Jackson Is Presenter at NAACP Awards : Entertainment: Singer’s surprise appearance caps a series of controversial developments in this year’s Image event.

Embattled superstar Michael Jackson was a surprise presenter at the NAACP’s 26th annual Image Awards on Wednesday, further heightening the profile of this year’s controversy-tinged event.

Angered by the nomination for one of the awards of “gangsta” rapper Tupac Shakur, several black women’s groups had threatened to boycott the prestigious ceremonies, and some expected protesters to appear outside the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, where the event was held.

However, no protest was in evidence as the ceremonies got under way.

Several celebrities were annoyed by questions regarding the presence of Shakur, who was nominated for outstanding lead actor in a motion picture.

Jasmine Guy, who won an Image Award on Wednesday for outstanding actress in a comedy series for her now-defunct show “A Different World,” snapped at reporters’ questions about rap music and Shakur.

“I have not yet seen due process,” Guy said of Shakur, who is charged with sexual assault and weapons violations. “They are not preachers, they are not educators, they are rappers.”

The black-tie awards show was created by the NAACP’s Hollywood branch in 1967 to recognize African Americans in the entertainment industry who have worked to “ensure a positive portrayal of African Americans in all areas of the entertainment industry.”

Winners of awards announced early in the evening included TV star and producer Martin Lawrence, who got top honors as actor in a comedy series for his role in “Martin,” and for the series itself.

The TV series awards mostly stuck with the familiar, with honors going to “I’ll Fly Away,” Alex Haley’s “Queen” and to “The Young and the Restless,” which won outstanding daytime drama series for the second year in a row.

The awards were taped for broadcast on Jan. 22 at 11:30 p.m. on NBC.

Pop singer Jackson, accused by a 13-year-old boy of molesting him, was referred to by one of the hosts as “Michael Innocent Until Proven Guilty Jackson,” drawing loud cheers from the audience.