Audio recordings capturing pop icon Michael Jackson's intimate thoughts regarding children are set to be revealed in a forthcoming documentary series. The unearthed tapes have been secured for a four-part Channel 4 production titled The Trial, scheduled to premiere in the United Kingdom on February 4.
Chilling Revelations from the 2005 Trial
The series promises to detail new revelations from Jackson's 2005 child molestation trial. In one particularly chilling clip obtained by the New York Post, Jackson articulated his profound reliance on relationships with children.
'If you told me right now . . . Michael, you could never see another child…I would kill myself,' he is heard stating in the recording.
Jackson's Own Words on His Bond with Children
In the trailer for the docuseries, Jackson implied that children naturally gravitated towards him. 'Children want to just touch me and hug me,' he said in one segment. In another recording, he added, 'Kids end up falling in love with my personality. Sometimes it gets me into trouble.'
An insider speaking to the New York Post commented on the nature of the recordings: 'There is something extremely unusual and eerie about Michael Jackson's infatuation with children. To hear his voice discuss children in this manner, given he had been accused of molestation, raises many questions about his mental health, mindset and sadly, intentions. This is Michael at his most open, giving us an insight into how he was in love with children... infatuated with wanting to be around them.'
Admissions and Allegations
Jackson admitted to allowing children into his home and even into his bed without parental supervision, which he characterised as 'loving.' His former public relations advisor revealed in the series that he 'absolutely' believed the allegations against the popstar, as reported by the Telegraph. 'I believe there was a cover-up for so many years,' he stated.
Focus on Gavin Arvizo and the Neverland Ranch
The tapes are believed to offer further insight into Jackson's relationship with young cancer survivor Gavin Arvizo. Arvizo accused Jackson of sexual molestation in 2005, alleging the singer showed him pornography and provided him with alcohol.
The indictment included:
- Four counts of child molestation
- Four counts of getting a child drunk with the purpose of molestation
- A count of conspiring to hold a boy and his family at his infamous California ranch, Neverland
Following a four-month trial, Jackson was acquitted of all 14 charges.
Subsequent Testimonies and Documentaries
Wade Robson and James Safechuck were close childhood friends of Jackson. They each testified in his defence during the 2005 trial but later admitted to lying to protect the singer. Both were featured in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, where they detailed the singer's alleged abuse.
Jackson's estate continues to vehemently deny all child molestation accusations against him.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jackson had three children of his own: Prince, Bigi (formerly known as Blanket), and Paris. Paris Jackson has described him as 'the best father you could ever imagine,' according to People magazine.
Michael Jackson died of an overdose on a prescription anaesthetic in 2009, just four years after the conclusion of his trial.
