The 2005 child sex abuse trial of Michael Jackson is the subject of a new three-part docuseries, Michael Jackson: The Verdict, arriving on Netflix on June 3. The series aims to provide a comprehensive recap of the high-profile case, which concluded with an acquittal after more than four months of intense courtroom proceedings.

The production distinguishes itself by featuring new interviews with key figures who were present during the trial, including jurors and members of the media who covered the proceedings. The series also includes a trailer, which offers a glimpse into the archival footage and testimony that will be explored.

The People v. Jackson trial, which took place in Santa Maria, California, marked the only instance in which the legendary pop star faced court to contest the allegations that had followed him for over a decade. The prosecution’s case was largely built upon the account of Gavin Arvizo, a young cancer patient who had previously been interviewed by British journalist Martin Bashir for the 2003 documentary Living With Michael Jackson. Had he been found guilty, Jackson faced a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

In May 2005, the jury acquitted Jackson on all seven counts of child molestation and two counts of providing a minor with intoxicating liquor. Despite the acquittal, the conversation surrounding Jackson’s conduct has remained persistent. Following his death, additional allegations surfaced, most notably from James Safechuck and Wade Robson, whose accounts were central to the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland. Both men continue to pursue legal claims against Jackson’s company, MJJ Productions.

The scrutiny has extended into the present year, with five individuals who grew up within Jackson’s circle filing a lawsuit against his estate, alleging they were groomed by the singer during their childhood. Notably, these recent allegations were excluded from the narrative of this year’s blockbuster biopic, Michael.