Michael Jackson rehearsals of June 23-24 can be showed in court

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said today prosecutors can show limited clips of Michael Jackson's last rehearsals during the trial of Murray.

Deputy district attorney David Walgren, says Thursday that the last two days of the footage show that Michael Jackson was highly engaged in preparing for his comeback tour and was not desperate, as defense attorneys have alleged. 

Prosecutors planned to show Jackson performing "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Earth Song" while director and choreographer Kenny Ortega testifies about the Michael's demeanor in those days.

Defense attorneys objected to showing the film footage, claiming it was edited to present Jackson in the best light, noting that not all of the footage was shot in the days 23 and 24 June, 2009, although the Coroner stated in the autopsy report that Michael Jackson was in good health.

Pastor said prosecutors can only show footage from Jackson's rehearsals of 23-24 June. He also said the footage must be edited to remove some of the special effects and visuals, particularly images of whales, polar bears, a "cute little girl" and other "flora and fauna" in the video.

The judge said showing the footage wasn't meant to be entertainment, and it didn't matter if the entire songs were shown.

Defense attorney Ed Chernoff sought an opportunity to review raw footage of Jackson's rehearsals, but prosecutors said they did not have it. They suggested that Murray's attorneys subpoena Sony Pictures, which purchased rights to the footage.

Pastor also ruled that prosecutors can have several of Murray's mistresses testify during the trial, but that they should omit some salacious details. For instance, Pastor said he didn't want to hear any references to the strip clubs or gentlemen's clubs where Murray met some of them.

The judge is also considering Thursday whether autopsy photos of Jackson can be shown to jurors.

MJFS

Source: AP / seattletimes.com