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September 23, 2009
Travolta’s heartbreaking testimony
Posted: 02:59 PM ET
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John Travolta's son died of a seizure in January 2009 at the age of 16
John Travolta's son died of a seizure in January 2009 at the age of 16

Brittany Kaplan
CNN

John Travolta is being forced to reveal personal details about the day his son died—and admitting for the first time that Jett suffered from autism.

Tarino Lightbourne and former Bahamian Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater are accused of trying to extort $25 million from Travolta. It is alleged that the two conspired to extort money in return for not making documents pertaining to Jett’s treatment public.

John and his wife Kelly Preston walked into the Bahamian courtroom together before Travolta took the stand for the prosecution.

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9 Comments
More about: Autism
9 Comments
Annie Kate   September 23rd, 2009 6:22 pm ET

Its terrible that John and Kelly and the rest of their family have to go through this; the death of their son had to have been painful enough without this extortion and court case on top of it. How anyone can try to extort money from parents who have just lost their child is something I will never understand – so cruel and heartless but I guess some people will do anything when it comes to money. Hopefully John's testimony will be enough to put these two people behind bars for a very long time.

Yvonne Osborne   September 23rd, 2009 7:23 pm ET

I cannot understand how someone expects to be a member of the highest lawmaking body in the country – and be unable to read and understand 1000 pages in 3 days. This is their job! So what – we have a congress of slow learners?!?

Anonymous   September 23rd, 2009 7:45 pm ET

Let it be known that Scientology does not view autism as a real disease, hence Travolta and Preston both insisted that it was Kawasaki Syndrome. There have also been reports that Travolta has been considering leaving Scientology.

smartlinkusa   September 23rd, 2009 7:48 pm ET

I feel for John Travolta, Hang in there!

Marcelle in PA   September 23rd, 2009 7:55 pm ET

Why do the Travolta's have to go "public" with their child's personal life. It is none of our business.

Elle Bennett   September 23rd, 2009 8:02 pm ET

May God bless them in their sorrow.

Isabel Siaba, Brazil   September 23rd, 2009 8:07 pm ET

It is very sad that a person has your life and his feelings harder exposed this way.

I went through a suspicion of autism in relation to my son and I almost went crazy. There is a feeling of impotence at not being able to help a child who is sick or experience any difficulty.

It's horrible to know that people wanted to extort money from the actor.

Nicole   September 23rd, 2009 8:10 pm ET

While I don't understand why John Travolta and Kelly Preston opted to keep Jett's condition a secret, it's horrible that they finally had to admit it under such tragic circumstances. Why anyone would attempt to extort money from a family grieving over the death of a beloved child is simply beyond me. I also have a son with Autism – ironically named Jet as well – who is just a few months older than their son and I can't imagine the pain this family must be living with right now. My heart goes out to them and I hope justice for the family is finally served.

Linda Sakadales   September 23rd, 2009 8:55 pm ET

Unbelievable that both Mr and Mrs Travolta have had to go through this. It is such a heartbreaking and sad time in their lives. Personally I feel that his personal business is exactly that personal. God bless his entire family. His son was so loved and blessed to have wonderful parents that gave him the love and protection they did. I have been a big fan of John Travolta for many years, and only hope that through all his pain something good comes from all of this.

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