The Trial Of Michael Jackson | Preview (5)

In February 2003 a documentary airs in the UK made by British journalist Martin Bashir called Living with Michael Jackson, in which the star is interviewed next to a 13-year old boy – Gavin – and admits they sometimes share a bed.

The mother of the boy, Janet Arvizo, shares concerns with the police. Jackson is arrested and charged with molestation. There are numerous other charges such as supplying alcohol to a minor and kidnap. This is the story of the trial of Michael Jackson which took place in Santa Barbara county in California which gripped the world for four months.

It’s a tabloid newspaper’s dream. The trial is media circus. TV crews, reporters, journalists and Jackson’s fans camp outside the courtroom every day. Some are lucky to get into the court itself. If convicted, Jackson could be jailed for more than 20 years.

The Prosecution will argue that the King of Pop is a pedophile. The Defence will try to discredit the Arvizo family and persuade the jury that they are opportunists looking for a multi-million pound settlement.

Witnesses are called to elaborate upon what was a curious relationship between a 44-year-old man and children he befriended behind the walls and gates of Neverland. Gavin’s mum, sister and brother give evidence, as well as Neverland staff, cops, and celebrities.

On the day accuser Gavin himself gives evidence, Jackson goes missing. He has checked himself into hospital, only to the summoned back to court - by the Judge – in his pyjamas.

The Prosecution calls eyewitnesses who claim they saw Jackson molesting young Gavin, disguising wine in soda cans, and showing him, his brother and sister pornography. Jackson’s Defence team’s strategy is to undermine the witnesses, drawing the jury’s attention to their inconsistencies and lies. The Prosecution calls another boy who claims to have been molested. The Defence calls Wade Robson and McCaulay Culkin, star of Home Alone, to testify that Jackson never touched them.

In the end, can the jury avoid being influenced by the superstardom of Michael Jackson? Will they believe he is guilty of sexual abuse and assault? Or can the Defence team convince the jury that Jackson is a victim of exploitation by yet another family out to make money?

The Trial Of Michael Jackson airs Thursday 8th January at 9pm on 5.