Hi Bonnie :) Thank you for posting the interviiew above. Katherine appears to be a very gentle soul and she states things very simply. One can clearly see why Michael loved his Mom so much and felt so close to her.
Love, Irina
Last Edited by on Apr 28, 2011 10:03 PM
Dr. Conrad Murray's lawyers have subpoenaed Sony for the raw footage from the "This Is It" rehearsals to show the jury ... Michael Jackson was a physical and mental mess before he died ... TMZ has learned.
We've learned Murray's lawyers want the tapes to show Jackson was slow, lethargic and weak in the days prior to his death. Although some of the video shows an alert MJ, other portions, we're told, clearly show something is wrong with the singer.
Murray's lawyers want to show jurors in the manslaughter case ... Michael was ill or even dying before the fateful morning ... so it wasn't really the June 25 Propofol injections that killed MJ.
Trial of Michael Jackson's doctor could be delayed By Alan Duke, CNN April 29, 2011 -- Updated 1809 GMT (0209 HKT)
STORY HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Murray's lawyers say they need more time to prepare The defense concern began when the judge approved prosecutors' new experts The defense must let the judge know by the end of Friday
Los Angeles (CNN) -- Defense lawyers are considering asking for a delay in the start of Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial because, they said, they need more time to answer new theories raised by the prosecution.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor asked the defense during a hearing Friday morning to let the court know by the end of the day if they wanted a continuance.
Testimony in the trial of Michael Jackson's doctor is scheduled to start on May 9, but the jury will be chosen next week.
The possibility of a delay was raised after Pastor ruled prosecutors could call new expert witnesses, including one who would testify that there was no way Jackson could have self-ingested the drug that killed him.
"This is precisely the matter I fully expected that was going to happen when the defense said it wanted to go in 60 days," Pastor said.
Dr. Murray invoked his right to a speedy trial after his arraignment in January.
Trial of Michael Jackson doctor delayed until Sept
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The trial of the doctor charged in Michael Jackson's death has been delayed until September.
Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor on Monday put off opening statements that had been set for next week and says he will release potential jurors who have started the screening process.
Pastor now says jury selection will begin on Sept. 8 and opening statements will begin later that month.
Attorneys for Dr. Conrad Murray asked to delay the trial to prepare for new prosecution experts expected to be called as witnesses.
Murray had been seeking a speedy trial but has waived that right to allow his attorneys to prepare for the experts.
Pastor says the need for fundamental fairness requires a delay.
Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter.
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge agreed Monday to push back the involuntary manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor until September.
Judge Michael Pastor made the ruling at the request of defense attorneys representing Dr. Conrad Murray.
The attorneys said they could not be ready for trial, which was set to begin with opening statements next week, because of eleventh-hour prosecution experts debunking their theory that the king of pop died by his own hand.
Prosecutors contended the latest medical experts proposed no new theories, and the defense caused the situation by invoking Murray’s right to a speedy trial.
They told the judge last week that one of their experts reached the conclusion that it would have been impossible for Jackson to have caused his own death by orally ingesting the drug propofol, an argument that defense attorneys made during preliminary hearings.
The 171 potential jurors who had filled out lengthy questionnaires about the case in March will be excused, and a new panel will be selected beginning Sept. 8, the judge said.
Pastor said the delay was necessary for “fundamental fairness.”
Murray has pleaded not guilty to causing his famous patient’s death by injecting him with propofol, a powerful surgical anesthetic, and leaving his bedside.
-- Victoria Kim **********************************
Edited to add: The longer this drags out, the harder it will be to find reasonable and fair minded potential jurors. Now, any potential jury base will probably be contaminated with all the back and forth mud flinging and slinging - from BOTH sides.
September 3, 2011 will be two years since Michael's body was laid to rest.
Edited again to add that I feel terrible for Michael's family. It takes mental and emotional energy to prepare for something like this, and to have this trial delayed yet again will take a toll on Michael's family and fans, in my opinion.
Speaking for myself, the only way I can peacefully deal with this situation and accept this is by allowing myself to make constructive use of the time and get on with the business of living. I'll still be there when the trial finally starts - in September.
I'm so sorry, Michael. On the plus side, the defense is obviously not prepared to deal with certain aspects of the truth coming out in the court room. I'll look at it that way.
Last Edited by on May 02, 2011 3:20 PM
I bet Murrays lawyers are eating some of the cost for getting to be on a high profile case, they are getting noticed and like it and it might bring more money later or maybe Murray has gotten help from the tax payers but don't they have to go to court to get help with their lawyer fees.
And why does Murray lawyers need more time because of three new experts for the procecution when he already had had time to make up lies, if he would just stick to the truth an has nothing to hide why would Murray need more time, I"ll tell you why to make up some more lies.And one more thing it seams as though Murray is getting some kind of red carpet treatment why did the judge say no to more time but then come back today and say yes and not only give them 2 more weeks but gives them until the end of Sept.The justice system shouldn't be called "A justice system" because there is no justice being served here. Poor Michael and his family and his Kids my heart just aches for them, Michael can't even get any peace or justice even when he is gone. What is this world coming to, this just sickens me.
Today right before they announced that the trial was being delayed I was sitting in my chair watching cartoons with my kids and the thought of Michael poped up into my head and all of a sudden I began to cry and my heart was acheing and I turned on the news and heard why I had just began crying.This is just a sad day.
My initial reaction is of course same as everyone's elses. I am stunned.
You are right Bonnie. This is beyond comprehension. How can you go through the jury selection process and then cancel the trial date? I am not a lawyer but this just feels plain wrong at the core of it. And you are right Carmen to bring up the original reasons given for the speedy trial request. Whatever happened to those?
But then when I gather my senses I think to myslef- how is this move any different from every other outrageous lie and action we have seen pertaining to this case and situation in general?
From the start the events surrounding this case have been out of the limits of "normal" boundaries. And as a whole a total mockery of the judicial system and complete disregard for the sensibilities of Michael's family and of all those fans and supporters who are observing these activities closely.
I see what went on in this case recently with the questionnaire and the jury selection and subsequent dismissal and all the defense and prosecution theories presented as one big dress rehearsal. And yes, at the expense of the already very depleted California budget. The judge is not too worried about the costs incurred it seems. Is someone offerring to cover them behind the scenes?
Sigh....
Michael, I know this is very, very upsetting.
We just have to be prepared for these sorts of surprises every step of the way and just keep holding on. Please know that you are loved.
Closed captioning of: Molestation claims ‘biggest lie,’ Jackson mom says
With our interview with Katherine Jackson. We spoke to her tuesday and began with Conrad Murray, the doctor charged with Michael's death. I asked why she felt it was important to be in court every day during his preliminary hearing.
I just felt I had to be there. I was with him every day when his last trial was. I just wouldn't feel right if I wasn't there.
Was it difficult for you to be in the courtroom with someone who's accused of in some ways being responsible for your son's death?
Yes, it is very difficult. very difficult to listen to him lying and tiff cult looking at him knowing he was there to see after my son and he died under his care. I thought he was very negligent. that makes me feel bad. I can't stand to look at him.
You have done your homework and you know the evidence that will be presented against dr. murray in court. do you feel the prosecution has a strong case?
I do.
The punishment, if dr. murray is convicted, this is involuntary manslaughter, after all. I believe the maximum sentence is four years in prison. How does that sit with you?
Not good at all. I think if someone's under a doctor's care, especially a doctor and they die with him seeing over him, I think that four years is not enough for anyone losing their life under someone else . I think they should pay just like they have taken the life away from my son. i think he should pay for it.
In the last several years you have become the principal guardian of prince, paris and blanket. are they curious in following the trial or are they off doing things children their ages would typically do?
They are off doing the things children should do. I don't talk about it with them. I don't want them -- they're young. I want them to be happy. That would make them sad.
Can you give me an update? there is so much curiosity and interest in Prince, Paris and Blanket. Prince is 14, Paris is 12 and Blanket is 9. How are they doing?
They're doing fine. Blanket is waiting for his teacher right now. He's home-schooled. and the other two have gone to school. They go to private school.
What is Prince like? I mean, at 14 years old, that's sometimes a turbulent age.
It really is. It's the age they start -- I hate to say, but it's the age they start watching little girls, got girlfriends or something like that. But it's just puppy love. Then Paris is fine and the baby is still playing. He's doing just fine. all of them are.
You said in an interview not long ago with the associated press that there are a lot of lies about your son out there and misconceptions. If you could set some of them straight now what would you like to tell people?
Well, the first thing I would like to tell them is as far as michael being a child molester , that's the biggest lie that was ever told. I guess nobody seemed to know that his first accuser, after michael died there was an article that he came and confessed that michael never touched him. it was a big lie and his father just wanted to be rich. he said, i'm sorry I didn't get to tell him before he died.
Yet, Mrs. Jackson , there was a settlement made, a payment made by your son to the accuser. If there was no guilt why was the payment made?
Well, his lawyers told him that he should just pay the money because michael was out on tour at that time. They thought that just paying the money and shut the people up would be the right thing to do. But Michael was upset and I was too. As soon as I heard it I called him and said, why did you do that? It makes you look guilty. He said, the lawyers told me to do it. I didn't want to do it either, mother. I wanted to fight it because it wasn't the truth.
What do you miss most about Michael, Mrs. Jackson?
You know, I can't say what I miss most. I just miss him, period. I just miss him for not being here. I miss his voice. I miss his singing. Sometimes when we were around he'd start to sing and I wanted to ask him sometimes to sing a song again because I just loved his voice.
You know, no parent is supposed to lose a child. That's not the way it's supposed to go. Yet it seems to me, Mrs. Jackson, that you have found some strength and solace in taking care of his children. Would that be a fair statement?
Yes, it would. and having the children around helps me a lot. And a lot of times they always say, well, daddy used to do it like this, daddy this, daddy that. It brings a smile to my face because I know they are not forgetting him.
You have taken on another challenge, Mrs. Jackson, that's more of a new business venture that you're involved in. Can you share it with me a little bit?
Yes. I have a flower collection. I met the person that's doing it with me through a friend. I love flowers and he told me that his family has been in the flower business for many years and I thought that was a very good idea and a very good thing for us to do together and here I am with the flower collection. I love flowers anyway. I have them all around my yard, my house, everywhere.
So many people this week are going to be thinking about Mother's Day, a time where we have a chance to honor the roles that our mothers have played in our lives. when you think of your role as a mother and the nine children, what are you most proud of?
Well, what gives me the most pride is I have never had -- I raised my children up to be good, law-abiding citizens. I have never had problems with them. they are raising their children the same way. I have a very large family now. I'm just proud that they are all not giving me any problems and they are law-abiding citizens. that brings joy to my life. I don't have any worries about that.
We're proud of the fact that you have spent time with us and we wish you the best. Katherine Jackson, thank you very much.
Thank you.
A lot of strength, but there is a lot of pain that's in her heart over the loss of her son. I think anger about what is, in her opinion, some of the stories that have been told that are not correct.
Absolutely. she wants to speak out which I found very interesting, too.
By the way, we should wish her a happy birthday today.
Happy Birthday.
She turns 81. Happy Birthday, Mrs. Jackson for more of the interview head to today.com. To learn more about Mrs. Jackson's new business venture you can do it at sendherflowers.com.
I think those were her flowers behind her. quite beautiful.
Last Edited by on May 04, 2011 9:37 AM
Michael Jackson's mom copes with 'sad memories'By Alan Duke, CNN May 4, 2011 8:55 a.m. EDT
Los Angeles (CNN) -- Katherine Jackson's sadness over the loss of her son is constant nearly two years after Michael Jackson's sudden death from an overdose of a surgical anesthetic.
"There's not a day that passes I don't think about my child and he should be here right now," Jackson said in a CNN interview at her home Tuesday. "But it was negligence of a doctor and it's just hard, really hard."
Dr. Conrad Murray, who was Michael Jackson's personal doctor, is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death. His trial has been postponed until September.
Murray's lawyers suggest a frustrated and sleepless Jackson may have poured the surgical anesthetic propofol mixed with lidocaine into his juice bottle while the doctor was out of his bedroom.
To help her cope with the sadness, Katherine Jackson recently moved into a spacious new mansion on a hilltop above Calabasas, California, away from the Encino home where the Jackson family lived since 1969. Katherine Jackson loves the higher ceilings and larger windows, but it's also a refuge from sad reminders that haunt the old home.
"Michael was 11 years old when we moved there and he stayed there until he was well into his 20s before he moved," she said. "It just brings back a lot of memories, but they're sad memories to me now because he's not here."
Visitors to the ground floor see artwork collected by Michael Jackson, but they won't see his photographs. The three children left behind by the pop icon treasure images of their father, but his mother avoids them.
What you do see are the flowers that Katherine Jackson surrounds herself with, a passion she recently turned into a business. She launched the Katherine Jackson line of floral arrangements this month, just in time for fans to send them to their moms this Mother's Day.
But since she's a Jehovah's Witness, Katherine Jackson does not observe holidays. Wednesday is her 81st birthday, but there will be no celebration in her home.
The youngest of Michael's children, 9-year-old Blanket, has his own way of remembering his father. His long brown hair grows longer, reaching halfway down his back.
"He doesn't want to cut it, so I've talked to him about it," his grandmother said. "He likes it long because his father wanted him to have long hair at the time, but there will be a day that he'll have to cut it, I think."
Blanket studies at home with a tutor, while Prince, 14, and Paris, 13, attend classes at a private school.
"They're doing very well," she said. "They're going to school everyday."
The children are shielded from news about the criminal case against the doctor accused of causing their father's death. The trial has been delayed until September, but when it does start, they won't see their grandmother around the house during weekdays. Katherine Jackson will be sitting in court.
"I plan to be there everyday," she said. "If I'm able, I will be there."
She'll be there listening as the doctor who conducted the autopsy describes again, as she heard in last January's preliminary hearing, how Jackson's liver was placed in a blender so he could measure the chemicals in his organs.
"Worse comes to worse, I'll just step out," she said. "I heard they're going to show some autopsy shots, and I don't want to see that. So, I'll leave and, you know, sit out in the hall or somewhere until it's over and then I'll come back in. But I just feel that I have to be there."
Katherine Jackson, although she'd rather avoid sadness, proved her strength six years ago when she sat in court for five months as her son was tried and acquitted on child molestation charges.
"Yes, I was there every day," she said. "I wanted to be there for him, because I knew it was lies. I prayed for the truth to come, because I knew if the truth came out that my son would walk away and he did."
Some online media reports have suggested Katherine Jackson's health is failing, but she laughs about the speculation. The limp you might notice in her walk is not from old age, but it a remnant of a childhood battle with polio.
She stays active with her new floral venture and decorating her new home.
"I'm still here and I'm blessed and I thank God," she said.
Last Edited by on May 04, 2011 10:57 AM
Thomas Mesereau: "I think they are on a fishing expedition; I think they are desperate to try and find some kind of defense theory that might seem plausible... It just shows how desperate they are to come up some kind of defense."
Well put. Overall very good points and observations in the above interview. Mr.Mesereau sounds like a great humanitarian himself. Great to learn about this lesser known side of him. He is quite a heroic individual himself.
Dr. Who Gave MJ Propofol Forced to Testify for Murray 5/12/2011 12:10 PM PDT by TMZ Staff
A doctor who repeatedly administered Propofol to Michael Jackson has been ordered against his will to testify on behalf of Dr. Conrad Murray ... TMZ has learned.
Dr. David Adams -- a Las Vegas anesthesiologist -- put Michael under with Propofol on 4 separate occasions in 2008 for dental procedures.
Dr. Murray's lawyers want him to testify in the manslaughter case about MJs "behavior and reactions while under the drug and also how he responded to the administration of the drug."
Dr. Adams vehemently objected to being subpoenaed, claiming he's a "low-key individual" and he's already lost business because of getting dragged into the case.
Nonetheless, TMZ has obtained a court order from a Las Vegas judge that forces Adams to testify.
Link to document: http://tmz.vo.llnwd.net/o28/newsdesk/tmz_documents/0511_jackson.pdf
Last Edited by on May 12, 2011 5:32 PM
Note from Bonnie Vent: This message is posted on Arnold Klein's Facebook page. Michael was adamant in his conversation with me that he did not hire Dr. Murray. This continues to be a key point on many levels.
AEG should be on trial by Arnold W. Klein on Friday, June 10, 2011 at 12:42am "TMZ torture.
par Arnold W. Klein, lundi 18 avril 2011, 08:30 .
One of the most difficult things over the last few years has been Harvey Levin,and TMZ. He is guilty of slander, defamation of character, preventing fair business trade and endangering my life. Historically the records firmly show Michael jackson was addicted to Propofol by Steve Hoefflin. In 2003 Michael made a cease and desist order against Hoefflin. Harvey Levin’s best friend is Howard Weitzman who was well aware of Hoefflin’s involvement. Also by pointing the finger at me, which Mrs Jackson did,no one ever wondered who hired Murray or how Howard Weitzman and John Branca got together with AEG totally to totally control the Jackson estate. I enclose an article about the true story but as recent as last month Harvey Levin released a story about me, Demerol and Karen Faye(Michael’s hair stylist) saying I contributed to Michael’s death.She later tweeted that he totally misquoted her. Michael was totally not himself the last two weeks of his life. He said it was benadryl but it seemed more than that. After Michael’s death the autopsy revealed skin mark’s that indicated that Murray was probably giving Michael Propofol into his muscle . These marks are called “skin popper sites ‘ Before I was a dermatologist I spent two years studying addiction and wrote a text on it. I made two interventions on Michael’s Propofol Abuse myself and was aware of Mark Honzel making one . Mark is an addiction specialist who I consulted before ever giving Michael medication
TMZ’S camera’s were always at my office,endless reporters harassing my patients and forcing me to close my office twice. Randy phillips of AEG hired Murray “Phillips said that Jackson insisted that AEG hire his doctor of choice, Dr. Conrad Murray, the Houston- and Las Vegas-based physician who was with Jackson as he died, for 24-hour medical assistance on tour in London. AEG was paying Murray $150,000 per month for compensatory fees, as well as hotel and travel costs..” Why did AEG not talk to me ,Michael Jackson's physician of 30 years, before doing this.? Howard Weitzman was my lawyer during the Botox trial He knew the truth when Hoefflin pointed to me and lied. Weitzman knew what Hoefflin was saying regarding me and propofol was unfounded in that he represented Michael during the first molestation trial and interviewed me extensively Allegations about me teaching Murray to give Propofol ( i never used it without an anestheologist) or Jason being Michael Jackson’s lover are ridiculous. That story was made up by Paul Camuso who will admit to it. I was later to learn that my own lawyer’s, Charmley and Boyer were in bed with AEG and robbing from me. Besides helping my accountant embezzle 10 million dollars Boyer and Charmley went to court to seek payment of Michael’s bill of 55,000. During the hearing they released all my treatment records on Mr Jackson making them readily available to Murray and Levin who tried to equate Demerol and Propofol. Additionally,Levin with a huge crew came to a giant news conference held in front of my office with Dick Winters from the Coroner’s office . There were helicopters and tons of reporters. TMZ was there and it was planned by AEG. How do I know it was AEG? One of Randy Phillips office workers is my patient and the fact that Dick Winters ends up in the third row of the memorial service at the Staple’s center. On the day of the news conference Winters came to my office requesting records that already had been given him. So this mass news conference was a ploy to make look responsible for something i never did.As per the DEA Mickey Fine was the problem but Levin portrayed me as addict. I am alreading suing Hoefflin. Here are three questions: 1) Michael hated Branca and Sony, why on earth would he resign with Branca unless he was stoned.
2)In the Will they are using Michael misspelled his Children's name. He was a stickler for spelling of their name.
3)Michael was in NYC when the will was signed by him in LA
Bonnie, Thank you so much for the latest updates. Plenty of finger pointing between Michael's doctors and on the part of Murray's defense team. Not a pretty picture, is it?
I am looking forward to La Toya's book. However if the details mentioned above are to be considered an indicator, the more appropriate wording should be "bracing myself" before being presented with her account about Michael's last days. As much as wanting to know what information she gathered, I feel it will be yet again extremely painful to hear. Will certainly open up as yet unhealed wounds. At the same time I hope her book will bring important information forward.
Last Edited by on Jun 17, 2011 8:08 AM
Prosecutors want another delay in trial of Michael Jackson's doctor
By Alan Duke, CNN June 24, 2011 3:13 p.m. EDT
Los Angeles (CNN) -- Prosecutors want another delay in the start of the involuntary manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson's doctor, but the judge will wait until next month to decide the request.
"I'm not surprised by all of this," Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said during a hearing Friday.
The trial has already been delayed twice since Dr. Conrad Murray invoked his right to a speedy trial after his arraignment in January.
"When I got myself involved in it, I said 'It ain't gonna happen,' " Pastor said, referring to the original starting date of late March. The case has been "creepy crawly," he said.
Jury selection was under way in May when the defense requested a delay so its expert witnesses could have more time to prepare for new experts hired by the prosecution. Pastor then dismissed hundreds of prospective jurors and rescheduled the trial to start on September 8.
Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said Friday morning that the prosecution needed another three weeks to prepare because of "scheduling issues." Defense lawyers did not object to moving jury selection to the end of September.
Pastor, who said he "rearranged all sort of cases, including capital cases" to start the trial in September, said he would wait until a July 12 hearing to decide.
Also on Friday, the judge approved a plan to allow defense lawyers and prosecutors to view dozens of hours of raw video shot of Michael Jackson's last rehearsals. The video was bought by Sony Pictures for its film "This Is It."
Pastor hasn't ruled on what clips, if any, defense lawyers might be able to show at the trial. He has previously limited the prosecution to just raw video of Jackson's last two days alive.
Saturday is the second anniversary of Jackson's death, which the Los Angeles coroner ruled was from an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol, combined with other drugs.
Murray, who was hired as Jackson's personal physician as he prepared for his comeback concerts in London, is charged in the singer's death.
Last Edited by on Jun 24, 2011 2:06 PM
By LINDA DEUTSCH, AP Special Correspondent – 6 hours ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A hearing in the criminal case of Michael Jackson's doctor has been postponed because lawyers are bogged down viewing hundreds of hours of rehearsal footage from the singer's "This Is It" concert.
In a conference with attorneys on Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor accepted the requests to delay a July 12 hearing to July 20. He said he wants to know then when the involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray can go forward. It is now set for Sept. 8.
Prosecutors want to show jurors clips from the posthumous feature film "This Is It" to prove Jackson was healthy in the days before his death. The defense wants to show he was ill.
Murray, a Houston cardiologist with an office in Las Vegas, is accused of giving the superstar an overdose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives when he could not sleep. Jackson died on June 15, 2009, in his rented Beverly Hills mansion where Murray had been attending him.
Murray has pleaded not guilty. The transcript of the conference with the judge and attorneys was released on Thursday.
Attorneys indicated it will take weeks for them to view all of the relevant video recordings of Jackson. They said they have been working every day since June 28 and have gotten through only one of 21 boxes of materials.
"So far, we have found a lot of important stuff," said defense attorney Nareg Gourjian.
Attorneys have been barred from discussing publicly any evidence they find in the videos.
Prosecutor Deborah Brazil said she has been working along with Gourjian, defense attorney Ed Chernoff, Sony lawyer Kevin Vick and a technician going through material on computer hard drives.
Gourjian, who originally estimated there were 100 hours of footage from rehearsals, said he now believes there is much more.
"There are about eight to ten different cameras that were recording the rehearsals and each one has different views and different footage," he said. "So it is critical that we review the footage from each camera."
hi Bonnie Thank you for the latest updates. I agree. Freudian slip or not on the part of the judge, the description fits. The above AP article got the date of Michael's passing wrong. Odd typo considering the date just recently passed. Then again what hasn't been off kilter here.
Thank you for posting the update, Bonnie. I had seen this article yesterday at work during my afternoon break, and thought about it last night and this morning.
I predict that this trial is not going to start this year. If we do the math, each box of rehearsal footage takes between 5 -7 days to review. I don't know if the attorneys are working on weekends and holidays, but I rather doubt it. In any event, multiply 21 boxes by 5 days, and you'll find (not including weekends) that the attorneys won't be finished reviewing all the footage until late November, around Thanksgiving time here in the U.S.
After reviewing all the footage, they then must select the footage they want to use for the trial and have it edited. Then, they must finally prepare their case!
For those of us who have served on juries or who know about some of the things that go on during jury selection, the holidays - most notably Christmas and Hanukah - are not popular times for selecting juries or starting trials. People, including judges and attorneys, want to be with their families. Everyone's mind is elsewhere. So, I don't think we're going to see this trial start this year.
Also, the attorneys are essentially doing what film editors do: They are reviewing over a hundred hours of footage, which would normally be edited for a film, and which WAS edited for a film. With 8 - 10 cameras, each camera filming a rehearsal from a different angle, you no longer have JUST 100 hours of rehearsal footage. If all cameras were recording simultaneously, we have to multiply 100 hours of footage by the number of cameras. Example: 8 cameras recording 100 hours of rehearsal footage would equal 800 hours of rehearsal footage to review. I don't know if all the cameras were being used at the same time, for those final few days of rehearsal, but if they were, the attorneys have a lot more than 100 hours of footage to review.
I do find it very interesting that so many cameras were used. Normally, for a feature film, you might have as many as three cameras being used, but that is more expensive to do. Even if film isn't being used and everything is still being shot digitally, you still have more crew members handling and operating those cameras. More cameras and more camera angles equals more 'film' to edit, which equals more labor.
These rehearsals were shot during the last few days of Michael's life. Not one, or two, or three cameras, but 8 -10 cameras were being used. I'm not going to say anything more. Just think about the timing and the number of cameras being used.
What would have happened if they had waited for another couple of weeks to shoot rehearsal footage? Gee, that would have been quite a financial loss, wouldn't it? Tisk, tisk.
~Sour Puss Carmen~
Last Edited by on Jul 08, 2011 7:08 AM
I found it very interesting when you mentioned normally they use three cameras and they had eight to ten! That said a lot to me. I don't know anything about the film industry so I wouldn't have known the difference. HMMM much more than coincidence in all of this.
I think your prediction may be correct. Both teams have taken on a pretty big project. My feeling also is that the trial may get pushed off. Possibly to as far back as the end of January.
Also thank you for the insider information about the number of cameras being used. Most pople would not know this. Certainly this makes for another indicator that there were certain premeditated actions occurring around Michael.
Love, Irina
Last Edited by on Jul 10, 2011 7:05 PM
For those who insist that the numerous cameras were used to help Michael critique his own work - and some people will insist that Michael, as a perfectionist, would have done this - I'd like to know exactly WHEN and HOW he would have had the time to watch an 8 hour rehearsal covered by 8 -10 cameras. That's between 64 - 80 hours of rehearsal footage for him to watch and critique each night. I can see and understand maybe ONE camera or two at the most, and even then, a 6 - 8 hour rehearsal covered by ONE camera requires 6 - 8 hours time to watch and review. All we need do is figure out the math involved, and we can see that logically, it just doesn't add up.
The only thing that makes sense, logically, for so many cameras and the timing of filming these rehearsals is what I mentioned in my previous post. I just wanted to add this thought and line of reasoning for those who might insist Michael would have wanted this and needed it. When exactly was he supposed to watch and review all these hours of rehearsal footage? Exactly HOW was he supposed to utilize 8 -10 camera angles worth of rehearsal footage? I can see 1 - 3 cameras, but no matter how hard I try, I can't explain or justify 8 -10. And the hours involved in reviewing all of this can only mean one thing: Maximum coverage for a documentary, which will hopefully help minimize financial losses upon Michael's death, or should he be unable to fulfill his contractual obligations.
AND THAT IS EXACTLY AND PRECISELY WHAT WAS ACHIEVED IN THE END!
Last Edited by on Jul 11, 2011 7:17 AM
I agree with you Carmen - 1000%! I often ask myself at what point in time they decided to go for "plan B" instead of going ahead with the concert arrangements.
When I first watched the "This is it" movie together with my fan-friends we already wondered why neither the stage nor the costumes nor anything was ready so close to the first show in London - especially when one considers the fact that all of the stuff would have needed to be shipped to the UK too.
As soon as Branca & Co entered the "ship" it was decided to go for plan B. But when did those guys contact AEG? Or was it all planned to go this direction from the very beginning?
---------- "...be alive, be free, feel consciousness, subsciousness, being GOD..." MJ
Carmen thank you so much for the post and all of the inside information given. I am glad to know the truth.
When do you think the interviews, in the beginning of the film, with the dancers were done? After Michael passed? They sound like they are talking directly to Michael but I think it was all staged.
I think certain portions of "This Is It" were actually shot at the beginning of the production process, for instance when we see the dancers auditioning and Michael sitting with Kenny Ortega in the audience section. The interviews featuring the dancers who were actually selected are genuine interviews to me, and I think those were shot sometime between February '09 and the end of April '09, when the dancers were selected. That much was done and covered.
However, many other elements of the production were not well covered, and for a documentary, substantial areas of what went into that type of production are missing. Maybe there is more to be seen, and we'll see it in future DVD releases. I strongly believe that there should have been more background material presented, and ALL the production departments should have been featured. However, maybe choices had to be made for a 2 hour movie. I can understand that. But the DVD should have had far more extensive bonus materials on it.
What I find most interesting at this moment is the fact that Murray's defense, without necessarily doing so willingly or knowingly, revealed something important that was not mentioned back in fall '09. All we knew was that between 80 and 100 hours of rehearsal footage was shot and had to be edited, after having been purchased by Sony. We knew NOTHING about how many cameras were used. And it was only revealed some time later (I don't remember when) that the rehearsal footage shot with Michael was mainly from the 3 days prior to his death.
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Attorneys in the trial of Michael Jackson's doctor will return to court on Wednesday, now that both sides have had a chance to see raw footage from the singer's last concert rehearsals.
The footage is a major factor in the wrongful death case against Dr. Conrad Murray.
Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly giving Jackson a lethal dose of sedatives. He has pleaded not guilty.
Both sides hope the footage will support their arguments about Jackson's physical condition when he died. The defense wanted to see if the video shows evidence of Jackson being sick shortly before his death.
Jury selection in the case is scheduled to begin in September.
"In the wake of the recent Casey Anthony trial, Murray’s lawyers expressed concern that the minds of jurors could be polluted by some television programs, specifically that of HLN’s Nancy Grace, according to the Los Angeles Times."
I knew this was coming! Nancy Grace swayed public opinion and reported uncompleted and false information. Now Murray's defense team is concerned. I do not blame them. Casey Anthony is in hiding mostly because of that nut Nancy Grace's (a.k.a. "Tot Mom" reporter)"style" of reporting.
The judge in the Michael Jackson manslaughter trial just undercut a big part of the defense, by ruling 16 hours of rehearsal footage for the "This Is It" tour doesn't show MJ to be in poor health.
Dr. Conrad Murray's lawyers wanted the outtakes to prove Jackson was very ill in the days before his death. The argument goes -- he was already dying, so Dr. Murray can't be held responsible for his death.
But Judge Michael Pastor ruled ... the outtakes were valuable to Sony Pictures -- which objected to turning over the footage -- and the video did not show MJ in poor health.
If the hours of video show a healthy Michael, it undercuts a major line of defense for Murray.
______________________
Just wanted to add that Michael told me from day one that he was healthy and in training. Lou Ferrigno confirmed this just days after Michael died.
This news is good for the justice we are seeking for Michael. Do you have an educated guess as to where the defense could possibly go from here? The Coroner (Dr. Christopher Rogers) testified earlier this year that he supports homicide charges in Murray’s case and now Murray’s main defense fell through. Involuntary manslaughter is defined as an unintentional killing without malice. I cannot imagine how he could be declared not guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
Do you think this cooks Murray’s goose or where could he go from here as far as a believable defense?
HERE ARE SOME NOTES FROM ANOTHER FAN WHO HAS ATTENDED THE HEARING ON JULY 25TH:
My Notes From Inside the Court Room July 25th, 2011. by Samantha De Gosson on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 4:39am
Court hearing with Prosecution, Defense and SONY representatives. No Murray, no family.
The Judge began by saying he had been to SONY on the same day as the last court hearing, from approx. 1-6.30pm (Wednesday July 20th) and had reviewed 3 hours of material and that SONY filed a motion to quash the subpoena against them the next day.
The Judge added that he then went home (after reviewing the material, Wednesday July 20th) and looked online for any media report regarding that day’s court hearing. He found two interviews made by the Defense (Flanagan) and decided to put a stop to any more viewing of the material on his part. He therefore cancelled his next viewing days (July 23rd and 24th) and called all parties on the phone to inform them of his decision.
The Defense (Flanagan) argued that the interviews he gave only conveyed his opinion that “even on his bad days, he (Michael) was talented” and that over the 100+ hours of footage they reviewed, nothing looked “off”. (Let’s bear in mind that SONY had already chosen which footage they would allow both parties to review!)
Here is the defense breakdown of the footage that was selected from June 15th to June 24th:
June 15th: Michael was present but did not rehearse.
June 16th: Michael rehearsed.
June 17th: Michael rehearsed.
June 18th: Michael was present but did not rehearse.
June 19th: Michael was present but not rehearsing. Michael was wrapped up in blankets and then sent home.
June 20th: Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega, Frank Dileo and Co. showed up at Carolwood threatening to “pull the plug because of his failure to co-operate”.
June 21st: Michael was absent from rehearsals.
June 22nd: Michael was absent from rehearsals.
June 23rd: Michael rehearsed.
June 24th: Michael rehearsed.
The Judge then asked the Defense if they were withdrawing the subpoena (subpoena to force SONY to release footage and use it in court). Defense said no but that allowing them to only view footage from June 15th- to June 25th when most of these day Michael is not rehearsing or present is unfair.
The Judge responded by arguing that only the 23rd and 24th of June should be the only relevant days, taking that Michael died a few hours later.
The judge then asked the Prosecution for their opinion. The prosecution answered that the footage from June 23rd to June 24th is indeed representative on Michael’s mental health, and so is the other footage they reviewed. They added that Michael was “engaged and involved” and “not curled up in blankets and “appeared healthy”. (?!?!?!?!).
The Judge continued by turning to SONY and asking them what THEIR opinion was on the matter.
SONY argued that showing ANY footage in court would be a problem and a risk because of potential future productions they may want to produce with the material and that this Michael Jackson footage is a commercial viability for them.
Prosecution then made a request of what footage dates they are requesting to use for court: 2 different tapes from June 16th, one from June 19th, one from June 23rd and one from June 24th.
Defense required June 18th, 19th and June 20th. Defense argues those dates are significant because of Michael’s either inability to perform (please check timeline further up).
The Defense made a point of adding hat if Michael was so healthy then why did he either not show up for rehearsals, be sent home or threatened to have the plugged pulled on the show. Flanagan added that the movie This Is It was a complete waste of time if it was to be shown in court because it was an “edited movie” and was not representative of the other days.
The Judge then made his decision after hearing all parties (Defense, Prosecution and SONY).
Motion to quash the subpoena granted in SONY’s favor! SONY representatives smiled and patted each other on the shoulders.
The Judge argued that the Defense’s motion to subpoena was a “fishing expedition” on their part and then commanded and praised SONY for their “willingness” to proceed the way they did and that they satisfied the interests of the Court and the People (?!). He then added that he had reviewed material that is very valuable to SONY and said “I’m not irresponsible in the interest of SONY”. (??!!!)
The Judge went on to say that despite the -350 million dollars Court deficit this year that SONY might still be entitled to a restitution for their efforts. (?!)
The Judge then told SONY representatives that they didn’t need to stay any longer in the court room, to which SONY replied: “We enjoy being here!” Laughter erupted in the court room. (???!!!!)
The Judge finished off by addressing the Defense, in particular Flanagan, regarding his interview on a top radio show where Flanagan made a comment about Michael’s “detractors” and exchanged some evidence. Flanagan argued that it was public record. The Judge said that his actions might be a violation and that he may issue a gag order and ended by saying “Be afraid”!
Samantha de Gosson *********************
The only people in there reporting the hearing is a handful of reporters who type and send live, eventhough they're not allowed to be online in the court room. Other reporters show up late and scramble. Not all is reported accurately. No-one mentions details and laughter etc...other people post notes on the hearing without even having been present....what can I say? There is and will never be any Justice but it's still necessary to attend and hear it yourself and spread it just the way it really is, without being restricted by a 100 word column in a media section or reading court transcripts that don't give a general over-view and feeling of the situation and which brings no support to him. I am gutted. ---------- "...be alive, be free, feel consciousness, subsciousness, being GOD..." MJ
Thank you for posting this, MLovesYou. This type of reporting of FACTS and what was seen and heard inside and outside the court room is exactly what we need. I'm very glad she was there to cover this. Thank you again for sharing it.
I'm not sure, but I think this particular 'Samantha' is the same Samantha who shared her testimony as a witness here. You'll have to scroll down a bit: http://www.this-is-not-it.com/en/campaign/testimonies
Yes, that's the same Samantha who wrote a testimony on the "This is NOT it" page. I only have a facebook link but I am not sure if you get on the site if you are not befriended with her on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notes/samantha-de-gosson/my-notes-from-inside-the-court-room-july-25th-2011/10150268828808798
---------- "...be alive, be free, feel consciousness, subsciousness, being GOD..." MJ
Here are some notes by Samantha about the hearing yesterday:
This short hearing was a “Status Update” on Pre-trial issues.
It pretty much led nowhere and both sides were asked to come back on Wednesday (August 11th) with some issues that need to be resolved by then.
The issues are:
To this day, not all Discovery has been shared between Defense and Prosecution. Prosecution wants to submit new Discovery which includes confidential information from third parties. It relates to some of Murray’s patients in form of prescription records/documents. Defense wants to view 3 items which are in LAPD custody even though they have already viewed them.
The Defense has not resolved the witness list issue since March. Out of 103 witnesses they listed, only the names of 76 of them have been given to the Prosecution and they still haven’t listed who they intend to call as witnesses during the trial. Defense’s response to this was that they can’t predict what witnesses they may finally be able to reach or find by next month when the trial starts.
The Judge seemed frustrated and threatened sanctions if they did not comply.
Next court hearing is on Wednesday, August 11th, 2011. Questionnaire drafts and submissions will also be addressed then.
Samantha de Gosson ---------- "...be alive, be free, feel consciousness, subsciousness, being GOD..." MJ
Thank you for all of the info as well. Considering the concert is only scheduled for one day I do not see why Randy and Jermaine had to go public with their dislike for the idea. They are entitled to their point of view. However I wish they would realize these sorts of family disagreements are better kept private. IMHO
---------- Personally I feel the concert is not such a bad idea as it will take some of the sting off what's shaping up to be another brutal trial for Michael.
----------- edited to add: To restate my above comment about Randy and Jermaine. I see their point of view and they are correct in their own right. But sometimes it is better to not air these things for the sake of keeping up a solid front for the public. Airing out family disagreements just makes the family look conflicted. Even if they feel that they are 100% correct, still it is important to present a united front to the public AND the estate. Just my two cents on this issue.
Still it is apparent that the concert preparations are going forward.
Much Love, Irina
Last Edited by on Aug 11, 2011 8:27 AM
With each passing day the details of this case are getting all the more outrageous!
However I am not in the least surprised that ol' Arnie got dragged into this. He did not seem to be able to keep his lip zipped from the start of this ordeal.
Bonnie, I admit I hadn't made a connection in their cases, of Michael and Amy Winehouse. Looking at the blatant similarities I wonder how I could have missed it??? Thanks for pointing this out for us.
Great interview! Thank you for posting this Bonnie.XX:)
I like some of what he revealed here. Among the details which jumped out at me is that Mr. Mesereau admits that he is very much an intuitive person, and that he is a very dedicated and focused attorney. It is obvious that he treats his cases with the utmost seriousness and respect.
Another interesting revelation he made here is that apparently Joe was with Michael every day during that trial. This is yet another confirmation for me that Michael took comfort in Josephs presence in difficult times.
I recommend listening to the interview in full.
All that is left to say is GOD BLESS Thomas Mesereau. He is a true defender of JUSTICE and certainly another INCREDIBLE human being.
With Love, Irina
Last Edited by on Aug 19, 2011 9:23 AM
Did Bravo and the production company behind "Housewives" turn a blind eye to the vicious beating Russell Armstrong gave Taylor last month?And, why Harvey thinks Dr. Conrad Murray's jury will never be sequestered from the likes of Nancy Grace.
Plus, the West Memphis 3 ... finally released from prison under SHADY circumstances.
8:15(3:35) Taylor Armstrong was brutally beaten by Russell in June -- Harvey has all the "chilling" details.
(6:10) In the case of domestic violence -- do reality shows have a duty to report the incidents to the police?
(15:50) Bravo says they're going to edit Russell's story line out the show.
(18:30) How Nancy Grace's poor handling on the Casey Anthony trial is now affecting the Michael Jackson manslaughter case.
(22:10) Harvey believes sequestering the jury in the manslaughter case will just make them "stir crazy."
(33:40) The West Memphis 3 were released today -- and despite the good outcome ... something STINKS.
(38:00) So here's the shady part...
(46:50) Lindsay Lohan is suing over a RAP song ... both Harvey and Jason think its such a waste of the judicial system.
Attorneys claim Michael Jackson was drug addict, wants inner circle to testify
August 29, 2011 | 10:04am
Defense lawyers for Michael Jackson's personal physician signaled Monday that they intend to rely on witnesses from Jackson's own inner circle to portray the singer as a desperate drug addict constantly "on the hunt" for the surgical anesthetic that killed him.
In papers filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, attorneys for Dr. Conrad Murray detailed the testimony they plan to elicit at the physician's upcoming trial from a host of Jackson confidants, including longtime friends, medical providers, the nanny to his three children and his make-up artist.
Most of these insiders have not cooperated with Murray's defense. But in the court filing, his lawyers suggest that accounts the prospective witnesses gave police concerning Jackson's drug use and career worries make their testimony vital to the doctor's claim that Jackson gave himself a fatal dose of propofol.
Jackson's longtime make-up artist Karen Faye, for example, told detectives that the recording star "was weak, extremely thin and seemed to be under the influence of drugs" the week before his death and told her he didn't think he could "physically complete" a 50-show comeback attempt in London, according to the filing.
A friend, Susan Etok, told police the singer expressed the same doubts about performing in the "This Is It" shows and asked her to help him get propofol and other drugs, the filing states.
The nanny, Grace Rwaramba, told investigators she had repeatedly tried to stage interventions and once fielded a call from Jackson's children when their father had passed out on the floor. She was fired two months before the singer's death after complaining about his drug use, according to the filing.
Whether jurors will hear from those closest to Jackson remains unclear. Prosecutors have questioned the relevance of the confidants' testimony. A hearing before Judge Michael Pastor is set for Monday afternoon.
Murray's lawyers have said they will present evidence that another doctor, Beverly Hills dermatologist Arnold Klein, was giving Jackson the narcotic painkiller Demerol "for no valid medical purpose" and that the singer sought propofol to deal with severe insomnia, a side effect of the painkiller that was hindering rehearsals for his make-or-break comeback effort.
Defense attorney Edward Chernoff said in an interview that the intimate accounts of Jackson's friends and employees were meant not to malign the pop star but to document a drug addiction that stretched back to the 1990s.
"We're not interested in character assassination. If the prosecution would concede the Demerol addiction, it would greatly reduce the number of witnesses we need to call," he said.
In their court papers, Chernoff and another defense lawyer, Nareg Gourjian, wrote that they expect prosecutors to argue that the singer was not an addict and only "liked" Demerol.
The defense also hopes to summon more than ten medical professionals to the witness stand to recount Jackson's use of and desire for propofol and other drugs. Among them are:
• David Adams, a Las Vegas physician who the defense filing says told police that Jackson "was so familiar with" propofol that he referred to it as "milk."
• Cherilyn Lee, a nurse, who is said to have told investigators that Jackson pledged to pay "her or another doctor whatever they wanted" for propofol.
• Allen Metzger, a West Hollywood doctor who according to the filing said Jackson sought intravenous sleep medication two months before his death.
Prosecutors have asked the judge to bar testimony from other doctors and medical professionals who treated Jackson over the years, saying the only issue for jurors is Murray's conduct.
"None of these individuals was caring for Michael Jackson on the night of June 24, 2009, or the day of June 25, 2009, and none of these doctors was present with Michael Jackson when he died of acute propofol intoxication," wrote David Walgren and Deborah Brazil, deputy L.A. County district attorneys.
The defense also intends to call a Santa Barbara sheriff's detective to the stand to testify that a 2003 search of Jackson's Neverland estate in connection with a child molestation investigation yielded propofol and Demerol. A jury acquitted Jackson in 2005 and prosecutors have said they oppose any mention of the molestation case at Murray's trial.
Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter. Jury selection in his trial is set for Sept. 8.
I am really, really so tired to hear again and again their LIES and TRASH, the MUD they keep on trying to pull Michael through. THE MADE UP AND COVER UP STORIES FROM A L L OF THEM!
TO DR. MURRAY´S ATTORNEYS I WANT TO SAY : RECALL THAT IT IS NOT MICHAEL JACKSON FACING TRIAL FOR INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER!! IT IS T H E ONE WHO SHOULD FINALLY SPEAK OUT WHAT HE REALLY KNOWS - DR. MURRAY !! MOREOVER IT IS NOT MICHAEL JACKSON FACING THE 2005 TRIAL AGAIN - HE HAS BEEN INNOCENT ALWAYS!! AND I WANT TO ASSIST YOUR MEMORY : MR. MICHAEL JACKSON WAS ACQUITTED OF A L L ACCOUNTS!! IF YOU WANT TO ACCEPT IT OR NOT. AS ATTORNEYS YOU SHOULD KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES OF TELLING LIES, PERJURY RESPECTIVELY IN THE COURTROOM UNLIKE CERTAIN PEOPLE IN THE JURIDICIAL SYSTEM TAKE BRIBES. I HOPE THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN. THIS TIME, NO ONE - I SAY NO ONE - WILL GET AWAY WITH THEIR LIES. THERE IS A JUSTICE AND IT WILL COME!! THIS IS A LAW OF NATURE!! YOU HAVE ALL GONE TOO FAR ! BETTER TO TELL THE TRUTH IN TIME!!
MICHAEL, WE WILL NOT SURRENDER. WE KEEP ON DOING WHAT WE CAN TO SHED LIGHT ON THE TRUTH !!
EVERYTHING THAT I HAVE UTTERED HERE I DID IN MY OWN RESPONSIBILITY AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MRS. BONNIE VENT - ONLY MY OWN!!
How ‘Bad’ Will Nancy Grace Be on ‘Dancing with the Stars?’
She’s the queen of cable TV. But is she a dancing queen?
It’s a question on the minds of many as Nancy Grace heads to “Dancing with the Stars” this season. The HLN host spent the summer in the spotlight throwing her arms up over Casey Anthony, who was found not guilty in July of murdering her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee.
Check out the full cast of the new season of “Dancing with the Stars.”
While trying out the fox-trot might not seem like the most logical next step for the HLN host, it makes some sense — Grace will relocate to Los Angeles this fall to cover the trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor Conrad Murray. Why not master moonwalking at the same time? Show her critics just how “Dangerous” she is?
“I’m willing to hear whatever the judge has to tell me,” Grace said on “Good Morning America” Tuesday. “I don’t know anything about dancing. I just hope that I don’t fall. That’s my big goal.”
Like Kirstie Alley and Kate Gosselin before her, Grace acknowledged that she might not be the most obvious contender for the coveted mirror ball trophy.
“I am certainly not the youngest, skinniest, the prettiest,” Grace, 51, told the New York Post. ”But I’ve got a lot of heart.”
Reporting on MJ’s death by day and rumba-ing by night will undoubtedly change Grace’s image in the public eye.
“She’s always been the people’s prosecutor,” said E! Online columnist Ted Casablanca. “But now, is she more interested in doing the show business thing? It’ll be interesting to see what this does to Nancy, the reporter.”
So can we look forward to seeing Grace bump it to “Beat It?”
“That would be hilarious,” Casablanca said. “But even Nancy, I’m sure, would draw the line at that.”
