UK: Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker cleared of assaulting three children during stage invasion during Michael Jackson's performance at the Brit Awards

Record ID: 226950

  • Title: UK: Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker cleared of assaulting three children during stage invasion during Michael Jackson's performance at the Brit Awards
  • Date: 11th March 1996
  • Summary: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM (MARCH 11, 1996 (REUTERS) CROWDS AND MEDIA OUTSIDE KENSINGTON POLICE STATION JARVIS COCKER GETS OUT OF CAR, ENTERS COURT
  • Embargoed: 26th March 1996 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
  • City:
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement,Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA3029QMUDRRCI5P5EQ8S978GLL
  • Story Text: British popstar Jarvis Cocker was cleared on Monday (March 11) of assaulting three children appearing on stage with Michael Jackson at a music awards ceremony in London last month.
    The 32-year-old lead singer with the British band Pulp was arrested after he burst on to the stage while Jackson was performing at the Brit Awards, the British pop industry's equivalent of the Grammy awards.
    Up to 30 Jackson fans shouted abuse at Cocker as he answered bail at a West London police station to be told of the police move.
    One 16-year-old girl, believed to be a Jackson fan, was arrested during scuffles as Cocker arrived at the station, for using threatening behaviour and obscene and insulting words.
    Police had investigated after complaints that Cocker had assaulted three children who were knocked aside as the singer ran on to the stage at London's Earl's Court where the awards ceremony was being staged.
    But police who viewed video tape of the incident heard accounts of how a minder may have brushed aside the children as he ran to stand between Jackson and Cocker.
    After the announcement Cocker said he had no personal vendetta against Michael Jackson, but that he thought his performance at the awards was in bad taste because the star appeared to be impersonating the Messiah.
    He said of Jackson: "I think it would be good for him to get a bit of reality into his life." Asked if he would repeat a performance such as that at the Brit Awards, he said: "Probably not, given what has happened." Cocker said he would be considering possible civil action over the accusations which followed the incident.
    Cocker thanked everybody who had supported him following his arrest, but said he had been aware that some eggs had been thrown as he arrived at police station.
    Questioned whether the episode had inspired him musically in any way he said he could not see himself doing a duet with Michael Jackson as a result.
    In a message to Jackson he said: "I wish him well, I hope he sorts his problems out." He added smiling: "I would like him to give me some dancing lessons."
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