Michael Jackson Arraignment Creates Excitement
Saturday, January 17, 2004
Extraordinary day for King of Pop

The events leading up to Michael Jackson's arrival in court, and the astonishing departure of the King of Pop afterwards were nothing short of extraordinary.

Over 600 members of the worldwide media and thousands of fans attended. According to Sky News, a Hot Dog vender was there for all those in attendance.

The Prosecution were the first to arrive, well before the scheduled hearing time. Everyone who entered the courthouse lobby had to pass through metal detectors and were frisked by local Police officers.

Michael had many friends and family in attendance, one of the first to appear was his Father, Joseph. Later on, his wife Katherine joined him, as she entered the courthouse with her son Jermaine Jackson holding one hand and Michael's attorney Mark Geragos holding her other. Co-council lawyer Benjamin Brafman and Michael's brother Tito were not far behind.

Mark Geragos then went outside to meet his client when Michael arrived to a thunderous reception. His car took a while to simply get through the crowds, before he eventually stepped outside of his vehicle. With media surrounding him Michael stopped off to greet his fans that had travelled from all over the world to see him. Unfortunately Michael entered the courthouse over 20 minutes late.

Michael was then frisked by Police officers before entering the courtroom, with his sister Janet following him. Comedian Eddie Griffin and Michael's brother Jackie were also apparently in attendance.

After two hours, the hearing (that was only meant to last about 15 minutes) was over. Michael left the courthouse with his Mother in one hand and sister Janet on the other.

Onlookers could not believe their eyes as Michael then decided to lift himself upon the top of his black SUV to look over his adoring fans. He was seen to be almost restraining himself from dancing as his song D.S. played loudly from nearby speakers. Of course, D.S. is the song written about Santa Barbara District Attorney, Tom Sneddon.

Benjamin Brafman then made a few statements to the media. "We regret he was late. It will not happen again", in regards to Michael's tardiness. When asked about Michael's display on top of his car, Brafman said it was "spontaneous ...I think the outpouring of love for Michael Jackson is sort of extraordinary."

From MJNI

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