Michael Jackson Cleared Of All Child Molestation Charges Today In 2005
On this day, 13 June 2005, Michael Jackson is cleared of all charges of child molestation. (People v. Jackson (full title: 1133603: The People of the State of California v. Michael Joe Jackson) was a 2005.)
The trial spanned approximately four months, beginning with jury selection that began on January 31, 2005. Gavin and his brother testified that Jackson had given them alcohol, showed them pornography, masturbated before them and made sexual advances. The defense characterized the witnesses for the prosecution as disgruntled ex-employees or individuals seeking to exploit Jackson for money. Witnesses for the defense included testimony from celebrities including the former child actor Macaulay Culkin and the comedian Chris Tucker. Coverage of the trial was described as a media circus, and some media outlets were quick to portray Jackson as guilty.