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.