Michael Jackson Fined $10,000
A Louisiana court judge fined Michael Jackson $10,000 in cash because he and his lawyer did not attend a hearing session held in July.
The hearing mentioned above was held following a financial complaint by a 39-year-old man against Michael, alleging that he was sexually assaulted by him in 1984.
Michael’s defense attorney, Charles G. Junior, on Wednesday, in the presence of Louisiana court judge Eldon Fallon, stated that the reason for his and his client’s absence from the July court was that the date of this hearing conflicted with the final session of Michael’s criminal trial. He said that the sensitivity of the criminal court caused the subpoena for this hearing to be missed by them. The subpoena for Michael to appear in the civil court was issued on June 13—the day Michael was acquitted of his charges.
The defense attorney said: “I want to point out that June 13 may have been the most anxious day in Michael Jackson’s life.”
He said that because of the special circumstances of that day, the subpoena was not delivered to the proper people.
He told the judge that during the court sessions, Michael was not eating or sleeping. He was constantly worried about the future of his children.
The judge said he didn’t know whether it was correct to fine Michael Jackson for disrespecting the court, but on the other hand, he was not convinced by the defense attorney’s reasons. Therefore, he ordered a cash fine.
Joseph Thomas Bartocci claimed that in 1984, he was pulled into Michael Jackson’s limousine by one of Michael’s employees and was held captive by them for several days, during which he was sexually assaulted by Michael. He said that Michael’s recent accusations brought his memories back after 21 years. He is now seeking financial damages from Michael.
It should be noted that in the civil court, if Michael is found guilty, the court can only sentence him to pay a cash fine.
The judge set the next hearing for September 7, to determine on that day whether a trial is necessary and, if so, the date of the trial.
Michael’s defense attorney doubts that this claim will lead to a trial. However, he promised that if a trial is held for this civil case, he will present a strong defense for Michael.
Some time ago, Bartocci’s former fiancée called him a fraud and said she knew that his accusations against Michael Jackson were nothing more than lies. She said the reason for saying this was: “She doesn’t want an innocent person to become a victim of a con man.”
Source: eMJey / AP / Reuters