Pattern of abuse alleged in Jackson child molestation trial
Michael Jackson was greeted at court by cheering fans today as prosecutors prepared to introduce evidence of alleged past improper behaviour with young boys.
Jackson, accompanied by his parents, waved to acknowledge the chants of fans as he entered the court in Santa Maria, California, for the resumption of his trial on charges of molesting a boy in February or March 2003.
The first witness was Jackson’s former house manager, Jesus Salas, who was called to testify about who visited the singer’s Neverland ranch in that time period.
In addition to the alleged victim and his family, Salas, said he saw two people named as two of Jackson’s unindicted co-conspirators, Dieter Wiesner and Ronald Konitzer.
Testimony moved slowly due to numerous objections by the defence, some of which were sustained.
About 120 supporters gathered in front of the courthouse for a candlelight vigil. The group wore white to symbolise innocence and gold armbands similar to ones Jackson wears.
Supporters were told to remove their armbands before entering court because observers are not allowed to show support for either side, media pool coordinator Peter Shaplen said.
Fans also unfurled flags from about 20 countries and raised them for passing motorists. The flags, which included Canada, Switzerland and Germany, were meant to symbolise support from around the world. One banner showed Jackson with children of different nationalities on a backdrop of flags.
Jackson fan Dieter Gijsemans, 23, moved from Antwerp, Belgium, to Santa Maria for the duration of the trial.
“In the morning I support Michael, at court and in the afternoon I’m looking for a job,” he said. “It’s important to support everyday … the case is falling apart. It’s becoming a circus right now.”
“Michael’s in a fight for his life,” added Vernay Lewis, a teaching assistant from Wilmington, Delaware. “We’ve got to be here.”
Prosecutors have said they will begin introducing evidence today supposed to show a pattern of improper sexual behaviour by the singer.
They say Jackson’s behaviour with boys in the past adds credibility to the accusations of a 15-year-old cancer survivor who says the singer molested him two years ago.
On Sunday, a rally attended by about 200 Jackson fans included a call from the singer himself in which he told fans over a speakerphone: “God and the truth are on our side. We will be victorious.”
Jackson spoke to fans from his Neverland ranch, telling them that if he could, he would have been with them at Santa Maria’s Radisson Hotel, where they took over a ballroom for the gathering.
“You understand I can’t be there today,” he said. “I wish I could. … I know you’ve travelled from around the world and I’m glad you came.”
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