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ONE of Michael Jackson's most trusted bodyguards is cashing in on his boss's death by callously SELLING a surgical face mask the superstar wore the night before he died.
Huge Eric Muhammad - whose 6ft8ins frame meant he was once detailed to look after Jacko's three kids - is secretly demanding $150,000 dollars (£91,000) for his sick piece of memorabilia.
But the conniving minder's shameless betrayal is exposed on video today after he tried to clinch a deal with an undercover News of the World reporter.
Muhammad took the silky black mask from the Thriller star's limo after he drove children Prince, Blanket and Paris to the Los Angeles hospital where doctors frantically tried to save their dying father.
Jackson's bodyguard is caught on film trying to sell star's mask
In a meeting with our investigator, posing as a rich businessman, the burly guard pulled the mask from a plastic zip lock bag and told us: "This is the only way I could, you know, preserve it. This was HIS and you are more than welcome to DNA it.
"It still has his MAKE-UP on it. It still SMELLS like him.
"It's very sentimental to me and it's personal. The number that I had initially in my mind was to offer it up for 200 hundred grand." Then in an effort to prove his closeness to Jacko, and the provenance of his goods, the free-talking security man MOUTHED OFF about the night the King of pop died, BLAMED personal medic Dr Conrad Murray for the tragedy and BRAGGED how the Jackson children lovingly nicknamed him Big E.
CLOSE: Muhammad & Jermaine Jackson at Hollywood premiere of This Is It movie
Muhammad's attempt to line his own pockets comes just after Michael's rhinestone-studded glove - worn for his first Moonwalk dance in 1983 - was sold to a Hong Kong gaming resort boss for $350,000 (about £212,000). But that was a legitimate auction. Slippery Muhammad's offer is a hush-hush private get-rich-quick scheme.
We were tipped off by an LA businessman who had already been approached, and our man took the 'customer's' place. Within seconds of entering our suite at the Intercontinental Montelucia hotel close to his home in Phoenix, Arizona, Muhammad was boasting of his close relationship with the Jackson clan.
Muhammad, 36 - who boasts of celebrity clients including Britney Spears, Kanye West, Claudia Schiffer and Bette Midler - guarded Michael for the final three months of his life at the star's Bel Air mansion.
His role included driving Jacko to and from rehearsals for the This Is It tour, running errands for the superstar and taking the kids shopping. "I was the first one he seen everyday when he came out of the house," bragged Muhammad, sporting a bright orange shirt with his name embroidered on the collar and large fake diamond cufflinks.
"I took care of the children, I took care of him. I took care of whatever he wanted. I'd bring him his food at rehearsal and make sure he got into the house at night."
Muhammad drove Jackson to the last rehearsal two days before his sudden death on June 25 and said the 50-year-old star appeared "fit and healthy".
Smudge
The minder blamed Dr Conrad Murray for the tragedy, accusing the medic of dozing off after administering powerful prescription drugs to get the singer to sleep.
"I think Dr Murray left him under this anaesthesia, whatever it is, too long," said Muhammad. "Dr Murray would get there quite early but MJ wouldn't go to bed sometimes until five in the morning.
"So once Dr Murray got him under, he'd take a nap. I just think he made a bad mistake and it cost MJ his life."
Muhammad said he was one of the security team booked to accompany Jackson on the UK This Is It tour that was never to be.
"It would have been phenomenal," said Muhammad. "It was all set and I had my own apartment. Michael said the fans in London are unbelievable." Outrageously the minder views the sale of Jacko's mask as some sort of compensation for missing out on the tour.
FRANTIC DASH: Medics rush Jacko to hospital in vain bid to revive him.
"I was looking online and there's a lot of stuff on there but none of it is personal items," he said. And, pointing to a brown smudge of make-up on the nose area of the mask, he added: "This IS a very personal item.
"I was responsible for cleaning the cars, so I'd take all Michael's valuables or things I thought might go missing and just keep them. And ironically I just kept that mask!
"So that's it, man. He'd be rehearsing in that. When he'd come out he would wear it. I was just fortunate enough to be where I was at the time to get it."
Setting his first price at $200,000, greedy Muhammad told us: "I was really banking on getting the money from the tour to do me well, and I'm not asking for a handout...
"To part with that, it's a big sentimental piece for me, obviously consider that."
When told he was asking too much, 22-stone Muhammad agreed to a cut-price $150,000 (£91,000).
Bizarrely, despite blatant betrayal by SELLING one his boss's possessions, muslim Muhammad claimed he would never exploit tragic Jacko by TALKING about him for cash.
"I would never give an infidel the pleasure of that," he said arrogantly. "Michael was very into Islam. That's why we were all Muslims doing security for him.
"He's not somebody I'd want to talk bad about. People have no loyalty!"
No Mr Muhammad, obviously not. . .
* KNOW a scandal Maz should expose? Email maz@notw.co.uk or call his team any time on 020 7782 4402.
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This article has 32 comments
Wow, this does not surprise me one bit. Geesh. Was there just one person who was around Michael that he could trust. People always think of themselves first when it comes to money.How about his mother or children wanting the artcile that had his last moments of breathe on it.
I wish I could have been there for MJ. I would have never ever sold him out. No matter the price. I care about respect and care about people in itself. My heart breaks for MJ.
I love you Michael.
By MJJ LOVE.. Posted January 20 2010 at 11:26 PM.
Who cares?! If i had the mask i would sell it!I wanna new car
By Jay Britton.. Posted December 2 2009 at 10:19 AM.
Michael had nobody to trust, nobody. It was impossible to live knowing that everybody tries to grab money from you. People like this "bodyguard" like "Dr Murray" sell people's souls. And it has nothing to do with religion.
Poor Michael, how could he stand that all?
I wouldn't stand either, if I were MJ.
By Nas.. Posted December 2 2009 at 5:41 AM.
I believe we as a people need to stop eating up so much negative press. It,s making us negative people. See how we are set up to be put down. Another day another dollar. it's the "AMERICAN Dream". I'm sure Mr. Muhammad is not the only person to have something of Mr. Micheals. Clear ur minds of gossip.
By Tymberli.. Posted December 1 2009 at 10:27 PM.
It will get even worse. This is just the beginning I am afraid! Soon there will be books and stories of former employies who will revial the `real` Michael. We have seen this before with the other King Elvis Presley. So sad.
By Hans van der Veer.. Posted December 1 2009 at 6:15 AM.
OMG!!!
THIS KIND OF PEOPLE DESTROYED MICHAEL !!!
VERY SOON THIS MAN WILL BE A LOOSER !!!
HE BELIEVE MONEY IS EVERYTHING ?!
LET'S SEE JERMAINE OPINION...IF HE CARE ABOUT IT...
By CARMEN.. Posted December 1 2009 at 1:47 AM.
No one, No one....there wasn't anyone that Michael could trust. This is the person who was assigned as a body guard? He's probably sell this own family members down the river.
No loyality here. I wonder what else of Michael's and his childrens that he is just waiting to make a buck off.
Big E, you should be absolutely ashamed of yourself!!!!
By Concerned.. Posted November 30 2009 at 8:56 AM.
Thank God Micheal was the most kindest and caring human being the world has seen. He gave away almost half his fortune to charity when he was alife and continue to give after dead.
Those who were close to him benefited far more from his kindnest and should try to preserve his dignity which he deserves without condition.
This type of action from a body guard that Micheal trusted, loved and cared for whilst alife shows that many do not live by their consciences when money is concerned. Please let us give this remarkable Guru some respect which he also gave to the world. You are special and will continue to be forever. R.I.P
By R.Bongkiyung.. Posted November 30 2009 at 5:05 AM.
My
wife and i loved Michael, we think you should split the money, give 3 fourths to some of Michaels favorite charities, thats what he would want.
By Jason Dorsey.. Posted November 30 2009 at 4:04 AM.
Well I got one thing to say to you - or to remind you of: Money. Michael said it himself.
"You'll do anything for money...
Anything
Anything
Anything for money
Would lie for you
Would die for you
Even sell my soul to the devil"
It's just disgusting. Like money's the only thing important in this world. Whatever happened to the importance of moral ethics and values when making choices?
By My.. Posted November 30 2009 at 3:45 AM.
I WAS A REAL FAN OF MICHAEL JACKSON. AND MY HEART GO OUT TO HIS MOM AND CHILDREN. I THINK THAT MASK SHOULD GO TOO HIS MOM . BECAUSE, THAT IS SO CLOSE AND PERSONAL . HIS MOM WOULD PROBLEMLY PUT THAT IN HER BIBLE. FOR SAFE KEEPING. SO THAT SHE COULD GIVE IT TO BLANKET! ONE DAY. SO THINK BEFORE YOU LEAP.SIGNING OUT. MS. GAYNELLE THANKYOU MICHAEL FOR EVERYTHING. I WILL ALWAYS LISTEN TO TWO EVERYDAY! HEAL THE WORLD, THE MEN IN THE MIRROW.
By gaynelle mcmillan.. Posted November 30 2009 at 2:14 AM.
Another piece of garbage that cannot respect Michael Jackson even after death, who knows what else he stole from him. I'd give him a piece of my mind.
By MichaelPureSoul.. Posted November 29 2009 at 10:33 PM.
Michael wore makeup? Now that's a shock. Isn't makeup for women?
By Phil Mickelson.. Posted November 29 2009 at 10:31 PM.
My mother, God rest her soul, always told me, "Things don't matter. Things won't bring the person back...but you'll always have the memories."
What good is this mask to Michael? He's gone. What good is it to his children? They have enough to live on and not ever work a day in their lives, if they so choose. This guy is not hurting ANYBODY by selling the mask!
If there's a collector of 'things' out there willing to pay for it, let the man sell it. He's only having to 'sneak around' because he knows he'll catch he!! from the media (and far too many other opinionated MOUTHS) for doing it.
BTW, I'm an MJJ fan. I don't need 'things' to keep his memory alive.
By MiMi.. Posted November 29 2009 at 7:05 PM.
How awful of you. I am ashamed. Wouldn't it be better to give that mask to someone who is an everyday Michael fan who can't afford the outrageous price tags attached to most of his items in auction That would be the very Michaelish thing to do. He would seriously frown upon you as a friend for trying to cash in on is misfortune. Do the right thing. Give it to a loyal fan who is crying and dying inside and would give their right arm just for something that was personally his to treasure. If you don't know any, hello, I am one!
By Cassie Mathis.. Posted November 29 2009 at 6:39 PM.
So many people have cashed in on him....even his own family are so you cant blame this one guy for trying. We all would if we could and were lying if we say otherwise.......the sick people are the ones that will buy this item not the one that is selling it!!!!
By M Sanford.. Posted November 29 2009 at 5:03 PM.
Bigger the mug that would part with cash for a bit of trash, whats the point to own it ?
Obviously the person who would buy it would have more money than sense fair enough stick it in a MJ museum , but to own it personally eeeewww.
By Rob.. Posted November 29 2009 at 4:21 PM.
GOD bless does heartless human AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By ASHLIZY-LOVE.. Posted November 29 2009 at 4:15 PM.
you are ment to be able to trust staff.he is no better than sum of the family menbers, thay are just after M.J money.
By donna.. Posted November 29 2009 at 4:03 PM.
Where's there's a corpse,vultures will not be far behind, but really, you can't blame him, cashing in if idiots out there are willing to buy this rubbish
By ALAN.. Posted November 29 2009 at 1:53 PM.
This really doesn't surprise me at all. I imagine anyone that worked for Michael and has something that was his will try to sell it. In a world like it is today where everyone needs money, this is going to happen. I think its sick to make money from his death, but as far as I am concerned even the family is doing that unless I'm wrong on knowing the truth. Let his children have the money. Why does his father deserve anything? Yes his mother is raising the children, but for how long, and from what I understand she gets plenty to raise them. Let this deceased wonderful entertainer of all time rest in peace.
By billie bodnar.. Posted November 29 2009 at 1:13 PM.
Another disloyal rat exposed. Nice one Maz!
By Jon.. Posted November 29 2009 at 11:16 AM.
Michael left the used mask in the car to be discarded, and I don't think MJ would care what was done with it now that he is gone.
By Val.. Posted November 29 2009 at 7:52 AM.
It's probably the most personal item of MJ's, besides his undershorts as it was close to his body. I don't know the relationship of the bodyguard to Micheal, and in a way this is reprehensible when possibly the money could go in to trust for Michael's children, but the man is obviously needing money since his boss passed away. I'm sure this situation has not been an easy one for anyone involved. It's whether Michael thought of others he left behind and how his death would effect everyone if he died. Hundreds of employees lost their jobs when Netherland closed, their jobs and security when Michael died ec, and his family and children. He should probably talk to one of the family and give them the mask and ask as a former caretaker-bodyguard if he could have a percentage of the sales, and speak to them if he needs a job or money instead of selling something that's not his to sell. That would be the way to go about this.
By Jaine.. Posted November 29 2009 at 5:27 AM.
Dirty rotter. It is amazing how many vultures come out after Michael's passing. It is bad enough that he was betrayed by so many while he was alive, but to do it now is really sinking to a new low.
Only good thing about this is that MJ can't see what so-called trusted aids and friends are doing. He is finally at peace.
MJ deserved so much better than he got. It is dispicable that people can be so low.
By Karen.. Posted November 29 2009 at 5:08 AM.
Im sure theres alot more stuff out there being sold by MJs so called "faithful" employees. DISGRACEFUL!!!!!
By zeba.. Posted November 29 2009 at 12:26 AM.
none of you would have done any better
By Jay.. Posted November 29 2009 at 12:48 AM.
It's sad someones always trying to make a dollar off Michael JACKSON. His belongings are very personal to him and they want to make $$$$$$$$$$$$$. off of these items. It's ashame to say they were such close friends and would want to sell his belongs just to make money!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Terry.. Posted November 29 2009 at 12:07 AM.
It's a bit of cloth! You cares
By Get over it.. Posted November 28 2009 at 11:34 PM.
I'm not a huge MJ fan - but was very sad when he died...but knew what would happen - someone who happened to be so teniously connected ("I was once in the same building as him, we were THAT close") woudl just start selling hair or toe nails or something just so pathetic. But to finish a blatant sales pitch like that and try and make out that his religion makes him closer to MJ makes me sick. Seriously, you blood sucker - go crawl back into your hole - claiming to be a muslim takes you furthera way from him than closer - no really islamic MAN who cared about MJ or his family would not whore themselves out like that. You make me sick.
By Kalvin -C-.. Posted November 28 2009 at 10:58 PM.
What a sad sad story !!! how could this man dare to steal MJ's mask. Imagine what else is all gone missing. like Mj jewllery that is mysteriously gone missing.
but the only think i'm glad about is that the last statement of this guy underlines my theory that MJ became muslim. he was wearing a muslim prayer necklace the whole last month of his life. you can see it on many pictures. its made of brown wood pearls.
By Shirin.. Posted November 28 2009 at 11:03 PM.
SICKENING!!
Michael Jackson was surrounded by these type of people who continue to take advantage of him, even after his passing!!
Michael does not deserve this, he was the kindest and most caring of people.
By Tom Vjestica.. Posted November 28 2009 at 9:15 PM.