Jackson in hospital

Michael Jackson has been rushed to hospital en route to court in Santa Maria, California today.

Jackson's lawyer said that the star had been taken to the emergency room and was "very, very ill".

Later reports suggested that he is suffering from "flu-like symptoms".

The singer had been due to appear in court as jury selection resumed in his child molestation trial.

His legal team had entered court and informed the judge of the incident.

Jackson denies molesting a 13-year-old boy, plying him with alcohol and conspiring to hold him and his family captive.

Jackson was first taken to the Marian Medical Centre's accident and emergency unit but is since believed to have been admitted to the actual hospital.

The court is in the process of jury selection. Shortly after the singer was due to arrive, Judge Rodney Melville told prospective jurors the case had been delayed and that he was awaiting word on Jackson's condition. The pool of jurors was held in court.

Both the prosecution and defence have wanted Jackson present throughout jury selection proceedings.

He has been sitting in court, facing them as they were quizzed on their knowledge of the case.