This image was lost some time after publication.


News services (and the pop star's internet propaganda arm, MJJ Source) report that Michael Jackson has escaped from the hospital following a curiously brief stay for "mystery flu" treatment. It seems that yesterday Jackson delivered a coded message to the army of devoted fans that had gathered outside his window. After hours of painstaking study, we think we've cracked the code: "Peace, my beautiful friends. I am well now. The faithful can join me at Neverland Ranch in 24 hours. We'll party before I burn the Ranch down and escape to the moon. Bring a Boy Scout. No, five Boy Scouts. Jacko out!"

[Photos: Getty Images via City Rag]