The Reports
Why Michael Jackson Didn't Go To Prison
Eric Garringer | August 10, 2023
Introduction
It’s not easy being a Michael Jackson fan. In fact, it’s been tough being a fan since the late 1980s. This might end up being a long read, but if people are willing to watch a 4-hour film of two men making sexual abuse claims against Michael, this 10-minute read should be simple. If it’s too much to read, I implore you to skip to the bullet points outlined in the middle of this report.
I have heard all the rumors, jokes, news and tabloid headlines, like Michael buys the Elephant Man’s bones, he sleeps in an oxygen chamber to stay youthful, Michael and LaToya are the same person, he’s gay, he’s a freak, he had plastic surgery to look like Diana Ross, his nose fell off, Michael bleached his skin to look white, he demanded people to call him King Of Pop, he wanted a white boy to play a younger version of him in a commercial, etc. And then there’s the derogatory term Wacko Jacko the media labeled him.
At age 9, the hardest was hearing certain relatives of mine make jokes and say derogatory things about Michael Jackson. I was only a kid and Michael was a superhero to me. It hurt me to the point that I stopped listening to his music and pretended I didn’t like him. My fragile child ego didn’t want to be ridiculed for liking someone “weird.”
It wasn’t until a classmate dubbed me a copy of a Michael Jackson album that helped me realize not everyone hated him. So, I learned to enjoy what I enjoy, because people will always talk and have their opinions, right or wrong...
And then news of child molestation claims broke in 1993...
I could not be associated with liking a child molester. I never thought he did it, but the media vilified him and society convicted him. The dialog was no longer about his changing appearance, but disgusting criminal acts. It was now more difficult than ever to be a Michael Jackson fan.
These claims would eventually be settled out of court, allowing everyone involved to move on past it. The specifics as to why this case was settled out of court, which Michael would soon regret, is outlined further in this report.
In 2003, 10 years after the first claims, another child molestation claim hit the news...
After the jury proved Michael Jackson not guilty of all charges in 2005, he returned a few years later announcing his comeback concerts. As a fan, it was exciting finally seeing his grand return after being exonerated. And then another bombshell came—Michael Jackson had died. I can’t begin to tell you the pain I felt and tears I shed. Sure, Michael was “just a celebrity,” but to me, for all my life, he was so much more. It was a sad time, but also refreshing seeing so many people love him again. I hadn’t seen a surge of love for Michael from the general public like that since the 1980s.
As time went on, the pain from his death eased, but then another molestation claim came out. For the first time, I began questioning things and started doubting Michael. So, I stopped in my tracks, stepped back and looked at the facts. Just some of these facts are outlined below...
Michael Meeting Wade, Jimmy & Jordan
Jimmy Safechuck met Michael Jackson in 1987, starring with him in a Pepsi commercial.
In 1991, Wade Robson began doing business with Michael, which also started the longtime friendship, up until Michael’s death in 2009.
Jordan Chandler met Michael Jackson in 1992.
1993 Molestation Allegations
In 1993, after an exhaustive search of Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, including his bedroom and secret closet, the police found no evidence of Michael being a child molester.
In the Neverland Ranch raid, authorities seized about 90 adult magazines such as Playboy, Penthouse, Hustler and art books. All magazines had Michael’s fingerprints on them. Also, some conventional heterosexual pornography videos were seized. No child pornography was ever found.
In 1993, Michael Jackson released a live video statement detailing his ordeal and interrogation which included police photographing his nude body, in an attempt to match the accusers description of Michael’s penis—which did not match (the accuser described Michael as having a circumcised penis, but Michael was uncircumcised. This was also confirmed in Michael’s autopsy)
In 1993, Michael wanted and intended to go to trial, but he was given advice to settle out of court due to this evolving into two separate trials—a civil case, and a criminal case—with civil coming before criminal, which gives the upper hand to the prosecution at the criminal trial. Michael regretted this decision since the general public viewed the settlement as an admission of guilt, even though the terms of the settlement noted otherwise. The details of these lawsuits and settlement is better explained in Episode 58 of The MJ Cast podcast.
Ask yourself, if you believed your child was molested, would you settle for monetary gains like the accusers parents did, or would you see to it that justice is served with your child’s abuser being sent to prison? I guarantee you would care more about the welfare of your child than your bank account—as you should. The decision of the Chandler’s shows their motives were driven by money.
2005 Molestation Trial
In 2005, now an adult, Wade Robson was the first defense witness called to testify. If Michael had an inappropriate relationship with Wade as a child, why would Michael call him to trial to defend him, knowing it would be prime opportunity for Wade to put his own “abuser” behind bars? Michael could have called anyone to defend him, so if there was ever an inappropriate relationship, it’s ridiculous to think Michael would have called on Wade.
In 2005, the father, David Arvizo, of Michael’s accuser told Michael Jackson’s defense team his wife, Janet Arvizo, coerced their son, Gavin Arvizo, to falsely accuse Michael of molestation.
Prior to falsifying claims against Michael, Janet Arvizo had history of fraud and attempting to extort money from various celebrities, including Chris Tucker and Jay Leno, as well as J.C. Penney department stores.
On trial and under oath, Wade was asked if specific things ever happened between him and Michael, like “did Michael ever molest you, did Michael ever touch you in a sexual way, has Michael ever inappropriately touched any part of your body at any time,” etc. With each question, Wade responded with no’s, never’s, and absolutely not’s.
Michael Jackson was found not guilty on all 14 counts, by a jury of ordinary citizens, including non-fans.
Molestation Documentary
After Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, Wade Robson continued to praise Michael, defend him, and denied any wrongdoing by Michael whatsoever.
In 2009, six months after Michael’s death, Wade Robson had this to say in The Michael Jackson Opus...
“The last time I saw him was in July 2008. I was in Vegas working on a show and he was living there. Me, my wife and him and his three kids had a barbecue. It was the most normal thing in the world. Me and my wife had been to Whole Foods and bought stuff to cook. But when we got there he’d provided loads of catering. I said, “Dude, why did you bring loads of catering? We’ve got regular food here." I remember cooking outside while Michael sat there under an umbrella. We had great times because he was such a caring person. Most of all I’ll miss those phone conversations. I still have my mobile phone with his number on it. I just can’t bear the thoughts of deleting his messages. Michael Jackson changed the world and, more personally, my life forever. He is the reason I dance, the reason I make music, and one of the main reasons I believe in the pure goodness of human kind. He was a close friend of mine for 20 years. His music, his movement, his personal words of inspiration and encouragement and his unconditional love will live inside of me forever. I will miss him immeasurably, but I know that he is now at peace and enchanting the heavens with a melody and a moonwalk. I love you Michael.”
In 2012, Wade Robson asked to be part of a major Michael Jackson tribute show by Cirque de Soleil. He didn’t get the job.
In 2013, Wade Robson started claiming he was sexually molested by Michael and filed a probate case, which was dismissed in 2015.
Wade Robson, Jimmy Safechuck, and a female filed a civil lawsuit parallel to the probate case. All three cases were dismissed by 2017.
Jimmy’s stories are based on a book by a writer who lost a slander suit against Michael in 1998. The book, titled “Michael Jackson Was My Lover: The Secret Diary of Jordie Chandler” is a fictional diary written by Victor Gutierrez.
In 2013, Wade Robson shopped for a book deal to tell his story, which was never picked up by a publisher.
In 2018, Wade and Jimmy started working with a filmmaker who, a few years prior made a documentary about pedophiles.
Wade Robson claimed Brett Barnes replaced him (even though Wade and Michael’s friendship continued up until Michael’s death in 2009). Barnes has since filed a lawsuit for the allusion of him being sexually abused by Michael, when he wasn’t. Brett Barnes continues to defend Michael Jackson and denies any claims of abuse.
Conclusion
So, will I watch this film? No. Just like I don’t read tabloids or watch “fake news,” I will not be wasting my time with this “documentary” either. It’s one-sided, gossip, slander, and trash. And if you choose to believe Wade’s story now, why not believe his story when he defended Michael? Do you believe Wade today because his new story aligns more with your own preconceived opinion of Michael?
With Michael Jackson dead and unable to defend himself, these two men seem to win by default—at least in the eyes and minds of society. No rebuttal, no opportunity for another trial for Michael to clear his name again.
Do I think Michael is without his faults? Absolutely not. All humans have their faults and weaknesses. Michael’s problems was just more televised than yours or mine. I think his was naivety and medication dependency.
Sure, I get it, Michael was different. He had eccentricities. And that makes it easier to believe certain claims if the facts aren’t known. He was “weird” and made strange choices, but does that automatically implicate him being a criminal? It shouldn’t.
I’m not trying to change your mind if you have already formulated an educated opinion. I’m presenting this to help sort facts for others before passing judgement on a man who is no longer alive to defend himself against allegations of despicable crimes.
As fans, we follow the stories more closely, examining the details oftentimes not included in sensationalized media. Contrary to what some may think, I’m not blindly supporting or defending Michael and his legacy. Like I said in the beginning, it’s not been easy being a Michael Jackson fan and it would be dishonest if I said I never had questions.
Michael Jackson is innocent.
For further detailed information regarding the molestation allegations, lawsuits, trials, settlement, and the new “documentary,” I suggest listening to the podcast episodes below.
Additional Resources
Pirates In Neverland: The Michael Jackson Allegations
The MJ Cast - Episode 58
Charles’ life also now revolves around logic and critical thought. Since Michael’s death he has become an award-winning newspaper journalist, investigating issues and weighing evidence on a daily basis, in addition to regularly reporting on criminal trials.
Leaving Neverland Roundtable
The MJ Cast - Episode 95
In this special roundtable episode, The MJCast brings together a panel of experts and those who have seen the film and are taking action against it.
Vindication Day Special With Tom Mesereau’s Private Investigator
The MJ Cast - Episode 33
Eleven years ago today, on June 13th 2005, the King of Pop Michael Jackson was acquitted of molestation allegations in a trial that took an insurmountable toll on his life. Although this day is not one we celebrate, it is one we remember each year for the fact that Michael was finally vindicated for the heinous allegations brought against him.