Austrians miffed by Jackson's medal

updated 3:11 p.m. ET March 3, 2005

VIENNA, Austria - Austrians recognized Michael Jackson’s star — the one he wore on his chest that is.

The pop singer has been photographed before recent court appearances in Santa Maria, Calif., wearing what experts say is the Order of Vienna, a medal awarded to artists, businessmen or others of merit, Austria Press Agency reported recently.

The gold star with an eagle in the center has been given to about 50 people a year for their contributions to society. Jackson, 46, who is accused of molesting a now-15-year-old cancer survivor at his Neverland ranch in 2003, hasn’t been among the recipients.

Jackson’s staff bought the medal at an antiques shop in downtown Vienna, APA reported.

It is illegal in Austria to wear such medals if one hasn’t earned them, and Jackson theoretically could face a $919 fine.

City officials say they don’t plan to press charges.

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