Michael Jackson's infamous criminal trial is back in the spotlight thanks to a new Netflix documentary ... and it's apparently stirred up some strong feelings among die-hard MJ fans, who are allegedly threatening one of the trial's central figures.
Ron Zonen, the lead prosecutor in Michael's 2005 trial, joined "TMZ Live" Tuesday and told us he's received a handful of threats since appearing in the new Netflix doc, "Michael Jackson: The Verdict."
Ron says the threats are coming in over email ... and it's bringing him back to 2005, when he says he faced similar backlash.
Alan Jackson's down to jump back on the case as Nick Reiner's lawyer ... but there's a financial holdup ... and he tells us that's why Nick's petitioning for access to his trust fund money.
The famed defense lawyer joined us on "TMZ Live" Tuesday after Nick asked the court to give him the money he says he's owed from the trust fund Rob and Michele Reiner set up for him and his siblings.
Alan said it's "wildly unfair" that the money is being held back from Nick, because it's the trustee's duty to make sure Nick gets his payout. He noted ... "That is Nick's money."
Lena the Plug is still trying to track down the man she claims fraudulently filed divorce paperwork in her name ... and it sounds like a solo mission, 'cause she says the cops haven't exactly been rushing to crack the case.
The influencer joined us on "TMZ Live" Friday and told us her theory behind the bogus Adam22 divorce filing. We shared our own theory too, but Lena's is far less sinister.
Now for the facts ... Lena says police came, took a report, and gathered evidence ... but she still walked away feeling like they weren't taking the situation all that seriously.
Jesse and Ashley Ridgway say the backlash they've faced since announcing they terminated a pregnancy because their unborn child had Down syndrome has been so intense, they started sleeping next to a firearm.
The influencer couple joined us on "TMZ Live" Friday, with Jesse revealing he keeps a loaded gun on his bedside table and installed a security gate at their home.
The couple's defense measures come as they're being flooded with hateful messages, death threats, and harassment ... following their abortion announcement.
A Pennsylvania mayor isn't buying the fairy-tale ending for a former police officer who traded his badge for a spot on "Love Island USA" ... arguing the move left taxpayers holding the bag.
Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds joined us on "TMZ Live" Monday and weighed in on ex-officer Sean Reifel's career pivot ... he says police departments across the country are already struggling to recruit and retain officers, even without the lure of a gig in reality TV.
Check out the interview ... Reynolds compares the situation to leaving litter behind for someone else to clean up, arguing cities pay a price when they invest in recruits who leave less than a year later.
Vanilla IcesaysPresidentDonald Trump isn't the only politician who can book him ... he'd perform for Joe Biden, Vladimir Putinor pretty much anybody else willing to dance ... and he's not apologizing for it!!!
The "Ice Ice Baby" rapper joined us on "TMZ Live" Friday and told us he isn't sweating the controversy surrounding the upcoming Freedom 250 event in D.C. ... 'cause he's not big on politics and isn't bowing out like many of his peers.
Ice argues music should bring people together -- not divide them -- and he doesn't care who's signing the check or hosting the party. In fact, he tells Harvey he'd happily show up if Biden called asking him to perform at a family wedding.
Dominic Russo's sister Christine is ripping her brother's murderer, Mackenzie Shirilla ... and she's taking issue with the fame, notoriety, and money flowing Mackenzie's way on the heels of a popular Netflix documentary.
Christine joined us on "TMZ Live" Thursday, and we asked her about "The Crash" ... a Netflix production about Mackenzie's double murder case following the fatal car crash that killed Dominic and his friend, Davion Flanagan.
Dominic's sister says she's "furious" her brother's "cold-blooded evil killer" is getting a bunch of attention and, in some instances, support ... Christine says Mackenzie is a narcissist, and this is exactly what she craves.
