‘I hate to say it, but he’s doomed ... the magic is forgotten’

MICHAEL Jackson’s acquittal on child molestation charges drew jubilation from his fans from around the globe on Tuesday, outrage from some parents and observations that the ordeal has tarnished the pop star’s aura forever.

Morning television shows in Australia broke into live coverage of the verdict in Santa Maria, while in the Middle East, news channels al-Jazeera and al-Arabiya interrupted coverage as Mr Jackson arrived at the courthouse. “The minutes before the verdict were the most nervous moments of my life. Now, these are the happiest,” said Kent Vilhemsson, 21, watching from Skovde, Sweden.

In Australia, Jason Jackson, 31, a Michael Jackson impersonator since age 11, greeted the verdict with relief: “I supported Michael from the start and I will continue supporting Michael,” he said.