Pop nobility - Michael Jackson's children, his nephew and the King of Pop's difficult legacy
What if one grew up in Neverland, Michael Jackson's Home and Wonderland, with one's own zoo, amusement park, and railway? With a father and uncle who was the most famous person in the world – and also one of the most controversial due to child sexual abuse allegations? Paris, Prince, and Bigi Jackson, along with their cousin Jaafar Jackson, all tread their own unique paths – and one of them even dares to step into the footsteps of Michael Jackson in the upcoming Michael Jackson docu-series. A small family lineup.
Jaafar Jackson: the New MichaelHe's only playing it, being Michael Jackson. Jaafar, son of Jermaine Jackson, embodies his uncle in the high-gloss biopic "Michael." And so perfectly that he could potentially become a superstar himself after the film's release in April 2025. When you click on the trailer, you'll see why.
The greatest compliment Jaafar, 27, has received so far: Prince Jackson posted a picture from the set in February. Not only does Jaafar look strikingly like his uncle – Prince was moved to say: "A special thanks to my cousin Jaafar Jackson for observing your performance and for witnessing how you work hard. I will never come closer to a concert experience with my dad. A dream came true. I'm proud of you, cousin!"
Prince Michael Jackson Jr.: the Leader"Because I'm the eldest of us children, my father always told me to take care of the group and lead by example," recalls Prince. After Michael Jackson's death in 2009 from an overdose of an anesthetic, life became chaotic. At the same time, they inherited millions – each of the three children and grandmother Katherine received 40 percent of the estate, 20 percent went to charitable causes (managing the music business were the executors of the estate).
Prince's private fortune is estimated at around €92 million. He tried his hand at television as a moderator, acted in "Beverly Hills 90210," produced music videos, but realized, "I don't have this gift." Eventually, he studied business administration and continued his father's charitable work and founded the non-profit "Heal Los Angeles Foundation," which fights against sexual abuse and homelessness. Like his siblings Paris and Bigi, he avoids publicity – except for fan conventions or charity galas in honor of his father.
Paris Michael Katherine Jackson: the SurvivorParis, Michael Jackson's only daughter, comes from his marriage to Debbie Rowe. The dermatologist had been artificially inseminated and gave him full custody of the children after the divorce. Paris remembers her father Michael Jackson less as the eccentric man who hid her face for years and more as a very disciplined father: "Even as a child, it was about earning things. If we wanted five toys, we had to read five books." She is still dealing with his loss today. "I've been through hell – whether it was his death or all the other things I've experienced in my life."
He spoke openly about his heavy depressions, bisexuality, and reunion with his mother, whom he hadn't seen for years. With a respected fortune of 92 million Euro, he experimented with the band "The Soundflowers" and also solo. He worked as a model and actress intermittently. Practically, with Macaulay Culkin (and Elizabeth Taylor) as godparents. The "Home Alone" child star advised her for a role in "American Horror Stories": "Overact and be particularly theatrical."
"Bigi" Prince Michael Joseph Jackson, II: the Invisible OneHis older siblings aren't particularly media-savvy, but the youngest Jackson lives a secluded life. His mother? Unknown, he was anonymously born from a surrogate mother. Social Media? He operated a YouTube channel called "Film Family," where he and his brother Prince reviewed movies. However, there has been silence on the channel for years, as well as on his Instagram account. In rare interviews, the 22-year-old primarily engages in advocacy for more climate protection and his charitable projects.
His fortune, like that of his two siblings, is estimated to be around 92 million dollars. And it continues to grow: Approximately 155 million dollars worth of products from the King of Pop were sold last year. Michael is the highest-earning dead celebrity in the world. And it is likely that soon another million-dollar amount will land on the accounts of the three Jacksons. According to media reports, Sony secured half of Jackson's music rights for a reported sum between 600 million and 1.5 billion dollars.
Paris Jackson frequently shares her thoughts on growing up with such influential figures, mentioning, "Growing up with Michael and Jermaine Jackson as my father and uncle was an extraordinary experience, despite the controversies surrounding my uncle."
Jermaine Jackson's sons, including Jaafar, continue to honor their family legacy, as evidenced by Jaafar's powerful portrayal of Michael Jackson in the upcoming docu-series.
