Las Vegas Weekly

July 14, 2008 · 1:30 PM

‘Jacko’ seen in wheelchair wearing pajamas, surgical mask, wig

By Robin Leach

What is going on with the one-time King of Pop? For the second time in as many weeks, a surgical-masked Michael Jackson has been photographed in a wheelchair.

But this time he was even wearing pajamas and slippers, and hoping a rasta wig, black scarf and large sunglasses would keep him disguised. Now, everybody is asking if his failing health is cause for fear or is it just another diversionary publicity stunt. "Wacko on Wheels" screamed the London tabloid headlines as they bought up the exclusive photos of him being wheeled around one of our local Barnes & Noble bookshops by one of his security guards. They claimed he's suffering from new debilitating back problems.

The paparazzi photographer who snatched the shots commented: "He looks really frail. His skin was peeling and he looks thin and gaunt." An alleged shopper in the store told The Sun tabloid in England: "It was shocking to see that he really is a shadow of his former self. He seemed too weak even to get out of the chair. He stayed in the store for two hours and wheeled himself around in the chair the whole time. The skin on his hands was peeling, almost like a snake's. He kept his mask on all the time. His security man was at his side and nobody approached him. It is really sad." The newspaper also quoted an insider at the Jackson camp: "Apparently he uses the wheelchair when he feels he's too weak to walk and sometimes spends all day in his pajamas refusing to get dressed."

Michael read excerpts from children's books to his three children, Prince Michael, 11, Paris Katherine, 10, and 5-year-old Prince Michael II, nicknamed "Blanket," in the bookstore's kids' department. He picked out several books and CDs, which were boxed up for him and paid for by his security guard, who then wheeled him from the store.

Photo: Scott Doctor

Michael Jackson, shown disguised while watching a UFC fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena earlier this year (that's him under the black hood), snuck into T.I. to catch a performance of Mystere.

Just two weekends ago, our Luxe Life photographer, Scott Doctor, shot this photo of Michael in a similar disguise while pushed by his minder at the UFC octagon showdown in the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Still living here in Vegas, Michael will celebrate his 50th birthday on Aug. 29. And music insiders are hoping that the "Thriller" superstar will use the occasion to release a long-awaited new album he has been working on with will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas and British manager promoter, Simon Fuller, who judges on his TV show America's Got Talent.

While the new wheelchair photos burned up buzz around the world, a new rumor surfaced that Michael has recruited singer Donnie Wahlberg and his New Kids on the Block band to collaborate with him on the new album. The New Kids' first reunion tour in 20 years starts in September and Michael loves the message of their hits "Hanging Tough" and "Right Stuff." Donnie, who was in Vegas the past few days, even confirmed the possible linkup with Michael.

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