Michael Jackson today hobbled into court late again, this time accompanied by a doctor, delaying his child molestation trial for almost an hour as his lawyers consulted with the judge on the condition of their world-famous client.
Jackson, wearing a charcoal suit and striped waistjacket, walked slowly into the room minutes after the case had been scheduled to start, supported by aides who took his arms as he made his way to the defense table.
It was the second time this month that Jackson, 46, has arrived late for the start of his trial in the central California town of Santa Maria.
The earlier episode, which played out on live television, ended when the pop star walked painfully to court wearing pajama bottoms just minutes after a deadline set by the judge who had threatened to have Jackson arrested for failing to appear.
It was not immediately clear if Jackson, who has complained of a back problem, would face any sanctions for his late arrival.
Jackson is charged with sexually abusing a now 15-year-old boy who had been staying with his family at the singer's nearby Neverland Valley Ranch in early 2003.
He is also charged with plying the boy with alcohol in order to abuse him and conspiring to commit child abduction, extortion and false imprisonment and faces over 20 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
Defence lawyer Tom Mesereau consulted in chambers with Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville. They were joined by a doctor wearing scrubs, who had come with Jackson from the nearby Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.
Jackson visited the emergency room of that hospital on March 10th, when his aides said that he tripped while getting dressed, injuring his back before his earlier late appearance for court.
The nearly 45-minute delay in the proceedings was not explained to jurors in open court. As Jackson waited for his lawyers to emerge from the judge's chambers, he left court dabbing at his nose with a tissue.