11 April 1997 - Ok! Magazine
Michael allowed the English magazine OK! to publish photos of his first son, Prince Michael Jackson Jr. An interview with Michael and Debbie, along with the photos, was printed.
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” The King of Pop and his little prince “
Interviewer: Michael, what does fatherhood feel like?
Michael: It’s been a very wonderful experience. I feel happy 24 hours a day.
Interviewer: Can you tell us about the birth of your son?
Michael: It’s hard to explain it step by step, but the images I have in my mind show our excitement and our anxiety. Debbie was incredibly strong during labor, and when the baby was born, there was a loud cry of joy. I couldn’t believe the miracle I was witnessing. It was unbelievable.
Interviewer: Michael, describe the connection between you and Debbie.
Michael: We love each other for all the reasons you never see on stage or in photos. I love her because she’s a beautiful, humble, generous person—and she loves me for who I am.
Interviewer: What are Debbie’s feelings toward Michael right now?
Debbie: I love him even more now than when our son wasn’t born yet. Becoming a father brings with it a strong feeling of support. He’s very kind and very strong.
Interviewer: What’s the baby’s name? Why was he given that name? And who does he look more like?
Michael: His name is Prince Michael Jr. My grandfather and my grandfather on my father’s side were both named Prince. So we continued that tradition, and now we have a third Prince in the family.
Debbie: He’s so handsome. I think he has my eyes.
Interviewer: Michael, among all the brilliant achievements of your life, where does fatherhood rank?
Michael: Words can’t describe it. There’s no miracle in life that compares to watching your son come into the world.
Interviewer: Has the baby smiled yet, or somehow answered you both?
Michael: He’s smiling the whole time, and when I read to him, his eyes light up. He definitely recognizes my voice. Debbie tickles his chin and he laughs—like a little giggle.
Interviewer: Debbie, does Michael change the baby’s diapers, wake up in the middle of the night to feed him, or does he do his share of the housework? Debbie: Yes, Michael does everything. He wants to be involved in every aspect of caring for the baby. He’s an amazing father. He feeds him, holds him—and of course he reads to him.
Interviewer: Debbie, you married the most famous man on earth and had a child. What effect has that had on you?
Debbie: I married a man and had a child that I’ll always love, and I’m living at the peak of the world. The only time I feel sad is when I see or hear things that I never said and that are attributed to me. Or when I hear late-night comedians talk about my husband in such a ridiculous and insulting way, saying things that aren’t true. Don’t believe 99% of the nonsense you read or hear. I know we’ll always be under increasingly intense public scrutiny, and I didn’t expect anything else—but I know this will always be part of being married to Michael.
Interviewer: Michael, you rarely do interviews. What would you like to tell your fans right now?
Michael: To all of you, my fans, thank you for understanding how important it is to me to protect my family from the public’s point of view. I’ve lived my whole life in a fishbowl, and I want my son to live a normal life. You’ve supported me throughout my life and my work, and now you’re sharing in my greatest joy. I love you.
Interviewer: Michael, what are your hopes for the future of Prince Michael Jackson Jr.?
Michael: I want him to grow up surrounded by love and family, so he can receive the best education and upbringing that I can provide. So he can discover his talents and develop them. And so he can use his resources to make life better for those who aren’t as fortunate as he is.
Interviewer: Do you keep Debbie from seeing the baby?
Michael: No, that’s completely wrong. Since our son was born, we’ve been together like a family. And we’ve always appreciated every moment of living like a family.
Interviewer: Michael, what was your family’s reaction to this birth?
Michael: They’re all very excited. Right now I’m getting a lot of information and advice about school and things like that.
Interviewer: Are you trying to be what kind of father?
Michael: The best. My father has always been there for us—from the beginning of the Jackson 5 fame, and through all the good and bad things that followed. I’ll always be there for my son. For me, this is the most important thing in the world.
Interviewer: Debbie, what are your family’s feelings about Michael?
Debbie: They’re crazy about him. They were thrilled to discover how warm and brilliant Michael is.
Interviewer: How would you describe Michael’s abilities as a father? Debbie: He’s very patient, and that supportive feeling has developed in him. He never rushes when it comes to the baby’s needs. I was proud that he stood firm in protecting our privacy against the paparazzi. He’s very strong.
Interviewer: Michael, are you still close to your family? How often do you see your parents and your brothers and sisters? Have they still not seen the baby?
Michael: We always talk and we see each other. Recently we had a get-together where all the extended family got to meet each other for the first time.
Interviewer: We think the baby’s godmother might be Elizabeth Taylor. What is it about Elizabeth that fascinates you? A lot of people have been saying
” an unlikely friendship “. What do you have in common?
Michael: Elizabeth knew a lot of the things I experienced in public while I was growing up. I can’t really find many words to say it—sometimes I can only sigh, and she knows exactly how I feel. It was amazing to find someone who understands me so well. I pray for her. I want her to share in the joy of my son’s birthday for the years ahead.
Interviewer: What kind of gifts has Prince Michael Jr. received?
Michael: We received some wonderful gifts—amazing treasures, stuffed animals, toys from all over the world. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of you, our wonderful fans, for helping us welcome our child.
Interviewer: Michael, what are Debbie’s abilities as a mother?
Michael: Debbie is a very strong and kind woman. She’s an amazing mother.
Interviewer: Can we expect a song about your son on your new album?
Michael: My son’s birth has been very inspiring for me artistically, and in the future there will definitely be a song.
Interviewer: And one about Debbie?
Michael: Any song about my son has to be about Debbie, too.