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JACKO FLACKO
Report: Jackson
converts to Islam
Paper says pop star joined Louis Farrakhan's flock last night
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Posted: December 18, 2003
9:16 a.m. Eastern
© 2003 WorldNetDaily.com
Last night, on the eve of child-molestation charges being filed against him, Michael Jackson converted to Islam, reports the New York Post.
According to the paper, the pop star became a member of Louis Farrakhan's Nation of Islam, and the conversion came with a shakeup in his personal staff.
The Post says Jermaine Jackson, one of Michael's brothers became a Muslim in 1989 and has been trying to win favor with his eccentric sibling. Jermaine reportedly brought Leonard F. Muhammad, Farrakhan's chief of staff into Michael's inner circle as a "bodyguard."
Jackson reportedly is a former Jehovah's Witness and has had an interest in Judaism.
Tom Sneddon, Santa Barbara district attorney, plans to file formal charges against Jackson today as the child-molestation case against the entertainer progresses. Jackson was booked and released on bail Nov. 20 after allegation surfaced he molested a 12-year-old Los Angeles boy at his Neverland ranch.
The report says authorities have agreed to return Jackson's passport to him so he can travel to the UK this weekend. His arraignment is expected to occur on Jan. 16.
Jackson, through his lawyer Mark Geragos, has denied any wrongdoing.