As renewed interest in Michael Jackson continues to surge thanks to the blockbuster success of Michael and the recent release of Michael Jackson: The Verdict, comedian George Lopez is sharing a personal story that unexpectedly pulled him into one of the most controversial chapters of the singer's life.
Appearing on Big Boy's Neighborhood, Lopez recalled being subpoenaed during Jackson's 2005 criminal trial because of an encounter he had years earlier with the family of Michael Jackson accuser Gavin Arvizo. According to Lopez, the incident began after a child attending his comedy camp left a wallet at his home.
"I open it up, and there's a $50 bill in there," Lopez remembered. "Why would a kid have a $50 bill in there?"
Lopez said he returned the wallet, assuming the matter was closed. Instead, he claims the boy's father later accused him of stealing money.
"The dad said that I took the money from the wallet, that there was $300 in there and that I was a thief," Lopez said.
The comedian said he was stunned by the accusation and responded with sarcasm.
"I said, 'Hey, if it's imaginary, he took 5,000 from me. If he can say it, I'll say that,'" Lopez recalled.
Years later, Lopez said the incident resurfaced in a courtroom as Jackson fought for his freedom. According to Lopez, defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. referenced the dispute while challenging the credibility of the family involved.
"Mesereau used that in his opening statement about how the family just wanted money," Lopez said.
The comments arrive at a moment when Jackson's legal history is once again being dissected in popular culture. The recent Netflix docuseries Michael Jackson: The Verdict revisits the singer's 2005 trial, while Antoine Fuqua's hit biopic Michael became one of the biggest films of 2026, earning nearly $850 million worldwide and reigniting public discussion about Jackson's life, career, and legacy.
That renewed attention has also brought fresh scrutiny to the allegations that first emerged in 1993 when Jordan Chandler accused Jackson of sexual abuse. The accusations triggered a massive criminal investigation and ultimately led to a civil settlement reportedly worth approximately $23 million.
No criminal charges were filed in that case, and the settlement contained no admission of guilt. However, years later, legal restrictions tied to that settlement reportedly forced portions of the Michael biopic to be rewritten and removed during production.
Lopez's recollections focus less on the legal outcome and more on the human side of what he witnessed firsthand. He testified during Jackson's 2005 trial and said the experience affected him deeply.
"It affected me so much because I never knew anybody like that personally, but also you have a relationship with his family and the music and seeing them since he was a boy," Lopez said.
One moment in particular stayed with him. After leaving the witness stand, Lopez recalled seeing Jackson waiting by an elevator.
"Michael Jackson was at the elevator, and he held it open, and he goes, 'George, come on,'" Lopez said.
For Lopez, seeing the global superstar in that setting was difficult.
"I just couldn't," he said.
