Jackson denies child sex charges amid court circus

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2004

SANTA MARIA, United States (AFP) — Pop superstar Michael Jackson pleaded not guilty to child sex charges that could send him to jail but the courtroom drama became a circus as he was warned for turning up late and was besieged by fans.

The 45-year-old singer left the court to climb up onto the roof of his car to blow kisses and wave to more than 1,000 admirers and media waiting outside the Santa Maria court in California. He invited fans to go to a party at his Neverland ranch.

Jackson arrived late and chaotic scenes outside the building further delayed him getting into the court. The hearing was 20 minutes late getting under way and Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville started with a rebuke.

"Mr. Jackson, you have started out on the wrong foot with me. I...