1993 child sexual abuse accusations against Michael Jackson

WARNING: Graphic Content that many may find disturbing! Read at your own risk.

Michael Jackson during his statement (December 22, 1993)

In 1993, a Los Angeles based dentist and screenwriter, Evan Chandler accused Michael Jackson of abusing Chandler's then-13 year-old son, Jordan. The two initially became friends after Jackson rented a vehicle from Jordan's stepfather. Although Evan at first encouraged their friendship, he soon became suspicious, that the relationship might've been inappropriate. Jordan was later (reportedly made to) tell a psychiatrist and police, that Jackson abused him, and investigation began. Soon after, news of the allegations broke, having the general public turn away from the artist. Michael himself cancelled the Dangerous World Tour due to health problems following the scandal, and entered a rehabilitation program. In September, Chandlers filed a lawsuit against the singer, which was later settled on January 25, 1994, although it has been stressed, that this was not Jackson's admission of guilt, and he simply didn't want the scandal to interfere with his career.

The investigation was closed soon after, as there was no proof against Jackson, and the Chandler family declined to cooperate. During the People v. Jackson trial, he was eventually found not guilty on June 13, 2005 and acquitted of all charges. This was a pivotal point in the artist's life and its effects last on his legacy to this day.

Background

Evan Robert Charmatz was an American screenwriter and dentist who treated celebrities. He was born in the Bronx to Jewish parents, and always intended to pursue a Hollywood career, which eventually led him to change his name to "Evan Chandler", as he thought Charmatz was "too Jewish-sounding". Since he didn't find success in his dreams anyway, he became a dentist. In the late 1970s, he got married to June Rochelle Wong, who later had a child with Evan, named Jordan. Evan and June divorced in 1985, with the custody over Jordan going to his mother. She later married another man, David Schwarz.

Michael Jackson with the Chandler family (1993)

Jackson met and became good friends with the Chandler family in February of 1993 after the artist's car broke down once and had to be towed to a local garage. The owner (Schwartz) had called his wife to meet the King of Pop. The woman brought her son from a previous marriage, and from then on, Jackson became close with the family and invited them to the Neverland Ranch.

Chandlers often asked for money and other things from Jackson, to e.g. pay their bills etc. The more they kept asking, Michael became more distant and avoiding them, as he was hesitant about saying "no" due to past trauma. Evan felt most rejected and bitter about it. Additionally, the visits to the ranch would interfere with Jordan's visits with his father, as his son and wife actually preferred to visit Michael, and the singer wasn't in any contact with Evan (e.g. in May, Jordan and June flew to Monaco with Jackson for World Music Awards. Due to this, Evan felt completely left out and ignored by his son, but also suspicious).

Jordan's and Michael's contact ended in June 1993. On July 8, a conversation between Chandler and David Schwartz took place regarding Jackson, and having hired an attorney who will "destroy everybody". It was later televised, and used by Jackson's legal team to fight back the allegations.

“	I mean, once I make that phone call, this guy’s just going to destroy everybody in sight in any devious, nasty, cruel way that he can do it. And I’ve given him full authority to do that. [...] This man is gonna be humiliated beyond belief. You’ll not believe it. He will not believe what’s going to happen to him. Beyond his worst nightmares. He will not sell one more record. [...] If I go through with this, I win big time. There’s no way that I lose. I’ve checked that out inside out. [...] I will get everything I want, and they will be totally — they will be destroyed forever. They will be destroyed. June is gonna lose Jordy. She will have no right to ever see him again. That’s a fact, Dave. That’s what. Michael’s career will be over. (Schwartz: And does that help Jordy?) It’s irrelevant to me.	”
–Evan Chandler, July 8, 1993

On August 2, 1993 Jordan visited his father for a dentist appointment. Although the story isn't confirmed, Evan reportedly injected him with a dose of sodium amytal, a psychological drug with sedative and hypnotic effects, and asked Jordan if Michael did anything to him, which Jordan supposedly said "yes".

Robin Hood: Men in Tights (written by Evan Chandler)

Soon after, Evan directly threatened Jackson and his legal team, demanding $20 million to support Chandler's three movies (one of which was Robin Hood: Men in Tights), or he will file allegations against Michael. They did refuse, but agreed to pay him $1 million. The artist decied it'd be better to settle as he felt bad for his closeness with Jordan interfering with the boy's relationship with his father, adding that it'd be a "great opportunity for Evan and Jordan to re-connect, because they'll be able to write them together." Evan then asked for $15 million, and Jackson's team ultimately went down to $350,000 per script. Chandler and his lawyer said this was not close enough to what they were asking for, and decided the singer and his team weren't serious about negotioating.

Anthony Pellicano (Michael's private investigator) offered Evan to introduce him to Hollywood contacts, but Chandler yelled "you can't help me", pointed at Jackson and stated "only he can help me." After not receiving full financial support from Jackson, Evan also shouted "You’re going to be sorry, Michael. This is not the last you’re going to hear from me. If I don’t get what I want, Michael, I’m going to the press. I’m going to ruin you."

A few months later, Evan took Jordan to his psychiatrist, Mathis Abrams, telling him Jordan had been molested. The boy had a three-hour session having to describe the claims, where he was asked if he's ever seen Jackson naked. Jordan said yes, although according to many related people, Jordan knew the accusations weren't true.

Investigation

Criminal investigation against Jackson began on August 18, 1993. A few days later, a search warrant was issued. Police interviewed 30 children, all of which defended the singer. Additionally, Brett Barnes and Wade Robson publically spoke out, that they shared bed with Michael, but insisted that nothing sexual ever took place. Evan was investigated for extortion as well, and for the use of sodium amytal, which according to studies could implement false memories. The dental anesthesiologist who administered the drug, stated it was only for "dental purposes".

On August 24, 1993 the allegations against Michael Jackson went public, the day the third leg of the Dangerous World Tour began. At the same time, the Jackson family and Pellicano held press conferences respectively, claiming Evan Chandler to be extorting the King of Pop.

Neverland Ranch

Beginning in 1993, FBI would begin a over 10-year long search through the Neverland Ranch (1993-2005), in search for possible evidence of Jackson commiting the crimes. After his death, the agency released their files regarding the case, which confirmed they have found zero evidence that Michael Jackson would be guilty of the accusations.

Strip search

On December 20, 1993, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department and the LAPD investigated Jackson with a warrant for a strip search, to verify if Jordan's description of what Michael looked like was true. It was led by Thomas William Sneddon Jr. and lasted for 25 minutes, although the officers never touched Michael's body, and only photographed it. On January 28, 1994 it was revealed, that Chandler's description did not match what Jackson actually looked like.

Additional accusations

To further support his allegations, Evan offered other families to come out with made up stories of Jackson abusing them, in exchange for $200,000 dollars. Notable figures who spoke out about this include Ron Newt and Aaron Carter.

La Toya Jackson accusations

LaToya blasting Michael Jackson for child molesting 1993

Starting in September, Jackson's sister, La Toya Jackson defended him on live television, stating he's completely innocent. For the next couple weeks, she'd restate her support. However, on December 8, 1993, she reversed her claims, now saying Michael is in fact a "pedophile", and that his own childhood experiences turned him into an abuser. Following her accusations, the Jackson family disowned her. Years later it was revealed she was forced to make these claims by her abusive husband, Jack Gordon. Michael knew it was against her will and he didn't blame her. She'd restate he's innocent in later interviews, notably the 2009 interview with Barbara Walters.

Jackson's health and statement

Following the allegations coming to light, Michael began taking drugs to ease his mind. Unfortunately, this took a toll on the artist's physical and mental health. The Dangerous World Tour had to be cancelled mid-way through. Instead, Jackson entered a drug rehabilitation program. He is stated to had lacked concentration and slurred while speaking. On December 22, 1993, only two days following the strip search, Michael would release his first, televisted statement regarding the accusations.

Michael Jackson - Neverland Statement 1993

Transcription credits: truemichaeljackson.com

“	I am doing well and I am strong. As you may already know, after my tour ended, I remained out of the country undergoing treatment for a dependency on pain medication. This medication was initially prescribed to ease the excruciating pain that I was suffering after reconstruction surgery on my scalp. There have been many disgusting statements made recently concerning allegations of improper conduct on my part. These statements about me are totally false. As I have maintained from the very beginning, I am hoping for a speedy end to the horrifying, horrifying experience to which I have been subjected. I shall not in this statement talk about the false allegations that have been made against me, since my lawyers have advised me that this is not the proper forum in which to do that. I will say that I am particularly upset at the handling of this matter by the incredible, terrible mass media. At every opportunity, the media has dissected and manipulated these allegations to reach their own conclusions. I ask all of you to wait to hear the truth before you label or condemn me. Don’t treat me like a criminal, ’cause I am innocent. I have been forced to submit to a dehumanizing and humiliating examination by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles Police Department earlier this week. They served a search warrant on me, which allowed them to view and photograph my body including my penis, my buttocks, my lower torso, thighs, and any other area that they wanted. They were supposed to be looking for any discoloration, spotting, blemishes or any other evidence of a skin disorder called Vitiligo that I have previously spoken about. The warrant also directed me to cooperate in any examination of my body by deposition to determine the condition of my skin including whether como abrir uma loja virtual I had Vitiligo or any other skin disorder. The warrant further states that I had no right to refuse this examination or photographs, and if I failed to cooperate with them they would introduce that refusal at any trial as an indication of my guilt. It was the most humiliating ordeal of my life, one that no person should ever have to suffer. Even after experiencing the indignity of this search, the parties involved were still not satisfied. They wanted to take even more pictures. It was a nightmare, a horrifying nightmare, but if this is what I have to endure to prove my innocence, my complete innocence, so be it. Throughout my life I have only tried to help thousands upon thousands of children to live happy lives. I am not guilty of these allegations, but if I am guilty of anything it is of giving all that I have to give to help children all over the world; it is of loving children of all ages and races, it is of gaining sheer joy from seeing children with their innocent and smiling faces, it is of enjoying through them the childhood that I missed myself. If I am guilty of anything, it is of believing what God said about children: “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not for this is the Kingdom of heaven.” In no way do I think that I am God but I do try to be God-like in my heart. I am totally innocent of any wrongdoing and I know these terrible allegations will all be proven false. Again, to my friends and fans, thank you very much for all of your support. Together, we will see this through to the very end. I love you very much and may God bless you all. I love you. Good-bye.	”
–Michael Jackson, December 22, 1993

Lawsuit and settlement

The Chandler family filed a lawsuit against the King of Pop on September 14, 1993, claiming he had committed sexual battery, seduction, willful misconduct, intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraud and negligence. On March 21, 1994 a trial was set to take place. Jackson's private detective, Anthony Pellicano defended him, stating Evan attempted to extort the artist.

Michael's legal team had private meetings at Elizabeth Taylor's house to discuss the case. It was eventually agreed upon, that Michael's physical health was in too bad of a condition for him to endure a lengthy trial, and it was decided he should settle out of court. Additionally, Michael didn't want the lawsuit to interfere with his career. He settled the lawsuit on January 25, paying $23 million in total, and the trial was cancelled. Both parties then signed a confidentiality agreement not to publicly speak about the case or its settlement.

By September, the investigation was closed, concluding with Sneddon and District Attorney Gil Garcetti admitting, that throughout it they have found zero evidence against the artist.

Aftermath

The 1993 Chandler allegations had a massive effect on Michael Jackson's career going forward. Multiple of his deals backed out, including making a song ("Family Thing") and a short-film (Is It Scary?) in order to promote the Addams Family Values movie. Pepsi's years-long contract with Jackson was dropped as well. More and more companies dropped him with time, having an effect on later part of his life as well, especially in the years leading to his death. Michael was also later mentioned to had regretted settling.

On June 20, 1995, Michael Jackson released his ninth studio album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. The release included songs alluding to the allegations, investigations, loneliness, and more. This can be heard the most on "Scream", "Stranger in Moscow", "This Time Around", and especially "D.S.". The latter was originally meant to be titled "T.S.", refering to Tom Sneddon. However, due to legal reasons this had to be changed to "Dom Sheldon". The artist does however say Sneddon's actual name in the recording itself.

1995 allegations

In 1995, a boy from Canada came out stating Jackson abused him. However, during police interviews the child broke down, and confessed the story was entirely made up, never having even met Michael. It turned out, that the boy was coached by another Canadian resident, Rodney Allen. Four years later, Allen was found guilty of child molestation, having lured young boys to his house, getting them drunk and abusing them. Before being arrested, Allen also wrote a blog post, stating he was somehow involved in the 1993 Evan Chandler case.

1996 lawsuit

On May 7, 1996, Evan Chandler once again sued Michael Jackson, as well as his then-wife, Lisa Marie Presley, for $60 million after breaching the confidentiality terms of the settlement. Chandler cited not only the HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I album, but also a June 1995 interview between Michael, Lisa Marie Preseley and Diane Sawyer on ABC's Primetime Live. The lawsuit also demanded a court order for publishment and distribution of his own album, titled EVANstory, comprising of his own songs about the supposed abuse. In 1999, the court ruled in Jackson's favor.

People v. Jackson

In wake of new allegations in 2003, a criminal trial was held in the first half of 2005, titled People v. Jackson. There, June Chandler testified, that she had not spoken to her own son for well over a decade and that she never witnessed any "molestation". taking place. Additionally, and most importantly, there were plans to get Jordan Chandler himself to testify against Michael. However, Thomas Mesereau (Jackson's attorney) along with several witnesses were ready to testify, that Jordan told him the allegations were never true, One of the witnesses was a college friend of Jordan, who told the story in a 2019 documentary regarding the entire 1993 case, Square One. The artist was acquitted of all charges against him, as he was found not guilty of any of the accusations. This verdict also concluded FBI's 10-year investigation through Jackson's home.

Evan Chandler's final years & death

Evan Chandler attacking a paparazzi

Following the 1993 accusations, Jordan filed for and was granted status as an emancipated minor at the age of 16, distancing himself from his parents and moving out. On August 5, 2005 Jordan filed a request for a restraining order after Evan acted abusive towards him. This included hitting his son over the head with a twelve and a half pound weight, spraying his face with mace, and trying to choke him.

Over the years, Evan was known to had battled mood swings, illness, and depression. He had also undergone multiple cosmetic surgeries, supposedly to disguise himself from paparazzi and Michael's fans. On November 5, 2009, Chandler was meant to see a hematologist, but as he didn't show up, the doctor called the concierge to check on him. He was eventually found dead at his waterfront flat in New Jersey, laying in his bed with a weapon and a gunshot wound in his head.

Trivia

• Katherine Jackson recalled a time, where Jordan talked to Michael apologizing for his father's actions. When Jackson asked why can't Jordan come out on television or news and say the allegations aren't true, Jordan stated his father would kill him.
  • Katherine also mentioned Jordan putting on paper, that he admitted to have lied about the accusations, and that the family still has it. It was also apparently two months prior to Evan's suicide.