Two of the 12 jurors in the Michael Jackson child-molestation trial have stepped up and stated they felt pressured into the “not guilty” verdict.

The jurors–Ray Hultman and Eleanor Cook– told an MSNBC reporter that they voted to clear Jackson on 14 counts after jury foreman Paul Rodriguez threatened to remove them from the jury if they did not agree to acquit.

“He [Rodriguez] 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.

Jackson was cleared of all charges in the case ? including molestation and giving alcohol to a minor ? on June 13 and has not been seen in public since the verdict.

Both now say they believed Jackson was guilty and that they went along with the other jurors when it became clear that they would not convict the singer.

“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.”

Santa Barbara County District Attorney, Tom Sneddon, refused to comment on the juror?s claims when reached by Cosby.

“It’s over with,” Sneddon said. “It isn’t going to make any difference what I say or what I feel.”

Susan Drake, 51, another juror, said that Cook and Hultman “were clear in expressing their feeling he might be guilty but totally clear that the evidence wasn’t there and reasonable doubt prevailed.”

Drake described the debate with Rodriguez as “thoughtful and courteous,” not intimidating.

Cook and Hultman also resent the accusation that they are just trying to ?cash in? on their trial experience. Cook explained, “I’m speaking out now because I believe it’s never too late to tell the truth.”

Hultman and Cook are both writing books about the trial. Cook’s book is to be titled “Guilty as Sin, Free as a Bird,” and Hultman?s book is to be titled “The Deliberator.”






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