Michael Jackson vacations in Bahrain

ADNAN MALIK (AP)

Jun. 30, 2005

 

MANAMA, Bahrain - Michael Jackson began a vacation at a prince's palace in the tiny Gulf kingdom of Bahrain, his first trip overseas since being acquitted of child molestation charges, an official close to the royal circle said Thursday.

 

Jackson and his three children arrived on a private plane from Europe on Wednesday night for an indefinite stay, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because private visits involving the royal family are not authorized to be announced.

 

Jackson was found not guilty of child molestation in a California court on June 13.

 

He chose Bahrain because his brother, Jermaine, previously visited the kingdom, the official said.

 

"He's come here to retreat and relax and enjoy the calmness of Bahrain," the official said, adding that no other member of the Jackson family accompanied the pop star.

 

Another official speaking on condition of anonymity said Jackson was a guest of Sheik Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the king's son, in one of the royal palaces. Sheik Abdullah, believed to be in his early 30s, is a friend of Jermaine Jackson.

 

The official described the visit as "very, very private."

 

Jermaine Jackson has close links with Bahrain's royal circle. In January, he and Sheik Abdullah announced plans to launch a charity theme song written by the royal.

 

SOURCE: http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/enter...ic/12023178.htm

aww thats really great that hes taken his kids and has gone out of the USA 2 relax. hes deserved it!

Is this a credible source?

he has gone away winterflower. its not another rumor

its good that hes gone away but the report said that the private visits with the king are not supposed to be known about so should we really know about it? maybe he went there because he didnt want people to know where he was going so he could really be at peace and know that he isnt going to be followed by the media

It was very nice to hear that MJ went on vacation to Bahrain with his own kids. That was very sweet of him to do that, because if he goes alone, who's gonna take care of them?

Well i'm glad he's on vacation i just hope he gets sopme rest and looks after himself!!!

good for him, he needs it badly!

Yeah i saw this earlier but i also saw in a UK paper that he has been in Paris at some point talking with someone involved in film-making. Whether this is true or not i dont know but it would explain why he had flown from Europe to Bahrain.

Jackson picks Paris for career rebirth

 

 

Friday, 01 July , 2005, 12:51

 

Washington : Michael Jackson has left for Paris to meet film-makers with the hope of resurrecting his career.

 

 

According to contact music, he left his Neverland Ranch for France, with the hope of discussing an image-repairing documentary with several directors and producers. He has reportedly met with documentary-maker Mark Stewart.

 

"They bumped into each other purely by chance. Michael has made no secret of his plans to rebuild his career and repair his image with a documentary. Mark was astounded to learn that Michael was aware of his work and had seen one of the films. The impromptu meeting went very well and it is hoped that something positive will come of it."

 

=================================

 

Michael Jackson 'in Bahrain trip'

 

Jackson thanked fans but has not been seen in public since his trial

Michael Jackson is beginning a holiday in Bahrain to "relax" after his child abuse trial, an official in the Gulf state has said.

The singer flew in on a private jet, the official told news agencies on condition of anonymity.

 

"He is here in Bahrain on a friendly visit to relax and enjoy the hospitality," he said.

 

It is Jackson's first trip outside the US since he was cleared of child abuse in a California trial two weeks ago.

 

"He is a long time friend of the (royal) family," the official added.

 

The 46-year-old singer has a large fan base in Bahrain and other Gulf countries.

 

 

Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine has links to Bahrain's royal family

His brother Jermaine has ties to the country's royal family after he and the king's son Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa announced plans in January to release a charity song.

 

On Monday, Michael Jackson thanked fans in his first public statement since his trial.

 

"Without God, my children, my family and you, my fans, I could not have made it through," he said.

 

"Your love, support and loyalty made it all possible."

 

But he has not been seen in public since he left the Santa Maria courtroom after being acquitted of all 10 charges at the end of a 14-week trial.

 

He suffered health problems during the trial and appeared increasingly frail.

 

 

I'm surprised that Michael is out of the country this soon.....but then again, I'm kinda not surprised. Hopefully this documentary doesn't turn into another "Living with Michael Jackson"...

Wish he'd leave US for good.

how come you say that winterflower Neverland is his home and he belongs there

good for him! He needed to get some r&r.

i'm glad that he is taking time to relax. Mike needs to just take it easy, and focus on him and his family for a while. He just went through an extremely trying period so it would be good for him to take a break.

Man, that is wonderful. He is doing just what Karen said he wanted to do...go somewhere where he can really rest, with his children. I'm so happy for him.

me too he deserves a long rest so will i when ive been through the trial

Michael is resting.