Jackson's trial underway

Music

13:30 28 February 2005

Michael Jackson's child molestation trial is finally underway today (28.02.05) - a year after he was arrested.

Following weeks of delays and false starts, the world's media and hundreds of fans have gathered outside the Santa Maria court in California, for what has been branded the biggest showbiz trial in history.

Prosecution and defence lawyers will begin proceedings this morning by outlining their evidence.

The eccentric star denies the 10 charges against him, including molesting a 13-year-old boy and plying him with alcohol at his Neverland Ranch home.

Jackson is expected to be supported throughout his trial - which is set to last up to five months - by a number of celebrity friends who say they will back him in court.

The long list of stars include Eddie Murphy, Macaulay Culkin, Elizabeth Taylor, Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross.

Meanwhile, showman Jackson has a hair and make-up artist for his court appearances and is reportedly spending hundreds of dollars a week on a celebrity dresser.

The assistant allegedly lays out clothes every day for the star from a £50,000 wardrobe.

For his first day in court for jury selection, the troubled singer was dressed completely in white to symbolise "innocence".

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