Allegations & Trials
The child sexual abuse allegations. The 1993 claim and its civil settlement, the 2003 charges and the 2005 trial that acquitted him on all counts, the later accusers and Leaving Neverland, and the estate's response, reported with what was alleged, what was found, and by whom.
Part of Michael Jackson
7 moments in this segment.
- - The 1993 allegations. In 1993 Michael is accused of child sexual abuse; no criminal charges are filed and the civil case is settled out of court. He denies all wrongdoing. The tabloid scrutiny never lets up.
- - Diane Sawyer interview with Lisa Marie Presley (1995). Michael and then-wife Lisa Marie Presley answer questions on Primetime Live.
- - "Living with Michael Jackson" (2003). Martin Bashir’s controversial documentary, whose footage helped trigger the 2005 prosecution.
- - 60 Minutes interview (2003). Michael answers the allegations on 60 Minutes after the Bashir documentary.
- - The verdict aftermath - news coverage. The media scrum and public reaction as the not-guilty verdicts come in.
- - The 2005 trial & acquittal. After a 2003 indictment, Michael stands trial in 2005 on child-molestation charges and is acquitted on all counts. The years of investigation, debt and seclusion take a heavy toll.
- - "Leaving Neverland" (2019). The 2019 documentary "Leaving Neverland", in which two men allege abuse as children, reignites the debate over Michael’s legacy. His estate disputes the claims.
