Rolling Stone
The narrative of Michael Jackson reaches a pivotal point in 1988 with the release of the biopic Michael, which has resurged to become the number one film in the United States. Following this, a new three-part Netflix docuseries will further explore the life and legacy of the iconic King of Pop.
Titled Michael Jackson: The Verdict, the docuseries is set to premiere on June 3 and will delve into Jackson's 2005 trial for child molestation. This insightful documentary will feature perspectives from jurors, eyewitnesses, accusers, and defenders of Jackson. Directed by Nick Green, the project aims to present a balanced examination of the trial, showcasing both the prosecution's case and the defense's perspective, culminating in Jackson's acquittal. The trailer opens with visuals of Jackson's residence, accompanied by a statement from an interviewee asserting, "We believed he was a criminal, and he was able to get away with it because of his fame and celebrity."
In 1993, the Los Angeles Police Department initiated an investigation into Jackson following allegations from Jordan Chandler, who was just 13 years old at the time of their encounter. Although grand juries opted not to indict Jackson the subsequent year, a renewed investigation by the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department in 2003 ultimately led to the trial in 2005.
"It has been 20 years since the trial of Michael Jackson in which he was found not guilty. Yet, to this day, controversy still rages," stated Green and producer Fiona Stourton. "No cameras were allowed in court, and so the public's view of the facts at the time were filtered by commentators and presented piecemeal. It was time to take a forensic look at the trial as a whole."
The prosecution's witnesses included several boys who claimed that Jackson had molested them. On the other hand, the defense bolstered its case with testimonials from notable figures such as Macaulay Culkin, Jay Leno, George Lopez, and Chris Tucker, who spoke to Jackson’s character. The jury rendered its verdict on June 13, 2005.
This documentary has the potential to address gaps left by Leaving Neverland, which focused on the accounts of two men who alleged that Jackson had molested them during their childhood. Additionally, the new series will revisit Chandler’s story, which was omitted from Michael due to the filmmakers’ understanding that including it would infringe upon a $20 million settlement reached by Jackson in 1994. Throughout his life, Jackson consistently denied the allegations made by Chandler and other accusers.
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