After Late Arrival, Jackson Pleads Not Guilty to Charges

In a barely audible voice, Michael Jackson pleaded not guilty to child molestation charges Friday, after the judge sternly scolded him for arriving late for the arraignment.

“Mr. Jackson, you have started out on the wrong foot with me. I will not tolerate that,” Superior Court Judge Rodney S. Melville said. “From now on, I want you to be on time. It is an insult to the court. Consider this a polite warning.”

The arraignment, which began more than 20 minutes late, was Jackson’s first appearance in court since his Nov. 20 arrest, and the first time that all sides in the case had gathered in the same room. While a circus-like atmosphere prevailed outside the small courthouse, Melville imposed order inside by keeping both prosecution and defense attorneys in line. He also upheld strict limitations on how an international news corps would be allowed to cover the case. Among those restrictions was an order that banned television and newspaper cameras from the courtroom Friday.

Jackson strode into the 120-seat courtroom in a dark suit and sunglasses and paused to greet his parents in the second row as a contingent of supporters applauded. His brothers Jermaine, Randy and Tito and his sister Janet also attended the hearing, which lasted almost two hours. After entering his plea, Jackson spent much of the hearing gazing at the ceiling as Melville, defense lawyer Mark Geragos and Santa Barbara County Dist. Atty. Tom Sneddon argued several 1st Amendment issues.

Jackson, 45, was arrested Nov. 20 on seven felony counts of lewd and lascivious behavior with a minor and two felony counts of using an intoxicant to seduce a minor. He faces a potential prison sentence of more than 20 years if convicted on all counts. The alleged victim, then a 12-year-old cancer patient, appeared in a Feb. 6 television broadcast holding Jackson’s hand. The alleged molestation occurred between Feb. 7 and March 10, after Jackson said on that program that he allowed young boys to sleep in his room but that the sleepovers were innocent fun and not sexual.

Melville, 62, a soft-spoken judge with a reputation for insisting on courtroom decorum, first asked Jackson whether he understood the charges, then asked for his plea.

In a hushed voice, Jackson answered: “Not guilty.”

The judge then moved to issues involving media coverage. First, he ruled that search and arrest warrants sealed since Nov. 17 would remain unavailable to the news media. Lawyers for the media asked for redacted versions, but the judge said too much editing would be required.

The next issue was whether lawyers would be permitted to talk to the media about the case. Prosecutor Sneddon had asked for a gag order.

Attorney Theodore J. Boutrous Jr., who represented the media, called the request “prior restraint” and said it would hinder full and accurate coverage.

Defense lawyer Geragos said he opposed any order that did not include a “safe harbor” provision, which would allow the defense to respond to “every crazy rumor that comes along.” Given his client’s fame, Geragos said, rumor control was crucial.

“I’ve had rumors he got married two weeks ago, was going to Brazil and that the Nation of Islam has moved into my office,” Geragos said. “None of this is true. If I can’t respond, it becomes part of an urban legend.”

Melville said he had decided to issue a strict gag order, but would consider amending it because of Geragos’ safe-harbor argument.

Before the arraignment ended, Jackson abruptly left the courtroom, followed by more than a dozen reporters and spectators. He soon returned.

The judge, commenting on the disruption, suggested Jackson drink less water next time.

The lawyers will return to court Feb. 13 to discuss setting a date for the preliminary hearing.

Times staff writer Monte Morin contributed to this report.