AP: Michael Jackson Returns To U.S.
Michael Jackson's spokeswoman says he's back in the U.S. but won't say where.
Jackson joins her in an exclusive conference call with The Associated Press. They say he's on the comeback trail, planning "fan appreciation" events. One will be in Japan in March.
Jackson has been in self-imposed exiled for more than a year and a half, following his acquittal in a child molestation trial in California in June 2005. Most of that time, he's been living in Bahrain, France and even a castle in Ireland.
But recently he was in Augusta, Ga., to deliver a eulogy at James Brown's funeral. And he's also been spotted shopping in Las Vegas.Photos: Michael Jackson
In the call, Jackson reads a brief prepared statement thanking friends and fans for their years of support. And he allowed the AP just one question, which was "How are you?"
His answer, "I'm fine, thank you."