US: Pop superstar Michael Jackson was charged yesterday with new counts of conspiracy to commit child abduction, extortion and false imprisonment, in addition to lewd acts.
Mr Jackson (45), appearing low-key and serious in contrast to his January court appearance, pleaded innocent to 10 counts handed down by a grand jury earlier this month that heard witness testimony behind closed doors.
Details of the testimony have been kept secret. Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville said yesterday he would not release details of the new charges or the grand jury transcripts in order to protect the identity of the alleged victim and ensure a fair trial for Mr Jackson.
No trial date was set yesterday for Mr Jackson, who was greeted by hundreds of fans as he arrived early at the courthouse in the central California town of Santa Maria, near his Neverland ranch.
"Michael, God and We Know You are 100 Per cent Innocent," read one sign. "Innocent until proved Innocent" read another banner held aloft as fans roared their approval.
Mr Jackson, wearing eyeglasses, read a brief statement outside the court thanking his fans for their support.
"I would like to thank the fans around the world for their love and support from every corner of the earth, my family who have been very supportive, my brother Randy. I want to thank the community of Santa Maria. I want you to know that I love the community of Santa Maria very much," he said. - (Reuters)