Two Jackson jurors say they regret acquittal

Two of the jurors who voted to acquit singer Michael Jackson of child molestation and other charges say they regret their decisions.

Jurors Ray Hultman and Eleanor Cook, who both have pending book deals, planned appearances Monday night on the new MSNBC show "Rita Cosby: Live and Direct."

In a preview shown earlier Monday, Cosby asked Cook if the other jurors will be angry with her.

"They can be as angry as they want to. They ought to be ashamed. They're the ones that let a pedophile go," responded Cook, 79.

Hultman, 62, told Cosby he was upset with the way other jurors approached the case: "The thing that really got me the most was the fact that people just wouldn't take those blinders off long enough to really look at all the evidence that was there," reports the AP.

According to CBS, 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.