Matisyahu Paparazzi Caught in Mikvah

AP Brooklyn, NY -- This New York borough is famous for its great diversity of race and religion. That's why it is with no surprise that half-hassid half-Rastafarian Matisyahu calls this place his home. He lives in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn with his wife and child.

Crown Heights is famous for a concentrated mix of hassidim and blacks. While observing the main hassidic streets, a community outsider would never guess that one of the men walking is an international superstar. Matisyahu blends right in, sporting the traditional black hat and long coat that hassidim are famous for.

"You couldn't ask for anything better," said Madonna, who is performing this summer with Matisyahu. "If I could have an entire city that dresses just like me, I could escape the [paparazzi] hysteria when ever I want..." adds the queen of pop.

That is what makes it a bigger mystery as to how Charles Docks, a photographer for a British tabloid, worked his way into a Crown Heights Mikvah while Matisyahu was visiting. A Mikvah is a traditional Jewish bathhouse. It is tradition in this community for many Jewish males to visit the holy body of water daily.

"I think it's a total disgrace and we will take action," said Dr. Harvey Lang, a community leader. He added that his resources were undeservingly drained due to a disputed local election. "This would have never happened if people just listened to [meat business tycoon Moses] Rubashkin."

Harvey Gold, a spokesman for Sony Records said in a statement: "We will do everything in our power to stop this from happening in the future... Mr. Docks went to an all-new outrageous low in this business... We are working with our law department to file criminal charges against him... We will pay for metal detectors at the bath-house until we can resolve this.."

The website CelebritySpot (blogger warning: graphic pictures) bought and posted the Mikvah pictures of Matisyahu online. The singers manager said they are working around the clock to find a way to take them down.

"Hey it's much easier than the airport.. without clothes we never beep going through the metal detector.. well most of us.." Said Shue Goldstein, a local member of the Mikvah.

With reporting by Matt Rosler, New York.