Revisiting the Michael Jackson Allegations, and Blake Lively's DOOMED Legal Strategy, with Mark Geragos and Matt Murphy | Ep. 1315
May 12, 2026
AI Summary
5 min readMegyn Kelly hosts attorneys Mark Geragos (Jackson's 2003 defense lawyer) and Matt Murphy (former prosecutor) to dissect Michael Jackson allegations revived by the biopic Michael, which has grossed nearly $600 million by avoiding abuse claims. They examine accuser credibility, trial details, and Jackson's background alongside Blake Lively's settled lawsuit against Justin Baldoni.
Jackson's 2003 Trial and Early Investigations
Geragos recounts representing Jackson during child endangerment charges involving cancer patient Gavin Arvizo and his family. His PI uncovered the family's prior JC Penney lawsuit alleging guard abuse, marking them as "vexatious litigants" prone to targeting deep pockets. Geragos separated them from Neverland Ranch, but DA Tom Sneddon accused obstruction. Jackson was acquitted after a jury trial; Geragos testified twice, waived in on recross. No direct evidence like child porn or molestation tapes emerged—cases relied on testimony. A 1993 grand jury probe of Jordy Chandler ended in an eight-figure civil settlement with a clause limiting depictions, influencing the biopic's cutoff before allegations.
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:42) **Episode Intro and MJ Movie Controversy** - Megyn introduces Michael Jackson biopic "Michael," its box office success, and reopened abuse allegation debates
- 2 (03:50) **Megyn's Prior MJ Allegations Research** - Host shares deep dive into "Leaving Neverland" flaws, credibility issues with main accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck
- 3 (05:42) **Guest Intro: Mark Geragos' MJ Defense Role** - Introduces Mark Geragos, MJ's 2003 lawyer, co-host of "In the Well" on MK True Crime
- 4 (10:08) **2003 Accuser Family Investigation** - Details Gavin Arvizo family's JC Penney lawsuit history, labeling them vexatious litigants
- 5 (14:39) **MJ Trial Background and Acquittal** - Geragos testified twice; recounts bringing Ben Brafman amid Johnny Cochran's illness
- 6 (16:38) **Biopic Changes and Financing Drama** - Film originally addressed allegations but pivoted due to Jordy Chandler settlement, financier issues
- 7 (19:26) **MJ's Upbringing and Cultural Impact** - Discusses abusive father Joe Jackson, Jackson 5 rise from Gary, IN poverty
+ Full timestamped outline available in the app
Show Notes
Megyn Kelly is joined by Mark Geragos, co-host of "In The Well," to discuss the new Michael Jackson movie "Michael" dominating the culture, the controversy over his legacy back into the spotlight, credibility questions surrounding his accusers, the phenomenon of representing Jackson at the trial, the abuse Michael Jackson suffered throughout his childhood at the hands of his father, the truth about the completely unique level of fame he achieved, the various child abuse allegations made against Michael Jackson, why the accusations remain so difficult to assess years later, major questions surrounding the accusers featured in "Leaving Neverland," the changing story we've heard from them over the years, and more. Then Matt Murphy, co-host of "In The Well," joins to discuss the shocking 2003 interview moment of Michael Jackson talking about kids, how the comments fueled public backlash and legal scrutiny, Blake Lively’s lawyer attempting to spin her client’s brutal legal loss after she settled for no money, the remaining battle over attorney fees, why Blake Lively’s legal strategy against Justin Baldoni was doomed to fail, whether her lawyers are trying to cover their own failures now, and more.
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