【來自Thomas Mesereau,他的律師的回憶】Thomas53歲的妹妹2005年2月因肺癌去世。Michael在她彌留之際送去巨型美麗花束、甚至寫了一首小詩送給她。Thomas回憶:"當時我被徹底震撼到了,他居然可以放下他自己的痛苦，將關愛和祝福送給我妹妹！" "妹妹說:我知道你們會打贏這場官司，他是無罪的！"
Tom Mesereau : I learned of Michael Jackson’s death as I was leaving the United States District Courthouse in Los Angeles. My law firm partner, Susan Yu, and I were defending a high-profile criminal case involving allegations of mortgage fraud. Our client, Joseph Babajian, had been the highest-grossing real estate agent in the country and had sold homes to numerous celebrities, including Janet Jackson. Randy Jackson’s girlfriend, Taunya Zilke, was assisting our defense team as a paralegal. She approached me in the hallway as we were leaving. Her face was ghostly pale. She said “Michael just died.” I hugged her, but didn’t quite believe it. A few moments later, two police officers said the same thing as I was leaving the courthouse. I still hoped this was just a rumor. I immediately telephoned my office to check messages. My voicemail was completely full with calls from all over the world. At that point, I knew it was true. I was horrified and shocked. Numbness and sadness competed within me. I maintained my composure enough to respond to some media requests. It was a sad day.
HLN: You had a front-row seat to Michael’s low points, having represented him during the 2005 child molestation case. His reputation took a huge hit even even though he was found not guilty. How much do you think that chapter in Michael’s history impacts how people think of him now?
Mesereau : The year 2005 must have been the lowest point in Michael Jackson’s life. He was being threatened from many different directions. The criminal charges were extremely serious and could have sent him to prison for many years. He was very suspicious about who would ever engineer such a serious and false criminal indictment. Michael was suspicious of lawyers, business managers, advisers, business partners, and many others, who he felt were trying to take advantage of his difficulties. He feared for the welfare of his children. The charges were as ridiculous as they were serious. Michael Jackson was accused of masterminding a criminal conspiracy to abduct children, falsely imprison their family, and to commit criminal extortion. He was also charged with multiple acts of child molestation, attempted child molestation and providing alcohol to children. Unfortunately, there still were misguided individuals who assumed he was guilty of something. Nevertheless, to me, the world reaction to the acquittals was very positive. For example, I gave numerous presentations around the country after the jury verdict. I was well-received by people of all ages, races, nationalities, etc. There appeared to be a universal sense of relief that he was vindicated by a very conservative jury in Santa Maria, California. I believe that concerns about these false allegations are rapidly diminishing with time. I also believe that Michael Jackson will be largely remembered for his extraordinary accomplishments as an artist, humanitarian and father.
HLN: How do you think Michael should be remembered now?
Mesereau : First of all, Michael Jackson should be remembered as one of the most gifted artists in history. His talents and accomplishments in music, dance, choreography and entertainment may never be surpassed. However, Michael Jackson was much more than a creative genius. He was committed to an extraordinary life of generosity, compassion and humanitarian acts. He wanted to use his gifts to make the world more kind, considerate and loving on many levels. On a personal note, I consider Michael Jackson to have been one of the kindest, nicest individuals I ever have had the pleasure to meet. It was an honor and privilege to have been his lead criminal defense counsel in such a dark period.
HLN: What is your fondest memory of Michael?
Mesereau : My fondest memory of Michael Jackson relates to my late sister, Marigene Mesereau. Approximately three months before I presented the opening statement in Michael Jackson’s criminal trial, I received devastating news that my sister was terminally ill with cancerous tumors in her brain and lungs. The physician’s plan was to remove her brain tumor first. Following this delicate surgery, Marigene was transported to her home in Irvine, California. As she approached her front door, she noticed that the door was covered with the largest, most colorful bouquet of flowers that she had ever seen. She could hardly make it through the door. Attached to this bouquet was a poem to her written by Michael Jackson.
HLN: What do you think Michael would think of the lives his kids are living now?
Mesereau : This question reminds me of the numerous times during the trial when Michael Jackson would telephone me between 3 and 4 in the morning to discuss his children. Michael loved his children more than anything else. He would tearfully express his fear of what might happen to him if he were convicted and imprisoned. I was retained as Michael’s lead defense counsel nine months before the trial started. During those nine months, as well as the five-and-half months of trial, I carefully observed his interaction with his children. Michael Jackson was very careful to shield his children from the media and any other influences he thought might complicate their lives. He did not want his children to be exposed to family conflict or troubling outside pressures. He carefully ensured that they received a top-notch, formal education through private tutoring. As an avid reader and book collector, Michael wanted his children exposed to great works of literature, history, philosophy, science, etc. He also wanted his children to understand nature, different cultures and to garner a compassionate, humanitarian concern for the planet. Michael Jackson’s children were his top priority. He wanted them to live happy, fulfilled lives. I believe Michael would be extremely proud of the beautiful, intelligent, poised children he raised. He would be happy that they have been exposed to his loving, kind mother, Katherine. Obviously, he would likely have concerns about the pressures the worldwide media have created. These children live in a media-created fish bowl. I believe Michael Jackson would be very wary of this reality.
Michael Jackson would be proud of the education and social conscience reflected in his children. He would want them to use their talents and resources to heal and change the world in a positive manner. I predict that they will follow in their father’s footsteps.
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