(Dec. 18) - Waiting for the Michael Jackson camp to explain those bandages that appeared all over the face of the pop singer this past weekend? Don't hold your breath.
A representative for Jackson can't explain why he appeared covered in gauze while shopping in Las Vegas, telling The New York Post that the singer hasn't had any medical procedures recently.
Photos of Jackson in a Barnes and Noble bookstore in Las Vegas over the weekend showed the singer in one of his wildest public getups to date (yes, that's including the abaya -- or Arab robe -- he was spotted in back in January of 2006). Jackson wore a long coat, sunglasses, a hat and scarf inside the store. But it was the bandages covering his nose and chin that caused the biggest stir.
Accompanying Jackson were his children Prince Michael, Paris and Prince "Blanket" Michael. The Post reports that Jackson and his kids were inside Barnes and Noble for three hours. In a sure sign that Jackson got the jump on Christmas shopping, he left the store with boxes of books.
Jackson's bizarre appearance coincides rumors that a reunited Jackson 5 will play a gig on New Year's Eve. NME.com reports that producer Jermaine Dupri will host the band for a set at his club in Atlanta. "It’s the Jackson 5 party," Dupri told radio station V-103. "I swear to you it’s going to be the biggest party this town has ever seen."
MTV reports that Dupri later refused to confirm the appearance of the Jacksons, only saying his party would be "a Jackson 5 celebration, meaning music is in the air and lots of J5 loving everywhere. If you're coming to stargaze and not party, don't come."
