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Winners and losers from Jackson trial

Mesereau, Culkin, Sony among those to benefit from outcome

Image: Jackson
Michael Jackson can try to resume his music career now that he has been acquitted.
Win Mcnamee / Getty Images
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  Lindsay Lohan’s Nu Pop Movement
Nov. 13: Lindsay Lohan and Jermaine Dupri hit the red carpet at the Nu Pop Movement launch party in West Hollywood where they spoke about their involvement in the new watch collection.

Access Hollywood
updated 8:24 p.m. ET June 13, 2005

The Michael Jackson trial has left its mark on everyone involved. A subjective look at the possible effect of the verdict:

WINNERS
Michael Jackson – The King of Pop avoids prison time, has a chance to resume his career.

Thomas Mesereau and defense team – A grand slam for the defense. Mesereau has a victory for the ages.

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Randy Jackson – Seized control of the family’s dealings during the trial

Santa Maria merchants – A windfall of profits from the hoardes of media and onlookers during the three-month trial.

Sony Music – Will they get a sales bump on Jackson’s back recording catalog?

Macaulay Culkin and other defense witnesses – They stood by a friend in his time of greatest need.

The Trial Jurors – Book deals, chartered flights and much wooing from media bookers.

Debbie Rowe — Did not sell out her ex-husband, despite anticipation that she would prove a damaging witness.

LOSERS
Michael Jackson – His sometimes bizarre life was revealed as never before. Even with his not guilty verdicts, he has a long road to travel to rebuild his career.

Raymone Bain – The former publicist for Michael Jackson was dismissed via a terse statement on Jackson’s web site on the eve of the verdict.

Thomas Sneddon – The Santa Barbara prosecutor has a spectacular crash and burn. Many millions of dollars were spent – zero results.

The accuser and his family – Called grifters, crazy and worse, they now must rebuild lives that have been forever altered and deal with the fact that no one believed them.

Jay Leno – Don’t plan on seeing a one-on-one with Jackson or his friends anytime soon.

Brian Oxman, Mark Geragos – They weren’t around for one of the biggest celebrity trials ever.

Sony Music – The publishing arm was undoubtedly hoping to pick up Jackson’s share of their music publishing partnership at fire-sale prices.

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