Michael Jackson's doctor pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of the pop star at a brief hearing that had all the trappings of another sensational celebrity courtroom drama.

MICHAEL JACKSON’S mother Katherine is taking care of the singer’s three children and the family went to court yesterday to protect her rights to custody, the family’s spokesman said.

Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop” who reigned over the music world like no other, died yesterday as he prepared for a comeback bid to vanquish nightmare years of sexual scandal and financial calamity. He was 50.