Jackson’s mother refutes reports that she avoided graphic testimony – AP

Posted on Sun, Apr. 10, 2005 [b]Michael Jackson’s mother refutes reports that she avoided graphic testimony[/b] Associated Press SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Michael Jackson’s mother said Sunday she did not leave the courtroom during his trial to avoid hearing graphic testimony – she just had to go the rest room and then was barred from returning to court. Katherine Jackson, who has been present for every day of her son’s child molestation trial, said through a spokeswoman that many media outlets misinterpreted her brief absence from the courtroom last Thursday as a reaction to testimony. The Associated Press did not report on her absence from court. “I am only asking for fair and accurate reporting,” Mrs. Jackson said in a written statement. “Accusing me of leaving due to graphic testimony when I simply went to the rest room is not fair, not accurate.” Her spokeswoman, Angel Howansky, explained that Mrs. Jackson left the courtroom to use the rest room during a break when attorneys were meeting in the judge’s chambers. “When she tried to re-enter the courtroom the jury was already seated and court had begun. Therefore, officials would not allow her to come back inside until the next break, per court protocol,” Howansky said. Source: http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/news/politics/11361133.htm