The Troubles & The Tabloids
From the mid-1990s, Michael’s life was overshadowed by child-sexual-abuse allegations — a 1993 case settled out of court, and a 2005 criminal trial that ended in acquittal — alongside Neverland, financial trouble and relentless tabloid scrutiny.
Part of Michael Jackson
12 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.
- — Michael Jackson — "Childhood". An autobiographical ballad — his plea to be understood.
- — Michael Jackson — "You Are Not Alone" (1995). The first song ever to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — from a beleaguered HIStory era.
- — Fans demonstrate against Sony (2002). In 2002 Michael publicly feuded with his label; fans demonstrated outside Sony in London on his behalf.
- — "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.
- — Fans outside the courthouse (2005). Italian fans keep vigil outside the Santa Maria courthouse during the 2005 trial.
- — 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.
- — Neverland Ranch. In 1988 Michael builds Neverland Ranch — a private fairground and zoo — which became both a symbol of his fame and, later, the centre of the allegations against him. The subject dates from 1988; this photograph was taken in 2009.
- — Inside Neverland (2009). A walk through the by-then-shuttered Neverland Ranch after his death.
