Jacko faces court as jury selection starts

Linda Deutsch, Santa Maria

Jackson, dressed all in white and shielded by an umbrella, waved to supporters as he walked into the courthouse.

After more than an hour's wait, Jackson and his attorney stood and faced the first group of prospective jurors filing into the courtroom.

Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville told the prospective panellists they might have to serve for about six months, but that it was an important duty.

"Most of us have relatives who have fought and died to protect this service," he said. "Freedom is not free. Jury duty is part of the cost of freedom."

About 300 prospective jurors were to be screened for hardship and fill out questionnaires yesterday. Another 300 were to be processed today, followed by 150 tomorrow. From that pool, the judge hopes to find 12 jurors and eight alternates, but the process could take a month or more.

Outside the courthouse earlier, Jackson spokeswoman Raymone K Bain said the pop star's "spirits are great", and shot down rumours that he had been suicidal.

"He has the support of his family, his children, his friends," she said.

"You're going to see a Michael Jackson who is going to be here today who is very serious very businesslike and very serious."

Jackson, 46, is charged with molesting a cancer patient then 13, now 15 and plying him with alcohol.

On Sunday, Jackson issued a court-approved video statement on his website, predicting he would be acquitted.

"Please keep an open mind and let me have my day in court," Jackson said, looking directly into the camera.

"I deserve a fair trial like every other American citizen. I will be acquitted and vindicated when the truth is told."

His parents also spoke out in his defence yesterday before the trial got under way, saying the pop star's young accuser was simply after his money.