Jacksons accuser testifies
The week's news at a glance.
Santa Maria, Calif.
Michael Jackson’s lawyer grilled the pop star’s 15-year-old accuser on the witness stand this week, trying to expose inconsistencies in his story. The teen, who has accused Jackson of molesting him in 2003, acknowledged that he twice told a middle school dean that Jackson “didn’t do anything to me.” But the boy denied defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr.’s suggestion he concocted his molestation charges because he felt rejected by Jackson as a father figure. In his earlier testimony, the teen said that Jackson had given him wine and pornography, encouraged him to masturbate, and fondled him on at least two occasions.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
6 sun-drenched homes by the sea
Feature Featuring a large patio overlooking the ocean in Laguna Beach and a marble rainfall shower in Norwalk
-
Is China winning the AI race?
Today's Big Question Or is it playing a different game than the US?
-
5 refreshing podcasts you may have missed this spring
The Week Recommends Exploring the cultural impact of Jerry Springer, a look at contemporary spending habits and more