SANTA MARIA, Calif. (Court TV) — Michael Jackson arrived one hour and 40 minutes late for his child-molestation trial Thursday after a judge warned he would he arrested if he did not show up.

Jackson was pale and seemed to be having trouble walking as he was helped into the courthouse by bodyguards. He was wearing what appeared to be pajama bottoms, a collarless shirt covered by a black blazer, and slippers. His hair was uncombed.

Defense lawyer Thomas Mesereau told the judge earlier that Jackson was in Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital with "a serious back problem."

Judge Rodney Melville did not accept the excuse, and said Jackson would be arrested at 9:35 a.m. if he did not arrive. The singer entered the courthouse at about 9:41 a.m.

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"I'm going to issue a warrant for his arrest. I'm forfeiting his bail," Melville said, prompting gasps across the courtroom. "You have one hour. We're in recess."

Melville made the announcement at 8:36 a.m., six minutes after the trial was scheduled to resume.

Mesereau told the judge that Jackson wanted to attend court, and that he had Jackson's doctor ready to brief the judge on his condition over the phone.

Jackson is currently free on $3 million bail on charges of child molestation, conspiracy and providing alcohol to a minor in furtherance of the alleged molestation.

Instead of his typical suit, Jackson arrived at court in what appeared to be pajama bottoms.

Jackson's late arrival came on the second day of highly anticipated testimony from the teen who accuses the singer of sexually molesting him.

In his brief turn on the stand Wednesday, the boy, now 15, testified that in the early days of their relationship Jackson seemed interested in him only when there was good publicity to be gained.

At the time, the boy was being treated for cancer.