A new UK documentary will feature unheard audio of Michael Jackson discussing his need for children in his life and acknowledging kids “fall in love” with him, focusing on events leading to his 2005 trial where he was acquitted of molesting Gavin Arvizo.
A new Channel 4 documentary series will feature previously unheard audio recordings of Michael Jackson expressing what producers describe as “intimate” thoughts about children. In the recordings, secured by UK production company Wonderhood Studios for the four-part series “The Trial,” Jackson makes alarming statements including, “If you told me right now…Michael, you could never see another child…I would kill myself.” The pop star also acknowledged, “Kids end up falling in love with my personality. Sometimes it gets me into trouble.”
The series examines events leading to Jackson’s 2005 criminal trial, where he faced 14 charges including child molestation related to his friendship with cancer survivor Gavin Arvizo. Executive producer Tom Anstiss described the tapes as offering “a rare and privileged window into Michael’s psyche and his soul,” noting Jackson sounds “close to tears” at points. Jackson was ultimately cleared on all charges, which included accusations of molesting Arvizo and holding the boy’s family captive at his Neverland ranch.