In the latest twist in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial, the singer's lawyer told prospective jurors Monday that defense witnesses could include celebrities such as actress Elizabeth Taylor, basketball star Kobe Bryant and Tonight Show host Jay Leno. The defense and prosecution witness lists were revealed in court to determine whether any of the 242 prospective jurors knew any of the witnesses. But the Santa Maria, Calif., courthouse isn't rolling out the red carpet yet. Judge Rodney Melville told the jury pool that many celebs could be no-shows.
"In some cases, it's just a big smoke screen," says Los Angeles defense attorney Steve Cron. "They want the prosecutor to sweat it out a little bit and worry about what the witnesses might say."
The prosecution's list includes Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe; his former attorney Mark Geragos; and the man who settled a 1993 child molestation case against Jackson.
The connections between Jackson and the celebrities were not revealed in court. But many on chief attorney Tom Mesereau's list are longtime supporters, including:
Taylor, who issued a statement shortly after Jackson's 2003 arrest saying, "I believe Michael is absolutely innocent."
Source
"In some cases, it's just a big smoke screen," says Los Angeles defense attorney Steve Cron. "They want the prosecutor to sweat it out a little bit and worry about what the witnesses might say."
The prosecution's list includes Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe; his former attorney Mark Geragos; and the man who settled a 1993 child molestation case against Jackson.
The connections between Jackson and the celebrities were not revealed in court. But many on chief attorney Tom Mesereau's list are longtime supporters, including:
Taylor, who issued a statement shortly after Jackson's 2003 arrest saying, "I believe Michael is absolutely innocent."
Source