Jackson Faces Off With Sneddon in Court
August 16, 2004
The Michael Jackson media frenzy was back in full swing
Monday, as the King of Pop brought a busload of support
to court. Sisters Janet, La Toya and Rebbie, brothers
Jermaine and Randy and both parents came along. And,
dressed in a white suit and an orange armband, Jackson
was all business as he made his way past hundreds of
screaming fans into the courthouse.
Michael was actually excited for his Monday morning court date: he was about to come face-to-face with his longtime nemesis, District Attorney Tom Sneddon, and today it was Sneddon who was set to testify, answering charges that he overstepped his bounds while investigating the superstar.
In court, Jackson sat motionless, staring down Tom Sneddon on the stand. Outside, Jackson family friend Naji Ali told us it's about time Sneddon was held accountable.
Monday marked the second day in a row the reclusive
singer came face to face with his fans. On Sunday, the
superstar paid a surprise visit to an inner-city church
in Los Angeles, and "Extra" went along for
the ride. Jackson attended service at the First AME
church and then took questions from the children attending
Sunday school. When the children asked if it would be
okay if they visited Neverland Ranch, the King of Pop
answered, "You're welcomed anytime."
Flanked by brother Randy, comedian Steve Harvey and
Jackson's lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, Jackson told "Good
Morning America" why he decided to visit the church.
"To worship and see the children," he said.
"I loved it."
And the crowd loved it too. At times, the scene felt more like a rock concert than a church service. Steve Harvey told us that Michael might owe him a visit on his TV show "Big Time." "We're going to do some special guests, you know," Harvey revealed. "Michael might be one of them. He might come and do something crazy. You know, Michael's a wild guy."
And for at least one day, Jackson was able to turn the tables on his accuser. For more on Michael Jackson and his day in court, don't miss Monday's edition of "Extra."
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