musicNEWS:
Jackson Turns Santa Maria Court Into Circus
01-18-04
Keavin
.
The circus came to town for residents of Santa
Maria, California, thanks to Michael Jackson. It wasnt the circus
of clowns and trapeze artists, but one of media and screaming fans clamoring
for a glimpse of their idol as he headed into court to be arraigned on
child molestation charges.
On Friday, thousands of fans crammed the
sidewalks and parking lots outside the Santa Barbara County courthouse
in hopes of seeing Jackson arrive for his arraignment.
Jackson didnt disappoint them. But he
managed to anger Judge Rodney Melville, who accepted Jacksons plea of
not guilty. However, Jackson must not have felt it was important enough
to get to court on time. He was twenty minutes late.
The judge gave Jackson a stern warning
about showing up late to court. Judge Melville also slapped a gag order
on the attorneys handling the case and set a preliminary hearing date of
Feb 13th to determine if there is enough evidence against the pop star
to proceed with a trial.
The circus turned to high gear when Jackson
exited the court house. He worked the crowd of thousands, jumped on top
of his SUV and performed a little dance for the adorning crowd.
So much for the injuries he claimed to
have received from police when he was booked.
While fans cheered him on and vendors hawked
food and Free Michael t-shirts, Jackson had his staffers distribute invitations
to Neverland Ranch for an after party.
"In the spirit of love and togetherness,
Michael Jackson would like to invite his fans and supporters to his Neverland
Ranch," read the invitations. "Refreshments will be served. We'll see you
there."
Only Jacko would think of holding an arraignment
after party. And hundreds showed up to the Neverland Ranch.
Fans that showed up were offered an assortment
of refreshments but their hopes of mingling with the self-proclaimed King
of Pop where not answered as Jackson stayed secluded inside the residence.
Wonder what he will do to top himself for
the next court appearance? But this case has already proven to be one of
the strangest legal sagas in history. But that is to be expected, this
is Michael Jackson after all.
Related stories:
Sheriff
Refutes Michael Jackson Police Brutality Claim, Calls for State Probe
Michael
Jackson Says Its Ok To Sleep With Children
Jackson
Charged with 9 Counts of Child Molestation.
Michael
Jackson Staffer With Accuser During Interview
Prosecutors
Going Forward With Jackson Case, Leaked Memo Insignificant
Previous
Michael Jackson Probe Said Allegations 'Unfounded'
more
on Michael Jackson
Preview
and purchase music from Michael Jackson
tell
a friend about this article
know
of a news item we should cover?
antiMUSIC
News featured on RockNews.info, Google
News and ARTISTdirect
NewsWire
.
Rant
or Rave? Your turn, post you comments
and thoughts on this news item. But hey keep it clean, we wouldn't want
to have to wash your mouth out with Old Spice.
Fan
Speak:
...end |