Jurors in the Michael Jackson trial did not reach a verdict following their first full day of deliberations Monday, amidst ongoing media speculation about the singer’s health.
In a show of support, Rev. Jesse Jackson told the media Monday that the singer feels no bitterness towards his accuser but does feel betrayed by those who testified against him.
“He’s not embittered by it … he does not speak toward them in embittered tones. He speaks of the unfairness of the sheriff [Thomas Sneddon],†he said.
“Mr. Jackson feels betrayed by people he trusted, people he employed, people he sought to be generous toward,†the Reverend continued, “I think in some sense he feels betrayed by those he trusted the most who now seek to destroy him.â€
Rev. Jackson has been in contact with the star throughout his trial and met with him for several hours Sunday night.
“He is convinced that he’ll be acquitted if the jury uses reasonable doubt … he declares his innocence in the most private sessions,†he said.
The Reverend also said that Jackson feels law enforcement has a “kind of 10 year obsession with him†and criticized the raid of the singer’s Neverland Valley Ranch. He called the search “a Waco style invasion,†referring to the 1993 federal raid on the Branch Davidian complex in Texas.
“They came into his house with 75 armed deputies and the media. They kicked over furniture and artwork. They ransacked the house,†he said. “There have been two trials simultaneously … the courtroom and the newsroom.â€
The Reverend confirmed that Jackson, who was treated in hospital in Solvang on Sunday, is still plagued by back spasms resulting from a fall in March.
“You add to that the stress of this moment. And, yet though it all, he is enduring the pain with great strength and great focus,†he said.
Media rumours that Jackson had returned to the hospital were denied by a spokesperson.
Source: AP/eMJey