Pop star Michael Jackson was spotted behind a shopping mall in Manama, Bahrain, on Wednesday disguised as a Bahraini woman. Covered in a black abaya robe, a veil, gloves, and sunglasses, Jackson was accompanied by his three children whose faces were covered with black veils.
Michael Jackson (left), wearing an abaya, a traditional women's veil and gown, holds the hand of a child as he shakes hands with a shopping mall security agent in Manama, Bahrain January 25, 2006.
Jackson's cover was blown when a photographer spotted him at the popular Marina Mall with men's shoes peering out below the attire. With his three children and governess Grace Rwarmba in tow, the entertainer had been shopping for new shoes. Other shoppers soon recognized Jackson when his veiled children drew their attention.
"Please, no!" Jackson was quoted as having shouted to photographers before making a quick exit through the back of the mall with his children and Rwarmba.
As the group made their way to a waiting white vehicle, Rwarmba asked photographers to step back. "You have to give us some privacy," she told them. "Please, you have to understand his position, he is with his kids ... you need to leave us alone."
Despite the intrusion by the stalkerazzi, Jackson was able to shake hands with security guards. Photographers did manage to snap several pictures of Jackson holding the hand of his youngest son Blanket, and Rwarmba with his older son Prince and daughter Paris.
A Bahraini official at the mall confirmed that the person sighted at the mall was indeed Jackson.
Source: AP/Reuters/eMJey