Jermaine Jackson told reporters Friday his brother's child molestation trial "tore him apart mentally" and left the star too exhausted to attend their father's 76th birthday bash in a Berlin hotel.
Hundreds of fans, many dressed as Michael Jackson, thronged the massive Estrel hotel in Berlin's working-class neighborhood of Neukoelln where the party was held. Michael said in a statement on his official Web site Thursday he would not attend.
"That's fine, he was very tired and he's resting," Jermaine said. "His case tore him apart mentally. He's very strong mentally, but he needs his rest right now."
Among the hundreds of Jackson fans attending the party were several who had flown from Germany to California to support him.
Alexander Greve, 25, who arrived for the party decked out in a single glove, black wig and sparkly silver jacket, said he spent six days standing outside the courthouse in Santa Maria, California.
"I even shook his hand. That was a really great feeling," Greve said, adding that it was obvious Jackson would be too tired to travel to Berlin.
But others, such as Kayhan Ayden, 28, held out hope their hero would still make an appearance.
"Maybe he'll surprise me and still show up," Ayden said.
Jermaine and Tarino were the only Jackson siblings to attend their father's party, after sisters Janet and LaToya also canceled plans to travel to Berlin.
The Jacksons are to be received by Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit on Friday at city hall, where they will sign Berlin's guest book.
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