Michael Jackson’s ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, the mother of two of the King of Pop’s children, is expected to take the witness stand this week in Jackson’s child molestation trial. A judge ruled on yesterday that Rowe may take the stand against Jackson. She is expected to testify that she was part of a plan to rehabilitate Jackson’s image after a February 2003 documentary — or hit piece, depending on your point of view — called Living With Michael Jackson aired. The documentary was particularly damning, as it showed Jackson nuzzling the teenager who later accused him of molestation. In the documentary, Jackson gave his reasons for sharing his bed with young boys. Reuters reports:
Prosecutor Ron Zonen said [Rowe] would tell jurors that Jackson’s henchmen pressured her into giving a “highly scripted” videotaped interview supporting him in exchange for visits with her two children.
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Jackson defense lawyer Robert Sanger urged Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville to bar Rowe from testifying, saying there was nothing improper about scripted questions during an interview. Sanger said that the defense would need to cross-examine Rowe at length, prolonging a trial that is already in its third month.
Melville, during a hearing outside the presence of the jury, said he would allow Rowe to take the witness stand but would work to limit the scope of her testimony.
Nathan Novak at 12:32 pm
