Two Jackson Jurors Express Regrets

Say They Believe Pop Star Was Guilty; Both Jurors Have Book Deals

(AP)  Michael Jackson's defense attorney ridiculed two jurors who say they regret voting to acquit the singer of child molestation charges, saying it was "time to move on" from the case.

"The bottom line is it makes no difference what they're saying," Tom Mesereau told The Associated Press, pointing out the jurors announced their turnaround Monday as they began publicizing book deals.

"Twelve people deliberated and out of that process justice is supposed to result. Now, two months later, these jurors are changing their tunes. They clearly like being on TV," Mesereau said. "I'm very suspicious."

Eleanor Cook and Ray Hultman revealed in a televised interview that they believed the singer's young accuser was sexually assaulted.

"No doubt in my mind whatsoever, that boy was molested, and I also think he enjoyed to some degree being Michael Jackson's toy," Cook said on MSNBC's "Rita Cosby: Live and Direct."

Their comments will have no bearing on the verdict, which prosecutors cannot appeal.

Cook and Hultman said they agreed to go along with the other jurors when it became apparent that they would never convict the pop star. The two denied being motivated by money and tried to explain why they were coming forward now.

"There were a lot of people that were interested in this case from day one. People expect to know what's going on with their justice system and how things work," Hultman said.

Added Cook: "I'm speaking out now because I believe it's never too late to tell the truth."

Cook and Hultman also alleged that jury foreman Paul Rodriguez threatened to have them kicked off the jury.

"He said if I could not change my mind or go with the group, or be more understanding, that he would have to notify the bailiff, the bailiff would notify the judge, and the judge would have me removed," Cook said in a transcript provided by MSNBC.

Hultman said he also felt threatened and didn't want to get kicked off the trial.

A call to Rodriguez was not returned. A jury foreman cannot remove other jurors just for disagreeing.