Jackson trial delayed by singer's bout of flu

The child abuse trial of Michael Jackson was delayed until next week after the singer was rushed to hospital with flu.

The latest twist in the high-profile case forced the judge to postpone jury selection until next Tuesday, February 22.

Jackson, who stands accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy, was picked up as normal from his Neverland ranch at 8.05am (4.05pm Irish Time) yesterday, a 30-minute drive from the courtroom in Santa Maria, California.

But his entourage diverted to the Marian Medical Centre one mile from the court and Jackson was taken into the emergency unit.

He was later admitted to hospital and diagnosed with a bad case of the flu.

Dr Chuck Merrill said Jackson had been evaluated and was suffering from a “flu-like illness” and vomiting.

He said the singer was undergoing tests and being treated with intravenous fluids.

“He is in a stable condition and we expect a full recovery,” he said. “His release from the hospital will be when he is well enough to go home.”

Earlier, as potential jurors filed into the courtroom Jackson’s seat remained empty. Nearly 20 minutes after the singer was scheduled to arrive, Judge Rodney Melville announced that Jackson had been taken to a hospital.

Defence attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr told the judge that Jackson was feeling ill Monday and that the symptoms continued yesterday morning en route to the courthouse.