In a big break for the increasingly embattled George W. Bush, the preznint of the United States of America and former leader of the free world, the Michael Jackson verdict was announced today in Santa Maria, California. Known for his "Moon Walk", Jackson will not have to learn the "Perp Walk," as he was found not guilty. There will undoubtedly be continuing coverage, particularly on Faux News, who will find a way to blame the entire situation on rich California libruls and entertainment figures. Hopefully (for Kossacks) the hubbub will have quieted down by Thurday, when Rep. John Conyers, D-MI, presents his letter to President Bush. There seems to be little else on the "celebrity trial/white-young-woman-in-distress" front, other than the fact that poor Katie Holmes has lost her mind.
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From CNN:LONDON, England (AP) -- Katie Holmes says she's converting to the Church of Scientology, embracing the religion of her boyfriend, Tom Cruise.
Background information on the Jackson trial and the charges is in The LA Times
The jury of eight women and four men deliberated more than 31 hours hours over seven days. The jury has been out since 12:22 p.m. on June 3.
Jackson, 46, was charged with 10 felony counts....including four counts of molesting a 13-year-old boy in early 2003... four counts of plying the boy with alcohol to aid the molestation and with one count of conspiring with aides to commit abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. The conspiracy count included 28 overt acts designed to control the family so they would give a favorable interview.
The heart of the case was the credibility of the accuser, now 15, who said he was abused twice at the pop star's Neverland ranch. The boy testified three times, the last in a videotape interview with authorities played for jurors moments before the prosecution and defense rested their cases.
It was the battle of videotapes as Jackson was allowed to present his side in a sympathetic video.