Michael Jackson fans rally in his defense outside court

Received by Newsfinder from APApr 4, 2005 11:37 Eastern Time * Editors Note UPDATES with Jackson arrival and more fan reaction outside ofcourt. Pickup 4th graf pvs:Jackson fan …; Will be led withtestimony. * Photo Advisory CALJ102-103, CASMT103 By TIM MOLLOYAssociated Press WriterSANTA MARIA, Calif. (AP) _ Michael Jackson was greeted at court by supportive fans Monday as prosecutors prepared to introduce evidence of alleged past improper behavior with young boys. Jackson, accompanied by his parents, waved to acknowledge the chants of fans as he entered court for the resumption of his trial on charges of molesting a boy in 2003. About 120 supporters gathered in front of the courthouse for a candlelight vigil. The group wore white to symbolize innocence and gold armbands similar to ones Jackson wears. Supporters were told to remove their armbands before entering court because Santa Barbara County doesn’t allow observers to show support for either side, media pool coordinator Peter Shaplen said. Fans also unfurled flags from about 20 countries and raised them for passing motorists. The flags, which included Canada, Switzerland and Germany, were meant to symbolize support from around the world. One banner showed Jackson with children of different nationalities on a backdrop of flags. Jackson fan Dieter Gijsemans, 23, planned to move from Antwerp, Belgium, to Santa Maria for the duration of the trial. “In the morning I support Michael, at court and in the afternoon I’m looking for a job,” he said. “It’s important to support everyday … the case is falling apart. It’s becoming a circus right now.” “Michael’s in a fight for his life,” added Vernay Lewis, a teaching assistant from Wilmington, Del. “We’ve got to be here.” Prosecutors have said they will begin introducing evidence Monday supposed to show a pattern of improper sexual behavior by the singer. They say Jackson’s behavior with boys in the past adds credibility to the accusations of a 15-year-old cancer survivor who says the singer molested him two years ago. On Sunday, a rally attended by about 200 Jackson fans included a call from the singer himself in which he told fans over a speakerphone, “God and the truth are on our side. We will be victorious.” Jackson spoke to fans from his Neverland ranch, telling them that if he could, he would have been with them at Santa Maria’s Radisson Hotel, where they took over a ballroom for Sunday’s gathering. “You understand I can’t be there today,” he said. “I wish I could. … I know you’ve traveled from around the world and I’m glad you came.” His first words to the crowd were, “I love you!” which drew a cacophony of screams back: “We love you!” Jackson, whose comments were limited because he is under a court gag order, told the group, “I truly believe I have the most wonderful fans in the world.” “I’m looking forward to being with you very soon. Keep on dancing. I love you all very much.” When he got off the phone, fans cheered loudly and the program turned to music. The first song played was Jackson’s “D.S.,” a bitter denunciation of his prosecutor. Two young boys led the group in prayer to kick off the event, during which Jackson memorabilia was sold and a raffle was held for a white fedora hat signed by the entertainer. Chants of “Michael! Innocent!” went up periodically. Admission cost $20. Fan club president Deborah Dannelly of Corpus Christi, Texas, who arranged Jackson’s call, said people from 27 different countries traveled to Santa Maria for the gathering. On Saturday, a few of the fans beat an Incredible Hulk pinata with the face of prosecutor Tom Sneddon. “It was meant in fun. We don’t mean any harm to Mr. Sneddon,” Dannelly said.