Jackson’s Sudden Illness Halts Trial

Michael Jackson was treated at a local hospital Tuesday for flu-like symptoms, delaying jury selection in his child-molestation trial for one week.

Jackson, 46, took a detour to the emergency room at Marian Medical Center, about 1 1/2 miles from the courthouse, on his way to the morning session.

At a brief news conference, Dr. Chuck Merrill, an emergency room physician at the hospital, said the singer had been vomiting and was being treated with intravenous fluids. Merrill said Jackson would be released “when he’s stable and ready.”

Citing confidentiality concerns, hospital officials gave no additional information.

More than 100 prospective jurors awaited Jackson’s appearance for about an hour Tuesday morning before they were released until Tuesday by Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Rodney S. Melville.

Jackson “will have ample time to get well, and you will all have ample time to get sick, I guess,” the judge quipped, drawing a big laugh.

Jackson is accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy at his Neverland ranch in 2003. If convicted on 10 felony counts, the pop star faces more than 20 years in prison.

Outside the hospital, about 50 journalists and two dozen Jackson fans waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the ailing entertainer. One of the black sport utility vehicles from his entourage was parked at an emergency room entrance and at least 10 Santa Maria police officers stood nearby.

At one point, hospital staffers placed flimsy room dividers on both sides of the doorway, apparently in an effort to preserve Jackson’s privacy in case he was released. Later in the day, they were taken down.

Jackson’s brother Randy arrived to some applause and slipped through the doors. Talking to reporters later, Randy Jackson said his brother would spend at least one night in the hospital.

An avid fan, Sheree Wilkins, 33, said it was no coincidence that Jackson’s illness came at the start of jury selection.

“It’s the heartbreak and the stress,” said Wilkins, a former Los Angeles kindergarten teacher who said she moved to Santa Maria to support Jackson during the trial. “They know they don’t have a case, so they’re just going to stress him to death.”

When jury selection resumes next week, prosecutors will question the 18 jury candidates who already have been interviewed in court by Jackson attorney Thomas A. Mesereau Jr.

The process of seating a 12-member jury and eight alternates is expected to take several weeks.