A steady stream of well-wishers made their way to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch yesterday as the embattled King of Pop hosted a holiday party that was overshadowed by charges he sexually molested a young boy.
Television networks showed a procession of cars, including sleek stretch limousines, entering the ranch, located in the foothills above California's Santa Barbara beach community.
The party, announced by Jackson representatives on Friday, marks the first time the singer has returned to his ranch since being arrested last month. Jackson, who has been released on $3 million bail, was charged on Thursday with molesting an unidentified young boy.
Spokesmen for Jackson, who told the media on Friday that 300 people were expected to attend what was characterized as a holiday party to thank his supporters, were not returning media phone calls on Saturday.
"It's more or less just to support Michael and a homecoming," his spokesman, Mr Stuart Backerman, said. Mr Backerman said friends of Jackson were throwing the party and that most of his large family would be there.
The 45-year-old entertainer has largely been in seclusion since police raided the ranch in November looking for evidence. After the party he is expected to travel to Britain for a vacation, though he will have to be back in Santa Barbara by January 16th for his arraignment.
Jackson is charged with seven "lewd acts" on a boy under the age of 14. Court papers said those acts involved "substantial sexual conduct."
If found guilty, Jackson could go to prison for more than 20 years and would be required to register as a sex offender under California laws.
The charges, which come about a decade after the entertainer faced similar accusations, has prompted a slew of celebrities to voice support for Jackson, though none were seen arriving for the party.