Hideaway In Virginia

Five years ago, Del Walters of Leesburg, Virginia, had a very special houseguest.

He opened his home to Michael Jackson during the time of rumors regarding child molestation.

Walters says that he is now able to talk about the experience now that Michael is gone.

Walters notes that it was a very difficult time for Michael. Michael's entourage was looking for a private hideaway, but were running short of ideas. Michael's representatives were exhausted when they stopped in to a Safeway and saw the cover of Washingtonian Magazine. The Walters family were featured on the cover about 'great places to live."

Robin Walters says she remembers getting the phone call from her husband, "He told me Michael Jackson wants to stay at our home, I said 'yeah bring the Pope and Elvis too.'"

Del Walters had met Michael once before when he was a reporter in Kansas City covering the Victory Tour. After consulting with his minister and taking a family vote, Michael was invited to stay at their home for nine days..

Del Walters said, "I thought it was the right thing to do. Everyone was looking for him he just needed a place to stay. Shelter from the storm."

The Walters left to stay in a hotel and Michael and his group, fourteen people in all, including the three children, their nannies, chefs and body guards stayed in their home.

On a humorous note, Del said that Michael liked his cologne so much, he took it. Michael stayed in their Master bedroom and especially liked a white couch in their room.

Del reported that anyone dealing with Michael called him 'the Principal and the Client.' He says they called him Michael. Michael signed various cds for them and left a couple of shirts in their home.

The couple noticed some different behaviors, as well. The windows were covered so no one could see inside. They said that Michael slept during the day and walked the house at night. When asked if they suspected drug use, Robin Walters said, "There was something making him sleep, don't know if it were drugs but something to get him off the world for a moment."

No matter what people thought about Michael, the Walters say that their's was a simple gesutre. Del Walters said "We wanted him to look back and hope he had peace."

The Walters said that there were several places that Michael visited, but those businesses signed disclosures. The family say that they were never asked to keep Michael's visit a secret. They also would not discuss how much Michael paid to rent their home.

Source: MJFC / WUSA9.com