Michael Jackson faced prospective jurors in his child-molestation trial today after being greeted by a crowd of fans shouting encouragement.
Jackson, shielded by an umbrella, waved to supporters as he walked into the courthouse.
Fans wait in the morning cold to support Michael Jackson before the start of his child molestation trial at the Santa Barbara County courthouse.
Supporters blasted a Jackson song deriding the district attorney and booed a woman who held a sign backing the alleged victim. Many had camped out in Santa Maria overnight.
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 today. Another 300 were to be processed tomorrow, followed by 150 more on Wednesday. From that pool, the judge hopes to find 12 jurors and eight alternates, but the process could take a month or more.
When Judge Melville asked the first group how many would not seek to be removed from the case, at least half raised their hands. He then began questioning prospects who were seeking deferrals of jury service.
The challenge facing the court is not to find jurors ignorant of the case but to find those who say they can put aside everything they have heard and look at the evidence as if they had heard nothing.
"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."
Jackson has called recent leaks to the media about his child molestation case "malicious . . . disgusting and false," and said he expects to be found innocent of the charges.
Hours before jury selection was to begin, Jackson's parents spoke out in his defence, saying the pop star's young accuser was simply after his money. "I know my son, and this is ridiculous," his mother, Katherine Jackson, said, adding that people who believe her son is guilty "don't know him."
Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, said his son was beloved around the world but had trouble in the United States because of racism. He said the accuser's motives were clear: "It's about money."
Judge Melville has imposed strict secrecy on the case and any statements made by either party must be approved in advance by the judge.
Jackson (46), is charged with molesting a cancer patient - then age 13, now 15 - and plying him with alcohol. Jackson issued a court-approved video statement on his website yesterday, predicting he would be acquitted. Jackson (46), who was dressed all in white, faces ten counts of child molestation and conspiracy. He could face over 20 years in prison if convicted.