Frank DiLeo (left), Michael's Manager
“He faced going to prison for 20 years or more.
He knew he wasn’t guilty.
We knew he wasn’t guilty.
I knew this [Arvizo] family was just a bunch
of gypsies, just passing through…”
Read more.
Click on the photo to the right
or at the bottom
of the page to watch video of Frank
discussing Michael Jackson’s innocence.
“Michael is…without question, the sweetest person I have ever met in my life. I mean, Michael was such a gentle spirit. When he would be on stage performing a song, and the cameraman would bring the camera up, he would kick at the cameraman. He would punch at the cameraman. And, after we would finish the song, he would apologize. He would say, ‘It was all in love.’ …I mean, if somebody made the most innocent off-color joke, it would embarrass him, and he would blush. And…he would apologize for me sometimes. I mean…he was just sweet. …Even when something went wrong in rehearsal, and he had to say, ‘I want the lighting this way,’ as opposed to that way…it was just done in the most gentle, sweet manner that your feelings couldn’t be hurt at all.” Read more.
Dorian Holley (center right, with Judith Hill), is pictured with Michael and band members during the Bad and Dangerous World Tours. Holley and others worked, traveled, and performed with Michael until his death.
Jennifer Batten, Lead Guitarist for Michael Jackson's Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory World Tours
Jennifer was disturbed by the child sex abuse allegations which dogged Michael’s life and led to a court case in 2005.
He was acquitted on all charges and the guitarist believes he was a victim of his phenomenal success.
“I think Michael was innocent. You get a creepy vibe from people who do things like that, but I didn’t with him. Michael was just a big kid,” said Jennifer.
“I don’t know anybody who could have stayed mentally healthy after all the accusations thrown at him. But people are obsessed with extortion. It gives them power. Once lawyers and the Press get involved the stories run on their own.” Read more.
Rob Hoffman, Sound Engineer
“I spent close to three years working with him, and not once did I question his morals, or ever believe any of the allegations. I wasn’t even a fan then. I saw him interact with his brothers, kids, other people’s children, and at one point my own girlfriend’s kids. I got to spend a day at Neverland with them. A completely incredible human being, always looking for a way to make all children’s lives better. Every weekend at Neverland was donated to a different children’s group—children with AIDS, children with cancer, etc., and most of the time he wasn’t there.” Read more.
Michael Jackson and Cory Rooney
“The thing that I’m so brutally offended about, and it’s only a rumor, but it’s something I really believe. But I really think he got blackmailed in that whole scandal thing. I think at some point the truth will come out. This man gave people millions and millions of dollars to philanthropic stuff. Never comes out what he did [for charity].” ~Chris Apostle
Listen to the audio file with Cory Rooney and Chris Apostle, former Sony Executives who worked with Michael.
Harry Belafonte
“I cannot charge my colleague on the basis of media reports and television programs.”
Belafonte lashed out at American news organizations’ “insatiable appetite” for the Jackson scandal.
“This is [a] travesty of journalism,” he said. “It is inappropriate for the media to start asking what ifs and what abouts
[about Jackson]. What about the children who suffered
in Iraq?” Read more.
LL Cool J
“The Media is superpowerful, incredibly powerful. But at the end of the day, it’s about evidence. Yeah, I know he got plastic surgery, I know he may not be what you consider to be the guy next door, but where’s the evidence? I’m a fan. I support him a hundred zillion percent. Until I see evidence, I’m not going to be convinced. I’m not going to be brainwashed.” Read more.
Alicia Keys, Smokey Robinson, and Artists at the 2009 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards
“I’m upset at the way he’s being treated in the media,” Alicia Keys said. “I think they’re really trying to slander his name, and I really think that’s unfair for the way that he’s contributed to the American culture since the day he was born. I think he deserves much more than that.”
Keys was especially troubled by [the November, 2003] press conference announcing the allegations, where Santa Barbara District Attorney Tom Sneddon often answered questions in a rather lighthearted manner (see “Why Is The DA In The Michael Jackson Case Smiling?”).
“It’s not funny,” she said. “This is someone’s life, and I don’t think he should be reduced to a joke. He’s far more than that.”
Kelly Osbourne agreed. “I think that DA was a little immature and inappropriate with his comments,” she said. “He should be a little more professional.”
Nicole Richie, Lionel Richie’s daughter and Jackson’s goddaughter, believes the charges stem from enemies like Sneddon trying to bring Jackson down.
“I grew up with him and I’ve spent a lot of time at Neverland and nothing has ever happened with me in any way,” Richie said.
