Netflix is set to premiere Michael Jackson: The Verdict on June 3, a three-part docuseries that revisits the late pop legend’s 2005 trial—where he was found not guilty—using firsthand voices from people present at the time, including some jurors, eyewitnesses,
On a date already stuck in public memory, Netflix is returning to Michael Jackson’s most scrutinized courtroom chapter.
The streaming platform announced on Wednesday. May 20 that it will release a three-part docuseries titled Michael Jackson: The Verdict on June 3. The series follows the late pop icon’s infamous 2005 trial. a case that ended with Jackson being found not guilty. but never fully settled in the public imagination.
The filmmakers. led by director Nick Green and executive produced by Fiona Stourton. say they were drawn to the case and its lingering questions. In a statement, they pointed to the fact that 20 years have passed since the trial, yet controversy still rages. They also said the courtroom was closed to cameras. meaning the public’s view of what happened was shaped by commentators and presented in fragments—prompting the decision to take “a forensic look at the trial as a whole.”.
The series is built around people who were there. Because cameras were not allowed in the courtroom during the trial. the documentary will feature individuals present at the time. including some jurors. eyewitnesses. and accusers and defenders. The filmmakers said they decided to “only speak to eyewitnesses” from the trial. aiming to give viewers an inside look at the proceedings and a chance to feel closer to what happened.
Jackson died in 2009 at age 50. During his life, he faced multiple accusations of child sex abuse and vehemently denied the claims. After his death, his estate has continued to slam the allegations.
The series is arriving amid other legal claims as well. The source material also points to a separate lawsuit filed against Jackson’s estate by four children of Dominic and Connie Cascio. alleging that Jackson repeatedly raped and molested them. The document says the accusations are described in court documents obtained by Us Weekly.
Before the 2005 trial, the controversy had already reached a different kind of spotlight. In 2003. the documentary Living with Michael Jackson showed the singer holding hands with Gavin Arvizo. who claimed to be a victim of Jackson and alleged he was molested at age 13. The record also notes that Jackson defended his practice of sharing his bed with children, which ultimately triggered an investigation.
In April 2004. Jackson was indicted on four counts of molesting a minor. four counts of intoxicating a minor to molest him. one count of attempted child molestation. one count of conspiring to hold the Arvizo family captive. and one count of conspiring to commit extortion and child abduction. The case went to trial the following year. with testimony that included alleged victims and staff for Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. In his defense, several stars also took the stand, including Macaulay Culkin, Jay Leno, George Lopez, and more.
After deliberating for a week, the jury found Jackson not guilty and acquitted him on all the charges.
Michael Jackson: The Verdict premieres on Wednesday, June 3, on Netflix.
Michael Jackson Michael Jackson: The Verdict Netflix docuseries 2005 trial June 3 premiere Nick Green Fiona Stourton Neverland Ranch Macaulay Culkin Jay Leno George Lopez
June 3 again… Netflix really can’t leave that alone.
So they’re doing a “forensic look” but it’s still just opinions, right? The jury already said not guilty. I don’t get why they’re revisiting it like it’s new info.
Wait did the article say cameras were allowed in court during the trial or no? Cuz that part sounds backwards. If jurors are talking now, that doesn’t change what he was found guilty of… unless they’re making it sound like something else.
Idk I feel like Netflix just wants clicks off the same old headline. Like “forensic look” but it’s basically gonna be somebody’s story because nobody can truly prove what happened 20 years ago. And they mentioned the estate “slamming” allegations like that isn’t gonna bias it. I’m not saying anything one way or the other, I just wish they’d stop turning trauma into a series.