Two jurors in Jackson's trial have reportedly alleged misconduct

Aug 5, 2005, 10:41 GMT

Two jurors in Michael Jackson's child abuse trial have reportedly alleged misconduct took place.

Eleanor Cook and Ray Hultman - who say they were among three jurors who believed the star was guilty - are planning to reveal in new books that they was a series of wrongdoings in the jury process, which may have led to Jackson's acquittal.

According to author Stacy Brown, who was approached by both jurors asking for help with their books, the pair said one juror smuggled in a video tape of Court TV broadcasts of the trial.

Cook has also admitted to sneaking in a medical book containing a description of a paedophile, which she thought Jackson "fitted to a T". She then claimed the nine jurors who thought the singer was not guilty used her misdemeanour to "intimidate" her into acquitting Jackson.

Brown has also revealed allegations that three of the female jurors were devoted Jackson fans, who said: "Not my Michael" when charges against the star were discussed.

The author told America's New York Daily News newspaper: "Cook and Hultman said these three women formed a bond, and their minds were made up about one-third of the way through the trial."

Brown added: "From what I've heard, the whole trial was a waste of taxpayers' money and time. That jury would have acquitted him even if they had a videotape [of the alleged crime]."

However, the writer has cast doubt on Cook and Hultman's allegations, saying they may be exaggerating for their upcoming books.

He said: "If they really felt Michael Jackson was guilty, they had the opportunity to send that message with their vote. They could have hung the jury - if they really believed a paedophile was going back into their community.

"I think they are trying to sell books."

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