In 1993, MJ could had easily fought the warrant to photograph his genitals, but didn& #39;t. It was an unprecedented demand meant only to humiliate.
Other cases requiring anatomical comparison relied on private medical professionals to examine, describe & testify to the facts.
Other cases requiring anatomical comparison relied on private medical professionals to examine, describe & testify to the facts.
That same year, Joey Buttafuoco was being prosecuted for statutory rape. The state asked he be strip-searched & photographed to identify a mole on his thigh.
Joey& #39;s defense argued against it; the state soon withdrew the "unusual request." Instead opting for private doctor exam.
Joey& #39;s defense argued against it; the state soon withdrew the "unusual request." Instead opting for private doctor exam.
One can reason that the inspiration for MJ& #39;s body search and so-called "telltale splotch" description may have originated direct from the supermarket headlines and coverage of the Buttafuoco-Fisher case. In Aug-Oct 93, the headlines were everywhere about this request toward Joey.
In mid-November 1993, sources close to the Chandlers leaked the body warrant information to KABC.
It was so unprecidented & invasive that Fields & Weitzman assumed it was more tabloid gossip. They said they would "usually be notified" if it was a legitimate request and warrant.
It was so unprecidented & invasive that Fields & Weitzman assumed it was more tabloid gossip. They said they would "usually be notified" if it was a legitimate request and warrant.
By Nov. 16, 1993, news of the strip search had already spread across 100s of publications via Associated Press while MJ& #39;s own attorneys still doubted it& #39;s validity, as they hadn& #39;t yet heard about it from the state.
"We know nothing about it... We don& #39;t believe it, period." -HW
"We know nothing about it... We don& #39;t believe it, period." -HW
Some of the more logical reporters acknowledged how easy it& #39;d be for any opportunist to guess that MJ& #39;s extremeties had discoloration, given that he announced he suffered from Vitiligo in the most watched TV interview of all-time months prior to these allegations.
Requiring an invasive, photo& #39;d body search of a suspect& #39;s genitalia is so abnormal that, in a recent case, neither the defense nor prosecution were able to cite any similar cases for precident. In that case, the judge likewise disallowed taking of pics of the accused& #39;s genitals.
Michael Jackson voluntarily agreed to the extraordinarily unwarranted body search and photographs amidst all of the media hysteria, without ever legally contesting the warrant.
The only condition MJ& #39;s team set forth was that the invasive photos be kept confidential & sealed.
The only condition MJ& #39;s team set forth was that the invasive photos be kept confidential & sealed.
Much like the civil settlement, Michael Jackson was in a terrible position in which no benefitial option with the body search. He cooperated fully, trusting it& #39;d exonerate him.
If MJ had rightfully disputed the body search, every media headline would& #39;ve lit-up to suggest guilt.
If MJ had rightfully disputed the body search, every media headline would& #39;ve lit-up to suggest guilt.
In the weeks before the body search on MJ was performed, the media was already frothing at the mouth by the prospect.
"MJ Strip-Search Would Make Great TV"
"Could make CourtTV a Ratings Sensation!"
"You could sell tickets to the strip-search."
"The pic would go for millions."
"MJ Strip-Search Would Make Great TV"
"Could make CourtTV a Ratings Sensation!"
"You could sell tickets to the strip-search."
"The pic would go for millions."
Recently, police demaned to take pics of a 17-year-old& #39;s genitals as part of an abuse case. When the defendant refused (as he legally was able to), the state used it against him w/ judge telling jury they could "draw an adverse inference" by his refusal. Sr. judges criticized it.