The End Result of Confidential Sources
Every investigative journalist must rely on confidential sources. Their inside information is the only way truth leaks out from government, institutions, corporations or celebrity entourages. And every good investigative journalist will tell you that what a single source says is never enough. You take the information from the source but then you must confirm it in other ways before making it public. Confirmation can come from other inside sources, from public documents, from sworn testimony – from all sorts of corroborating subjects. My most visible investigative efforts have come from my work looking into entertainer Michael Jackson. My work began in 1993, with the first allegations of child molestation against Jackson, were renewed in 2003 when a second young boy’s claims caused the story to erupt again and culminated when I covered the Jackson’s criminal trial in 2005. I wrote a book about my findings. All this work flowed from those brave enough (yes, brave enough) to come forward to reveal what they thought was important information. Some said they were sick at heart that children were being molested, some told me they feared for Jackson’s physical safety because of his addictions to drugs and alcohol, some were members of law enforcement and child protective services upset that the system was bending to celebrity worship. Since Michael Jackson’s death I’ve been flooded with e-mails, both admiring and attacking, about this body of work. I’ve been astounded that some angry Jackson fans continue to demand I give up my sources. They feel that what I’ve been reporting over all these years cannot possibly be true because I haven’t revealed the genesis of the information. In the forward to my book, “Be Careful Who You Love: Inside the Michael Jackson Case,” I take special pains to thank all those countless sources of information I’ve had on the Jackson story. I wrote, “To all my sources over the years; you helped me understand the nuances. I couldn’t have asked for better navigators over difficult waters. A reporter’s work is only as good as her sources. Most of you were seeking truth as was I.” So to all those Jackson fans who continue to write in, adamant that I reveal where I’ve gotten my information: It’s not going to happen. 
{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree ….. if you gave up your sources no one would trust you enough to give you new info …then we would not have any more great books from you to read.
Kids growing up in China in the 70s, didn't know about what is homosexual. Girls are used to hold hands with each other, and sleep together, even as adults — innocently and non sexual at all. I think a lot of people are still doing that today. When I came to US, people told me that it is not OK, people would think you are homosexual. I have the same reaction as MJ, when the reporter told him that it is not OK to have young kids sleeping in his bed, We all know MJ is a child-like man. Why can't he just be innocent? If he is criminal, he won't even talk about it in front of the camera and think it is OK.
He is wired. But how can he not be, living a non normal life as his, with people following him all the time.
The law says men are not supposed to sleep with stranger's boys. Period. The law says men who do this are suspect. ~ DD
I think you are not naming sources because you are a liar and a fake. God will make you pay for your role in killing Michael. Everyone knows that CNN dumped you, when they found out all of your information was lies. I hope you can live with yourself and I hope what you did to Michael haunt you in your dreams for the rest of your life. What you do on earth you will have to pay for in Hell.
Hey, Human Being….I didn't kill Michael Jackson and I think in the end the toxicology report will show Michael Jackson slowly killed himself with a steady dose of illegal drugs. And we're learning now the drug habit started back in the 80's – long before I ever began to cover the story.
Oh, … and another correction. I've NEVER worked for CNN ~DD
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Does the law say that word for word Diane or is that YOUR interpretation? No reply necessary!
Does the law state this word for word or is this YOUR interpretation Diane? No reply necessary- I know the answer!
Exactly what would be the point of you revealing your sources Diane? I wonder if it is because the bully Jackson fans and his attack machine could go after them publicly?
I've never understood their hatred for you Diane. I can maybe understand them being upset with the opinionated commentators like Bill O'Reilly and Nancy Grace, but you reported the facts of the case.
When I was critical of Jackson on my facebook and commented how I thought the media was portraying him as a God, I was blasted by Jackson fans, they can be quite vicious.
Keep up the excellent reporting.
GO GIRL!! What we need is the NO SPIN information and there is absolutely no reason to reveal your sources. The haters are not ever going to see this story on both sides no matter what you say. They are caught up in celebrity worship and need to get a life. Granted Michael Jackson had talent that was unrivaled. But his personal life was a train wreck which continued to spin out of control and the people who refuse to see it have the audacity to push for information only THEY want to hear.
Carly…… both sides of the story????? I am really confused. Diane's reporting has been absolutely one sided. She never gave him the benefit of the doubt… nor did she report all of the facts.
I’ve always been amazed at how Wacko fans would believe anything positive said about that disgusting creature without the slightest shred of proof but would deny facts that were derogatory no matter how much supporting evidence (including Wacko’s signature) was presented.
Revealing sources to anyone is wrong. But doing so to some of the dumbest fans I’ve ever seen would transcend that by any measure.
Wacko fans also never saw, or chose to forget, the harassment by fans such as B.J. Hickman but will cheerfully discuss conspiracies against Wacko for years. There’s no arguing with a fool, it’s lots more fun to watch them froth.
I don't think he could have been saved – for anything. I'm coming in to this as a "passive" fan of his music – since "off the wall" – probably never bought an album or CD, but enjoyed his music on MTV or the radio through the years nonetheless. I've strangely become obsessed with the information about him since his death, and from what I can gather – he was a very very sick man. At the very LEAST he is a liar – what turned it for me is his adamance in trying to sell the story that he's only had TWO nose operations – "that I know of" – I think that's what he said!! Nothing else!! He was adamant and insistant that this is the TRUTH, NO LIE. Um, I don't think so. What else could he be lying about……I wonder………..
He also stated that his sperm was used and with a black woman to concieve one or more of the children. Like many other notable celebrities, MJ's death will open a massive can of embarrassing worms for individuals inside and outside the family for years to come. The speculation, conspiracy theories and who did what to whom will last for decades not unlike JFK's assassination. And through it all Joe Jackson's hands will have to be surgically attached to his body in an effort to refrain his tin cup, money making schemes once again at MJ's expense. Oh, what a web we weave…
Diane, continue the superb coverage!
I just watched Mj's interview with oprah and he said out of his own mouth "Do not pass judgment on ANYBODY unless yu talked to them one on one;" when was the last time yu talked to Michael Jackson about the allegations? That is who your main source should be! Him and the Lord Jesus Christ are the only sources you should have while writing a story about him!
sorry, Mogurl14. While I speak to Jesus on a regular basis my sources come from a more worldly plane. DD
Michael Jackson was a pedophile. Yes he was a talented musician but still a pedophile. It's funny how people would overlook or excuse his actions just to idolize him.
From the start, Michael was abused both physically and sexually I believe by his father, Joe Jackson. At that time, Micahel was a Jehovah's witness and according to Jehovahs witness scripture, children cannot seek help from the community outside of Jehovahs for abuse suffered. They just have to tolerate the abuse in silence. I think the abuse suffered by Michael and not seeking help led him down a dark horrifying path.
And because of the abuse in his childhood, Michael became the abuser. People have said it all started when he became obsessed with Emmanuel Lewis from the show Webster. Michael even booked a hotel room for himself and Emmanuel but Emmanuel's mum found out about this and broke their friendship up. Then theres Terry George, the british kid Michael befriended. They maintained a long distance friendship but it ended when Terry's parents saw the huge phone bill. One incident that occurred which Terry spoke about years later was when Michael was masturbating whilst talking to him.
Micahel Jackson had a side to him that was never mentioned before but Diane Diamond did. I thank her for doing so.
Hi Diane,
I just finished reading your book on Michael Jackson.
I have to say, I am somewhat underwhelmed.
I admit I have been a Michael Jackson fan since I was very young, seeing him during the Dangerous tour at Wembley. It was not long after this that the story broke regarding Jordie.
I have always defended Michael's image, although I have always been careful not to say he was completely innoncent I always struggle to really believe he is guilty. It would appear almost every witness put forward has some sort of axe to grind regarding Jackson, or some particularly questionable past.
I began reading this book ready to change my mind.
Having completed your book I have not read enough to convince me. I find this difficult to believe having almost been convinced on a number of occasions, not least when you consider Latoya's outburts in the mid-nineties and the statements made by staff at both Neverland and Havenhurst. They seem to match – that everyone knew, but didn't want to say anything due to fear of lost earnings etc. For this to come from Latoya… I still can't quite get my head around that, regardless of the story regarding her husband.
The only part of the book that had me rather uncomfortable came from Jason Francia. But then again his mother also has a questionable history, perhaps he testified for his mother… Or perhaps he was telling the truth. Either way, the whole thing is a clear mess. I applaud your attempt at sifting through it all, but still you have to agree it is incredibly difficult to come out thinking anything other than "What the…?".
Also, for my money you did not really discuss the GQ magazine article enough – or rather the contents of this article. That was an article that had a lot of people convinced Jordie's allegations were a money making scheme. With this in mind and the fact the Arvizo family clearly aren't up there with the most trustworthy..
With his passing, maybe we will begin to hear more regarding these allegations.
What do you make of what Ian Halperin has been saying? I have pre-ordered his book to see what he has to say regarding the allegations as well as everything else.
I guess I am another confused Jackson fan who just wnats to hear the truth, either way.
Kind regards,
Tim
Tim – I gave the GQ article all the attention I thought it deserved. As for the Ian Halperin book – I just got an unbound manuscript and so far I'm completely unimpressed. In the forward there are so many mistakes that reveal the sloppiness of his research. For example, he attributes quotes to me I never made, he reports that Michael showed up to court one day 20 minutes late in his pajamas when in fact it was an hour and 20 minutes late and there was a warrant out for his arrest! Also, in all the years I've covered Jackson not once have I ever heard that he was a gay man, let alone a practicing homosexual. Halperin declares he has testimony from 9 men – I'll be anxious to read his rendition of what they said. I keep wondering why none of the 9 have come forward. Why wouldn't they now that Jackson has passed?
I could go on and on about my reservations of the book but, again, I haven't gotten too far into it yet.
Hmm i'm not sure on my take of the whole situation. I am indeed a huge fan of MJ and his work, but after reading this book i guess it does make you think, everyone truly might have a bad side.. Excellent book. & RIP to Mr. Michael Jackson.
Yes Diane, everyone is a liar except MJ. lol
Get with the program! lol
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Ok I like Michael Jackson, I'm a big fan I know that may make me unpopular on here, I'm not crazed or wacky and I'm under no false illusions about his problems. I know he had a drug problem and he shouldn't of had boys sleeping over at his house. period. But I don't believe he is a pedophile and I don't think it's fair for people to judge him especially if they have never met him or don't know him, my belief is that only God has the right to judge. Take care
I was a fan, even met him in Australia once, but I am afraid you cannot escape reality. Read the court transcripts, the list of porn seized from Neverland (not all of it straight!) and the horrific sworn statement of Jordan Chandler available on the Smoking Gun website. It's not a pretty read, that coupled with his lack of adult relationships and obvious inability to interact with adults, join the dots! Don't you think it's a shame that for someone that oozed sex appeal on stage, not one female was able to defend his sexuality on the stand, Make no mistake Meseareau would have put them there if they existed and that included his past wives! We heard much more sordid details than that during the trial! I really didnt want to believe it but I am afraid if looks like a duck and sounds like a duck, it probably is a duck!
I think that you are very wise keeping your sources close. Without them I'm sure your job would be a whole lot harder! I wonder if they sometimes feed you false stories ( ie elephant man bones). I've heard it said that the Jackson's have sometimes sold stories to the tabloids! I have one question, what is in it for them?
First, money in their pocket – and second (most important to them) its publicity – to keep the Jackson name relevant.
What did you make of the FBI files? Some people seem to think the files exonerated Michael – i.e. the FBI seemingly unable to produce a smoking gun, along those lines. I haven’t read the files but came across some excerpts in a paper, which, I must say, only seemed to add to a legacy of suspicion surrounding him.
Please read this: my latest on the FBI/ MJ case http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-12-28/the-feds-jackson-whitewash/
Check out this story I wrote for the DailyBeast.com
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-12-28/the-feds-jackson-whitewash/
It will tell you what I think of the FBI involvement in the Michael Jackson case.
Diane,
I read your book…i enjoyed it immensely….Would also like to know more about the FBI papers….He was a deeply disturbed man, can’t believe nothing really happend all those years ago!! Keep up the good work!!! Even though they took payoffs don’t they still have eyes??
Diane, I am curious regarding Carrie Fisher’s involvement with MJ. Both yours and Ray Chandler’s book details an occasion when after a consultation with Evan Chandler, she warns him to keep his son out of MJ’s bed based on info from someone she knew that worked for Jackson. She was apparently a patient of Chandler’s and one would assume sympathetic to his situation. Yet in 2008 she is reciting the Princess Leila monologues for Mj’s kids on Christmas Eve. What gives?
Can’t shed any light on that. Or on what motivated other entertainers (Liz Taylor, Liza Minelli, Brooke Shields, etc) to remain publicly silent. I think it spoke volumes that none of them spoke out during the criminal trial – either in interviews or as character witnesses at the trial.
Diane
What is your reaction to the 3 bodyguards on GMA this morning revealing the “secret life” of Michael Jackson. Apparently he liked girls! I am a bit sceptical of that remark, but as you are so familiar with his life and have reported on him since 1993, I would be interested to read your opinion.I’ve read your book along with the court transcripts and have never seen heard any proof that he had anytype of adult relationships. It’s a stark contrast to the comments from Chris Carter and the Havyenhurst 5! I wonder if these so called bodyguards have read Jordan Chandler’s sworn statement or seen the video that was shown in court of Gavin Arvizo giving his statement to the police in 2003. What do you think, do you believe them?
My reply is simple. Michael Jackson was a master at showing people only THAT side of him he wanted to reveal. I got the feeling that the body guards were heartfelt in what they said about Jackson. However, I came away unconvinced that they’d really been around him long enough to get to know the TOTAL man.
Chris-
I suggest you get your Jackson news elsewhere then. Seems your mind is made up. ~ DD
Really? Then how to you explain the others? They testified in court, under oath. Is EVERYONE a liar except Michael Jackson and his spin machine? ~ DD
Is someone testifying under oath supposed to really mean something now? Are you are trying to say that because someone said something under oath that it should be printed and reported as truth? There may have been a time that would be true but now…..believe it or not…. people will lie under oath or anywhere else that benefits them.