Fans expressed diehard support, but there were few of them

Online fan clubs of the pop legend had arranged a well-publicised series of candlelit events in cities across the world.

But in LA, New York, Montreal and Paris only a handful of supporters responded.

Jackson, 45, has been freed on $3m bail as he awaits trial on charges of child molestation, which he denies.

'Can't sleep'

Media interest in the superstar performer has been intense, but in New York a total of only 30 loyal fans turned out to vigils in Times Square and Manhattan.

They wore Jackson T-shirts and carried placards with the slogans "Michael is innocent" and "It's the press who are scum", reported news agency AFP.

In Paris, fans gathered on the Champs Elysees and walked to the Arc de Triomphe.

Holding candles, they sang We Are the World, the 1985 African famine relief hit written by Jackson and Lionel Richie.

"It's really hard for us," Pascale Hatot told news agency AP.

"I haven't been able to sleep or eat for three days."

But the strength of feeling was not reflected in turnout - only 60 fans attended.

The vigils met with a similar response in other cities, with only six fans attending in Montreal, Canada, and handfuls in Rome and Toronto.

Jackson has responded to the charges with defiance

An event on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles - in Jackson's home state of California - attracted 25 fans.

Like many of Jackson's family and friends, fans expressed suspicions that prosecutors are motivated by malice.

"There is an interest to see him fall as a man and as an artist," said Fabrizio Basili, a 30-year-old man from Rome who wore a black shirt bearing the image of Jackson's face.

"His album Number Ones came out with some of his great hits, and the same day the accusations came and this is why we're suspicious."

Star 'grateful'

Stuart Backerman, a spokesman for the Jackson family, said he had received "hundreds" of supportive emails.

"Michael Jackson has said in the past that his fans are his most precious resource," he said.

"Clearly, the demonstrations around the world reinforce his long-standing feelings for his fans.

"He's grateful."