Jackson’s Lawyer Objects to Grand Jury Leaks

By James Wray Jan 14, 2005, 23:21 GMT

Michael Jackson’s lawyer has objected to grand jury testimony that was leaked to ABC news.

In a statement read out on Thursday defense lawyer Thomas Mesereau, Jr. objected to testimony of the 15-year-old who is accusing Jackson of molestation.

"The witnesses who testified before the Grand Jury were never subjected to cross-examination or impeachment by the defense," Mesereau wrote. "By law, no judge or defense lawyer was allowed to be present in the Grand Jury room. Furthermore, the defense had no opportunity to call its own witnesses to refute or criticize this one-sided proceeding."

The boy, a cancer survivor, testified to the grand jury that Jackson had given him alcohol and closed his eyes while he molested him.

"Well it wasn't really a good idea for me drinking because I only had one kidney, I only have one kidney," the boy said. "And so it harms my kidney for I drink that stuff. But he would just say, 'it's OK.' And he would just keep on telling me to drink."

The brother of the boy also testified that he had seen his brother drunk on a private jet with Jackson and that the 46 year old singer had appeared before them naked and aroused.

Michael Jackson has pleaded not guilty to four charges of molesting the boy and four counts of administering alcohol to help him carry out the alleged lewd acts. Other charges he dies are conspiracy in child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion, and a charge of attempted child molestation.

The trial starts Jan. 31.