Jay Leno is fighting in court against the gag order that prevents him from satirizing the freak show that is the Michael Jackson trial. Jackson’s lawyers argue that the gag order should include entertainers, but it’s completely ridiculous, and I wish Leno success — free speech in this case is entirely justified, and won’t affect the trial in any way.
Watching a news report on the trail last night — with Jackson arriving at court in his pyjamas — makes me understand (all too clearly!) how necessary it is to make twisted jokes about the Jacko circus.
Actually, I’m rather impressed by Leno’s tactics during this fight — he’s been using a novel way to get around the gag order. Each night, he brings a different guest on stage to deliver that evening’s round of Jackson jokes.
The Jackson trial, and it’s coverage, are a sick, twisted blot on the landscape of television. Hell, it even makes the news on CBC’s The National, which is beyond irritating. Mr. Leno, I hope you win big!
