MJ on his way into trial (photo courtesy of AFP)
Even months after his death, Michael Jackson continues to make news. A Freedom of Information Act request has led to 300 pages of formerly classified Michael Jackson FBI files to be released to the public. And while there's no smoking gun on any of the former criminal charges brought against the famous singer, there are some new revelations.
Local police, both in the US and the UK, requested the FBI's help at various points, as they each sought to build child molestation cases against Michael Jackson. In 1995, the FBI was also asked to analyze a videotape found in his possession, that was marked, in part, "Michael Jackson's Neverland Favorites - an All Boy Anthology". Despite the rather suspicious markings, the released documents don't go into any detail about what was actually on the tape.
And in a bit of a surprise, the Michael Jackson FBI files also detail the fact that the bureau feared his 2004 trial could be a target for a terrorist attack. Apparently the police in Santa Maria, where the trial was held, requested help from the FBI to investigate whether any known terrorists were planning an attack on the trial. Not surprisingly, there was no known threat.
Despite the release of these formerly classified documents, about half of the FBI's dossier on the singer is still under wraps. Whether those secrets will ever be revealed (possibly in a live Geraldo Rivera TV special?) is a question mark right now.
