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Jackson fans injured in crush
20/11/2002 10:35 - (SA)
Berlin - Minor injuries were reported when a crowd of fans jostled to get a glimpse of Michael Jackson when he arrived in Berlin on Tuesday, taking time off from a California court appearance to receive a German television award.
Arriving by private jet at Berlin's Tempelhof Airport, the self-styled "King of Pop" and his three children walked down the gangway and across the tarmac to a waiting convoy of limousines.
Wearing dark glasses and a black leather jacket over a magenta cotton shirt with dark slacks, the 44-year-old star waved and smiled at fans as his shoulder-length hair flew like streamers in the breeze.
In tow were his three children, ferried by a large entourage of aides and staff. The group was whisked via motorcade to the presidential suite at the landmark Adlon Hotel. From his suite, Jackson has a spectacular view of historic Brandenburg Gate.
Hundreds of cheering fans clustered on the broad square in front of the Adlon in hopes of catching a glimpse of him from a corner window of his suite. As the crowd surged forward, causing several people to stumble and suffer mostly minor injuries.
The star received a special court dispensation to make the trip to Berlin, where he is to receive a lifetime achievement award during Thursday's presentations of the German TV Bambi awards - roughly equivalent of the American Emmy Awards.
He has promised to make an appearance at a charity banquet accompanying the awards ceremonies and has donated the hat and jacket he wore earlier this year at the American Music Awards.
Jackson, who made front-page news last week with photographs of his unmasked face, is being sued for $2 million by Marcel Avram, a Belgian-based promoter who alleges that Jackson backed out of four planned millennium concerts.
Jackson denies the claim and maintains that Avram cancelled the show because of poor ticket sales.
The star reportedly is upset at pictures released last week by a court photographer that showed him with a plaster over his nose, several scars, swollen lips and heavy make-up around his eyes.
The picture attracted widespread attention in the media, prompting speculation about the negative effects of years of plastic surgery. - Sapa-DPA
- SAPA
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South Africa
