Michael Jackson’s lawyer reveals the real reason behind the singer’s death.
Dive into the untold story of Michael Jackson’s final years, where emotional trauma from the 2005 trial and relentless media scrutiny pushed the King of Pop to a tragic end. Through his former attorney Brian Oxman’s revelations, we explore the psychological scars that led to his fatal overdose in 2009. This engaging narrative uncovers the human behind the legend, his enduring legacy, and the pain that haunted him until his last day.
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A Star That Burned Too Bright
Michael Jackson wasn’t just a musician—he was a cultural phenomenon. From his moonwalk to chart-topping hits like Thriller and Billie Jean, he redefined pop music and broke racial barriers over a four-decade career. But behind the dazzling performances and global adoration, Jackson’s life was a storm of controversies, legal battles, and personal struggles. His death at age 50 on June 25, 2009, from cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, sent shockwaves worldwide. While the official coroner’s report labeled it a homicide due to the actions of his personal physician, Conrad Murray, a deeper truth has emerged—one that points to emotional scars as the true catalyst for his downfall.
In a recent interview with RadarOnline.com, Brian Oxman, Jackson’s former attorney and a close confidant of the Jackson family, shared a heart-wrenching perspective. He claims the real cause of Jackson’s death wasn’t just the drugs but the psychological devastation from a 2005 child sexual abuse trial that left the singer “scarred beyond redemption.” This blog uncovers the layers of Jackson’s final years, piecing together Oxman’s revelations, the events that shaped Jackson’s decline, and the legacy of a man who gave the world so much but lost himself in the process.
The 2005 Trial: A Wound That Never Healed
The Allegations That Shattered Jackson
In 2005, Michael Jackson faced one of the most publicized trials of his life. He was charged with 14 counts related to the alleged sexual abuse of 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo at his Neverland Ranch. The accusations included four counts of molesting a minor, four counts of intoxicating a minor, and one count of attempted child molestation, echoing similar allegations from 1993. The media frenzy was relentless, painting Jackson as a predator and amplifying every detail of the case. For a man who had spent his life building a persona of kindness and childlike wonder, the accusations were a devastating betrayal.
Oxman, who was part of Jackson’s legal team before being dismissed during the trial, described the emotional toll on his client. “Michael rang at all hours of the night, dozens of times,” Oxman recalled. “He kept asking, ‘Why? I treated them so well—and they make up these lies.’” Jackson, who saw himself as a protector of children, was crushed by the accusations, unable to comprehend why those he trusted would turn against him.
The Public’s Verdict
Despite being acquitted on all charges in June 2005, the court of public opinion was less forgiving. A 2005 Gallup Poll revealed that 80% of the U.S. public believed Jackson was guilty, a statistic that haunted him. Oxman noted, “It damaged Michael beyond repair. He was utterly numb.” The constant media scrutiny and public skepticism eroded Jackson’s spirit, leaving him in a state of perpetual distress. He would call Oxman late at night, grappling with “the evil” of the accusations, unable to move past the betrayal.
The trial’s aftermath was a turning point. Jackson, once vibrant and unstoppable, became increasingly withdrawn, battling insomnia and anxiety. His reliance on prescription medications, including propofol—a powerful anesthetic—grew, setting the stage for the tragedy that would unfold four years later.
The Fatal Day: June 25, 2009
A Lethal Cocktail
On the morning of June 25, 2009, Jackson was found unresponsive in his Holmby Hills home in Los Angeles. His personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, discovered him not breathing with a weak pulse and attempted CPR, but paramedics pronounced Jackson dead at UCLA Medical Center at 2:26 p.m. The Los Angeles County Coroner later ruled his death a homicide, caused by acute propofol intoxication, exacerbated by benzodiazepines like lorazepam and midazolam. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for administering the lethal dose.
Speculation about Jackson’s drug use had swirled for years. Oxman himself had warned the Jackson family about the singer’s reliance on prescription medications, particularly painkillers for injuries sustained from a stage accident. “I said one day, we’re going to have this experience,” Oxman told NBC’s Today show, referencing the death of Anna Nicole Smith as a cautionary tale. Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, also expressed fears to Oxman a month before his son’s death, suspecting Michael was too frail to handle his planned This Is It residency in London due to drug use.
The Enablers
Oxman and others pointed to an entourage of “enablers” who facilitated Jackson’s access to dangerous medications. Murray, described as a “yes-man” by some, provided propofol to help Jackson sleep, a practice Oxman and fans criticized as reckless. Posts on Reddit have speculated that Jackson’s wealth allowed him to surround himself with people who wouldn’t challenge his decisions, exacerbating his dependency. One user noted, “His fortune was his downfall: rich people can make lots of things happen, like the medicine abuse.”
Yet, Oxman’s narrative shifts the focus from the drugs to the emotional trauma that drove Jackson to seek solace in them. The propofol was a symptom, not the root cause—a desperate attempt to escape the pain of a world that had turned against him.
Brian Oxman: A Controversial Voice
A Confidant or a Publicity Seeker?
Brian Oxman’s role in Jackson’s life is complex. He represented the Jackson family for over 20 years and was involved in Michael’s 2005 defense, though he was fired mid-trial by lead attorney Thomas Mesereau for speaking to the media and reportedly falling asleep in court. After Jackson’s death, Oxman became a frequent media presence, often labeled the “family spokesman,” though some questioned his authority. Critics on forums like MJJCommunity called him a “self-publicist” who shared private details for attention, while others appreciated his defense of Jackson’s innocence.
Oxman’s legal career has also been marred by controversy. In 2012, he was disbarred by the California Supreme Court for mismanaging client funds and failing to cooperate with disciplinary investigations—issues unrelated to Jackson. His wife, Maureen Jaroscak, faced suspension for similar misconduct. These incidents have cast doubt on his credibility, with some fans accusing him of exploiting Jackson’s story. Still, his recent claims about the 2005 trial’s impact resonate with those who saw Jackson’s emotional decline firsthand.
Oxman’s Bombshell Claim
In his RadarOnline.com interview, Oxman argued that the 2005 trial was the “real catalyst” for Jackson’s death. “He could never fathom it until the day he died,” Oxman said, describing how Jackson was haunted by the allegations. The lawyer pointed to the media’s role, particularly Martin Bashir’s 2003 documentary Living with Michael Jackson, which Oxman claimed “misled” and “duped” Jackson into admissions that fueled the trial. The documentary, aired on ITV, showed Jackson holding hands with Gavin Arvizo and admitting to sharing a bed with children, though denying impropriety—a portrayal Oxman called a “character assassination.”
Oxman’s assertion aligns with sentiments on X, where fans continue to defend Jackson’s innocence. One post from June 2025 read, “Michael Jackson was one of the most bullied, slandered, and dehumanized men in history… He deserves a global apology for the abuse he endured.”
The Bigger Picture: A Life Under Scrutiny
A Pattern of Pain
The 2005 trial wasn’t Jackson’s first brush with controversy. In 1993, he faced similar allegations from Jordan Chandler, settling the case for $15–20 million. These recurring accusations, coupled with media portrayals of Jackson as “eccentric” or “weird,” chipped away at his public image. Despite his acquittal in 2005, the narrative of guilt persisted, amplified by a media eager for sensationalism. Oxman’s claim that the trial “destroyed” Jackson echoes a Reddit post suggesting his “1999 relapse” marked the beginning of a decade-long decline, with the 2005 trial as the final blow.
The Pressure of a Comeback
Jackson’s death came weeks before his This Is It residency, a 50-show comeback tour in London’s O2 Arena. The pressure to perform at his peak, combined with his fragile health, was immense. Joe Jackson’s fears, relayed to Oxman, underscored Michael’s physical and mental strain. The Los Angeles Times noted that Jackson’s “secret life” of medical issues and stress came to light after his death, painting a picture of a man pushed to his limits.
A Legacy That Endures
Despite the tragedy, Jackson’s influence remains unmatched. His estate has grossed $2 billion since his death from projects like MJ the Musical and Cirque du Soleil productions. A biopic, Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, is slated for 2026, though it faces challenges addressing Jackson’s controversies. Tributes from artists like Metallica, Eddie Van Halen, and Beyoncé, who broke GRAMMY records in 2025, reflect his enduring impact.
Yet, Oxman’s revelation reminds us of the human cost of fame. Jackson’s fans, like those on X, continue to mourn not just his death but the injustice he faced. “The harassment and kangaroo court… ultimately led to his severe depression and death,” one user wrote.
Why This Matters Today
Michael Jackson’s story is a cautionary tale about the toll of public scrutiny and the weight of unproven allegations. Oxman’s claims, while controversial, highlight a truth often overlooked: behind the King of Pop was a man grappling with betrayal and pain. Whether you believe the drugs or the emotional trauma were the ultimate cause, Jackson’s death was a loss felt globally.
As we approach the 16th anniversary of his passing, the conversation continues. Will the upcoming biopic shed new light on his struggles? Can fans and the media finally offer the “global apology” some believe he deserves? For now, Jackson’s music—his gift to the world—remains a testament to a talent that no trial or tragedy could dim.
