Jacko: A Question Of Character

MAY 12--If Michael Jackson's lawyers seek to introduce character testimony from the singer's family and friends, prosecutors want to pepper these witnesses with questions about Jackson's drug addiction, the dangling of his youngest child from a hotel balcony, and his sister LaToya's claim that he paid $1 million in hush money to a young boy. In a court filing made public last night, Santa Barbara District Attorney Tom Sneddon (pictured at right) detailed how prosecutors planned to cross-examine prospective witnesses called to vouch for Jackson's character (such testimonials would presumably come from the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Quincy Jones). The government filing was made at the direction of Judge Rodney Melville, who will soon rule on the scope of the questioning of character witnesses. The legal brief, a copy of which you'll find below, outlines various topics that the D.A. wants to broach with Jackson intimates--many of which have not surfaced at the ongoing molestation trial. Included in this sleazy laundry list is 'evidence' that Jackson 'has been reckless in his care and treatment of his own children' and that two former employees made statements--apparently to law enforcement officials--that they would not leave their own children alone with the entertainer. Prosecutors also want permission to air the graphic molestation claims made by Jordan Chandler, the Los Angeles boy who settled a 1993 lawsuit against Jackson for about $20 million. While jurors have learned of the Chandler settlement, they are unaware of the amount and the tawdry details of the boy's alleged molestation. (4 pages)