Jackson fans plan show of support

Michael Jackson will make his first court appearance on Friday

Michael Jackson's family and fans are planning to send a caravan of buses and cars to take fans to support the singer when he appears in court on Friday.

Jermaine Jackson told a press conference with fan groups on Monday that his brother was "1,000% innocent".

A group of advisers meeting to discuss his business affairs announced that his finances were going to be "just fine".

Charged with seven counts of child molestation, he will appear in court in Santa Maria, California, on Friday.

He also faces two counts of administering intoxicating liquor to a minor with the intent of committing a crime.

Mr Jackson has extremely loyal and dedicated fans

Mr Jackson, who is currently free on $3m (£1.6m) bail, has vigorously denied the allegations.

The court hearing on Friday will be the arraignment - the first appearance before a judge at which the charges are read and the defendant enters a plea.

At the press conference, Jermaine Jackson said: "My mother, my father, my sisters, my brothers are overwhelmed at the outpouring of the support by the fans both here in the United States and all around the world.

"It is a true testament to Michael and his messages of love and inclusion that so many people of diverse backgrounds are travelling from around the globe to support him."

Fans are expected to come from across California - and even Las Vegas - to show their support, according to freelance publicist Angel Howansky, who is helping to co-ordinate the event.

"We've had fans calling from out of state who are flying in just for the arraignment," she said.

Brother Jermaine Jackson spoke at Monday's press conference

The highly-motivated and well-organised fans will also meet on the evening before the arraignment to make placards for the following day.

The venue for the meeting, the Royal Copenhagen Inn in Solvang, near Santa Maria, is even giving a discount on its rooms for Mr Jackson's fans.

Meanwhile, more than 20 of his accountants, lawyers, bankers and managers huddled at the upmarket Beverly Hills Hotel for several hours on Monday.

The meeting included members of the Nation of Islam, which has been at the centre of controversy over suggestions it is providing security for the star.

Mr Jackson's lawyer, Mark Geragos, also attended, along with a group of financial aides and his music manager Charles Koppelman.

Mr Koppelman said that reports that he was having difficulty meeting a payment to a bank for his purchase of the Beatles song catalogue were "erroneous".

He said the group "discussed his assets" at the meeting, and added that the singer was not going to lease his Neverland ranch.