MICHAEL JACKSON - JACKSON IS OUTRAGED

MICHAEL JACKSON's defence attorney MARK GERRAGOS insists his client is outraged by claims he's involved in a new child molestation scandal.

Speaking just minutes ago (20NOV03) outside Santa Barbara, California, police headquarters - where Jackson surrendered himself earlier today (20NOV03) - Gerragos gave a brief press conference, insisting that his client is innocent of all claims against him.

The lawyer, who defended WINONA RYDER in her shoplifting trial last year (02), said, "Michael is here. He has come back specifically to confront these charges head on. He is greatly outraged by the bringing of these charges. He considers this to be a big lie.

"He understands the people who are outraged because, if these charges were true, I assure you Michael would be the first to be outraged.

"But I'm here to tell you today that Michael has given me the authority to say on his behalf these charges are categorically untrue.

"He looks forward to getting into a courtroom... and confronting these accusations head on. We plan on doing that."

Gerragos also confirmed that Jackson had already posted $3 million (GBP1.76 million) bail and had "processed out".