Antony, Michael Jackson’s Proud Cousin’s Son
Michael Jackson had three children, but he raised many other girls and boys as well. He supported injured and abandoned children like David Rothenberg, who had been set on fire by his biological father. Nicole Richie, the adopted daughter of Lionel Richie, was among the girls who spent her childhood on Michael’s ranch, Neverland. Contrary to what the media says, it wasn’t only little boys who were guests at Neverland.
You also previously read about the life of Beth, who is called Michael Jackson’s honorary son, and whom Michael’s children consider like their older brother, in this page.
And now we meet Antony Jackson—another child whose guardianship Michael took on—this time the son of Michael’s cousin.
Antony’s grandfather is Joe Jackson’s younger brother (Michael’s father). When Antony was 7, his father Tony passed away, and since then Michael’s special role in his cousin’s son’s life began. Michael raised Antony like his own child and swore that he would always support and care for him. After Michael’s death, when his will was read, Antony Jackson’s name was included in it.
Michael Jackson’s main heirs are his three children: Prince, Paris, and Blanket. But if anything were to happen to them, Antony Jackson—and also Michael’s three sons, Tito Jackson’s sons (with the names Taj, TJ, and Taryll)—would be his heirs.
On June 26, 2010, the Jackson family and Voiceplate.com held a memorial ceremony for Michael titled “Forever Michael” at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. On that day, Antony was one of the speakers. He said:
“Before I say anything, I wanted to wait a year. So I decided to speak at Michael’s first anniversary ceremony. I even asked my father’s cousin, Randy Jackson, whether he thought I should attend this event or not. He asked me if I would be paid for these speeches. And I told him that if there was money involved, I wouldn’t do it.
Michael was more than a family member to me. He was my friend, my teacher, and my godfather. When I was 7, my father passed away—that’s when Michael entered my life. He told me he would always be there for me, and he did.
Michael showed me the world. He also taught me how to help others. He would take me with him to children’s hospitals to visit patients. He would talk to them and give them toys as gifts.
Michael built Neverland so that sick children could play there for free and enjoy themselves. Because of Michael, Neverland was the most dreamlike place in the world.
He would tell me to master my own unique self and to follow my profession with love and passion. He was one of the greatest and most creative people who ever stepped foot in this world.
He once asked me if he was a good father. (Antony became emotional.) I told him that he is the best father in the world. His children were the most valuable thing in the world to him, and I want Prince, Paris, and Blanket to know that I love them and that I will always be there for them.
Today, I only want to pay tribute to Michael and tell people around the world what a wonderful human being he was—to me, to my mother, and to the world. May Michael’s legacy live forever.”
Antony, like many other children from the Jackson family, is pursuing a career in music. His debut album, titled Anton Classic, entered the market in August 2010 and was sold on iTunes.
He has also prepared a video in memory of Michael and posted it on YouTube, titled I Got Something. At the end of this video, the caption, shoes, and a signature hat that Michael had gifted to Antony are shown. On the hat, Michael has written as a keepsake:
“For my son, Antony. I’ll always love you. Michael Jackson”
Antony also always refers to Michael as his father.
Here is part of the lyrics of the song I Got Something, written and arranged by Antony:
“It’s time to make a change and realize that we’re not alone in this campaign. We will find a way to save the people.”
“You know the truth, so say it out loud. This is what we must do to protect Michael’s legacy.”
To encourage Antony, Michael had asked him to write a song for him, and Antony remembers it as the greatest honor of his life.
He also shares joint photos of himself and Michael.
On Instagram, Antony wrote about this photo:
“Michael and I at the premiere of Ghosts in Sydney, Australia. I always miss you, Applehead (Applehead—Michael’s nickname).
It was on this trip that I gave my first life signature. People were calling my name, and I would ignore them out of respect for Michael, because the ceremony was being held for him. When Michael heard them, he said: ‘Antony, they’re calling you—go.’ I was flustered and asked: ‘Are you sure?!’ Hahaha... He was happy that they were calling my name... I miss you, man!”
And a gift from Neverland for Antony..
He wrote about this photo:
“I keep this next to me in the studio room all the time. Prince and Paris, I love you—of course you already know that.”
Antony says his father’s nickname was “Zeke.” Michael used that same name for a boy who dances like him in the film Moonwalker.
Michael invited Antony to the HIStory Tour (1997–1996), and Antony got the chance to travel with his godfather to different cities around the world. He has made a video of his memories with Michael and posted it on YouTube. In this video, we see Antony alongside Michael. In the final shot, taken from Michael’s home movies (Private Home Movies), Antony and Michael are shopping in a store in Miami.
After posting this photo, Antony wrote:
“Had a great time in Miami.”
To download the video, click.
On Twitter as well, Antony keeps Michael’s memory alive:
“Michael is an artist that all of us follow. With his creativity, he made new ways and was always successful. I was lucky to have him.”
“Michael taught us to tell the truth.”
“Dad, I’ll always support you.”
“Thank you for inspiring us. I rose from my dreams while whispering, ‘I accept my mission and purpose in life.’”
Antony, however, also writes about his concerns. Recently on his Twitter, he said that until Michael’s children reach stability in their own lives, Michael will not find peace:
“Michael is not at peace. His children were the biggest issue for him.”
Source: eMJey.com / Twitter @ATONCLASSIC