5 February 2005 - Catherine Jackson Interview with Rita Cosby

Rita Cosby: No one is more involved than Michael Jackson’s mother in his case of allegations. She’s his best and clearest defender. I spent a day at his home with him and his family. In this exclusive interview, you’ll see an amazing woman and a brokenhearted mother who’s standing by her son. We begin the interview by talking about the police raid on Neverland.

Rita Cosby: When I saw the line of cars—better to call it a convoy—going into Neverland to search the place, I was shocked. I was devastated. I didn’t know what was about to happen. And I thought, this is ridiculous. And since then, I haven’t had a moment’s peace. Not one moment to rest. The thought of it keeps me up at night.

Rita Cosby: These allegations were very serious.

Catherine Jackson : Yes.

Rita Cosby: Thinking that sexual abuse and a conspiracy could send your son to 20 years in prison—how hard is that for you?

Catherine Jackson : Well, it’s hard to think about because I know he didn’t do anything. He doesn’t deserve to go to prison. But I think they’re trying to convict him and put the blame on him.

Rita Cosby: How did Michael tell you the news?

Catherine Jackson: He didn’t. I saw it on television, and then everyone immediately rushed over there. We just held him, and he talked to us about it.

Rita Cosby: Does Michael ever accept criticism? Because in the documentary “Living with Michael Jackson,” it says he shared his bed with a young boy. And a lot of people say that’s not right.

Catherine Jackson : He didn’t say that. What he meant was that he would share his room with them. He sleeps on the floor. People misunderstand. And if you have a sick mind, that’s how you think—and a lot of people think that way too.

Rita Cosby: So you don’t think he was touching them inappropriately?

Catherine Jackson: No, absolutely not.

Rita Cosby: Is he worried? Because this has to be terrifying.

Catherine Jackson : I’m sure he’s worried, because I’m worried. It’s this that happened to Michael. And I’m sure he’s worried.

Rita Cosby: How confident are you that your son is not a child abuser?

Catherine Jackson : I’m absolutely sure.

Rita Cosby: No doubt?

Catherine Jackson : No doubt.

Rita Cosby: And why do you believe that?

Catherine Jackson : I believe it for a reason. I know his character. I raised my son, and I did a good job. Just because he loves children doesn’t mean he did something like that. You don’t abuse someone you love or hurt them. And my son didn’t do anything like that.

Rita Cosby: Does your son look you in the eye and say, “I didn’t do it”?

Catherine Jackson : Yes. Yes, of course he did. And I know he didn’t do it. He tells me, “Mom, I never did anything like that.”

Rita Cosby: Since he was recently accused, have you noticed a change in his behavior? That should change a person.

Catherine Jackson: Yes, I’ve noticed a change in him. He doesn’t go around with the kids like he used to.

Rita Cosby: Do you plan to go to court whenever you can?

Catherine Jackson: Yes, I’m planning to be there the whole time. It isn’t fair that the judge won’t let us go into the courtroom. I don’t think that’s fair.

Rita Cosby: Do you think he’ll have a fair trial?

Catherine Jackson: No, absolutely not. Absolutely not.

Rita Cosby: Do you think the location of the trial should be changed?

Catherine Jackson: Yes.

Rita Cosby: Do you feel that Santa Maria is too traditional?

Catherine Jackson: Probably, probably.

Rita Cosby: For an African-American man in Santa Maria?

Catherine Jackson: Probably it’s hard, probably. I’ve heard there are a lot of racists living there. And there’s also the Arians community—one of them is the boy’s father, too.

Rita Cosby: Out of all these things, who are you most angry at?

Catherine Jackson: I think Tom Sneddon, because he knows that Sneddon has personal hatred toward him.

Rita Cosby: Are you worried that these allegations will stain your son’s life forever?

Catherine Jackson: I know they can do that.