate. 

· Jacko Shocked: Bank Sells Out Beatle Loan.  Michael Jackson was reportedly shocked Wednesday when he received word that Bank of America sold him out.  Bank of America has sold Jackson's $270 million in loans to a private hedge fund. The group is called Fortress Investments, located in Manhattan. 

· Millions cashed out of Jackson's account.  A Michael Jackson associate cashed two checks totalling $1.5 million in early 2003 on an account controlled by him and Jackson, a bank official testified Monday as prosecutors neared the end of their presentation. 

      » Jackson prosecutors present phone, bank records.  Prosecutors in Michael Jackson's child-molestation trial used telephone records Monday to underscore their contention that Jackson's associates tried to intimidate and control the family of his accuser. 

· Jackson’s lawyers face ghosts of star’s past.  Prosecutors are expected to rest their case against Michael Jackson this week after two months portraying him as a man who used his Peter Pan persona and Neverland Valley Ranch to lure young boys into a sordid web of booze, pornography and illicit sex. 

      » Down to the wire, will Jacko testify?  Michael Jackson has sat silently in court for nine weeks, betraying little reaction as prosecutors laid out their child molestation and conspiracy case against him.  Now, with the defense case about to begin, trial watchers wonder if the pop star can resist the temptation to step into the witness stand spotlight and tell the story as he sees it. 

· Jackson Prosecution May Use 1993 Evidence.  Prosecutors in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial on Friday showed jurors two books seized from his bedroom in 1993 that include pictures of nude boys. 

· Rowe Turns Tables on Jackson Prosecution.  In a stinging turn for prosecutors, Michael Jackson's ex-wife testified the singer was easily manipulated by "opportunistic vultures" in his inner circle who wanted to make millions from his troubles. 

· Ex-Wife Calls Jackson Associates 'Vultures.'  Michael Jackson's ex-wife is blasting the singer's associates in her testimony at the pop singer's child-molestation trial.  On the stand for the second day Thursday, Debbie Rowe called some of Jackson's people "opportunistic vultures." 

· Jackson's ex-wife contradicts prosecution.  Michael Jackson's ex-wife testified Wednesday that she was not honest when she praised her former husband as a parent during an interview she gave in February 2003 to help defend him after the broadcast of a damaging television documentary.  However, contradicting earlier statements from the prosecution, Debbie Rowe said her comments in the interview, while not truthful, were also not scripted or rehearsed, and she said she even turned down an offer to see the questions in advance. 

      » Jacko ex stings DA.  In tearful testimony that may backfire on prosecutors, Michael Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, called the pop star "my friend" yesterday and said she hoped to "reconnect" with him and the two kids she bore for him. 

· Jackson's legal team shaken up.  Michael Jackson's legal team is undergoing a shakeup just days before the defense is expected to start presenting its case to jurors in the pop star's trial on child molestation charges. 

      » Jacko Lawyer Axed.  After court Monday, several reporters watched as Oxman had an animated conversation with lead Jackson attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. The two then embraced in a hug. Oxman did not return a call for comment Monday.  Oxman was taken from court last month and hospitalized with what turned out to be right lung pneumonia. Jackson and his mother welcomed him back with hugs when he returned. Oxman is the fourth attorney to part ways with Jackson. 

· Jackson Prosecutors Plan to Wrap Up Case.  Stung by several recent rulings favorable to the defense, prosecutors in the Michael Jackson child-molestation case said they planned to wrap up their case as early as this week. 

· Jackson Jurors Face Dilemma With Witnesses.  As the prosecution nears the end of its case against Michael Jackson, jurors face a dilemma: how much should they believe testimony from key witnesses who have admitted past lies? 

· Jacko ex-wife to take stand.  Prosecutors in Michael Jackson's child molestation case are expected to call the pop star's bitter ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, to the witness stand next week. 

· Kobe spends $50,000 to rite his wrongs.  Kobe Bryant is still paying for his one-night stand. The L.A. Lakers star shelled out $50,000 this week for a recommitment ceremony with his wife, Vanessa. 

· Key Setbacks For Jackson D.A.  Prosecutors in the Michael Jackson molestation case lost a key battle when a judge refused their request to allow testimony from a domestic violence expert to explain why the mother of Jackson's accuser lied under oath. 

· Jackson witness arrested for sex with minor.  A person on the witness list in the Michael Jackson trial is accused of having sex with a minor. 

· Macaulay Culkin to testify for Jackson.  Former child movie star Macaulay Culkin plans to testify on behalf of Michael Jackson in the singer's trial on child molestation charges, a source close to the case told CNN. 

      » Neverland Guard Says Boy Couldn't Leave.  Jackson's attorneys did not explain the apparent discrepancy as they presented the logs while cross-examining a former Neverland security guard. Prosecutors called the guard to testify that he once had orders not to let the accuser leave Neverland. 

· Jacko Accuser's Mom Wraps Up Testimony.  Michael Jackson's attorney on Tuesday challenged the authenticity of photographs that appeared to show the mother of the pop star's accuser with severe bruises from an alleged beating by store security guards. 

· Jacko Accuser's Mom Still in Hot Seat.  Michael Jackson's defense has tried to chip away at the credibility of his accuser's mother, and more of the same was anticipated as the trial entered its eighth week. 

· Mother of Jackson accuser admits lying under oath.  The mother of Michael Jackson’s young accuser was barraged with questions and insinuations on the witness stand Friday as the singer’s attorney tried to portray her as a con artist and forced her to admit she had lied under oath twice in an unrelated case. 

· Larry King Served with Subpoena in Jackson Case.  CNN host Larry King was served with a subpoena by Michael Jackson's defense team Friday morning as he left a Beverly Hills newsstand. 

· Jackson judge threatens to close court.  Exchanges between the mother of Michael Jackson's accuser and the pop star's lead defense attorney were so combative Friday that the judge threatened to end court for the day after listening to hours of sniping between the witness and lawyer. 

· Accuser's Mother to Face Tough Questions.  Michael Jackson's defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. is going to surgically and systematically take apart Janet Arvizo, the mother of Jackson's accuser, when she sits back down on the stand here in Santa Maria, Calif.  This should be like a great moment in a soap opera, where many secrets are revealed and old festering lies are put to rest. 

· Jacko accuser's mother takes the stand - and the Fifth.  The mother of Michael Jackson's child sex accuser took the stand in his trial, but in a dramatic twist, refused to testify about aspects of her shady past. 

      » Jackson Accuser's Mom: 'Don't Judge Me!'  Holding her arms out to the jury, the mother of Michael Jackson's teenage accuser sobbed and pleaded, "Please don't judge me!" as she recounted her family's involvement with the pop star in dramatic testimony Wednesday. 

· Accuser's stepdad: I asked Jax for cash.  The stepdad of Michael Jackson's accuser said yesterday his family was offered "protection ... college education and a house" to make a favorable video about the singer - but he asked for cash instead. 

· Witness: 'Jackson begged to sleep with my boy.'  The mother of a boy who received a multimillion-dollar settlement from Michael Jackson in the 1990s testified Monday that she initially refused to let her son sleep in the singer’s bed but relented when a “sobbing and crying” Jackson made another request. 

· Jackson Prosecution Hits Another Snag.  The prosecution in the Michael Jackson case ran into another problem Monday when a witness did not testify as expected that he may have seen the pop star lick a boy's head in the 1990s. 

· Jacko's Mom Denies Leaving Court to Avoid Testimony.  Michael Jackson's mother said Sunday that she left the courtroom during her son's child molestation trial last week to use the rest room — not to avoid hearing graphic testimony. 

· Witnesses in Jackson Case Surprise Lawyers.  They may not be as unpredictable as Michael Jackson, but witnesses in the singer's child molestation case have surprised lawyers on both sides with unexpected testimony.  Flight attendant Cynthia Bell had been expected to testify this past week that Jackson shared wine with his young accuser on an airplane trip - but she said no such thing. 

· Ex-Employee Says Jackson Touched Culkin.  A former employee of Michael Jackson was the second witness in the singer's molestation trial to describe watching intimate contact between Jackson and child star Macaulay Culkin. 

      » Jacko: DA's Witnesses Admit Lying.  The prosecution put on two witnesses yesterday in the Michael Jackson child molestation case, each determined to demolish the defense. At first their plan looked good. But then defense attorney Tom Mesereau came twirling on to the court, and the rest is history. 

· Jackson Maid Testified She Used 'Broker'.  Michael Jackson's former maid testified Friday at his child molestation trial that she and other employees used a "media broker" to sell stories to tabloids, including one claiming inside knowledge of Jackson's sex life with ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley. 

· Former guard testifies Jackson engaged in sex act with boy.  A former security guard at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch testified Thursday that he saw the pop star performing oral sex on a young boy while the two were standing nude outside a shower in 1993. 

· Jackson Jurors May Have Mocked Witness.  Jurors in the Michael Jackson molestation case were apparently overheard laughing at a remark that might have been mocking a witness, although no court action was expected. 

· Former Jackson maid says she saw singer showering with boy.  Michael Jackson's former personal maid testified Tuesday that she saw the pop star showering and laughing with a young boy at Neverland Ranch - with their underwear lying outside the shower door. 

· Jackson Witness Pleads Poor Memory.  A man who testified he was molested by Michael Jackson more than a decade ago repeatedly pleaded a poor memory Tuesday as the pop star's lawyer cross-examined him about his story.  The 24-year-old man clashed with Jackson attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr., who tried to highlight inconsistencies between the story that the witness told on the stand and his earlier accounts.  The housekeeper's son received $2.4 million from Jackson in 1994 and no criminal charges were filed. 

· Jackson witness says he was molested.  In a halting, emotion-choked voice, the son of Michael Jackson’s former housekeeper testified Monday that the pop star molested him during a tickling game in 1990. 

· Jacko could beat it to Brando paradise.  If Michael Jackson ever left the country, he could live out his days on a tropical island paradise - thanks to his friend Marlon Brando.  A notarized deed obtained by the Daily News shows that on June 5, 2003, Brando granted Jackson sanctuary on one of the Pacific islands he owned "for the rest of [Jackson's] natural life." 

· He never slept with my son.  Actor Macaulay Culkin's boyhood relationship with Michael Jackson has suddenly taken center stage in the King of Pop's trial.  The "Home Alone" star always denied being abused by Jackson, who became his close pal after he invited Culkin and his family to Neverland.  Culkin's father, Kit, accompanied Macaulay and his other children during their Neverland visits. 

· Comedians Lighten Mood at Jackson Trial.  The unfamiliar sound of laughter has punctuated Michael Jackson's child molestation trial with the recent witness stand appearances of three comedians and a comedy club owner whose wisecracks have reminded everyone that this is still a show business case.  "I was thinking that between the comedians and the lawyers, I like the comedians better," Judge Rodney S. Melville quipped this past week. Jurors laughed heartily and a few clapped their hands in approval.  Jackson later told reporters: "We can always use a little comic relief." 

· Jackson lawyers call for mistrial.  Lawyers representing pop star Michael Jackson have asked the judge in the singer's child sex abuse case to declare a mistrial.  They say they have evidence that witnesses have discussed their testimony outside the courtroom, in violation of court rules. 

· Boy pal's mug rivets Jacko jury.  Michael Jackson's jury saw the impish face of his 1993 accuser for the first time yesterday as the boy's former lawyer testified the singer shelled out big bucks to silence the kid and his parents. 

· Jackson Accuser's Ex-Lawyer Denies Plot.  An attorney who has represented Michael Jackson's accuser denied that the singer's molestation trial was part of a plot to get his money.  Larry Feldman took the stand Friday, telling jurors he has never been asked to file a lawsuit against Jackson but acknowledging the boy could file a civil lawsuit against Jackson until he turns 20. 

· Flight attendant testifies in Jackson case.  A flight attendant who has undercut a prosecution claim that Michael Jackson served alcohol to his accuser during a jet trip testified in the pop star's child molestation trial Wednesday that the boy was unruly and rude and started a food fight. 

· Witness Lashes Out at Jacko's Attorney.  A prosecution witness lashed out at Michael Jackson's attorney from the witness stand Tuesday, quoting another witness saying: "You have made this court like O.J.'s court or Robert Blake's court." 

      » Jet hostess: Jacko didn't give kid wine.  A corporate flight attendant says Jacko never shared his soda pop can of wine with his young accuser or any other kid on a flight from Miami to California, contradicting key testimony from the boy and his siblings. 

· Club Owner Testifies in Jackson Trial.  The comedy club owner who sought to put Michael Jackson in touch with a young cancer patient testified in Jackson's molestation trial Tuesday but hardly mentioned the pop star sitting across the courtroom. 

· Presley Dishes About Marriage to Jackson.  Lisa Marie Presley aired her "Dirty Laundry" on "Oprah." In the first of a two-part interview on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to promote her new album, Presley spoke Monday about her brief marriage to Michael Jackson, who is on trial on child molestation charges. 

· Update:  Jackson judge allows previous abuse allegations.  In a setback for Michael Jackson's defense, prosecutors will be allowed to introduce evidence of past molestation allegations against the singer, relating to five previous accusers, the judge ruled Monday. 

· Jackson Says He's Victim of Conspiracy.  Declaring himself "completely innocent" of child molestation charges, Michael Jackson said Sunday that he is the victim of a conspiracy and asked fans around the world to pray for him. 

· Key Prosecution Witness in Michael Jackson Case Jailed.  One of the prosecution's most important witnesses in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial has been jailed in Las Vegas on charges of burglary, robbery and first-degree kidnapping, all with a deadly weapon. 

· Macaulay Culkin's Dad Goes to Bat for Jacko.  Michael Jackson never acted inappropriately with Macaulay Culkin or any of his siblings. So says the Culkins' long-estranged dad, Kit, in a single-spaced, 40-page treatise I read yesterday. 

· Michael Jackson Arrives Late to Court, again.  A feeble-looking Michael Jackson arrived late again Monday to his child molestation trial, walking slowly and stiffly into court, but the judge took no apparent action against the pop star. 

· Jackson Prosecutors May Wrap Up Evidence.  Prosecutors in the Michael Jackson trial could finish presenting evidence about accusations that the singer molested a 15-year-old as early as this week, though they are waiting to see if evidence of alleged prior offenses also can be included. 

· Jacko Accuser Claimed Comic Robbed Him.  Michael Jackson's lawyers will be allowed to question witnesses about allegations that the boy accusing the singer of molestation once claimed comedian George Lopez stole $300 from his wallet. 

· Lien to be slapped on Jackson's Neverland.  As the latest signal of Michael Jackson's apparent financial difficulties, one of the unindicted co-conspirators in the child molestation case against the pop star intends to slap a lien Friday on Jackson's Neverland ranch, NBC News has learned. 

· Jacko's Maid: Kids Ran Wild at Neverland.  A former housekeeper for Michael Jackson testified at the entertainer's molestation trial that she called his Neverland ranch "Pinocchio's Pleasure Island" because children were allowed to run wild without adult supervision. 

· Leno: Jax 'guilty,' but clan hit me up.  Jay Leno told cops he thinks Michael Jackson is "guilty" of child molestation, but the late night funnyman's expected testimony at the singer's trial may still boost the defense and show the young accuser to be a liar.  The "Tonight Show" host says he took "one or two" phone calls from the accuser and his mother, and they made a pitch for money that sounded like a "script," according to a transcript of Leno's interview with Santa Barbara County sheriff's officers. 

· Jay Leno Appears to Contradict Jackson Accuser.  Jay Leno appears to contradict the alleged victim's testimony and tells investigators the boy's mother put him on the phone to speak to him. Leno said the conversation made him suspicious.  "It all sounded very rehearsed to me," Leno says. 

· DA helped Dimond out of a 'Hard' spot.  Does Court TV reporter Diane Dimond owe Tom Sneddon big time?  Yesterday, New York Daily News' Lloyd Grove learned that the Santa Barbara district attorney - whose prosecution of Michael Jackson is Dimond's beat - played a key role in killing a slander suit that Jackson filed against her a decade ago. 

· Jackson jurors defy judge's 'diet.'  The Michael Jackson trial judge was overruled by the jury Tuesday when they extended their 10-minute snack break because of an unexpected bonanza: free pizza delivered by Olive Garden. 

· Doctor: Accuser says Jackson no pedophile.  Doctor who interviewed accuser says Jackson no pedophile; tells cops teenager invoked name of boy who brought 1993 molestation charges. 

· Accuser: Jackson 'Did Nothing to Me.'  The boy who says Michael Jackson molested him acknowledged under cross-examination Monday that he told an administrator at his school that the pop star "didn't do anything to me." 

· Did Jax reporter brief DA?  Has Court TV's Diane Dimond helped prosecutors gather evidence in the Michael Jackson case?  New Jersey businessman Henry Vaccaro Sr. claims that's exactly what she did last March, vowing to alert Santa Barbara District Attorney Tom Sneddon after discovering a pair of soiled Calvin Klein briefs. 

· Jury hears graphic testimony from Jackson's accuser.  In the most critical day of his trial so far, Michael Jackson heard his accuser level graphic allegations of child molestation at him Thursday after the singer arrived late in pajama bottoms and slippers and was threatened with jail by a judge who was unswayed by his claim of a back injury. 

· Insiders Fear Jackson Will Commit Suicide.  Michael Jackson's close friends now really fear that he will commit suicide. The scene this morning at the courthouse in Santa Maria has convinced people who ordinarily do not say these things that Jackson is in serious mental trouble. 

· Jackson late for court; judge threatens arrest warrant.  Michael Jackson was late for his trial Thursday, and the California judge trying the pop superstar's child molestation said he would issue a bench warrant for Jackson's arrest if he did not appear in court within an hour. 

      » Update: Michael Jackson Finally Arrives To Court.  Michael Jackson arrived late to his child molestation trial Thursday to face a judge who threatened to arrest him and revoke his $3 million bail, but the judge resumed the case apparently without taking any action against the singer. 

      » Michael Jackson Arrives Late to Court.  Michael Jackson arrived late to his child molestation trial Thursday to face a judge who threatened to arrest him and revoke his $3 million bail, but the judge resumed the case apparently without taking any action against the singer. 

· Jackson accuser takes the witness stand.  The teenage boy accusing Michael Jackson of child molestation has taken the stand in the pop star's trial.  Earlier Wednesday, the accuser's brother said that being nervous was the reason he gave different versions of an incident in which he claimed to have walked in on Jackson groping his brother. 

· Jacko Accuser's Kin: "I Lied."  A boy who testified that Michael Jackson molested his brother acknowledged under cross-examination Tuesday that the pop star didn't show him a sex magazine that the prosecution introduced into evidence. The witness also said he lied under oath in a separate civil lawsuit.  When Mesereau asked him to tell the jury why he lied under oath, the boy said, "I don't remember. It was five years ago. I don't remember nothing." 

· Jackson accuser's brother recounts seeing sexual contact.  The younger brother of the teenage boy accusing Michael Jackson of child molestation testified Monday that he twice walked into the singer's bedroom and found Jackson masturbating, with his other hand down the sleeping boy's pants. 

· Leno Surrogate Handle Jackson Jokes.  Jay Leno says he can still write the Michael Jackson jokes, he just can't tell them.  So while the "Tonight Show" host waits to hear whether he is exempt from a gag order barring potential witnesses from discussing Jackson's child molestation trial, Leno called on actor Brad Garrett to act as his Jackson joke-telling surrogate. 

      » Sister of Jackson's child sex accuser admits to lying.  The sister of the boy who accused Michael Jackson of child abuse admitted in front of trial jurors that she had selectively lied about details of the case.  "So you'd lie about certain things and tell the truth about certain things, depending on what you are asked, right?" Mesereau asked the woman. "Yeah," she softly replied. 

· Accuser's family praises Jackson in video.  The family of Michael Jackson’s accuser heaped praise on the singer and called him a father figure in a video shown to the jury in the pop star’s child molestation case Friday. 

· Leno Wants Exception to Jackson Gag Order.  Jay Leno, who has been subpoenaed for Michael Jackson's child molestation trial, wants the judge to lift or clarify a gag order that could keep the comedian from one of his most vital sources of punchlines.  Attorneys for the star of NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" said Judge Rodney S. Melville's sweeping order barring anyone involved in the case from discussing it outside court "could be interpreted to limit Mr. Leno's ability to publicly speak about the trial." 

· Jackson PR aide says she was fired over concerns.  A public relations specialist hired two years ago by an attorney for Michael Jackson said she was fired after she expressed concern about the treatment given to the family of a teenager who would later accuse the singer of child molestation. 

· 'Crack whore' strategy in Jackson case.  A public relations specialist testified Wednesday in Michael Jackson’s child molestation trial that a Jackson lawyer told her in the aftermath of a damaging documentary that the mother of the boy involved in the case would be made to look like a “crack whore.” 

· Defense goes after Jackson documentarian.  Michael Jackson's attorney sparred Tuesday with a British journalist who produced a documentary on the superstar's life, challenging Martin Bashir's methods and asking the judge to sanction him for refusing to answer questions. 

      » 'Jacko will tell you.'  The King of Pop will take the stand to deny charges he molested a cancer kid with one kidney after plying the boy with lurid porno mags and booze, his lawyer strongly hinted yesterday. 

· Jackson Defense: Accuser's DNA Not Found.  Authorities investigating allegations of child molestation against Michael Jackson found no DNA from his accuser when they searched the pop star's bedroom, his attorney told the jury Tuesday. 

· Lawyers Offer Clashing Versions of Jacko.  The opposing legal teams in Michael Jackson's child molestation case delivered their opening statements Monday, painting wildly different portraits of the embattled pop star. 

      » Jacko accusers targeted Leno for money.  Michael Jackson's lawyer lashed into his young accuser's mom as a scheming con artist who even tried to get money from "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno.  But Leno smelled a rat, he said, and the talk-master later told cops, "It sounded like they were looking for a mark." 

· Teen knows more about sex than Jacko.  The Los Angeles boy who has accused Michael Jackson of molestation told investigators that the singer was a naif when it came to "the birds and the bees," claiming that his alleged abuser "didn't know much. I knew more than he did."  The surprising appraisal from the boy, now 15, came during a January 19, 2004 interview with Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department officials. 

· Mystery Witness Emerges in Jackson Case.  On the eve of trial, a mystery witness has emerged in the Michael Jackson case and will be deposed by both the prosecution and defense in a rare weekend session at noon Saturday in Los Angeles.  The surprise witness is reportedly a paralegal who worked for the attorney representing the accuser's mother when their family sued JC Penney and won a $137,500 settlement in October 2001. 

· Jackson Jury to Hear Evidence on Mother.  Jurors in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial will be allowed to hear evidence that the accuser's mother had made allegations of improper touching against store security guards, a judge ruled Friday. 

· Family: Heart Attack Victim Moved for Michael Jackson.  A woman who had suffered a massive heart attack died after hospital personnel moved her out of a trauma room to accommodate a flu-stricken Michael Jackson, the patient's family said. 

· Michael Jackson jury of peers chosen - no blacks.  The panel includes four men and eight women, ranging in age from 20 to 79. None are African-American, despite efforts by the pop star's attorneys to secure at least one black juror on the panel. 

· Twenty Dismissed From Jackson Jury Pool.  After two weeks of delays, jury selection resumed Tuesday in the Michael Jackson case with attorneys dismissing half the number of jurors they are allowed to dismiss at will. 

· Accuser has history of changing his story.  In March 1996, the then 7-year-old accuser became sick at school. He became upset, however, when a school official tried to call his mother, saying that she had beaten him and was afraid she would beat him again if the school notified her, according to Russell Halpern, the attorney for the accuser's father. 

· Judge Assures Jurors Jackson Was Ill.  Michael Jackson returned to court Tuesday after a week's delay and the judge assured prospective jurors that the singer really had been ill and there was no plot to put off his child molestation trial. 

· ABC's Jackson Special Raises Questions.  ABC News said it didn't pay for interviews on this week's Michael Jackson special - but some of the subjects were paid nonetheless. 

· Smoking Gun Smokes Out Jackson Case?  Has the gagged Michael Jackson molestation case been unbound?  The Smoking Gun on Thursday published 805 pages of purported Jackson grand-jury testimony - and said it was busy scanning more. 

      » Jackson transcript.  The Smoking Gun obtains 1903-page record of panel that indicted Michael Jackson on molestation and conspiracy charges. 

· Michael Jackson Leaves Hospital.  Shortly after a hospital announcement saying he remained under observation for "persistent viral symptoms," Michael Jackson left Marian Medical Center. 

· Leno Jokes About Possibly Being On Jackson Defense List.  Leno joked on "The Tonight Show" Tuesday night that his relationship with Jackson was perfectly innocent.  He said all they did was cuddle and "people have to make it something dirty." 

· Jackson Witness List Full of Celebrities.  Michael Jackson's attorney told prospective jurors in Michael Jackson's child molestation case Monday that the defense witness list includes Kobe Bryant, illusionist David Blaine, TV newsman Ed Bradley, Backstreet Boy Nick Carter and his younger brother Aaron and relatives of actor Marlon Brando. 

· One in seven Jackson jurors have links to star.  One in seven potential jurors in the Michael Jackson trial have links to the singer, questionnaires released by the court have shown.  The results showed that almost 90 per cent were aware of the child sex abuse case, while one in seven know the star or know somebody who does. 

· Media Want Potential Jackson Juror Info.  Jury selection in the Michael Jackson molestation case has been delayed, but media efforts to learn more about who might eventually sit in judgment of the entertainer are moving ahead. 

· Family Death Delays Jackson Jury Selection.  Jury selection in the Michael Jackson molestation case will be delayed for a week because of a death in the family of the pop star's attorney, a judge said Monday. 

· Jackson Says Celebrity Makes Him a Target.  Michael Jackson said in a television interview scheduled to air Saturday that many of the news reports about him are "fiction" and that his celebrity makes him a target.  [In reality, it's not his 'celebrity' that makes him a target - it's sleeping with little boys]. 

      » Networks Pledge Restraint in Jackson Case.  There was a sinking feeling last week when CNN, Fox News Channel and MSNBC all trained their cameras on a California street to catch Michael Jackson returning from a lunch break during jury selection at his molestation trial. Is this what the next few months are going to be like? 

· Jacko's ex-wife to reveal all in court.  Michael Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe has agreed to be a star witness against the singer during his child molestation trial.  Ms Rowe, 37, was married to Jackson for three years and is mother of his children. But she has now formally been added to the state's list of witnesses. 

· Jackson appears confident as jury selection begins.  Pop star Michael Jackson appeared confident as jury selection began in his child molestation trial Monday, smiling and laughing in court while prospective jurors craned their necks to catch a glimpse of him. 

· Jackson plea on eve of abuse case.  Michael Jackson has made an impassioned plea for a fair hearing on the eve of his trial for child abuse. The pop icon said he would be "acquitted and vindicated when the truth is told", in a statement made on his website. 

· Jackson’s accuser must testify in open court.  Michael Jackson’s young accuser will have to testify against the pop star in open court when he takes the stand in the singer’s child molestation trial. 

· Jackson judge allows 'sexually explicit' evidence.  Dozens of adult-oriented books, magazines and DVDs seized at Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch - one with the fingerprints of Jackson and his accuser - can be used as evidence in the singer's upcoming trial, the judge ruled Friday.  

· Judge Considers if Jackson Should Testify.  With jury selection set to begin Monday, the judge in Michael Jackson's child-molestation case is still considering whether the entertainer's accuser should testify in public and whether jurors should see a British documentary about the pop star. 

· Authorities Probe Leaks in Jackson Case.  Authorities said Monday they are investigating leaks about the child molestation case against Michael Jackson that appeared in news reports. 

· Judge Lets Jackson Respond to Transcripts.  The judge in the Michael Jackson molestation case has allowed the singer to make a statement responding to grand jury transcripts leaked to ABC News, according to media reports Wednesday. 

· Journalist Fights Request in Jackson Case.  A television journalist has asked a judge to deny a request by prosecutors for him to testify at Michael Jackson's child molestation trial. 

· Michael Jackson's Accuser, In His Own Words.  The boy accusing Michael Jackson of child molestation has given a vivid, detailed account of his alleged sexual encounters with the pop star, according to grand jury testimony — more than 1,900 pages — reviewed by ABC News' "Primetime Live." 

· Jacko's $20 million bet.  Michael Jackson thought his $20 million bought the silence of a boy who accused him of molestation in 1993.  That could turn out to be a very expensive mistake. 

· Boys detail lurid acts of alleged sexual abuse in sealed court, police, grand jury records.  The Smoking Gun has compiled an authoritative, behind-the-scenes account of the prosecution's case against the King of Pop, who was indicted last April on ten felony counts for the alleged sexual abuse of a Los Angeles boy in early 2003. This story (and the ones linked at right) are based on a review of confidential law enforcement and government reports, grand jury testimony, and sealed court records. 

· Jacko's sleazy secrets.  The case against Michael Jackson is built on the memories of two young brothers who have detailed for prosecutors everything from the combination of Jacko's bedroom door to the location of one of his many stashes of pornography. 

· Witness: Jacko Defense Harassing Me.  A comedy club owner who is a witness in the Michael Jackson molestation case held a news conference Wednesday to accuse the singer's defense team of harassing him.  As soon as he wrapped up his remarks, he was served with a fresh defense subpoena. 

· Latest Jackson ruling shields evidence.  Less than a month before Michael Jackson's child-molestation trial is scheduled to begin, the court continued a pattern of shielding all evidence from public view Monday, releasing rulings with blacked-out pages. 

· Did Jackson Accuser's Mom Falsely Solicit Aid for Son's Treaments?  In 2000, when Jackson first met his accuser, an article appeared about the boy and his family in Mid Valley News, a community newspaper in the town of El Monte, just outside of Los Angeles. The story was an emotional appeal, detailing the boy's illness and asking for readers' financial charity. "Our car has been repossessed" the mother was quoted as saying. "One chemotherapy injection costs more than $12,000."  Now, Connie Keenan, the editor of Mid Valley News, has characterized the accuser's mother in a most uncharitable manner. "My gut level: she's a shark. She was after money," Keenan said. "My readers were used. It's sickening." 

· Jacko Judge Denies Motion for Delay.  A judge Monday denied a motion for a delay in the child molestation case against Michael Jackson, clearing the way for the trial's Jan. 31 start. 

· Jackson's Lawyers Seek Six-Week Delay.  Michael Jackson's lawyers went to court Monday to seek a six-week delay in his child molestation trial, saying they need the extra time to sort through 14,000 pages of evidence filed by prosecutors over the past two months. 

· Prosecutors seek prior claims in Jackson trial.  Prosecutors in the Michael Jackson child molestation case want to include as evidence previous allegations of sex offenses for which police did not charge the singer. 

· Jackson Lawyers Move to Dismiss Charges.  Michael Jackson's lawyers have filed a motion to dismiss the child molestation charges against the pop star on grounds of "vindictive prosecution and outrageous government conduct." 

· Source: Fingerprints of Jackson, boy on magazines.  Fingerprints of Michael Jackson and those of his accuser have been found on "pornographic magazines" seized during a raid on the pop singer's Neverland ranch, a source familiar with the case told CNN. 

· Nat'l Enquirer: Boy's prints on Jacko's porn stash.  Cops found Michael Jackson's fingerprint and a fingerprint from the boy accusing him of sex abuse on the "same page" of a porno mag seized from the pop star's home last year, according to a published report. 

· Michael Jackson Gives DNA Sample.  Michael Jackson has reportedly given Santa Barbara County prosecutors a DNA sample. 

· Authorities Serve Another Search Warrant At Michael Jackson's Ranch.  Authorities say they're again searching Michael Jackson's sprawling California estate.  A spokesman said the Santa Barbara County sheriff's department served a search warrant Friday at the pop star's Neverland ranch.  The spokesman would not release further details about the search. 

· No Psychological Exam for Jackson Accuser.  The judge in the child-molestation case against Michael Jackson refused on Monday to order Jackson's accuser and the boy's family to undergo psychological examinations. 

· Jackson Hit With $3 Million Lawsuit.  Former porn producer says star is dogged by drug, money problems.  Claiming that Michael Jackson is a drug- and booze-impaired deadbeat, a former business associate yesterday sued the singer for more than $3 million in unpaid loans and producing fees. 

· Jackson Lawyers Seek Removal of Prosecutor.  Michael Jackson, saying his upcoming child molestation trial is nothing more than a grudge match by a vindictive prosecutor, wants a judge to remove District Attorney Tom Sneddon and allow the state attorney general to intervene. 

· Attorney leaves Jackson's defense team.  One of the attorneys representing pop superstar Michael Jackson in his child molestation case has left the defense team for unspecified reasons. 

· Public barred from talking in Jackson courtroom.  In the latest restriction on the news organizations covering the Michael Jackson case, bailiffs Thursday imposed an unusual new rule on reporters and members of the public attending a routine hearing: No talking in court, not even before the proceedings. 

· Judge Rejects Request to Toss Jacko Case.  A judge Thursday rejected a defense request to throw out the indictment in the Michael Jackson case, saying prosecutors had presented enough evidence of child molestation and an attempt to silence the alleged victim's family for the case to go forward. 

· Jacko Lawyers File Motion to Remove DA.  Michael Jackson's lawyers filed a motion Monday to remove the Santa Barbara County district attorney's office from his child molestation case, but the reasons were kept secret. 

· Sheriff raids home of Jackson personal assistant.  Authorities raided the home of Michael Jackson's personal assistant September 15, a newly released court document reveals. 

· Jackson 'regrets' out-of-court settlements.  Shortly after hearing pretrial testimony from the mother of Michael Jackson's accuser, the pop singer's attorney told reporters that Jackson "would never harm a child" and he now regrets reaching out-of-court settlements years ago with two children who accused him of wrongdoing. 

· Mother of Jackson's accuser to testify.  A day after lawyers argued over whether items taken from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch can be used in his child molestation trial, testimony from his accuser's mother could decide whether a judge will allow prosecutors to present other disputed evidence. 

· Jackson's Attorneys to Challenge Evidence.  Michael Jackson's attorneys say authorities overstepped their bounds when they descended upon the pop star's Neverland Ranch and a detective's office, and want evidence seized during the raids thrown out. 

· Calls Jacko 'the Devil.'  "Michael Jackson is the Devil in God's clothes."  That's how the boy who accused Michael Jackson of sexual abuse in 1993 still describes the King of Pop, his uncle Ray Chandler told the Daily News yesterday. 

· Jacko: Accuser's Uncle to Publish Expose.  The family of a 12-year-old-boy who said he was abused by Michael Jackson a decade ago accepted a $23 million settlement because they were denied a request made to the Los Angeles district attorney for witness protection, according to a report. 

· Jackson Acknowledges Settling Past Claims.  Michael Jackson, facing child-molestation allegations, acknowledged he has reached financial settlements with people in the past to avoid the embarrassment of going to court, but added he would never harm a child. 

      » Did Michael Send 'Love Notes' To Accuser?  As Michael Jackson waits for his trial to begin in January, more information is being brought to light, including a second accuser's reported $2 million payoff. "Dateline NBC" has learned that in addition to the existence of a second accuser in the 1993 case, the alleged molestation happened far from Neverland. 

· Judge refuses to lower Jackson's bail.  The judge in the Michael Jackson child molestation case has refused to lower his $3 million bail, citing evidence that the pop star once planned to flee to Brazil with his young accuser's family. 

· 2nd boy got $2 million from Jacko.  Michael Jackson paid $2 million in hush money to a second boy who accused the King of Pop of fondling him in 1993, according to a new report. California authorities investigating 1993 child molestation charges against the singer found a 12-year-old son of one of Jackson's employees at Neverland who accused Jackson of fondling him through his clothes, according to tomorrow night's "Dateline NBC." 

· Jacko Judge Admits Evidence.  The judge in the Michael Jackson child molestation case issued tentative rulings Monday admitting 39 pieces of evidence seized in a search of Jackson's Neverland estate and suggested he will toss out a number of other items. 

· Jackson Pretrial Hearings a Mystery.  Despite the high-stakes legal tussle between prosecutors and defense attorneys in the Michael Jackson child molestation case, the public still doesn't know specifically what the two sides lately are arguing about. 

· Prosecutors try damage control in Jackson pretrial hearing.  California Damage control by prosecutors in the Michael Jackson child molestation case takes center stage today. In the closing act of the latest series of California courtroom hearings, deputies are expected to testify. The officers participated in the search of Jackson's Neverland ranch last November. They are expected to challenge accounts by former Jackson workers who say they cooperated with the search until deputies began moving into Jackson's office and other areas not specified in the warrant. 

· Canadian man charged over Jackson death threat.  A 26-year-old man from southwestern Ontario has been charged with uttering a death threat after the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, received a threatening email. 

· Ears where Jacko's nose comes from.  Michael Jackson claims he had only two plastic surgeries but now a top doctor is revealing the singer went under the knife so many times that a piece of his ear had to be used to shore up his nose. 

· Battle on Secret Evidence in Jackson Case.  In a high-stakes drama of legal gamesmanship, prosecutors and defense lawyers in the Michael Jackson child molestation case are battling over still-secret evidence that might make or break the case against the pop star. 

· Neverland Manager Says Search Excessive.  The property manager of Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch testified Friday that sheriff's deputies looking for evidence last year searched areas that were not specified in a warrant. 

· Jackson's lavish lifestyle on videotaped display.  Michael Jackson's elegant home with its lavish playground for children was placed on display in a courtroom as defense attorneys showed a judge videotapes of a raid last year on the pop star's Neverland estate. 

· Jackson Accuser Kin Wanted Compensation.  The stepfather of the boy who accused Michael Jackson of molestation testified Thursday that he asked for payment from Jackson for the family's participation in a video interview intended to restore Jackson's reputation. 

· Judge: Police Had 'Probable Cause' Against Jackson.  Police had "probable cause" to believe Michael Jackson had committed a crime when they raided his Neverland Valley Ranch looking for evidence, a judge in the pop star's child molestation case ruled on Tuesday. 

· Jackson attorney fined by judge.  The judge in the Michael Jackson child molestation case fined one of the pop star's lawyers $1,000 Tuesday after he refused to back off a line of questioning the judge had told him was off-limits. 

· Jackson Security Increased After Threats.  Sources close to the Michael Jackson molestation case in Santa Maria, Calif., said security has been increased after threats involving the pop star. 

· Another Bombshell at Jacko Hearing.  The detective at the center of a pretrial hearing in the Michael Jackson molestation case has something in common with the pop singer's young accuser: They were both patients of the same psychologist, Jackson's lawyer alleged Tuesday. 

· Jacko prosecutor admits he made a mistake.  Sneddon refused to acknowledge he even suspected a professional relationship between former Jackson attorney Mark Geragos and the investigator, Bradley Miller — even though the prosecutor acknowledged seeing a large file of letters that carried the names of both men, and admitted telling defense attorneys in July he knew Miller worked for Geragos but testified he retracted the statement the next day. "It was a mistake," he said. 

      » Jacko invites kids to ranch.  A day before he'll be in court on his child-molestation case, Michael Jackson dropped by a South Los Angeles church yesterday and met with about 35 Sunday-school students. 

· Report: Michael Jackson Not 'Manhandled.'  The state attorney general's office has concluded that Michael Jackson was not "manhandled" by sheriff's deputies who took him into custody last year on child molestation charges. 

· Drama Expected Between Jackson and D.A. Tomorrow.  On Monday, Jackson's family will be standing by him for a courtroom confrontation with the man who wants to put him in prison a district attorney whose pursuit of Jackson dates back more than a decade.  Although the legal agenda for Monday's pretrial hearing is significant, emotional overtones may take center stage. The subject of this session is District Attorney Tom Sneddon, the man who also tried to bring charges against Jackson in 1993 in a confrontation so bitter that Jackson wrote an angry song that only slightly disguised Sneddon's name. 

· Jacko gets to see his DA grilled.  Michael Jackson just couldn't pass up the chance to watch his nemesis squirm.  The pop star accused of seducing a cancer-surviving boy is expected to come to court tomorrow with a large contingent of family and supporters as the man prosecuting him takes an "extremely unusual" turn on the witness stand.  

· Sheriff Seeks Release of Jackson Findings.  Santa Barbara County's sheriff has asked a judge's permission to release the results of a state probe into allegations that Michael Jackson was "manhandled" by authorities after his arrest for investigation of child molestation. 

· Jackson to Attend Next Hearing.  Michael Jackson has decided to attend court when the man prosecuting him for child molestation is on the witness stand, sources said.  Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon will be testifying in an unusual pretrial proceeding Monday. 

· Jacko ex: I'll win kids.  Michael Jackson’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe is “utterly convinced” she will win the custody battle over their two kids, friends said last night.  She is so confident that she is selling the Beverly Hills mansion Jacko bought for her and is looking for a bigger home for her and the children. 

· Jacko House Hunting in Miami.  Michael Jackson is returning to Miami's South Beach this week with his huge entourage and a running meter on skyrocketing expenses.  He's told friends that he wants to buy a house in Miami and will be starting to hunt for one on this trip. 

· Woman loses two of Jacko's babies.  There's a bombshell new development surrounding the California actress who said she's going to make Michael Jackson the father of quadruplets - she's lost two of the babies, according to The Enquirer. 

· Teen injured at Jackson's ranch.  A 15-year-old boy riding an all-terrain vehicle at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch was hospitalized in good condition after the vehicle flipped. 

· Jackson Trial Pushed To 2005.  Michael Jackson's child molestation trial has been pushed back to early next year, and is now set to begin January 31.  At a hearing Tuesday, the state alleged Jackson imprisoned a child and the child's family at his ranch and forced them to make a videotape absolving him of molestation claims after a television documentary linked the pop star to an obsession with young boys. 

· Prosecutor says Jackson imprisoned boy, family.  A prosecutor said Tuesday that pop star Michael Jackson enticed a young boy, then imprisoned him and his family and forced them to make a video absolving him of molestation claims. 

· Jackson seeks to delay trial.  Attorneys for pop star Michael Jackson want to push back the start of his trial on child molestation charges by four months, according to court documents filed last week, calling the prosecution's case "an effort to take down a major celebrity." 

· Michael Jackson Denies He Fathered Quadruplets.  On Tuesday, Jackson's publicist Raymone Bain denied a report in Us Weekly that Jackson is about to become a father to quadruplets via a surrogate mother. "This is not true," Bain told Reuters, "and we are not going to further comment on stories of this nature." 

· Michael Jackson to Be Father of Quadruplets!  Pop star Michael Jackson, facing a trial on child molestation charges, is about to become a father to four more children - quadruplets - by way of a surrogate mother, Us Weekly magazine reported on Tuesday. 

· Judge Calls Jackson Prosecutor to Testify.  Michael Jackson's prosecutor was ordered Friday to testify at an upcoming hearing about how much he knew of the relationship between Jackson's former attorney and a private investigator before officials broke into the investigator's office and took evidence. 

· Defense: Jacko DA Conducted Surveillance.  In the days leading up to Michael Jackson's arrest on child molestation charges, the district attorney handling the case took the unusual step of personally conducting surveillance at the office of a private investigator working for the singer's lawyer, a defense request unsealed Thursday said. 

· Jackson Defense Seeks to Toss Indictment.  Michael Jackson's lawyers asked a judge to throw out his grand jury indictment on molestation charges, claiming prosecutors bullied and argued with witnesses and "ran the proceedings as if they employed the grand jurors." 

· In Neverland, porn rumors can help.  Police who raided Michael Jackson's Neverland mansion last November are said to have found pornography. But Jackson allies think the X-rated materials could actually help his child-molestation case. 

· Judge in Jackson Case Seals More Documents.  Intense interest in the Michael Jackson child molestation case led the judge to seal more information from the public and the press Thursday, saying he wanted to avoid media reporting and analysis of evidence. 

· Judge in Jackson Case Won't Unseal Records.  The judge in the Michael Jackson child molestation case reinforced the wall of secrecy around grand jury transcripts and other evidence Friday and said that trying to ensure a fair trial for such a famous entertainer is "exasperating." 

· Jackson Criticizes Settlement Terms Leak.  Michael Jackson issued a statement Thursday criticizing whomever was responsible for leaking documents that disclosed the settlement terms in a 1993 civil case accusing him of child molestation. 

· Jackson settled first child molestation suit for approximately $25 million.  Michael Jackson paid more out approximately $25 million to settle a civil suit by a boy who accused him of molesting him in 1993, according to the confidential agreement which was exclusively obtained by Court TV's Diane Dimond. 

· Judge Won't Lower Michael Jackson's Bail.  A judge has refused to lower Michael Jackson's $3 million bail in his child molestation case, saying the singer's wealth justified the higher-than-normal bail amount. 

· More Secrecy in Jacko Case.  The judge in Michael Jackson's child-molestation case drew a curtain of secrecy tighter around the allegations Thursday, continuing to seal not only grand jury materials but also requests for release of unspecified evidence. 

· Police: No evidence in old abuse claim against Jackson.  Police said Wednesday they found no evidence to support child abuse allegations from the 1980s against singer Michael Jackson. 

· Jackson Trial Tentatively Set for Sept. 13.  The judge in the Michael Jackson molestation case set a tentative trial date of Sept. 13 and heard arguments on whether to reduce the pop star's bail but didn't issue an immediate ruling. 

· Jackson Team Wants $3M Bail Reduced.  Michael Jackson's defense team wants his $3 million bail reduced, saying it is excessive and violates Santa Barbara County standards for bail on child molestation and conspiracy charges. 

· Jacko's Lawyers Seek Documents, Tapes.  Michael Jackson's lawyers claim prosecutors in the child molestation case are dragging their feet in giving the defense access to interviews with dozens of witnesses and hundreds of items seized in raids. 

· DA Seeks to Keep $3M Michael Jackson Bail.  Michael Jackson's prosecutor is opposing a move by the pop singer to reduce his $3 million bail, arguing that he may be planning to flee the country. 

· Media Seek End to Jackson Gag Order.  In court documents filed Friday, Michael Jackson's attorneys agreed with prosecutors that people involved in the superstar's child molestation case should continue to be barred from discussing it publicly. 

· Jacko hocks Neverland.  Desperate for the megabucks he needs to fund his legal defense against child molestation charges, embattled ex-King of Pop Michael Jackson has hocked Neverland Ranch, according to the National Enquirer - pocketing a whopping $18 million in a secret refinancing deal that reveals he's resigned to abandoning his fairy-tale kingdom of make-believe. 

· Jacko's Wacko John Hancock.  When Michael Jackson dumped lawyers Mark Geragos and Benjamin Brafman last month he was required to formally notify Judge Rodney Melville of his counsel switch.  Here's the Jacko signature. 

· Lawyer: Ex-Jackson employees won't testify.  The attorney for two former employees of Michael Jackson said Thursday they won't cut a deal with prosecutors if they are indicted. 

· Photos, underwear seized in Jackson case.  Underwear believed to have been worn by Michael Jackson and photographs of him with young boys have been seized by authorities investigating child molestation charges against the pop star, Monmouth County, New Jersey, officials confirmed Monday. 

· D.A. Seizes Jacko Junko.  Investigators in the Michael Jackson child-sex case swooped in on a New Jersey man's memorabilia collection last month, seizing six items as evidence. 

· DA Changes Dates of Jacko Accusations.  Does the Santa Barbara District Attorney really know what happened between Michael Jackson and his accuser? The latest charges filed againt Jackson suggest that Tom Sneddon is either confused or unsure. 

· Michael Jackson Indicted on 10 Counts.  Michael Jackson pleaded not guilty Friday to all 10 counts of a grand-jury indictment, including a surprising charge of conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. 

· Alleged Vendetta.  Memo Raises Questions About Prosecutor's Role in Case Against Michael Jackson.  According to the memo, Sneddon drove to Los Angeles and met alone with the mother of Jackson's alleged victim in a parking lot behind a federal building. The memo says that Sneddon took pictures of the office of a private investigator who worked for Jackson. 

· Michael Jackson to hear charges today.  California court officials hope they can prevent the circus-like scene that overshadowed January's arraignment, when singer Michael Jackson appears Friday morning to hear the charges a grand jury returned against him last week. 

      » Court Readies for Michael Jackson Siege.  The Santa Maria courthouse had the look Thursday of a fortress ready for a siege, with chain link fences and metal barricades to hold back an expected invasion of Michael Jackson fans. 

· Security tight for Jackson arraignment Friday.  As officials in the town of Santa Maria coordinate security plans for pop star Michael Jackson's court appearance Friday, the singer's legal team decided to revise its security as well by replacing the Nation of Islam with a private firm, a source familiar with the defense said. 

· New Jackson attorney has colorful past.  Thomas Mesereau Jr., Michael Jackson's new lead attorney, once spoke with convicted mass murderer Charles Manson about taking him on as a client. 

· Jacko Fires the Nation of Islam.  Michael Jackson is ending his relationship with the Nation of Islam, sources say. Jackson has apparently decided, in the wake of firing his lead attorneys over the weekend, to also get rid of his controversial recent "business manager" Leonard Muhammad, son in law of Louis Farrakhan. 

· Jackson Changes Lawyers As Hearing Looms.  Less than a week before his latest arraignment, Michael Jackson dumped his high-profile legal team in his child molestation case in favor of a single well-known attorney. 

      » Jacko's Lawyer Switch: Blame Brother Randy.  Michael Jackson, seemingly committed to blowing up his own case, fired his lawyers and hired new ones this weekend based on the advice of his brother Randy. 

· Jacko Case Costing California County.  Santa Barbara County has spent $273,000 so far to prosecute Michael Jackson on child molestation charges — and the bill keeps growing. 

· Press Asks Judge to End Jackson Gag Order.  The secrecy shrouding this week's grand jury indictment of Michael Jackson was one reason a coalition of news organizations, joined by Jackson's attorney, are petitioning the California Supreme Court to rescind a gag order. 

· Jackson Case Almost Collapsed.  Celebrity Justice is reporting that ust a few weeks ago, after testifying before the grand jury, Michael Jackson’s accuser and his mother were so emotionally distraught, that they wanted to throw in the towel. 

· Shocker: Jackson Attorney Says He's Not Guilty.  Michael Jackson's legal team said the pop star will be fully exonerated amid reports he has been indicted on child molestation charges by a Santa Barbara County grand jury. 

· Grand Jury Indicts Michael Jackson.  Pop star Michael Jackson was indicted Wednesday by a grand jury probing allegations that he molested a 12-year-old boy. 

· Jackson Cohorts May Face Charges.  Conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges were being considered against several associates of Michael Jackson for allegedly threatening the family of the boy who accused Jackson of child molestation, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday. 

· Jackson Wins Case to Shut Down Web Site.  Pop star Michael Jackson has won a legal fight to shut down a pay-per-view Web site operated by a New Jersey man once awarded a warehouse full of Jackson family memorabilia. 

· Jacko Accuser's Testimony 'Shaky.'  The grand jury testimony of the 14-year-old boy accusing Michael Jackson of child molestation was apparently not a success. 

· Jackson Lawyers May Talk to Witnesses.  A judge has ruled that witnesses before the grand jury in the Michael Jackson case can talk to defense attorneys as long as they do not disclose what happened during the grand jury proceedings. 

· New Jackson abuse claims probed.  Los Angeles police are investigating new allegations of child abuse against pop icon Michael Jackson from the 1980s, according to a police statement. 

· Prosecution Will Get Michael Jackson Tape.  Reversing his previous position, the judge in the Michael Jackson molestation case ruled Friday an audiotape of an interview conducted for Jackson's legal team should be turned over to the prosecution. 

· Fans cheer Michael Jackson in second day on Capitol Hill.  A crowd of shrieking fans followed embattled pop star Michael Jackson out of a Capitol Hill office building Wednesday after he met with lawmakers to discuss lending his celebrity to the fight against AIDS in Africa. 

· Source: Jackson grand jury hears from accuser.  The 14-year-old boy accusing Michael Jackson of molestation testified Tuesday before the grand jury hearing evidence in the case, a source close to the case said. 

      » Sources: Shrink Testifies at Jacko Grand Jury.  A grand jury meeting under extraordinary secrecy heard testimony from the psychologist who first reported to authorities a boy's claim that he was molested by Michael Jackson, two sources close to the case said Tuesday. 

· Prosecutors Hope To Avoid Media Frenzy In Michael Jackson Case Today.  A Grand Jury convenes in Santa Barbara and prosecutors hope at least 12 of the nineteen jurors believe there's enough evidence to indight Michael Jackson on Child Molestation charges. The alleged 13-year-old victm is expected to testify that he was molested by the pop superstar. 

· Michael Jackson Sues Over Sale of Property on Web.  Michael Jackson has sued a New Jersey man for more than $10 million, claiming that he is illegally selling private property belonging to the beleaguered pop star and his famous family on the Internet. 

· Jacko Prosecutor Looks to Past.  The prosecutor in the Michael Jackson child-molestation case plans to present at least two weeks of testimony to a secret grand jury, including details of past child molestation allegations against the pop star. 

· Jackson's 1st Accuser May Testify.  The prosecutor in Michael Jackson's child molestation case is considering asking a boy who reached a multimillion-dollar settlement with the entertainer to testify before a grand jury, according to a published report. 

· Presley Says Jackson Was Not Inappropriate.  Lisa Marie Presley clarified her remarks in an Australian TV interview, saying in a statement Wednesday that she never saw her ex-husband, Michael Jackson, engage in inappropriate behavior with kids. 

· Jacko Security Guard: Singer Is Innocent.  Michael Jackson's private security guard and assistant, the one who traveled with him exclusively during the time Jackson knew his current accuser and family, says the singer will be proven innocent of all charges. 

· Jackson Judge Keeps Audio Tape Sealed.  The judge in the Michael Jackson child molestation case kept sealed an audio tape that apparently contains defense interviews with Jackson's accuser and his family, but allowed prosecutors to see videotapes he called "innocuous." 

· Grand Jury Planned in Jackson Case.  The district attorney who charged Michael Jackson with child molestation is convening a grand jury to hear evidence in the case, a move apparently designed to sidestep a public preliminary hearing, a newspaper reported Wednesday. 

· More Michael Jackson Documents Released.  Investigators in the Michael Jackson child molestation case have seized about 100 pages of phone records, videos of the pop star, and a DVD of a party at his Neverland Ranch, according to court documents. 

· Michael Jackson, ex-wife hire family law judge.  Pop star Michael Jackson and his ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, have hired a retired judge to help them resolve an undisclosed "family law" matter, according to papers filed in a Los Angeles court. 

· Criminal Probe Launched into Jackson Plane Incident.  A federal grand jury is conducting a formal criminal probe into secret cameras that were placed on the charter plane that flew Michael Jackson to Santa Barbara to surrender to charges of child molestation.  

· Lawsuit Claims Jacko Failed to Pay for Surrender Flight.  A travel agent sued Michael Jackson on Wednesday, claiming the pop star failed to pay her $18,000 for the infamous charter jet flight that brought him from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara where he surrendered to authorities on child molestation charges. 

· FLASHBACK: Private Charter Jet Company Trys to Sell-Out Jacko.  Attorney Mark Geragos called XtraJet's attempt to sell a video and audio recording in which Jackson is seen and heard talking to Geragos in flight "one of the most outrageous acts I've ever seen in my 20 years of practicing criminal law."  A Los Angeles Superior Court judge forbade the release of videotape secretly filmed aboard Jackson's flight to Santa Barbara. 

· Judge Wants Jackson Case Heard This Year.  The judge in Michael Jackson's child-molestation case said Friday he wants the trial to take place this year, and lawyers predicted they would be ready to go in December. 

      » Jackson Manager Denies Singer Has Money Woes - Again.  Michael Jackson's music manager denied a report Thursday that Jackson is in financial trouble and must make a $70 million payment to a lender by Tuesday. 

· Jackson Won't Attend Next Court Hearing.  Don't expect any dancing at Michael Jackson's next court date. The self-styled King of Pop is staying home. 

· Jacko Accuser's Mom Was in Mental Hospital.  The mother of Michael Jackson’s 12-year-old accuser spent time in a mental hospital in 1998, according to court documents filed by the woman's ex-husband. 

· Michael Jackson Computers, Videos Seized.  Investigators who searched Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch seized computers, legal documents, videotapes, and a note and letter found on the singer's bedroom nightstand, according to court documents released. 

· Jacko Accuser's Mom: Just Call Him 'Daddy.'  The mother of the 12-year-old boy who has accused Michael Jackson of child molestation implored her kids to call the pop singer "daddy." 

· L.A. Home of Ex-Jackson Producer Searched.  Authorities searched the home of one of Michael Jackson's former music producers for an hour Saturday but refused to disclose how or even if the search was connected to the sex abuse charges the entertainer is facing. 

· Michael Jackson supporter attacks magazine article on case.  A friend of Michael Jackson's family held a news conference outside their home Friday to criticize a magazine article that portrayed the embattled singer negatively. 

· Dionne Warwick Defends Michael Jackson.  Singer Dionne Warwick has defended Michael Jackson, calling his child molestation case a "complete injustice." 

· Jackson documents include previous allegation.  The judge in Michael Jackson's child-molestation case ordered documents relating to a search of the singer's Neverland ranch sealed Friday, in part because they include information about another child's allegation of abuse.  

· Jackson Still Among Top 10 Celebs in Britain  Michael Jackson's legal problems haven't hurt his popularity in Britain, according to a new study. 

· Jackson Accuser Said to Be in Poor Health.  A former attorney for the mother of Michael Jackson's cancer-stricken accuser said the boy is in very poor health and his family is in seclusion, paying little attention to the high-profile legal fight. 

· Jacko Dream Team Named.  Johnnie Cochran may not be on Michael Jackson’s dream team but he nonetheless has helped shape it.  It was Cochran, according to my sources, who persuaded Jackson to add New York attorney Ben Brafman as co-counsel with Mark Geragos on his child molestation case. 

· Hypnotist defends Michael.  Magician Uri Geller says Michael Jackson is no child molester - and that he proved it by putting the star in a deep hypnotic trance. 

· Court Sketches.  Court sketches of Michael Jackson's arraignment on child molestation charges. 

· Michael Jackson Arrives for His Arraignment; Pleads 'Not Guilty.'  Michael Jackson arrived at a Santa Maria courthouse Friday to be formally arraigned on child-molestation charges. 

· Jacko throws party today - complete with invitations!  Michael Jackson today pleaded not guilty to the felony sexual abuse of a cancer-stricken boy. So now it's time to party! 

· News Media Gather for Jackson Arraignment.  The world press descended in full force Thursday on the normally quiet Santa Maria Valley, setting up mini TV studios with satellite dishes to beam news around the globe when pop star Michael Jackson is arraigned on child molestation charges. 

· Statement by Mark Geragos, Attorney for Michael Jackson on Expansion of Defense Team.  "I am pleased to announce the expansion of the legal team that will be defending Michael Jackson. My friend Benjamin Brafman will serve with me as co-lead counsel effective immediately." 

· 'Jewish' Ex-Wife vs. Nation of Islam.  Debbie Rowe, Michael Jackson's ex-wife and the mother of his two eldest children, is worried her kids are becoming Muslims. 

· US black celebrities increasingly support Michael Jackson.  With the exception of Elizabeth Taylor, none of Michael Jackson's famous white friends have defended him against the latest sex abuse charges, while black singers have stood up for the man often accused of turning his skin white. 

· Michael Jackson defense gets copy of warrant.  A judge ordered the Santa Barbara County district attorney Tuesday to give Michael Jackson's defense lawyers a copy of the warrant allowing a search of the pop icon's home, as well as documents related to that warrant. 

· Jacko Financial Crisis: Beatles Bill Due.  As the 27 members of Michael Jackson's inner circle meet today at the Beverly Hills Hotel, one thing will be on the mind of many of them: A major payment is due on Feb. 15 on a Bank of America loan connected to Jackson's ownership of the Beatles song catalog. 

· Jackson Family, Fans Plan Show of Support.  When Michael Jackson is arraigned later this week on child molestation charges, the pop star won't be alone if his fans have anything to say about it. 

· Jacko Fans 'Scared' by Nation of Islam.  It was only a matter of time before Michael Jackson's loyal fans said something about their hero's involvement with the Nation of Islam. 

· Jacko Spent New Year's Eve With 'Oliver!' Star.  Mark Lester — who as a child starred in the 1968 movie musical "Oliver!" — spent New Year's Eve with Michael Jackson at the singer's rented Beverly Hills mansion. 

· Jackson Returns Passport to Authorities.  Michael Jackson has again surrendered the passport authorities briefly returned to him so he could travel to Great Britain on business, although there was no indication he ever used it. 

· Jacko Defense: He Wasn't There.  What kind of defense is Mark Geragos putting together for Michael Jackson? How about: absentee molester?  The word is coming down that Geragos will use the specific dates mentioned in the charges filed against Jackson to exonerate the singer. 

· Dimond Leads Coverage of Jackson Story.  A few months ago, reporter Diane Dimond told Court TV Chairman Henry Schleiff that she was working on a great story and would need him to commit money and manpower to help dig it out. 

· Michael Jackson under fire on brutality claim.  MICHAEL Jackson was threatened with new criminal charges yesterday for accusing Californian police of brutality during his arrest for child sex abuse. 

· Cops: Jacko Not 'Manhandled or Abused.'  The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's office on Wednesday denied claims by Michael Jackson that he was roughed up and injured during his much-publicized booking for child molestation. 

· Michael Jackson's $1 Million Interview Deal.  Michael Jackson struck a deal with CBS to be paid in effect an additional $1 million for both an entertainment special to be broadcast on Friday and his interview on "60 Minutes" this past Sunday. 

· Michael Jackson's Spokesman Resigns.  Michael Jackson's chief spokesman resigned on Monday, citing "strategic differences" with other members of the embattled pop star's team over the handling of child molestation charges. 

· We didn't smacko Jacko, say California cops.  Santa Barbara County authorities yesterday tore into Michael Jackson's stunning allegations of police brutality by the cops who busted him last month. 

· Jackson Interview Transcript.  The transcript of the exclusive interview with Michael Jackson by Ed Bradley of '60 Minutes.' 

· Jackson: Cops Manhandled Me During Surrender.  Michael Jackson says he was manhandled by authorities when arrested last month on child molestation charges - and suffered a dislocated shoulder from the way he was handcuffed. 

· Jackson: It's OK to Sleep With Children.  Michael Jackson told CBS' "60 Minutes" that he still believes it's acceptable to sleep with children and that he would "slit my wrists" before he would hurt a child. 

· Report:  Michael Jackson's Secret Wedding.  MICHAEL Jackson has secretly married for the THIRD time according to pals.  The singer is said to have wed a stunning 23-year-old Muslim beauty in the summer. 

· Michael Jackson to break silence on 60 Minutes.  CBS' 60 Minutes will air an interview with the pop superstar on Sunday, marking Jackson's first public comments since his Nov. 20 arrest on suspicion of child molestation. 

· Prosecutors set up website on Michael Jackson.  California prosecutors took the unusual step of setting up a Web site on the Michael Jackson case, triggering a debate on use of the Web within the legal community. 

· Nine Counts:  Formal Charges Filed Against Jackson.  Child molestation charges were officially filed against pop superstar Michael Jackson Thursday at Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria, Calif. 

· Jacko Chaos: Has Nation of Islam Taken Over?  Michael Jackson is panicked about his legal situation. In fact, he is so anxiety-ridden that he is now taking advice from a leader of the Nation of Islam, and not listening to his managers. 

· Neverland Ranch Faces Grown-Up Problems.  For 15 years, Neverland has been Jackson's sanctuary from the outside world. It's a fairytale shrine to innocence, where young guests pass the hours listening to music from Disney films, darting from one carnival ride to the next and staring wide-eyed at a menagerie of exotic animals. 

· Michael Jackson's Brother Claims Singer Was Mistreated In Custody.  Jermaine Jackson told MSNBC in an interview broadcast Thursday that his brother has proof that "he was very much mistreated." He declined to give specifics, saying only, "The pictures will show you everything." 

· Leaked memo boosts Jackson defense.  Months before Michael Jackson was arrested on allegations of child molestation, Los Angeles county child welfare investigators decided there was no reason to believe the boy involved in the case had been abused. 

· Jacko Talk Radio:  Woman Crashes While Phoning Radio Show.  A woman who was on her cell phone discussing the Michael Jackson case on a radio call-in show was hurt when her sport utility vehicle was hit from behind. 

· Police, Child Welfare Probers Concluded Sex Abuse Charges "Unfounded."  A confidential investigation by Los Angeles police and child welfare officials concluded earlier this year that allegations Michael Jackson sexually abused a cancer-stricken boy were "unfounded," according to an internal government memo. 

· Mark Geragos:  King of Tabloid Lawyers.  Never before in the post-O.J. age of celebrity lawyers, it appears, has a single attorney juggled two of the nation’s biggest cases at the same time. 

· Absence of Formal Charges Against Michael Jackson May Point to a Weakening of the Case.  Two weeks after the arrest of Michael Jackson on felony child molesting charges, the case against him may have hit some snags. 

· Jacko Documentary May Have Led to Case.  More than a year ago, Michael Jackson let a BBC crew into his bizarre world for a TV documentary he no doubt hoped would boost his fading career. 

· Jacko Loses Logo; Manager Owns Sex Clubs.  Jackson had no idea that his current manager, Dieter Wiesner, the man who helped hire attorney Mark Geragos and is now calling the shots in the Jackson camp, is famous for operating sex clubs and brothels at home in Germany. 

· So far, Jackson case all smoke, no fire.  Past allegations unlikely to be used as evidence.  Not a shred of hard evidence has been produced to substantiate the charges, and experienced criminal attorneys say most of the speculation, which could be seen to be damaging to both sides, will have little impact on the outcome of Jackson's trial - if there is a trial. 

· Sheriff's Dept. Handling Jackson Case Finds Wireless Microphones.  Sheriff's officials said several wireless microphones discovered outside their headquarters could be the latest of several attempts by journalists to surreptitiously get information on the Michael Jackson molestation case. 

· Jackson's Finances Still a Mystery.  Michael Jackson, whose albums once generated tens of millions of dollars in sales, would like the world to believe he has a billion-dollar fortune. 

· Michael Jackson Reaps Global Support.  From France, Michael Jackson devotee Pascale Hatot has been bombarding 5,000 other fans in 96 countries with e-mails urging them not to despair 

· Boy's mom: 'Mixed-up when I cleared Jacko.'  The mother of Michael Jackson's accuser signed an affidavit clearing the pop star of wrongdoing - but now says she was confused and coerced. 

· DA Apologizes for Joking About Jackson.  The district attorney making child molestation allegations against Michael Jackson apologized for joking last week when authorities announced an arrest warrant had been issued for the pop icon. 

· Jackson Lawyer: Money Behind Claims.  Molestation accusations levied against pop superstar Michael Jackson are being fueled by money, according to the entertainer's lawyer. 

· LA School Covers Up Jackson's Name.  In light of recent child molestation allegations officials have covered up Michael Jackson's name on an auditorium at a Hollywood school. 

· Australian boy who was in bed with Jacko.  Wade Robson, one of the hottest young talents in Hollywood, yesterday revealed himself as among the children that shared a bed with Michael Jackson. 

· Geragos proclaims his client "is not going to be a pinata."  "Michael Jackson is not going to be abused," Geragos said. "he's not going to be slammed, is not going to be a pinata." 

· "So Much For Discrete Air Charter Services."  Here is the link to XtraJet - the company that is trying to sell the charter jet's hidden video tape of Jackson's 'private' flight to surrender to authorities.  Click quickly before Geragos puts them out of business. 

· Wacko Jacko 'disguised as old lady.'  MICHAEL Jackson donned a black dress and disguised himself as an old lady to escape hordes of press besieging a Las Vegas hotel where he holed up after his arrest, a report said. 

· Jacko accuser has troubled past.  The kid at the center of the Michael Jackson sex case allegedly tried to steal clothes from a California store on orders from his father when he was just 8, court records reveal.  The shoplifting turned violent when security guards grabbed the boy and his mother fought them. 

· Jackson Accuser Never Mentioned Abuse.  A divorce attorney who represented the mother of Michael Jackson's accuser said the family never alleged Jackson sexually abused the boy. 

· Legal Secretary in Old Case Says Jacko Was Framed.  A legal secretary who was peripherally involved in the first child molestation case concerning Michael Jackson says he was framed. 

· Jackson releases public statement.  Singer Michael Jackson has launched a website to protest his innocence and speak directly to the world about the child abuse accusations he faces. 

· Michael Jackson's Official Press Website.  "To my fans, friends and family:  As you know, the charges recently directed at me are terribly serious. They are, however, predicated on a big lie. This will be shown in court, and we will be able to put this horrible time behind us." 

· Jackson's Defense Plan Emerges.  Michael Jackson's defense team plans to vigorously attack the credibility of the mother of the boy whose allegations led to last week's arrest of the pop star. 

· Elizabeth Taylor Says Michael Jackson Is Innocent.  Actress Elizabeth Taylor said on Sunday that she believes pop star and good friend Michael Jackson is "absolutely innocent" of child molestation charges and will be "vindicated." 

· Jacko's Fans Show Support Across Globe.  Michael Jackson fans held candlelight vigils around the world Saturday to support the pop megastar as he faces allegations of child molestation. 

· Cameraman collapses, dies covering Jackson arrest.  A television cameraman who collapsed while covering pop star Michael Jackson's sensational arrest on child molestation charges later died of apparent heart failure, his station said. 

· It's a Rap: Mug Shots Of the Stars.  After recovering from your initial shock, it's tempting to view the mug shot simply as another of Michael Jackson's disastrous public relations miscalculations. 

· Michael Jackson to meet with lawyer.  Michael Jackson's lawyer says they'll meet Saturday in California.  Mark Geragos tells the Los Angeles Times Jackson is returning to his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County - where the two will meet to discuss the accusations of child molestation. 

· Lawyer Wants Jackson's Kids Taken.  The woman who is always 'unavoidable' for comment, Gloria Allred, called for child welfare authorities to temporarily remove the pop star's three children from his custody because of new child molestation allegations. 

· Young boy talks of his 'sleepovers with Michael.'  According to the (now) 17-year-old, Jackson insists on speaking to the parents of his prospective young guests before letting them stay over, and is known for treating dozens of young guests at a closed Toys R Us, where they have the run of the place for 2 1/2 hours and get to leave with anything they wanted at Jackson's expense. 

· Jacko in bizarre car chase.  For two crazy hours it was just like OJ all over again.  No sooner was Michael Jackson out on bail last night, after his arrest on child molestation charges, than he led journalists and fans on a bizarre tour of Las Vegas - a 60-strong convoy of cars stretching half a mile behind him as helicopters hovered overhead and screaming fans flocked to see him. 

· ‘I Believe in Michael Jackson.’  The founder of the King of Pop’s fan club defends her idol against child-molestation charges.  Las Vegas hotel attendant Donna Green and her two teenagers donned the I BELIEVE MICHAEL JACKSON buttons she’d made for earlier Jackson controversies and picketed outside a local music-video studio used by the pop star. 

· Clouds obscure Jackson's future.  The stage is set for what could be one of the most sensational celebrity court cases ever. Michael Jackson, accused of child molestation, has legions of fans worldwide who have watched him grow up from a singing sensation into a tabloid target. 

· Dark secret of his bedroom lair.  The inside of Michael Jackson's creepy lair was revealed for the first time yesterday.  A shocking video shows a secret room behind a trapdoor at Jackson's California mansion - where he apparently entertained kids who slept over.  The chamber is concealed so well that it may have been missed by police. 

· Jackson's chances for radio play drop with every scandal.  The chances of turning your radio dial and hearing Michael Jackson's Beat It, Billie Jean, You Rock My World or the new song One More Chance diminish with every scandal, radio programmers said. 

· Jacko's Bail From Reputed Mobster?  Michael Jackson’s finances are a little better than we thought. That may be because Miami loan king Al Malnik is on his side and in his corner. 

· Celebrities Have a Response to the Charges: No Comment.  Many of Michael Jackson's close friends and acquaintances had little to say on Thursday when he surrendered to face charges of child molesting. In fact, the only people who seemed to have anything to utter were the army of celebrity publicists responding to calls from reporters with "no comment." 

· Bitter rivalry between DA, Michael Jackson reflected in latest case.  The bad blood between Michael Jackson and the prosecutor who filed child molestation charges against him goes back more than a decade.  It even spawned a song in which the pop star calls Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon a "cold man." 

· Michael Jackson Booked, To Be Arraigned in January.  Superstar Michael Jackson will be arraigned on multiple counts of child molestation Jan. 9, a spokesman from the Santa Barbara sheriff's office said Thursday. 

· Chronology of Michael Jackson's Woes.  A chronology of singer Michael Jackson's personal and legal troubles. 

· Michael Jackson Lands in Santa Barbara.  Pop superstar Michael Jackson landed in his private jet in Santa Barbara Thursday to surrender to authorities and face multiple counts of child molestation. 

· Surrender Deal Reached for Michael Jackson.  Pop superstar Michael Jackson and his legal team have reached a deal for his surrender to Santa Barbara County authorities, his attorney Mark Geragos said. 

· Would You Let Your Kid Bunk With Jacko?  It’s the parents who are the fans, the parents who want the access to Jackson, to fame, to his money, to the bragging rights of being able to say they “know” a superstar, and because Jackson is who he is, their kids are the key to the Neverland gates. 

· Jacko Lawyer on Case for Months.  Forget all these stories that Mark Geragos was hired to represent Michael Jackson just yesterday. Or the day before. Were we all born yesterday? Geragos has been on the case since last March. 

· Jackson's 12-year old accuser is cancer patient.  The child Michael Jackson is accused of molesting is a 12-year-old cancer-stricken boy whose last wish was to meet the self-proclaimed King of Pop. 

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