More than two decades after one of the most closely watched celebrity trials in American history, attorney Mark Geragos says there is one thing he wishes had gone differently during his time representing Michael Jackson: he wishes cameras had been allowed in the courtroom.
Speaking at CrimeCon 2026 in Las Vegas, Geragos reflected on several of his highest-profile cases and identified the same mistake in both Jackson's legal battle and another widely publicized criminal trial. According to Geragos, keeping cameras out of the courtroom allowed public perception to be shaped by commentary rather than firsthand observation.
“There were no cameras in the courtroom,” Geragos said, per People. “The public got their information through the ether.” He argued that without direct access to the proceedings, audiences were left relying on secondhand interpretations of what was happening inside the courtroom.
Geragos’ comments arrive during a renewed wave of interest in Jackson's life and legacy. The release of Antoine Fuqua's biopic Michael has reignited public discussion about the singer, while Netflix is preparing to release Michael Jackson: The Verdict, a three-part docuseries examining the 2005 criminal trial that ended with Jackson's acquittal on all counts.
Geragos occupied a unique position during the early stages of that legal saga. He represented Jackson from February 2003 until April 2004, helping navigate the initial phase of the child molestation case that would dominate headlines around the world.
He was later replaced by defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr., who ultimately led Jackson's defense team through trial and secured the acquittal in 2005.
Geragos' latest remarks echo a central theme that has surfaced repeatedly in recent projects examining Jackson's life: the difference between public perception and what actually happened behind closed doors.
That idea is also at the heart of Michael Jackson: The Verdict, whose filmmakers have argued that much of the public's understanding of the case came through media coverage rather than direct access to the proceedings.
“No cameras were allowed in court,” the documentary's producers recently noted while discussing the project, arguing that much of the case was filtered through commentators and fragmented reporting.
The renewed focus on Jackson's legal history comes as audiences are simultaneously revisiting his artistic legacy through Michael. Director Antoine Fuqua has described the film as an attempt to show the man behind the mythology, while cast members, including Jaafar Jackson and Nia Long, have emphasized the importance of capturing his humanity.
