Jacko Becomes a Muslim

From Celebrity Wonder:

The singer changed his name to Mikaeel in a ceremony at a friend’s Los Angeles home just days before he is due in court.

Jackson, 50, is facing allegations of borrowing $7 million from Arab sheikh Abdulla Al-Khalifa and failing to repay the sum by recording two new albums, writing an autobiography and penning a musical.

The cash-strapped star – who was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness – was convinced to turn to Islam by producer Phillip Bubal and songwriter David Wharnsby.

A source told Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “They began talking to him about their beliefs and how they thought they had become better people after they converted.”

“Michael soon began warming to the idea.”

Singer Yousef Islam – formerly known as Cat Stevens before he also converted to the religion – attended the star’s declaration of belief, known as the shahada.

Meanwhile, an itemized list of Jackson’s debts to the prince has been revealed – including a $5.7 tub of the singer’s favorite Haagen-Daaz ice cream.