MICHAEL JACKSON has reportedly exchanged two high-profile attorneys for
a new one. Former
ROBERT BLAKE attorney THOMAS MESEREAU JR. will now
represent Jackson in his child molestation case, replacing MARK GERAGOS
and BENJAMIN BRAFMAN, according to news reports. A source says Jackson
had approached Mesereau soon after he was charged with child molestation, but
Mesereau declined because he was then working on the Blake murder trial. He
recently left that case due to differences with Blake. Mesereau had no comment
for the media about his new role, but did say he would be in court on Friday
when Jackson is expected to be arraigned in Santa Barbara, CA.
Jacko or Wacko (hover)
As to why Brafman and Geragos had been replaced, Brafman has been quoted as
saying, "Based on recent developments and discussions with various persons in
the Jackson camp, it became clear that it would be best if Mark and I decided to
step down." Some legal experts speculate the move could mean that Jackson had
lost faith in his legal team, or that the legal team has lost faith in Jackson.
Jackson will face a judge for the second time on Friday when he is expected to
plead not guilty to child molestation.
"Piano Man"
BILLY JOEL lost control of his 1967 Citroën on a rain-slicked
road and crashed into a Long Island home on Sunday. It was his third car
accident in two years. According to Nassau County police, there was no evidence
of alcohol or drug involvement and Joel was not hurt. The owner of the house was
not home at the time. In January 2003, Joel totaled his Mercedes when he crashed
into a tree not far from this latest accident site. Following that incident,
Joel's his ex-wife
CHRISTIE BRINKLEY publicly expressed her concern because their
daughter ALEXA had been riding with her dad just hours before.
Authorities did not administer a Breathalyzer test after the incident. Seven
months earlier, in June 2002, Joel escaped serious injury in a similar crash.
MARTHA STEWART's brother, FRANK KOSTYRA, plans to sell
off some of his famous sis' personal items on eBay, reports the New York Post.
Among the 60 or so mementos are her first catering car, the Singer sewing
machine she used to make her wedding dress and an oak rocking chair. Kostyra
says the pieces came from the New Jersey home where he, Martha and their
siblings grew up. Kostyra has kept the items in the "Martha Stewart Heritage
Childhood Collection" in storage since their mother moved from the house in
1987.
Martha in Jail (hover)