Michael Jackson 1958-2009

Michael Jackson Remembered

How the child superstar grew into an icon beloved by the world – and the eccentricities that later defined him

  • AN ECCENTRIC STAR:  OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT photo | Michael Jackson

Credit: Splash News Online

Updated: Thursday Jun 24, 2010 | 06:20 AM EDT By: Serena Kappes, Aaron Parsley, Brian Orloff and Cara Shultz

AN ECCENTRIC STAR:
OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT

After being acquitted on child molestation charges, Jackson and his children went on an extended trip to Bahrain, beginning a real retreat from the public eye. In the Persian Gulf nation, Jackson was reportedly a guest of the king's son. When he returned to the States, his public appearances were few. On May 1, the singer stepped out to the Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier stores with his kids – sporting a mask.