Jackson fans fear trial smear campaign

By ANthony mccartney

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES

Inside the compact, wood-paneled courtroom that soon will host the trial of Michael Jackson’s personal physician, many of the tabloid-worthy elements of the singer’s life will go unspoken.

Outside, however, many Jackson fans say they expect a media free-for-all that will dredge up discredited allegations and salacious story lines, once again tarnishing the singer’s legacy.

Jackson, they fear, will once again be on trial.

Around the globe, the King of Pop’s supporters already are scanning headlines and airwaves for stories that contain inaccuracies about the singer’s life, brand him a pedophile or describe him by the dismissive moniker “Jacko.”

The items quickly result in calls to editors, reporters, producers and a flurry of Facebook and Twitter posts to press for changes. In some instances, the references are removed.

As the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray draws closer — jury selection resumes Friday and opening statements are scheduled for Tuesday — concerns about Jackson’s portrayal are growing.

“We don’t want Michael Jackson to be put up on a pedestal like he never made any mistakes,” said Erin Jacobs, a founder of the Southern California-based group Justice4MJ.

But she said the focus should remain on Murray, who is charged with involuntary manslaughter and who authorities allege gave Jackson a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives. The Houston-based cardiologist has pleaded not guilty.