If you don’t already know by now, the once-King of Pop, AKA The Gloved One, AKA Wacko Jacko, AKA MJ, or as his momma named him, Michael Joseph Jackson, was found not guilty on all counts Monday afternoon by a jury of his peers. Well, a jury of his kind-of peers. The former child star-cum-pop sensation was up on an assortment of ten charges ranging from lewd conduct with a child under 14, attempted lewd conduct, administering alcohol to a child with the intent to molest, extortion, abduction, and false imprisonment. The months-long trial was a veritable media circus, full of celebrity testimonies, Jackson appearing in pajamas, multiple hospitalizations, salacious stories, a family of grifters, tales of "Jesus Juice," and dramatic reenactments broadcast daily on television. With the former superstar estimated to be spending $30 million per year more than he makes, it seems a few income-generating biopics might do the trick to get those roller coasters moving again at Neverland Ranch.
Meanwhile, Clueless star and favorite music video babe of the 1990s Alicia Silverstone tied the knot with her rocker boyfriend last weekend in Lake Tahoe, People reports. The actress, vegetarian, and animal rights activist wed longtime beau Chris Jarecki, lead singer of rock group S.T.U.N., who she had been dating since her Batgirl days. Silverstone was last seen in this year’s Beauty Shop as Queen Latifah‘s favorite shampoo girl.
And finally, the popular sub-category of rapper-turned-actor has crowned a new star — Heavy D has made it to the stage. The thespian once known as Dwight Meyers is starring in the post-war play "Medal of Honor Rag" (sans backing group, the Boyz) and shares co-producing credits with none other than the Fresh Prince himself, Will Smith. The artist, affectionately known in his musical prime as the Overweight Lover, already has nine film roles under his belt, including Life and The Cider House Rules; his stage debut at Hollywood’s Egyptian Theater propels him into the ranks of other such successful rap-tors as Ice-T, Ice-Cube, LL Cool J, Mos Def, DMX, and Marky Mark.
