Pop superstar Michael Jackson surrendered to authorities in Santa Barbara, California to face charges of child molestation today (November 20, 2003).
The singer, who was escorted into the sheriff’s department handcuffed with attorney Mark Geragos, posted $3 million in bail and was later released.
Michael, who had been in Las Vegas, headed back to the airport to return to the state. He stayed at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson, while his publicists addressed the allegations against their client.
“These scurrilous and totally unfounded allegations will be proven false in a courtroom,” Jackson’s publicist Stuart Backerman said.
Michael was eventually hit with nine counts — seven of child molestation and two of administering an intoxicating agent for the purpose of a committing a felony.
On June 13, 2005, Michael Jackson was acquitted of all charges.
After the trial, Michael Jackson left the United States and took up residence in Bahrain.
Ironically, on November 20th, 1984, thousands of people lined the streets of Hollywood, to celebrate Michael Jackson receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of Mann’s Chinese Theater.
Michael receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 20, 1984:
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