A huge crowd of fans greets news of pop star Michael Jackson's acquittal in the child abuse case on June 13 with cheers, hugs and tears of joy outside the northern Santa Barbara county courthouse, California.
Jackson's trial began in February and the jury retired on June 3. More than 100 witnesses took the stand, including Gavin Arvizo - the 13 year old whose allegations led to the trial -- and his mother Janet. The defence testimony had Home Alone child star Macaulay Culkin.
Child abuse allegations have been made against the 46-year old pop star since the early 1990s, but this was the first time he was taken to court.
MJ, as he is known to fans across the world, faced more than 18 years in jail on the charges.
Photograph: Christina Barany/Getty Images
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