Jacko stirs controversy by entering women's bathroom

Michael Jackson has stirred a small controversy in the United Arab Emirates by entering the ladies room in a shopping centre.

His publicist said Jackson, who arrived in Dubai this week as the guest of a champion rally driver, did not understand the Arabic sign on the door and left the bathroom as soon as he realised his mistake.

But local newspapers reported that the 47-year-old performer was spotted applying make-up in the woman’s toilets.

Jackson’s host, Mohammed bin Sulayem, dismissed the story as rumour.

“People are always interested in gossip and in portraying a negative image of (Jackson),” bin Sulayem said today.

“The reality is that he’s an easy person to be with, not demanding and not difficult.”

Jackson attended an award ceremony for a regional rally championship on Monday at bin Sulayem’s behest.

“I invited him and he graciously accepted,” bin Sulayem said.