Michael Jackson 'back in the US'

After more than a year of self-imposed exile, pop icon Michael Jackson is back in the United States and is planning a trip soon to Japan, one of his “favourite places in the entire world,” Jackson and his spokeswoman said today.

Jackson, widely reported to be pursuing business deals in Las Vegas, has been living abroad since his acquittal on all counts ended a high-profile trial for allegations of child molestation in June 2005.

He has forsaken his Neverland Ranch in California for residences in Bahrain, France and a castle in Ireland.

In a conference call with the famed performer and spokeswoman Raymone Bain, Bain confirmed that Jackson was in the United States, while refusing to comment on exactly where, or if he intended to stay there.

“We don’t give out information regarding our client’s whereabouts because of safety, and this is just an ongoing policy.”

Jackson did, however, say where he was going next – Japan, for a business meeting and a “fan appreciation event” in early March.

Broderick Morris, the promoter working the Japan side of Jackson’s trip, said they had sold 220 of 300 tickets to a “platinum VIP party” on March 8 with Jackson, at 400,000 yen (€2,600) each.