Gimme shelter: Michael Jackson goes shopping in his pyjamas and surgical mask... hiding under an umbrella INSIDE

Gimme shelter: Michael Jackson goes shopping in his pyjamas and surgical mask... hiding under an umbrella INSIDE

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 8:41 AM on 02nd January 2009

Shoppers at a Los Angeles bookstore got a fright on New Year's Eve when they spotted a hooded man with a surgical mask under an umbrella lurking amongst the shelves.

It was only after seeing his accompanying entourage and the paparazzi waiting outside they realised it was Michael Jackson on one of his 'incognito' shopping trips.

The self-proclaimed king of pop was completely covered up - bar his eyes and hands - as he perused the shop for picture books.


Bizarre: Michael Jackson, complete with hood, hat and face mask, visits a Santa Monica bookstore

Wearing pyjamas, slippers and a long black coat, the 50-year-old cut a bizarre figure as he was followed around the store by his assistant, whose prime role appeared to be carrying an umbrella for Jackson.

Despite the obvious lack of rain or sunshine in the building, Jackson occasionally dipped under the shade of the umbrella, although what he was sheltering from exactly was anyone's guess.

Before updating his literary collection, Jackson had visited a doctor in Beverly Hills, a week after reports claimed he was seriously ill.

His choice of clothing and surgical mask did little to dispel recent rumours the superstar is suffering from ill health.


Why does it never rain on me..? Because he's indoors: Jackson is given shelter as he peruses the books

Last week, Jackson's spokesman Dr Tohme Tohme denied claims by the singer's biographer Ian Halperin that he needed a lung transplant.

Halperin claimed the 50-year-old was suffering with an inherited condition called A1AD - alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency. Sufferers lack a protein which protects the lungs.

However, Dr Tohme said: 'Concerning this author's allegations, we would hope in the future that legitimate media will not continue to be exploited by such an obvious attempt to promote this unauthorised biography.

'Mr Jackson is in fine health, and finalising negotiations with a major entertainment company and television network for both a world tour and a series of specials and appearances.'


Causing a scene: Fans crowded to get a glimpse of a pyjama-clad Jackson as he leaves a medical centre

Meanwhile, after spending a year in Las Vegas with his three children, Jackson has relocated to California - the first time he has lived there since fleeing after his 2004 child molestation trial.

Despite rumours of severe money troubles, the Thriller singer is renting a $100,000 (around £67,500) a month mansion in the exclusive Los Angeles suburb of Bel Air.

The $38million (£26million) Bel Air house boasts seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces and sprawling gardens.

The palatial home, which is nestled amongst trees and shrubbery, also comes with a guest house, a screening room and a cellar, while steps at the back of the property lead to a huge rectangular swimming pool and sundeck.


Reading material: Jackson peruses coffee table sized books in the art section

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1104063/Gimme-shelter-Michael-Jackson-goes-shopping-pyjamas-surgical-mask--hiding-umbrella-INSIDE.html