Michael Jackson has been formally charged with molesting a 14-year-old boy at his Neverland ranch in California.
He is accused of having what is described as 'substantial sexual conduct'with the boy and faces seven counts of molesting him, and two counts of administering intoxicating liquor to him in order to molest him,according to District Attorney Tom Sneddon.
Mr Jackson is due to appear before a court in California on 16 January, Mr Sneddon said.
He said that all parties involved in the case had signed stipulations allowing Mr Jackson to travel to the UK to promote his new album, Number Ones.
He added that the pop superstar could travel to the UK only.
Mr Jackson's Neverland ranch was searched in November after a complaint. He surrendered to police on 20 November and was led into a Santa Barbara sheriff's office, before having his mug-shot taken.
If convicted, the singer could face up to 24 years in prison.
Responding to the allegations, Mr Jackson said that it was all a 'big lie', and has denied all accusations.
