Previously unheard audio recordings of Michael Jackson, in which the late pop star discusses his relationships with children, feature in a new documentary series from UK production company Wonderhood Studios. The four-episode series, titled The Trial, begins airing on Channel 4 on Wednesday and explores Jackson's 2005 acquittal on child sexual abuse charges.
In a promotional trailer, Jackson's soft, high-pitched voice is heard saying: 'Children … wanna just touch me and hug me.' He adds: 'Kids end up just falling in love with my personality – sometimes it gets me into trouble.' The New York Post reported on Saturday that the recordings also capture Jackson saying: 'If you told me right now … “Michael, you could never see another child,” … I would kill myself.'
Wonderhood Studios says the series aims to look beyond the 'media circus' surrounding Jackson's trial to raise 'profound questions about fame, race and the American justice system'. Jackson was acquitted in June 2005 of charges including molesting a boy and providing alcohol to a minor, following a 14-week trial in Santa Maria, California. The charges stemmed from a 2003 UK documentary, Living with Michael Jackson.
Jackson died in June 2009 from acute propofol intoxication, aged 50. His personal physician, Dr Conrad Murray, was convicted of manslaughter and served nearly two years in prison. Since his death, Jackson's legacy has been divided between celebration of his musical talent and scrutiny of abuse allegations.
The release of The Trial follows the US government's release of files relating to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which included a photo of Jackson posing with Epstein. There is no suggestion Jackson was involved in Epstein's crimes.
