Michael Jackson returned to court on Friday to face the mother of the child who has accused him of molestation, and to address reports that he paid a settlement to another alleged victim more than 10 years ago.

Jackson, who was not required to attend the trial, arrived at the courthouse with his mother and several siblings, including Janet, LaToya and Tito. The family emerged from a black SUV wearing all white; Michael was also wearing a gold armband and black sunglasses. The relatively small crowd of fans outside the Santa Barbara County Courthouse (in the tens, according to CNN) screamed Jackson's name when he arrived. Outside, following the hearing, Jackson's attorney Tom Mesereau Jr. addressed the press with regard to the settlement made in 1990, and to proclaim his client's innocence.

The woman's testimony marked the first time she had seen Jackson in person since leaving her children in the singer's custody at his Neverland Ranch in 2003. She was reportedly hostile during the defense's questioning. At one point during her testimony, she said that someone behind Jackson was whispering and that she could not concentrate. She also made reference to Jackson's family and lawyers as his "damage-control team" (see "Jackson In Court As Defense Attorney Challenges Prosecutor").

Following the hearing, Mesereau offered familiar commentary regarding Jackson's relationships with children, with the Jackson family gathered behind him. "Regretfully," he said, "we are compelled to respond to false statements being made about Michael Jackson."

"Michael Jackson has always felt that children exemplified God's beauty and purity," he said, adding that Jackson has often donated money to helping children and "would never harm a child."

In addressing the reports of settlements made in the early 1990s, Mesereau said that Jackson now regrets making those settlements, but that he had done so under the condition that he would not have to admit any wrongdoing, and in the hope that they would "buy peace" (see "Michael Jackson Admits He Paid Off Accuser").

Mesereau repeatedly mentioned that those who have filed suit against Jackson have often done so to obtain money from him. "Greed begets greed," he said.

"The charges [Jackson] faces are false," Mesereau said, in conclusion. "He is innocent and he will be vindicated."

Following Mesereau's statements, Jackson briefly spoke to the crowd, then got into the black SUV and left the courthouse.

He is scheduled to stand trial on January 31.

For full coverage of the Michael Jackson case, see "Michael Jackson Accused."