Michael Jackson has been formally charged with child molestation.
The pop star was charged with seven counts of child molestation and two counts of administering intoxicating liquor to a minor with the intent of committing a crime, according to District Attorney Tom Sneddon.
Five of the counts relate to the period between 7 February and 10 March thisyear, and the other four to between 20 February and 10 March.
Jackson is due to appear before a court in California on 16 January, Sneddon said.
He said that all parties involved in the case had signed stipulations allowing Jackson to travel to England to promote his new album, 'Number Ones'.
He added that the pop superstar could travel to the UK only.
Jackson's Neverland ranch was searched in November after a complaint by a 14-year-old boy that he had been molested by the star.
He surrendered to police on 20 November. If convicted, the singer could face up to 24 years in prison.
Responding to the allegations, Jackson said that it was all a "big lie", and has denied all accusations.
