Judge Sets Jackson Trial Date
Michael Jackson’s father, Joe, flashed a thumbs-up
as he walked into court for a critical hearing in his son's
molestation case. Michael wasn't required to show -- and didn't.
But, according to Jackson family spokesman Firpo Carr, Joe
wanted to send a message, "letting the world know he's
100% behind (his son) and he supports him."
Carr also wanted to set the record straight
on reports that Michael has been depressed lately, insisting
the pop superstar is instead, "optimistic. He's quite pleased
with how things are going."
In court, the judge said he'd consider a motion to reduce Jackson's bail and also set September 13th as a tentative trial date for Jackson. And here's what we've learned about what promises to be a lengthy Jackson trial: there will be 50-100 witnesses and about 2000 pieces of evidence, including 69 audiotapes.
Meanwhile, there was a lot of buzz about something that happened away from court, as actor Macaulay Culkin broke years of silence and discussed his friendship with Michael Jackson, last night on "Larry King Live."
"I wasn't one of his fans," Culkin told King. "I think that's one of the reasons we connected. I called him a jerk all the time. I called him a fathead and he gets it."
Culkin also talked about his childhood adventures at the Neverland ranch, when King asked, "What happened at the house? That's what all these people are worried about."
That's what's so weird," Culkin responded. "Nothing happened. Really. We played video games."
And when asked whether or not he ever slept in Jackson’s bedroom, Culkin replied, "I don't think you understand. Michael Jackson’s bedroom is two stories."
As for the trial, Culkin says he would testify for Jackson but hopes his friend doesn't ask him to.
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