Imam of Pop Wraps Up

Wed, Jan 25, 2006 at 9:11:11 am PST

The mercurial Imam of Pop has reinvented himself again, as an Islamic woman: Michael Jackson Spotted in Robe and Veil.

MANAMA, Bahrain - Michael Jackson visited a mall in Bahrain’s capital Wednesday, covering himself in a black abaya robe traditionally worn by conservative Bahraini women and a veil hiding his face.

The 47-year-old pop star was accompanied by three children, apparently his, whose faces were covered with dark scarves. They wore yellow shirts and sweat pants or khakis, without robes.

Jackson, who seems to be settling in the Persian Gulf, was seen leaving Marina Mall holding a young child by the hand. On the way out through a back door, he shook hands with security guards.