Michael Jackson as he returned to his Neverland Ranch after being acquitted on all counts in his child molestation trial - a total legal victory that triggered euphoria among Jackson's fans and embarrassment for the district attorney's office.

"Verdict: Michael Jackson not guilty on all counts," the brief statement on Mr. Jackson's official web site said.

The jury reached the verdict after deliberating for more than seven days.

One by one, the jury foreman said "not guilty" in response to each of the 10 charges. He also said jury members had the "weight of the world" on their shoulders during the lengthy process.

Michael Jackson's trial spanned 14 weeks and captured worldwide media attention with its sometimes offensive allegations of life behind the doors of Jackson's famous Neverland ranch.

Michael Jackson, 46, was accused of four counts of committing lewd acts with a child, four charges of serving the child alcohol and a single count of conspiring to hold the boy and his family against their will. Combined the charges carried a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Throughout the case, the prosecution attempted to paint the multi-platinum Grammy winner as a pedophile who preyed on vulnerable young boys, plying them with alcohol and gifts before taking advantage.

The defense, however, fought back by attempting to show that the boy and his family were motivated by money and characterized them as con artists who sought to take advantage of Jackson's celebrity.

Michael Jackson did not testify in his own defense.

Long-time Jackson supporter Reverend Jesse Jackson told CNN the singer faced two trials, one in court and another in the media.

"It was a painful process right to the very end," he said. "This has been an excruciating process."

"The man's innocent. He always was," chief defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. said to reporters as he left court. 

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