Sex and booze ruled Neverland, says mother
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The mother of the teenager at the centre of the Michael Jackson child abuse trial provoked outrage in court when she said his Neverland ranch was "all about booze, pornography and sex with boys".
The mother of the teenager at the centre of the Michael Jackson child abuse trial provoked outrage in court when she said his Neverland ranch was "all about booze, pornography and sex with boys".
During a furious exchange with Mr Jackson's legal team, Janet Arvizo maintained that she was held captive at Neverland in February, 2003. She repeatedly accused the defence lawyer, Tom Mesereau, of lacking facts as they locked horns at the beginning of a long-awaited cross-examination.
In return, Mr Mesereau accused the woman of being a good actress as he tried to undermine her credibility.
Judge Rodney Melville threatened to close the court in Santa Maria, California, after repeatedly warning Mrs Arvizo and Mr Mesereau to stop sniping at each other. He ordered the jury to disregard Mrs Arvizo's comments about the alleged goings-on at the Neverland estate.
Mr Jackson, 46, denies molesting 13-year-old Gavin, plying him with alcohol and conspiring to hold him and his family captive.
Mrs Arvizo said a video filmed to counter a backlash from Martin Bashir's documentary on Jackson was scripted. She said she was admonished by Jackson aides after being instructed to defend him as she was a "bad actress". Mr Mesereau replied: "I think you're a good actress."
Mrs Arvizo did admit that she had once lied under oath in a lawsuit she filed against a department store. She won more than $150,000 (£79,000) in 2001 after alleging she was assaulted by guards when her son Gavin was caught shoplifting.
Mr Mesereau sought to portray Mrs Arvizo as the architect of an elaborate plot to extort money from Mr Jackson, but Mrs Arvizo stressed, for the second day in a row, that she had no intention of suing the star.
The trial continues.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments