Independent, The (London): Jackson to hold lavish casino party to thank supporters

Michael Jackson's diehard fans are to be rewarded for their loyalty with an invitation-only party tonight at a casino resort not far from his Neverland ranch in the rolling hill country of central California.

Ever since the 46-year-old entertainer was acquitted on all charges in his child molestation trial on Monday, the few dozen fans who stuck by him during the 15 weeks of hearings with doves and expressions of love have been hoping their efforts would be rewarded with personal access to him.

Whether that is what they get remains to be seen. Mr Jackson is not throwing open the gates of Neverland, as many fans had hoped, and he is making no promises about a personal appearance at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, where the party will take place.

Santa Ynez is tucked into the San Rafael mountains. The casino, run by Chumash Indians, is a relatively new arrival but is popular with the Jackson family, many of whose members stayed there during the trial.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the party will feature a live musical performance. A spokeswoman for the casino said: 'We're just told the Jackson family is putting together an event for fans they have selected.'

The likelihood of Mr Jackson dancing or singing seems remote. In the closing stages of the trial and jury deliberations, he looked pale and popped in and out of hospital to seek treatment for back pain. After his acquittal, lawyers and members of his family said he had barely slept or eaten during the trial.

Whatever one makes of the reports of Mr Jackson's health, he might not want to crow too loudly. He still faces the threat of civil litigation from the family who accused him of child molestation, and is considering legal actions himself.

Mr Jackson last threw a fan party in 2003 to mark his 45th birthday, held at a theatre in Los Angeles where fans paid $30 each to watch dancers, singers and Jackson impersonators. He appeared in an opera box and waved to his fans, but did not mingle.

Mr Jackson's lawyers have back in court to request the return of items seized by the prosecution including his sizeable collection of pornography and computers taken from Neverland in raids after his arrest in 2003.

HOWARD JACOBSON, PAGE 36