Superstar Michael Jackson has made only two public appearances since he arrived in Bahrain about five weeks ago, sources close to the King of Pop told Gulf News yesterday.
"Once he went to the country's largest toy store and the second time he went to a mall in the outskirts of Manama. On both occasions, he was recognised by customers and visitors who sought to approach him for autographs and pictures," the sources said.
According to sources, during both trips he was wearing his regular clothes and did not seek to hide from the people. He was not moving incognito disguising himself in the traditional Gulf clothes and head-dress in order to avoid people, as reported by some media.
Jackson was accompanied by his two sons, Prince Michael I and Prince Michael II, and daughter, Paris, who are staying with him on the island. His entourage includes the children's nannies and security staff.
The sources confirmed that Jackson has purchased two large villas in a highly-select location and a large plot of land to build a mansion. The moves confirm the California-based star's desire to make Bahrain his new home.
"Michael's family is genuinely eager to come here and share serene times with him. They are looking forward to visiting Bahrain. His sister Janet will be here soon, maybe before the end of the summer, for a big family reunion," the sources said.
"She was scheduled to come in July as part of a trip that would have taken her to Bahrain and to Berlin, but her tight schedule and her involvement in her new studio album with Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam forced her to put off the visit until maybe next month."
Michael Jackson, 46, arrived in Manama two weeks after he was acquitted on June 13 of molestation and conspiracy charges in Santa Maria, California, where if convicted, he faced nearly 20 years in prison.
The Thriller star is guaranteed absolute privacy on the island where he is said to be relaxing and recuperating from the case which had taken a heavy toll on his physical, mental and emotional health.
His brother, Jermaine, a regular visitor, told the press earlier in the year that "Michael would be happy and at peace" in Bahrain and that he would come to the island straight after the acquittal.
"He really wants to live here for some time. He thinks that it is a great place to be in," Jermaine said last April.
"The villas will be used by the superstar until his larger home is completed. The two adjacent villas will be the temporary home of the superstar in Bahrain where he is very welcome. They will also be used to accommodate relatives and visitors until his mansion is ready," the sources said, describing recent German newspaper reports that Jackson would move to Berlin as mere speculation. "He is in love with Bahrain and lives in a very serene and peaceful setting."
Several German newspapers had reported Jackson was planning to move to Berlin because he was fond of Berlin's zoo, the beauty of nearby Potsdam and supportive European fans.
Gulf News
