'After he's on TV, his people have to do clean-up work to minimize all of the late-night talk-show criticism and joking, and explain that he's he's fine, it's the fine, it's the public public that has a problem. "Focus on the message" was always my tactic. "Forget the messenger". He's innocent of any wrong-doing. I'm sure of it. Just stick to that truth and forget how much damage he's done by trying to express such innocence on television. Get him help? It's not an option. No one is close enough to him to even presume to suggest it.' that has a problem. "Focus on the message" was always my tactic. "Forget the messenger". He's innocent of any wrong-doing. I'm sure of it. Just stick to that truth and forget how much damage he's done by trying to express such innocence on television. Get him help? It's not an option. No one is close enough to him to even presume to suggest it.'

Some observers who are sceptical of Michael Jackson's innocence speculate that people in his life his attorneys, publicists, accountants and even family members believe in their heart of hearts that the man is guilty as sin. It is thought that such allies of his are merely exhibiting blind loyalty to him by publicly, and so vociferously, declaring his innocence. After all, they have jobs to do, or family allegiances to protect, it's thought. However, it's not true. If a person is around Michael Jackson long enough, he begins to believe in him. Michael is such an unconventional, curious person, the only way to truly fathom him and his world is to actually be in his presence, experience it and take it all in. While he welcomes the support of his inner circle, he does not appreciate it when they try to explain to him why outsiders are suspect of him and his behaviour.

'He doesn't want to hear it,' his former close friend Uri Geller has explained. 'I tried to tell him, "Michael, I know you are innocent but you have to understand why there are others who do not believe that. You have to stop with the children in people's faces. You have to try to understand the public. It's not just you. You are in the world." He becomes sad, and his eyes glaze over. Then he becomes angry. No one can talk to him these days, not really. So I think that people in his life go about the business of defending him, and don't bring up anything with him that really matters or addresses the problem.'

Ten years ago, Elizabeth Taylor and Lisa Marie Presley stepped into Michael Jackson's world and attempted to bring some sense and wisdom to it. They were not paid to do so, they did it out of love. If not for them, who knows how the Jordie Chandler matter would have worked out for Michael.

Sadly, Michael no longer has allies such as Elizabeth and Lisa.

Elizabeth is too advanced in years and upset by the melodrama in her friend's world to be recruited for such hard duty.

For her part, Lisa simply can't become immersed in Michael's problems again. It was tough on her, last time. When she ended it with Michael, she suffered physical problems, a myriad of ailments, because she had been so anxious for so long about him. In order to protect herself, she now keeps her distance. Some have indicated that she is more concerned about her new recording career with Capitol Records than she is about Michael, and won't align herself with him because of her fear of bad public relations... as if Lisa Marie Presley has ever cared what the public thinks about her. Rather, she is taking care of herself, say her friends, the way she used to take care of Michael.

Today, Michael Jackson's best and most reliable support comes from people who are compensated by tremendous amounts of money to shield him from the ugly truth of his world and then explain away his deep sadness and pain by acting as if it doesn't exist. It's not as if they have any choice. It's the way he wants it.

Michael's Latest Accuser.

How credible are the present charges against Michael Jackson?

While Michael is most certainly guilty of creating the appearance of impropriety where his current accuser, Gavin Arvizo, is concerned, such wrong-minded choices about socializing with children and making sure everyone knows about it obviously don't make him a child-molester. As of this writing, the Santa Barbara District Attorney's evidence against Michael is sealed. Therefore, a firm opinion of his guilt or innocence is premature. Understandably, loyal friends and family members believe he is innocent based on little more than... their personally held beliefs about him. However, critical-minded people who have no emotional attachment to him have good reason for prudent scepticism. Still, the presumption of innocence is on Michael's side. That stated, the criminal case against him seems very weak, even at this early stage.

In the year 2002 and into 2003, Gavin Arvizo and members of his family had enjoyed being with Michael at Neverland Ranch on several occasions. The Hispanic boy with dark hair and dark brown eyes from East Los Angeles is a comedy aficionado who aspires to a career in that arena. At the age of ten he had been diagnosed with cancer so he was quite ill. He'd had an eight-pound cancerous tumour on his left kidney; doctors were forced to remove that kidney as well as his spleen.

While he was sick, the youngster was asked by a comedy club owner in Los Angeles what would make him happy. He said he wanted to meet certain celebrities one of them being Michael Jackson. (Actually, Michael was third on the list, behind comedians Adam Sandler and Chris Tucker.) Unfortunately, Michael has always been a sucker for young kids who want to meet him. After the comedy club owner made quick arrangements with Michael's 'people', one thing led to another, and before anyone knew what was happening, Gavin and both his parents, younger brother and older sister were guests of Michael's at his Neverland ranch. It's a bit startling, actually, when one considers how easy it is to gain entree into the King of Pop's castle.

Just as in the case of Jordie Chandler and his family, Michael became engrossed in the personal, complicated and troubled life of the youngster. He not only began paying the boy's medical expenses, and provided transportation for Gavin to get to and from chemotherapy, he took him, his mother Janet Ventura-Arvizo and two siblings, Daveline and Star Arvizo, into his confidence, into his secret world. He also extended his generosity to people they they knew; for instance, he leased an apartment for the mother's boyfriend. He pushed and pushed until he was fully enveloped in their lives, exactly as he had with Jordie. knew; for instance, he leased an apartment for the mother's boyfriend. He pushed and pushed until he was fully enveloped in their lives, exactly as he had with Jordie.

Caught up in the security of Michael Jackson's cushy lifestyle, the family settled in. Compared to their lower-middle-cla.s.s existence in East LA, Neverland was... well... Neverland Neverland. They had safety and security and the excitement of knowing a big star and trafficking in his exciting and privileged world. Janet encouraged the children to call Michael 'Daddy'. That was fine with Michael, but the immediate and inappropriate familiarity suggested by the new moniker was disconcerting to observers in his camp. Didn't he have three children calling him daddy, already his own?

'It was too much,' recalled someone close to the situation. 'It was Michael not remembering what had happened with Jordie Chandler and his old man [Evan Chandler, his father], and then letting these new kids and their mom into his world, no holds barred. Whatever they wanted, man, they got. Money. Trips. Gifts. Toys. The whole Michael Jackson package. 360 degrees of everything... and way too much alone time with the one boy [Gavin]. People in his [Jackson's] camp were worried about it, but there had been a lot of kids and a lot of families between Jordie and this new family, and Michael had let them all into his life too, with no consequences. You can't reason with him... he takes his chances. The questions for me have always been, when does this guy have time for his career, how'd he even get to be the King of Pop when he's so preoccupied with other people's lives... and how the h.e.l.l does he keep track of all of these kids?'

When Gavin's health took a turn for the better, everyone was elated. Why, it was as if Michael was some kind of miracle worker! In just a few months, the youngster was born again. Of course, the fact that he was finally eating well and now able to afford the best medications in the world thanks to Michael's largesse didn't hurt.

The story might have had a truly happy ending if everyone had then gone their separate ways. Gavin and his family might have exited Neverland never to be seen again with all being well that ended well.

However, at this same time, Michael was involved in the making of the Martin Bashir doc.u.mentary. Bashir had heard about the youngster and the transformation he had undergone as a result of his connection to Jackson, and wanted to include his story in the doc.u.mentary. Because it seemed like a good idea he hoped people would finally finally understand his relationship with children if they were to see the footage Michael agreed to it. When the doc.u.mentary was first broadcast in the UK, and finally in the USA, Michael was seen holding hands with Gavin while giggling and discussing sleeping arrangements with him. He also made it clear that he saw nothing wrong with sharing his bed with children. understand his relationship with children if they were to see the footage Michael agreed to it. When the doc.u.mentary was first broadcast in the UK, and finally in the USA, Michael was seen holding hands with Gavin while giggling and discussing sleeping arrangements with him. He also made it clear that he saw nothing wrong with sharing his bed with children.

After the doc.u.mentary aired on 3 February in the UK, and three days later in the USA, tongues began to wag about his odd interaction with Gavin Arvizo. It was then that Gavin's mother, Janet, complained publicly that Martin Bashir had allowed her son to appear on the show without her permission. Of course, Michael did not secure her permission, either. However, at that time, the family was still friendly with Michael and did not point out his lapse in judgement.

In truth, Michael Jackson isn't used to asking anyone permission for anything. He reasoned that, considering all that he had done for Gavin and his family, Janet wouldn't mind seeing her son featured on his show. After she complained about it, it was thought that she would simply have to get over it. However, Gavin was being ridiculed in public, other youngsters coming up to him and taunting him for being 'Michael Jackson's boyfriend'. It is understandable that Janet was upset. However, Michael had other problems, having to do with 'damage control'. There had been outrage about the Martin Bashir programme, and Michael charged Bashir with having taken statements and scenes out of context. 'That d.a.m.n Martin Bashir show didn't work out as well as I hoped,' he told one of his staff members.

To set the record straight, Michael Jackson wanted to produce his own special and give his side of the story. He also wanted to press Gavin into service: would he be interviewed for the new doc.u.mentary and confirm that Michael's behaviour toward him had always been innocent? Yes, of course he would, and this time with his mother's permission. Michael dispatched his so-called 'video-grapher', Christian Robinson, to tape an interview with the family. It seems unlikely that Michael Jackson would have charged Robinson with such a task if he thought the Arvizo family would ever allege he was a child-molester.

Denials All Around.

Christian Robinson, who had been doc.u.menting Michael's experiences on the road and at home on video tape for about two years, sat down with mother and son at a private home to ask questions about the star's relationship with them. He asked if there had ever been any inappropriate behaviour on Michael's part. 'They [Gavin, his sister Daveline, brother Star and mother Janet] answered and were very upfront and said "absolutely not",' he later maintained. 'And during this interview, I told them to speak truthfully probably more than thirty times. I kept reminding them, I want you to tell the truth, tell your story.'

'They all felt that a miracle had taken place,' Robinson recalled when speaking of Gavin's recovery. 'He says that Gavin and Star insisted to him that whenever they slept in the same room with Michael, they slept on the bed and he slept on the floor. They were so resolute in their answers, almost as if they were getting mad at me. "Why are you asking me this? Michael is innocent."' He says that 'the family was not coached', and 'the family was incredibly pa.s.sionate, talking about Jesus and G.o.d and Michael as the ultimate father figure.'

As mentioned earlier in this text, Michael's reb.u.t.tal was finally broadcast the awkwardly t.i.tled, The Michael Jackson Interview The Footage You Were Never Meant to See The Michael Jackson Interview The Footage You Were Never Meant to See but it didn't change the way people thought about him. His supporters still believed in him, and his detractors remained critical of him. but it didn't change the way people thought about him. His supporters still believed in him, and his detractors remained critical of him.

The footage of Michael's accuser in the doc.u.mentary is unsettling, especially in light of the new charges. Gavin is bald, a result of chemotherapy, and, according to the doc.u.mentary, should have been dead by that time but was alive thanks to his a.s.sociation with Michael Jackson. There is footage of the youngster in his hospital bed, of him being pushed in a wheelchair with Michael at his side. There is more footage of him walking with Michael through Neverland, Gavin in a yellow baseball jersey and the superstar in head-to-toe black and holding an umbrella as a shield from the sun. The two are coc.o.o.ned within the pleasant, familiar surroundings of Neverland, lost in conversation, in their own... world.

Camaraderie was evident between Michael and Gavin, the kind that springs from shared experiences and genuine affection. However, anyone who knows Michael and has a memory for the past could look at the footage and also the scenes of the two in the Bashir doc.u.mentary and sense that, once again, Michael had gone way too far with this kid. As he did with Jordie, he gave himself over to the youngster. He has no boundaries with anyone under the age of fourteen. Michael Jackson puts himself right out there no walls of defence, no safety zone, maybe, it might be argued, no sense, either. He simply hopes that the boy, and his family, will have the best intentions for him, just as he feels he has for them. In some ways, it's commendable. For a star of his magnitude to be so naive is somehow refreshing. However, there's still a dysfunction attached to such bonding with children who are not his own, and it's something that should be addressed in his life because, obviously, it can lead to big trouble for him and also for the youngster. As a result of the footage, Gavin's entire world changed.

'Since Mr Bashir's doc.u.mentary aired, [Gavin] and his mother have gone into seclusion, after being bombarded for requests for interviews from tabloids around the world,' intoned Maury Povich, the doc.u.mentary's narrator. He also read a statement from Janet Ventura-Arvizo: 'I'm appalled at the way my son has been exploited by Martin Bashir. The relationship that Michael has with my children is a beautiful, loving, father-sons-and-daughter one. To my children and me, Michael is a part of my family.' In addition, concluded Povich, Janet was considering legal action against Martin Bashir for including her son in the special without her consent.

In truth, the boy should not have been on either show Martin Bashir's or or Michael Jackson's and both are equally guilty of having exploited him for their own purposes. Some might argue that Janet doesn't acquit herself, either. However, parental guidance and direction in matters having to do with children at Neverland is always a big part of the mystery surrounding sleep-overs at the ranch. Michael Jackson's and both are equally guilty of having exploited him for their own purposes. Some might argue that Janet doesn't acquit herself, either. However, parental guidance and direction in matters having to do with children at Neverland is always a big part of the mystery surrounding sleep-overs at the ranch.

Michael's doc.u.mentary aired, and people quickly forgot about it. It was the Martin Bashir programme, however, that continued to pose a problem, especially when concerned mental-health professionals began to lodge complaints about it.

A number of psychologists, psychiatrists and other child advocates, including Dr Carole Lieberman of Beverly Hills, wrote letters of concern to the Santa Barbara Child Protective Services and the Los Angeles Child Welfare department. 'I felt that enough was enough,' said Dr Lieberman, who lodged her official complaint on 11 February 2003. 'I couldn't believe that the world was standing by and letting these children be potentially harmed.' Others, like school teachers in Los Angeles county, also voiced concern. One contacted the Los Angeles Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) saying that she felt what was seen in the Bashir doc.u.mentary between Michael and Gavin Arvizo looked strange and inappropriate. Not only did the teacher feel that the relationship between the two should be investigated, she also raised questions as to what kind of mother would allow her child to be seen in such circ.u.mstances.

After receiving a few letters himself, Santa Barbara District Attorney Tom Sneddon took the position that what appeared on screen 'was no subst.i.tute for credible cooperative victims'. He didn't seem interested in pursuing Michael Jackson again. However, he actually was was interested; he just didn't want to tip his hand in the matter, at least not yet. interested; he just didn't want to tip his hand in the matter, at least not yet.

On 14 February 2003, the DSCS began its investigation.

Four days later, on 18 February, the Santa Barbara Sheriff's department began its own investigation, in secret.

Michael and his camp did not not know about the Sheriff department's inquiry. However, they found out about the DCFS's immediately, because Janet Ventura-Arvizo telephoned as soon as she was contacted. Michael was perplexed. 'What the h.e.l.l?' he asked one of his representatives. 'Someone can call out of the blue, and they start an investigation?' When told that such was the case, Michael decided he wanted to know as much as he could about the questions that would be asked by the officials... and the answers provided by Gavin and his mother. know about the Sheriff department's inquiry. However, they found out about the DCFS's immediately, because Janet Ventura-Arvizo telephoned as soon as she was contacted. Michael was perplexed. 'What the h.e.l.l?' he asked one of his representatives. 'Someone can call out of the blue, and they start an investigation?' When told that such was the case, Michael decided he wanted to know as much as he could about the questions that would be asked by the officials... and the answers provided by Gavin and his mother.

Shortly thereafter, DCFS representatives arranged that two social workers meet with the family at the Los Angeles apartment of Janet's boyfriend. At the same time, Michael arranged to have his own representation present at the meeting an investigator and, also, the fiance of comedian Chris Tucker. (Tucker's future wife is a mutual friend of Janet's and Michael's.) When the case workers arrived for the interview, the three children were sitting in front of a television, mesmerized by a video of Michael. According to the tape recordings made that day by Michael's camp, Janet said that she was unaware of the nature of the allegations that had been made against Michael. She said she wanted to be present for the interview with each of her children and wondered, 'What are my rights? What are their rights?' She seemed scared.

The social workers told her that their agenda would be made clear to her during the course of questioning. They also insisted that the Jackson representatives leave the room. A frightened Janet asked for a moment alone with the Jackson investigator. The two then discussed how to tape-record the interview with the DCFS in a manner, the Jackson representative told her, that 'won't be suspicious. You don't have to do nothing,' he told her, according to the tape recording. On the tape, it sounds as if he was some how affixing a microphone to her clothing. 'It's working,' he a.s.sured her.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department has, on file, details of the interview between the Arvizo family and the DCFS. 'Michael is like a father to me,' Gavin told the social workers. 'He's never done anything to me s.e.xually.' Gavin said he 'never slept in bed with Michael.'

Furthermore, Janet said that she was 'always aware of what goes on at Neverland'. She elaborated, 'Michael is like a father to my children. He loves them and I trust my children with him.' She said that Michael was 'kind and misunderstood'. She described him as 'an important part of [her son's] recovery from cancer.' She said that there were times when her children 'would be on Michael's bed, watching TV and eating Smors. But for the allegations that they share a bed, it is no.' She insisted that her children 'were never alone with Jackson... there's always someone around.' She concluded that Michael had 'never been anything but wonderful. My children have never felt uncomfortable in his presence. Michael has been a blessing.'

According to the report, Gavin's older sister Daveline was 'teary-eyed' during the interview. 'Michael is so kind and loving,' she said.

Gavin's father, David Arvizo, was interviewed by the DCFS, separately from the others. 'There's no reason to suspect any wrongdoing by Michael,' he said. He added that he, too, attributed his son's recovery to Michael.

Some observers have wondered why Michael had his own representatives at the apartment for the inquiry by the DCFS. According to DCFS standards, Janet Ventura-Arvizo and her children should have been interviewed without anyone present, and tape recordings of their interviews should not have been made by her... for Michael Jackson, or even for someone working for him. Of course, the Jackson camp wanted to be there for one simple and obvious reason: they wanted to know what was going to be alleged. If they were able to get away with having someone present to find out what was being said, of course they were going to try to do it. On the tape, Janet insists that Jackson's representatives were there 'per my invitation, per my request'.

Later, after reviewing all evidence available at the time, the Department of Children and Family Services concluded that the case should be closed, that allegations of abuse were 'unfounded'. There was not enough proof in the face of such denials for anyone to continue looking into the matter.

At the same time, the Los Angeles Police Department opened and closed its own investigation quickly, and concurred that there was insufficient evidence to move forward with any action against Michael Jackson.

Then, on 16 April, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department reached its own conclusion. According to records in the Sheriff's Department, 'Based on the interviews with the children and their father, it was determined that the elements of criminal activity were not meant. Therefore, this investigation was cla.s.sified as a suspected s.e.xual abuse incident report, with no further action required. Case Closed.'

Months later, Santa Barbara District Attorney Tom Sneddon, in his press conference to announce Michael's imminent arrest, minimized the significance of the DCFS report and its findings saying, 'to call that an investigation is a misnomer. It was an interview, plain and simple. And that's all it was.' He also claimed, 'that particular department [DCFS] has a lot of problems.'

It would seem that the District Attorney's office has 'a lot of problems', too, because Tom Sneddon did not mention that the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department had actually opened and closed closed its investigation, based entirely on the DCFS's findings. Sneddon didn't interview the Arvizo family. Rather, someone from his office merely spoke on the phone to the social worker who visited them, and obtained her notes. The fact that Tom Sneddon then minimized the DCFS's findings in his press conference, though he had relied on them to close an earlier investigation of Michael Jackson, is important information, and it does little to enhance his case that he still hasn't admitted it. its investigation, based entirely on the DCFS's findings. Sneddon didn't interview the Arvizo family. Rather, someone from his office merely spoke on the phone to the social worker who visited them, and obtained her notes. The fact that Tom Sneddon then minimized the DCFS's findings in his press conference, though he had relied on them to close an earlier investigation of Michael Jackson, is important information, and it does little to enhance his case that he still hasn't admitted it.

Booze, Naked Women... and Michael Jackson?

After the DCFS and Santa Barbara County Sheriff's interviews of the Arvizo family, something happened to change their minds. It's not known yet what transpired, but whatever it was turned them all against Michael Jackson. Suddenly, the family was whispering to others about s.e.xual molestation having occurred, and stories getting back to the Jackson camp were worrisome. However, when Michael heard about them, he didn't seem concerned.

'This could be a problem,' noted someone on his team.

'I'm used to problems,' Michael said, dismissively. 'My focus now is on my new alb.u.m. I didn't do anything, so this will go away.'

'You mean like Jordie Chandler went away?' he was asked.

Jordie is rarely brought up in his presence. Michael's brown eyes slitted. It was as if he was saying, 'You know better than to mention that name to me.' He drew a deep breath and then exhaled, loudly. 'Look, man, just take care of it,' he said, as he took his leave. 'I don't want to hear another word about it.'

There was nothing to take care of... yet. No one knew the details of what was being alleged... but, there was a sense that something was about to happen, and it would not be good. 'It was in the air,' said a source in the Jackson camp.

In fact, people who have been in the Jackson camp for years were troubled enough to bring in high-powered attorney Mark Geragos, and a team of investigators, to look into the matter. 'He may want to continue to be naive in the face of danger,' said a person close to Jackson, 'but people who care about him smelled big trouble. They did not want have another Jordie Chandler case on their hands. It was determined that this thing would have to be nipped in the bud, whether MJ [Michael] took it seriously, or not. Michael was told to keep his distance from those people, and he did.'

After Michael's handlers drew a line in the sand between him and the Arvizo family, Janet Ventura-Arvizo made her move: she and one of her attorneys sought out Larry Feldman for advice on how to proceed; Feldman is the same attorney who represented Jordie Chandler against Michael Jackson. In the same conference room in which Feldman sat with Jordie Chandler and his father, Evan, he sat with Michael's new accuser and his mother. After he heard their story, he felt there was more to it than the boy had even alleged and so he arranged for the boy to be interviewed by psychologist Dr Stan Katz.

After several sessions with the psychologist, the bits and pieces finally came together and the boy started to remember all sorts of things. Dr Katz's notes are part of the material being used against Michael Jackson by the Santa Barbara District Attorney. What the family told him was exactly opposite opposite to everything they had ever said before about the pop star to Martin Bashir, Christian Anderson, and the DCFS. to everything they had ever said before about the pop star to Martin Bashir, Christian Anderson, and the DCFS.

In the records Dr Katz wrote, 'The accuser says he drank alcohol every night and got buzzed... whiskey, vodka and Bacardi.' When the youngster suffering from cancer, don't forget got headaches from the drinking, 'Michael said, "Keep drinking. It will make it feel better."' Dr Katz reported that, according to the boy, 'Michael showed him pictures of naked women on the computer.' He said that he once 'saw Michael just standing there, naked for a moment.' He added that Michael told him, 'he had to m.a.s.t.u.r.b.a.t.e, or he'd go crazy'.

Dr Katz further disclosed that Gavin's brother Star said that on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles, he saw Michael lick Gavin's head as the boy slept against Michael's chest. He said that Michael gave them all 'wine, vodka and tequila on numerous occasions'. He also said, according to the doctor, that one of Michael's security guards threatened to 'kill us and our parents if we told about the alcohol'. He said that Michael 'talked a lot about s.e.x', and that he and his brother 'constantly sleep in Michael's room with Michael and his brother in Michael's bed'. He then gave graphic details of two s.e.xual encounters he says he witnessed between Gavin and Michael.

Furthermore, Dr Katz wrote that Gavin's sister Daveline says that Michael gave her wine, as well, and that she witnessed Michael kissing her brother on the cheek, 'hugging him and always rubbing him'.

According to the report, when asked about the DCFS inquiry, the family said that they were 'made' to say that Michael had been a father figure and that nothing s.e.xual had ever happened between him and Gavin. Katz, in his report, wrote that he believed the family had not been forthcoming in the past but was now telling him him the truth. 'I don't get the feeling the mom is lying about anything, though she may distort', he wrote. 'I really felt the kids were credible.' the truth. 'I don't get the feeling the mom is lying about anything, though she may distort', he wrote. 'I really felt the kids were credible.'

However, of Michael Jackson, Dr Katz also wrote in his report, 'He doesn't really qualify as a pedophile. He's just a regressed 10-year-old.'

Exactly as happened in the Chandler case the mental-health professional, Dr Stan Katz, was compelled by California law to report the details of the recollected s.e.xual abuse to the police. It evolved so quickly, everyone in the Jackson camp was a little stunned by the swiftness of events, even though they suspected there might be trouble ahead. When told about the report to the police, Michael's mouth went agape. 'Huh?' he asked. 'Are you kidding me? Really?' He seemed lost for several heartbeats. 'But...' He stammered. 'But... I thought... huh? huh?'

Family Dysfunction.

The earlier (and important) denials of s.e.xual abuse aside to Michael Jackson's videographer and also to the DCFS, there are elements of the case against Michael that are still questionable: evidence of dysfunction in the Arvizo family, and what such strange and troubled dynamics may have to do with the charges against the singer, are important to review.

Years ago, in August 1998, the Arvizo family was detained on a shoplifting charge at a J.C. Penney department store in West Covina, California. According to J.C. Penney, the boys Gavin and Star were sent out of the store by their father with an armload of clothes, the family was then detained and Janet Ventura-Arvizo started a scuffle with three security officers. The family's side of the story, however, is that the boys were simply modelling clothes for J.C. Penney odd in that there was no evidence to support this notion not stealing them.

The shoplifting charges were eventually dropped, but Gavin, Star and their mother filed a lawsuit against J.C. Penney's for $3 million. Janet then charged that, while being detained, she and her sons were 'viciously' beaten by the three security officers, one of whom is a woman.

In more than 200 pages of doc.u.ments pertaining to the case, a troubling picture of the family matriarch emerges. The psychiatrist hired by J.C. Penney's to evaluate Janet Ventura-Arvizo found her to be 'schizophrenic' and 'delusional'. According to the doctor, 'She felt "sad over being a n.o.body." With no job... a "sad housewife getting fat."' He reports that she was 'treated with Zoloft'. He wrote, 'her depression may have lingered or worsened.' Of course, that doctor was hired by the department store; his report would not have been used by J.C. Penney had it not been favourable to their case. Janet's own therapist found her to be 'anxious and depressed' after the incident, but not delusional.

Most disturbing about the case, though, is that more than two years after the incident, Janet Ventura-Arvizo added a new charge: she claimed that one of the two male security guards had 's.e.xually fondled' her b.r.e.a.s.t.s and pelvic area 'for up to seven minutes'. It seems odd that so many years pa.s.sed before she decided to mention the s.e.xual a.s.sault. During litigation, the store's psychiatrist a.s.serted that she had rehea.r.s.ed her sons to back up her 'far-fetched story', and that they had all mother and sons suffered 'broken bones' in addition to her s.e.xual a.s.sault. 'She just came up with this horror story, and ran with it,' says Tom Griffin, the attorney who represented J.C. Penney in the case. He insists there was no evidence to back up any of the allegations; David Arvizo did not seem to want to be involved in this aspect of the allegations.

Ultimately the department store settled with the family, paying them $137,000 days before the scheduled trial in 2001. 'It was an incident that turned into, in my opinion, a scam to extract money from J.C. Penney,' says Tom Griffin. 'They're going for a home run this time,' he concluded of the family's action with Michael Jackson. 'This is a shake down. Shake down, Part Two.'

Making matters more complex and disturbing, Gavin's parents who were married as teenagers and divorced in their thirties have had an acrimonious relationship for years. Janet Ventura-Arvizo filed for divorce in late 2001, about a month after the J.C. Penney settlement. By court order, David Arvizo has not seen his children since 2002 when he pleaded 'no contest' to spousal abuse. A year later, he pleaded 'no contest' to child cruelty. A three-year restraining order was put into place. Since the time of Michael's arrest, David Arvizo has repeatedly pet.i.tioned the courts to allow him to see his offspring. Though he insists that the children have been rehea.r.s.ed by Janet to make statements against him, he has been denied the chance to see them, every legal step along the way.

While the family's troubles are unfortunate, some of their actions do cast a dark shadow over the case against Michael. There seems, at least from appearances, to be a troubling history of exaggeration on Janet Ventura-Arvizo's part, and maybe confabulation, as well which will be relevant in the trial, say sources in the Los Angeles legal community. 'One wonders, is this a pattern?' asks Karen Russell, a trial attorney in Los Angeles, not involved in the Jackson case. 'What happened with J.C. Penney's, really? Does Mrs Ventura-Arvizo have a habit of not getting what she wants, and then coaching her kids into saying what she wants them to say, and then proceeding legally? These are questions that will, no doubt, be posed at trial.'

Says Dr Robert b.u.t.terworth, a New York psychologist, again not a.s.sociated with the Jackson case, 'There's a possibility for a child to be told something so many times, he is not rehearsing it but, rather, actually believes it. It's possible for a child to become, in a sense, hypnotized by a parent to believe a reality that didn't occur. They go over and over it again, but the facts have been distorted. It's a very troubling phenomenon, very disturbing, and it could be the death knell on this case.'

It could be argued that Michael Jackson, a celebrity with a great deal to lose, should have made a decision to avoid Gavin's family at all costs, if he had known about their history (and he probably did, since he and Janet and Gavin were, apparently, close enough to share confidences). However, the youngster was, and is, quite ill, and perhaps Michael felt he couldn't abandon him under those circ.u.mstances.

Also, who knows how many other families in Michael Jackson's life over the years have had problems even more severe that those of his present accuser's? We don't know about them because matters never escalated as they have with the Arvizo family at the centre of the present investigation, but it's likely there've been many similar stories over the years. Without exaggeration, it would be impossible to count the number of disadvantaged families with whom Michael has formed emotional attachments in the last ten, maybe fifteen, years and equally impossible to fathom the number of boys he has known, befriended and taken into his home and his confidence. There is simply no way to count them, there have been so many. He's fortunate that only two out of what must surely be hundreds have presented a problem for him.

Jesus Juice and Jesus Blood.

Jesus Blood. Jesus Juice. Those two descriptions of red and white wine as ascribed to Michael Jackson made headlines in February 2004, as a result of a scathing article about him, by Maureen Orth in Vanity Fair Vanity Fair. The allegation made by Orth is that Michael gave Gavin Arvizo and another boy wine Jesus Juice in c.o.ke cans on a flight from Florida in February 2003. Jackson, though, prefers Jesus Blood. This is a disturbing accusation, obviously, but even more so because two of the charges against Michael have to do with giving a minor 'intoxicating agents' in order to wear him down for s.e.x with him.

Orth's primary source for increasingly lurid stories about Jackson in Vanity Fair Vanity Fair is his former business adviser Myung-Ho Lee. Lee was Jackson's financial adviser from 1998 to 2001. He sued him for $14 million in 2002, and hasn't stopped talking about him since even though Jackson settled the suit by giving him money. Lee is the person who told Orth, in another is his former business adviser Myung-Ho Lee. Lee was Jackson's financial adviser from 1998 to 2001. He sued him for $14 million in 2002, and hasn't stopped talking about him since even though Jackson settled the suit by giving him money. Lee is the person who told Orth, in another Vanity Fair Vanity Fair article, that Jackson hired a witch-doctor named Baba to sacrifice dozens of cows in order to put a curse on David Geffen and Steven Spielberg. That's hard to believe... even for Michael Jackson. article, that Jackson hired a witch-doctor named Baba to sacrifice dozens of cows in order to put a curse on David Geffen and Steven Spielberg. That's hard to believe... even for Michael Jackson.

The wine story, however, is partially true. Michael does does refer to white wine as 'Jesus Juice' and red wine as 'Jesus Blood'. It's an offbeat joke of his, probably not a very good one, but everyone in his camp knows about it. Also, he refer to white wine as 'Jesus Juice' and red wine as 'Jesus Blood'. It's an offbeat joke of his, probably not a very good one, but everyone in his camp knows about it. Also, he does does drink them both from soda cans. However, Orth reports that the concealment is Michael's way of drinking alcohol without having anyone know that he's doing it. The truth is that he drinks wine out of soda pop cans so that drink them both from soda cans. However, Orth reports that the concealment is Michael's way of drinking alcohol without having anyone know that he's doing it. The truth is that he drinks wine out of soda pop cans so that children children won't see him doing it. 'He's always around kids, and he doesn't want them to see him drinking,' says someone in his camp. 'It's weird, but not criminal.' Also, Jackson has always been afraid that he would be photographed with a gla.s.s of wine in his hand, and he thinks that would be inappropriate for his image. won't see him doing it. 'He's always around kids, and he doesn't want them to see him drinking,' says someone in his camp. 'It's weird, but not criminal.' Also, Jackson has always been afraid that he would be photographed with a gla.s.s of wine in his hand, and he thinks that would be inappropriate for his image.

An in-flight pa.s.senger profile doc.u.ment that has become part of the public record in litigation between Jackson and XtraJet, the private airline company he once hired, details the pop star's food and beverage preferences and seems to further confirm the wine anecdote. According to the doc.u.ment, dated Sept. 1, 2003: 'White wine in a Diet c.o.ke can' was required 'on every [the word is underlined in the doc.u.ment for emphasis] flight.' In addition, according to the pa.s.senger profile doc.u.ment, Michael sometimes drank tequila, gin or Crown Royal on flights.

A strange requirement outlined in the doc.u.mentation is Michael Jackson's desire for fried chicken from Kentucky Fried Chicken, the American fast-food restaurant, for every every meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Michael demands the so-called 'secret recipe' with 'original chicken b.r.e.a.s.t.s, mashed potatoes, corn and biscuits with spray b.u.t.ter'. On short flights, according to the doc.u.ments, he requests Big Red gum, mints, cheese and crackers and fruit plates. He will not eat broccoli or 'strong-scented foods'. Prince Michael I and Paris have a stricter diet and are not permitted to eat peanut b.u.t.ter, sugar or chocolate. KFC is part of their regimen when flying, but it must be stripped of all skin. According to the doc.u.ments, the children 'typically will ask for the same thing their Dad is eating for every meal, but he'll determine what they are allowed to eat, like crackers.' Also, in bold letters next to their menu, it reads 'NO SUGAR!' and 'NO CHICKEN SKIN!' The doc.u.ment says that Paris, in particular, 'is good at cajoling you for sugar'. Moreover, Prince Michael II, a.k.a. Blanket, is always fed by his nanny, Grace Rwamba (who, it is noted, will never eat KFC chicken). The toddler gets the same KFC regimen 'cut up into pieces' in addition to crackers, grapes and juice or milk. Finally, the in-flight behaviour of Michael Jackson a 'non-smoker' is described as 'very timid... but will get out of his seat during takeoff and landing. Be prepared to clean a lot after he deplanes.' meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Michael demands the so-called 'secret recipe' with 'original chicken b.r.e.a.s.t.s, mashed potatoes, corn and biscuits with spray b.u.t.ter'. On short flights, according to the doc.u.ments, he requests Big Red gum, mints, cheese and crackers and fruit plates. He will not eat broccoli or 'strong-scented foods'. Prince Michael I and Paris have a stricter diet and are not permitted to eat peanut b.u.t.ter, sugar or chocolate. KFC is part of their regimen when flying, but it must be stripped of all skin. According to the doc.u.ments, the children 'typically will ask for the same thing their Dad is eating for every meal, but he'll determine what they are allowed to eat, like crackers.' Also, in bold letters next to their menu, it reads 'NO SUGAR!' and 'NO CHICKEN SKIN!' The doc.u.ment says that Paris, in particular, 'is good at cajoling you for sugar'. Moreover, Prince Michael II, a.k.a. Blanket, is always fed by his nanny, Grace Rwamba (who, it is noted, will never eat KFC chicken). The toddler gets the same KFC regimen 'cut up into pieces' in addition to crackers, grapes and juice or milk. Finally, the in-flight behaviour of Michael Jackson a 'non-smoker' is described as 'very timid... but will get out of his seat during takeoff and landing. Be prepared to clean a lot after he deplanes.'

It must be noted, though, that Jackson and Mark Geragos are suing XtraJet, accusing its staff of having secretly video-recorded his flight from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara on the day he was arrested, and then attempting to sell the tape. Doc.u.ments that surface from XtraJet's side of the litigation have to be, therefore, viewed with at least some scepticism. Also, Richard Matsuura, another youngster Maureen Orth claimed was given wine by Michael when he was twelve, categorically denied the report as soon as the Vanity Fair Vanity Fair article hit the stands. He says Orth never contacted him before writing the story. His father confirmed that his son was not given any wine by Michael... either in a gla.s.s, or a soda can. article hit the stands. He says Orth never contacted him before writing the story. His father confirmed that his son was not given any wine by Michael... either in a gla.s.s, or a soda can.

Stories about Michael that mix truth and fiction such as the wine in c.o.ke cans anecdote only serve to confuse people and make them wonder. 'You can't blame people for speculating about odd behavior. In light of charges that he intoxicated a minor in this way, this new information that he actually does drink wine out of soda cans does not look good for him. It has to be a concern to his defense. There are records, and there is also, probably, a stewardess who served Michael wine in this manner. How much of a leap is, then, that this is something Jackson would give to a minor? When you are speaking of this kind of person, when do you cross the line between weird and criminal? That's the question.'

The Time Line.

It was an odd morning in the Santa Barbara courthouse on 16 January 2004, the day Michael Jackson was formally arraigned on molestation charges. His parents, Katherine and Joseph, were present for the arraignment to lend their support, as were brothers Jermaine, t.i.to and Randy. Michael's attorneys showed up without their client. Michael eventually made his entrance with his gorgeous sister, Janet. There were photographers present from around the globe, clicking away as Michael gestured, smiled and shook hands, as if on a red carpet. He looked strong, prepared.

Afterward, much to the thrill of the hundreds maybe thousands of fans who came from around the world to demonstrate their support, Michael jumped atop a sports utility vehicle and executed a couple of slight moves with his cameramen at his side doc.u.menting the odd but somehow dazzling moment. He's a man who understands the value of illusion that being that he's perfectly fine and not broken by recent events and, also, the importance of simple entertainment. He was giving his fans want they wanted from him. When he's in public, no matter the circ.u.mstances even the most difficult ones he's on stage. He's also enough of a dreamer to muse that 'one day', the doc.u.mentation of such an 'historical' day will make one h.e.l.l of a great film.

After the judge chastised him for being late as if Michael has ever been on time for anything in his entire life; the judge had better learn to yield to 'Jackson Time' he humbly pleaded innocent to all the counts against him: seven counts of child molestation and two counts of administering an 'intoxicating agent with intent to commit a felony'. Those who know him well have recalled, privately, that the day of the arraignment was 'the worst of all days for Michael', that he was 'scared out of his wits', and had not had a wink of sleep in any of the nights prior to it. A knot remained tight in his stomach the entire morning, though one would never know it by looking at him. His once agile dancer's body was a ma.s.s of aches and pains, the result of stress and anxiety. The back of his neck throbbed. His temples hurt. His vision was blurry, he would later confide. However, he was determined to put on a strong front for the cameras, for the public and, especially, for his fans. He had to rise above. He'd done it countless times before, and he'd do it again.