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In a post on his Web site, Jackson extended an open invitation to the public to gather at his Neverland Ranch for a candlelight vigil starting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
From there, Jackson promised free bus rides to Santa Maria, Calif., where his arraignment will take place. According to published reports, police in the town were preparing for the arrival of more than 2,000 fans, journalists and photographers.
"We have an enhanced security plan," Santa Barbara County Superior Court assistant executive officer Darrel Parker tells CNN. "That will include some passive restraints and visual deterrents: There will be about 900 feet of 6-foot-high fencing and double barricades to create a buffer between the crowds and the defendant."
As for Jackson's whereabouts before his arraignment, after living in seclusion with his children in a rented Orlando home, he has reportedly returned to his Disneyland-like Neverland spread for the first time since authorities combed the grounds last November as they looked for evidence in the case against him.
Jackson, 45, was charged in December with seven counts of committing lewd acts or lascivious acts upon a child under 14, and two counts of administering an intoxicating agent (believed to be wine) to the boy. The star, who is currently free on $3 million bail, has called the charges a "big lie."
Last week, a Santa Barbara Grand Jury indicted the star on a new charge, which will be revealed Friday.
