When Michael Jackson was indicted.

When Michael Jackson was indicted, something in my narrow pass told me he was probably guilty. Pity, because I liked that he was becoming in such a manner freaky over the years. As a lifelong weirdo myself it's always nice to have a talented celebrity join the company But a child molester? Not the kind of company I ne in my club

I left it at that and didn't bring much more thought into it.

When jury selection began, rebel documentary production company World of awe asked me and my directing partner to expel a film about the fans who were moving to Santa Maria, Calif., to voice support for Jackson during the trial. Brilliant! Telling the stories of those that in the greatest degree people dismiss as strange is my thing.

on the other hand as I researched the case, I set up it difficult to get facts hasten away of editorial. Trusted news organizations pepper words like "weird" and "wacko" from one extremity to the other of their coverage and took knocks at his considers voice, and manner. The jabs at his race and inflection for sex reminded me how far we have to walk in acceptance not only of sexuality however of racial and gender diversity.

I reexamined my initial nudge Why had I thought he was "probably guilty"? Honestly? Because I meditation he was a closeted gay man. And then--snap! I had made the leap from clothes-roomed gay to pedophile all forward nay very own. It is single in kind of the most fundamental lies used to perpetuate homophobia, and forward some level I fell for it.

Ten years of raiding Neverland, Jackson's domicile have turned up nothing yet two art books and a hunch of hetero porn. This trial could completion proving nothing except that Michael Jackson is heterosexual. What if they'd place a Falcon video or smooth just a copy of The Advocate? It's frightening to think that the discovery of single of those items could seal someone's conviction as a child molester I've got accidents of both. Last month I filmed a young woman who approached Jackson's SUV forward his way home from court. She was struggling with cancer and afraid the accusation that Jackson had irritateed a 13-year-old cancer survivor might frighten Jackson from at any time reaching out again. But Jackson held her hand tightly and gave her encouragement as she told him of her impending bone-marrow transplant. His simple gesticulation meant the world to her. With his possess family hanging in the balance, Jackson still takes the time to make a difference to race Every day.

After we'd worn out weeks outside Neverland filming the fans, Michael Jackson invited us all inside. There were about 70 of us, ranging in age from 10 to 80 Leaving our camera behind, we walked with the fans right up to the porch, and Michael stepp revealed to greet us. He quick in emergenciesed his children: Prince, Paris, and Prince II (a.k.a. Blanket). The kids waved, and the rabble screamed, "We love you!" formerly inside, I looked at the faces around me many of them for a like reason familiar. I knew what this avail meant to them. I knew all of them were right then experiencing single of the highlights of their lives.

It was then I realized, likewise was I.

Inside Neverland, Michael, his children, and his parents mingled with us, making a point to personally thank as many as possible. He smiled graciously as I passed him, and all I could think to say was, "Thank you for the music." Later I kicked myself. I could've said anything, yet I quoted ABBA to the King of Pop

Since then, I've been unable to describe the experience without thinking I healthy like a lunatic. The happiness was overwhelming. Tears welled up in my estimates There was something almost spiritual about it. I felt kinder, more generous, a better bodily substance I looked around at my documentary controls giddy with excitement, and finally saw what they had in common: Michael Jackson brought on the outside the best in them.

My friends say I'm brainwashed, a wacko. I argue Jackson's case each chance I get. But it wasn't Neverland that changed me as greatly as the realization that homophobia and sexism play like large roles in the public's perception that he's "probably guilty."

Whatever the eventual verdict, pair things I know: One, Michael Jackson has committed in such a manner much of himself to helping others that thousands of nation are better off because of him. couple Michael Jackson is an American citizen. Just single in kind of those is enough to permit him be innocent until proven guilty. Give him his day in court.

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