Q&A with Taj Jackson
Before you read MJJC’s interview with Jermaine Jackson on this page. Previously (February 2), this site conducted an exclusive interview with Taj Jackson, Tito’s son and Michael’s nephew, in which he shared the questions fans had with him. This interview was held to clear up misunderstandings and create unity between fans and the Jackson family. Below, you can read Taj Jackson’s answers to the fans’ questions:
- Many people believe that, in the years leading up to his death, Michael did not have a close relationship with his family. Some even say that after the album “Off the Wall,” his relationship with his family deteriorated. Janet (his younger sister) confirmed this in interviews before Michael passed away. Latoya and Jermaine also reinforced this assumption in their books. Could you tell us, generally, how close MJ was to his family? How much were you and your family in contact with him and his children? After he returned from Bahrain to the United States, did you meet him often?
Taj Jackson: Well, I think it depends on which family member you’re asking about. I know that Uncle Michael was never distant from us (him and his brothers: T.J. and Taryll). I also know that Uncle Michael was very close to our grandmother (Katherine).
I know that in the last few years, some family members were not as close to him as they used to be. But that was never the case for us (me and my brothers). I spoke with him and met him often.
- Questionable dealings have been carried out with Michael’s children—for example, their names have been listed on contracts, they have promoted products and charities that are legally at odds with the Michael Foundation, and they have been interviewed by journalists and reporters (for example, Franke Laudau, who previously insulted Michael. Michael’s children interviewed him in Germany: Read). Every time news about Michael comes up, your family puts his three vulnerable children on display and brings them into the spotlight. What do you think about this? MJ worked very hard to keep them safe from the media. So why, starting one year after his death, did the children turn to interviews with television networks around the world? Paparazzi photos of them are constantly published in the media. They have public Twitters that are monitored by rumor websites like TMZ. As Michael’s nephew, do you think this is what he had in mind for his children? Do you even think that maybe Michael wanted to protect his children?
Taj Jackson: We do our best to deal with the situation as best we can, but we’re only human. Judging others is always easy. But nobody puts themselves in our place.
His children are his legacy. They are the ones who can carry MJ’s name and message—and they will do it. We don’t force them to do anything. They feel proud to carry out these things.
- Are the elders in the family aware of the attacks and internet insults being made against Paris and Prince on their Twitters? (People send them Michael’s autopsy photos and/or mock and curse them.) Why, in these circumstances, are the kids allowed to be active on Twitter? Is there any control when they’re online? Have any measures been considered to defend them against internet attacks?
Taj Jackson: We take these attacks very seriously and we’ve always taken important steps regarding this. But we don’t want to make Prince, Paris, and Blanket feel like they’re in prison. No matter how much we protect them, there are still jealous and nasty people in the world.
- Do you truly believe from the bottom of your heart that the memorial concert “Michael Forever” (Read) was worthy of Michael? Do you think the performers’ execution was on the level of being “the best showman in the world”? Were the fans’ concerns about this concert taken seriously by the Jackson family?
Taj Jackson: No memorial will ever be worthy of MJ. He was undoubtedly the best in all of history. But that doesn’t mean that there should never be any ceremony held in his honor. I think these kinds of ceremonies should always take place. There should always be a celebration for my uncle… not just because of his music, but because of him.
I attended that concert because of my uncle, and knowing my uncle, I know he would have liked it more that his family and children were there than that big names would perform on stage.
- Global Events (the company organizing the concert) claimed bankruptcy on October 8 (Read), on the very same night the concert was held. What actions will you and the Jackson family take to ensure that the employees’ rights are paid? Have the charities received the share that was promised?
Taj Jackson: I’m not the company, and I’m not aware of their actions, so I can’t comment on this. I’m sorry. I hope that more announcements will be made about this in the near future.
- Since you’ve been one of the advisors of the Foundation, then you definitely don’t believe the claim that Michael’s will is fake. Some members of your family believed this, but they never went to court to prove their claim. Have you ever discussed this with the family? What do they believe, and why did they claim that Michael’s will—prepared in 2002—was fake? Did the family come to the conclusion together to cooperate with the Foundation, or do some of them still see the Foundation as an enemy?
Taj Jackson: I’m still involved with the Foundation, and regarding your question, I can only speak for myself and for the plans I participated in. I think the mindset that puts us (the Jackson family) against them (the Michael Jackson Foundation) is very dangerous and pointless. If you label someone as your enemy and enter a competition with them, the game has one winner and one loser. So why would I want my uncle’s Foundation to fail? Dialogue and compromise are the key to this lock—though for some time, both sides rejected it. Categorizing people and deciding that some belong to this group or that group doesn’t help solve the problem. In my view, this entire structure is my uncle’s legacy, not a game. The only group involved is the MJ group—and that’s it.
On the other hand, the Jackson family is very large, and although we are one family unit, it consists of many people. Please keep in mind that one person’s opinion is not the opinion of the whole family, and they are not representative of everyone.
- Prince and Paris support musicians and their albums in public, as well as supporting the Jackson family’s activities, but they never mention the songs that were recently released by their father. Questions have been asked of them on Twitter about this, but they have wisely refused to respond. Since they have repeatedly and loudly expressed their pride in their father’s achievements, this raises the question of whether they were asked not to support the Foundation’s activities.
Taj Jackson: MJ’s children have never been prevented from supporting the Foundation. They have supported many projects in which the Foundation was directly involved. They’re very proud of their father’s achievements and what he left behind.
- Do the elders (Prince and Paris) know that the Foundation belongs to them? Do they know that this legacy is their father’s gift to them?
Taj Jackson: I’m sure they’ve been told about it, but I’ve never gotten into this discussion with them. I focus on their happiness and well-being. My duty is to ensure that they become what my uncle was proud of.
My brothers and I gave up our music careers for two years to make sure our grandmother and our three cousins could adapt to the new conditions. This is our top priority. In return for what my uncle did for us, this is the least we can do to do for him.
- Any commercial activity carried out using MJ’s name, reputation, and art without the Foundation’s approval and/or with the involvement of bad-faith people has a destructive role and is in conflict with MJ’s wishes and to the detriment of his heirs (his children). Why do his children get involved in projects that the Foundation does not approve—and therefore, in the long run, harm them? I’ll give two examples: the memorial concert, which generally ignored the Foundation and paid Michael’s children $100,000 for being on stage. This is considered an insult to Michael and the Foundation, because the children receive a monthly allowance that the Foundation pays them from their father’s wealth. Another case is their cooperation with the charity organization Heal the World, which the Foundation has been suing for a long time and whose case is still ongoing. Do you think it’s ethically right to exploit these children? Do you understand the impact of this issue on society and among people?
Taj Jackson: This is also another example of those discussions that put the family and the Foundation at odds with each other… so I think it’s better to move past this question.
- Are you aware of the fans’ concerns about certain people such as Melissa Johnson, Howard Mann, Dieter Wiesner, and Mark Schaffel (Michael stopped working with the last two), who are currently maintaining a business relationship with your grandfather and grandmother?
Taj Jackson: This is actually an interesting case… but if the law were that no cooperation should ever happen, we wouldn’t have seen the film This Is It, or the album Michael, or the Julien’s auctions and exhibitions.
- Are some people inside or outside the family trying to take advantage of your grandmother? Fans love her and respect her because of the love Michael had for Katherine. But many believe that Katherine is being targeted for exploitation for exactly that reason, and the fans’ outcry against the Michael memorial concert confirms this. Does the Jackson family know this truth—that fans won’t support it with their eyes closed, simply because Katherine Jackson and/or Michael’s children are involved in a plan?
Taj Jackson: Is this a statement or a question? I don’t know which one it is, but I’ll try to answer.
People believe what they want to believe. People support what they want to support. People do the same thing they want to do. My effort is always to keep my eyes open and listen to what both sides are saying.
- Over the past 12 months, the Jackson family has published books, signed contracts for various product sales, and held a number of memorial events. Do you think Michael would have been pleased with their actions? What is your response to those who claim that the Jackson family is only thinking about getting money?
Taj Jackson: Your question took me back to the years when my brothers and I had just formed the group 3T. On all the posters and advertising banners, it said: “Michael Jackson’s nephews.” When I saw my uncle, I apologized for that. I told him we hadn’t told Sony to print such things on the posters. Before I could finish my sentence, he cut me off, and I’ll never forget the answer he gave. He said: “You shouldn’t apologize at all! You’re my nephew, you’re made of my flesh and blood, and I love you. You’re a Jackson. Be proud of yourself and carry this name everywhere like a badge of honor. When I retire, my hope is that you’ll carry this legacy.”
Well… Uncle Michael said that his legacy is part of the Jackson family’s legacy. For him, this name (Jackson) and its endurance mattered. I don’t think the family would misuse the name “their own.”
- Many members of the Jackson family— even before Michael passed away—revealed their deep concerns about the drugs Michael was taking through people like Axman, the family spokesperson, and they talked about their willingness to intervene and find a way to help him. These statements damage Michael’s name. Could you clarify the matter for us?
Taj Jackson: When someone says something on your behalf without your knowledge and approval, does that mean they’re your representative or spokesperson? Brian Oxman is not the spokesperson for our family, and he certainly can’t speak on behalf of the entire family or on behalf of me.
- The next question is about the Cassio tracks. How can you be sure that Michael didn’t sing these songs? Besides your own hearing, do you have any other evidence? Did you hire any audio experts or investigators to examine these tapes? If you believe the songs are fake, then why didn’t you take legal action? Before or after the album was released, did you get into discussions with Eddie or any of the Cassio singers? Did you listen to what the other side said? Why did you bring this up on Twitter and bring the public into this war? Do you not realize that your actions cause division among fans because of this album? Don’t you think your behavior will make some people distrust any new Foundation project?
Taj Jackson: You’ve raised a difficult topic. Before this became public, many things had happened behind the scenes. I don’t want to say anything now that I’ll regret later.
- On Twitter, you said that Michael’s fans don’t understand and don’t know the real story. We know this issue gets on your nerves. But when we don’t receive the right answers from the Jackson family, our nerves are just as shattered. Fans expect support from the Jackson family and are looking for answers to their questions, but the more they follow up, the more they see that this family isn’t going to provide them with answers. How can the family and fans put their grievances aside and start a conversation? What negotiation method does your family prefer? If the Jackson family and Michael’s fans find a method to negotiate and talk, that would be great.
Taj Jackson: This is a difficult situation. I’m not sure anyone in the family would be willing to play the role of liaison or intermediary. When a mistake happens, all the bowls break over the intermediary’s head. All responsibility falls on that person. Nobody appreciates them. I took on that role at one point. It’s not my job. I’d better spend my energy and ability on my grandmother and my uncle’s children.
- Did MJ ever record a solo version of the song Why (released: 1996)? If the answer is yes, can you share information about this version of the song with us? Could it be released one day?
Taj Jackson: No, unfortunately such a song doesn’t exist. On the song demo, only my uncle’s background vocals were recorded. Babyface also made a version of this song, and in the background, he used my uncle’s vocals.
- We all know what an amazing person Michael was. What do you like most about him?
Taj Jackson: His heart. “Amazing person” is an understatement. The love he had for children and for the entire world wasn’t trickery or deception. He was exactly what he showed. If I could be even a tenth of what my uncle was, I would feel satisfied with my life.
- What is your best memory of MJ?
Taj Jackson: When my brothers and I went to Nagasaki in Japan. There’s an amusement park there called Huis Ten Bosch. We had a great time there. How much we laughed during that trip. I’m very happy and grateful that I have so many happy and beautiful memories of him. My memories are so many that they’ll stay with me for the rest of my life.
- What was it like working with MJ? When you were busy with work, was he still your uncle or did he act like a professional?
Taj Jackson: He was definitely a creative genius. I never felt like I was working. For example, when we were filming the video for Why, my uncle would joke with us, and every time the camera zoomed in on us, he made us laugh. My fear was that he might go too far. But then I realized what his goal was. In my mind, I considered this video an MJ project, and I took it too seriously. But our relationship with my uncle was never dry or serious. Our relationship was based on love, happiness, mutual respect, and admiration. And those are the same things that were captured in the video.
- What was MJ’s most important advice to you and your brothers? Would you like to share it with his children as well?
Taj Jackson: We passed on everything my uncle had told or taught us. His most important advice was to believe in our dreams. Know and be grateful for what you have, and repay your debt to the world. Give from what you have to people who haven’t been as fortunate as you, and defend those whose voices don’t reach the world.
Source: eMJey.com / MJJC
- Many people believe that, in the years leading up to his death, Michael did not have a close relationship with his family. Some even say that after the album “Off the Wall,” his relationship with his family deteriorated. Janet (his younger sister) confirmed this in interviews before Michael passed away. Latoya and Jermaine also reinforced this assumption in their books. Could you tell us, generally, how close MJ was to his family? How much were you and your family in contact with him and his children? After he returned from Bahrain to the United States, did you meet him often?
Taj Jackson: Well, I think it depends on which family member you’re asking about. I know that Uncle Michael was never distant from us (him and his brothers: T.J. and Taryll). I also know that Uncle Michael was very close to our grandmother (Katherine).
I know that in the last few years, some family members were not as close to him as they used to be. But that was never the case for us (me and my brothers). I spoke with him and met him often.
- Questionable dealings have been carried out with Michael’s children—for example, their names have been listed on contracts, they have promoted products and charities that are legally at odds with the Michael Foundation, and they have been interviewed by journalists and reporters (for example, Franke Laudau, who previously insulted Michael. Michael’s children interviewed him in Germany: Read). Every time news about Michael comes up, your family puts his three vulnerable children on display and brings them into the spotlight. What do you think about this? MJ worked very hard to keep them safe from the media. So why, starting one year after his death, did the children turn to interviews with television networks around the world? Paparazzi photos of them are constantly published in the media. They have public Twitters that are monitored by rumor websites like TMZ. As Michael’s nephew, do you think this is what he had in mind for his children? Do you even think that maybe Michael wanted to protect his children?
Taj Jackson: We do our best to deal with the situation as best we can, but we’re only human. Judging others is always easy. But nobody puts themselves in our place.
His children are his legacy. They are the ones who can carry MJ’s name and message—and they will do it. We don’t force them to do anything. They feel proud to carry out these things.
- Are the elders in the family aware of the attacks and internet insults being made against Paris and Prince on their Twitters? (People send them Michael’s autopsy photos and/or mock and curse them.) Why, in these circumstances, are the kids allowed to be active on Twitter? Is there any control when they’re online? Have any measures been considered to defend them against internet attacks?
Taj Jackson: We take these attacks very seriously and we’ve always taken important steps regarding this. But we don’t want to make Prince, Paris, and Blanket feel like they’re in prison. No matter how much we protect them, there are still jealous and nasty people in the world.
- Do you truly believe from the bottom of your heart that the memorial concert “Michael Forever” (Read) was worthy of Michael? Do you think the performers’ execution was on the level of being “the best showman in the world”? Were the fans’ concerns about this concert taken seriously by the Jackson family?
Taj Jackson: No memorial will ever be worthy of MJ. He was undoubtedly the best in all of history. But that doesn’t mean that there should never be any ceremony held in his honor. I think these kinds of ceremonies should always take place. There should always be a celebration for my uncle… not just because of his music, but because of him.
I attended that concert because of my uncle, and knowing my uncle, I know he would have liked it more that his family and children were there than that big names would perform on stage.
- Global Events (the company organizing the concert) claimed bankruptcy on October 8 (Read), on the very same night the concert was held. What actions will you and the Jackson family take to ensure that the employees’ rights are paid? Have the charities received the share that was promised?
Taj Jackson: I’m not the company, and I’m not aware of their actions, so I can’t comment on this. I’m sorry. I hope that more announcements will be made about this in the near future.
- Since you’ve been one of the advisors of the Foundation, then you definitely don’t believe the claim that Michael’s will is fake. Some members of your family believed this, but they never went to court to prove their claim. Have you ever discussed this with the family? What do they believe, and why did they claim that Michael’s will—prepared in 2002—was fake? Did the family come to the conclusion together to cooperate with the Foundation, or do some of them still see the Foundation as an enemy?
Taj Jackson: I’m still involved with the Foundation, and regarding your question, I can only speak for myself and for the plans I participated in. I think the mindset that puts us (the Jackson family) against them (the Michael Jackson Foundation) is very dangerous and pointless. If you label someone as your enemy and enter a competition with them, the game has one winner and one loser. So why would I want my uncle’s Foundation to fail? Dialogue and compromise are the key to this lock—though for some time, both sides rejected it. Categorizing people and deciding that some belong to this group or that group doesn’t help solve the problem. In my view, this entire structure is my uncle’s legacy, not a game. The only group involved is the MJ group—and that’s it.
On the other hand, the Jackson family is very large, and although we are one family unit, it consists of many people. Please keep in mind that one person’s opinion is not the opinion of the whole family, and they are not representative of everyone.
- Prince and Paris support musicians and their albums in public, as well as supporting the Jackson family’s activities, but they never mention the songs that were recently released by their father. Questions have been asked of them on Twitter about this, but they have wisely refused to respond. Since they have repeatedly and loudly expressed their pride in their father’s achievements, this raises the question of whether they were asked not to support the Foundation’s activities.
Taj Jackson: MJ’s children have never been prevented from supporting the Foundation. They have supported many projects in which the Foundation was directly involved. They’re very proud of their father’s achievements and what he left behind.
- Do the elders (Prince and Paris) know that the Foundation belongs to them? Do they know that this legacy is their father’s gift to them?
Taj Jackson: I’m sure they’ve been told about it, but I’ve never gotten into this discussion with them. I focus on their happiness and well-being. My duty is to ensure that they become what my uncle was proud of.
My brothers and I gave up our music careers for two years to make sure our grandmother and our three cousins could adapt to the new conditions. This is our top priority. In return for what my uncle did for us, this is the least we can do to do for him.
- Any commercial activity carried out using MJ’s name, reputation, and art without the Foundation’s approval and/or with the involvement of bad-faith people has a destructive role and is in conflict with MJ’s wishes and to the detriment of his heirs (his children). Why do his children get involved in projects that the Foundation does not approve—and therefore, in the long run, harm them? I’ll give two examples: the memorial concert, which generally ignored the Foundation and paid Michael’s children $100,000 for being on stage. This is considered an insult to Michael and the Foundation, because the children receive a monthly allowance that the Foundation pays them from their father’s wealth. Another case is their cooperation with the charity organization Heal the World, which the Foundation has been suing for a long time and whose case is still ongoing. Do you think it’s ethically right to exploit these children? Do you understand the impact of this issue on society and among people?
Taj Jackson: This is also another example of those discussions that put the family and the Foundation at odds with each other… so I think it’s better to move past this question.
- Are you aware of the fans’ concerns about certain people such as Melissa Johnson, Howard Mann, Dieter Wiesner, and Mark Schaffel (Michael stopped working with the last two), who are currently maintaining a business relationship with your grandfather and grandmother?
Taj Jackson: This is actually an interesting case… but if the law were that no cooperation should ever happen, we wouldn’t have seen the film This Is It, or the album Michael, or the Julien’s auctions and exhibitions.
- Are some people inside or outside the family trying to take advantage of your grandmother? Fans love her and respect her because of the love Michael had for Katherine. But many believe that Katherine is being targeted for exploitation for exactly that reason, and the fans’ outcry against the Michael memorial concert confirms this. Does the Jackson family know this truth—that fans won’t support it with their eyes closed, simply because Katherine Jackson and/or Michael’s children are involved in a plan?
Taj Jackson: Is this a statement or a question? I don’t know which one it is, but I’ll try to answer.
People believe what they want to believe. People support what they want to support. People do the same thing they want to do. My effort is always to keep my eyes open and listen to what both sides are saying.
- Over the past 12 months, the Jackson family has published books, signed contracts for various product sales, and held a number of memorial events. Do you think Michael would have been pleased with their actions? What is your response to those who claim that the Jackson family is only thinking about getting money?
Taj Jackson: Your question took me back to the years when my brothers and I had just formed the group 3T. On all the posters and advertising banners, it said: “Michael Jackson’s nephews.” When I saw my uncle, I apologized for that. I told him we hadn’t told Sony to print such things on the posters. Before I could finish my sentence, he cut me off, and I’ll never forget the answer he gave. He said: “You shouldn’t apologize at all! You’re my nephew, you’re made of my flesh and blood, and I love you. You’re a Jackson. Be proud of yourself and carry this name everywhere like a badge of honor. When I retire, my hope is that you’ll carry this legacy.”
Well… Uncle Michael said that his legacy is part of the Jackson family’s legacy. For him, this name (Jackson) and its endurance mattered. I don’t think the family would misuse the name “their own.”
- Many members of the Jackson family— even before Michael passed away—revealed their deep concerns about the drugs Michael was taking through people like Axman, the family spokesperson, and they talked about their willingness to intervene and find a way to help him. These statements damage Michael’s name. Could you clarify the matter for us?
Taj Jackson: When someone says something on your behalf without your knowledge and approval, does that mean they’re your representative or spokesperson? Brian Oxman is not the spokesperson for our family, and he certainly can’t speak on behalf of the entire family or on behalf of me.
- The next question is about the Cassio tracks. How can you be sure that Michael didn’t sing these songs? Besides your own hearing, do you have any other evidence? Did you hire any audio experts or investigators to examine these tapes? If you believe the songs are fake, then why didn’t you take legal action? Before or after the album was released, did you get into discussions with Eddie or any of the Cassio singers? Did you listen to what the other side said? Why did you bring this up on Twitter and bring the public into this war? Do you not realize that your actions cause division among fans because of this album? Don’t you think your behavior will make some people distrust any new Foundation project?
Taj Jackson: You’ve raised a difficult topic. Before this became public, many things had happened behind the scenes. I don’t want to say anything now that I’ll regret later.
- On Twitter, you said that Michael’s fans don’t understand and don’t know the real story. We know this issue gets on your nerves. But when we don’t receive the right answers from the Jackson family, our nerves are just as shattered. Fans expect support from the Jackson family and are looking for answers to their questions, but the more they follow up, the more they see that this family isn’t going to provide them with answers. How can the family and fans put their grievances aside and start a conversation? What negotiation method does your family prefer? If the Jackson family and Michael’s fans find a method to negotiate and talk, that would be great.
Taj Jackson: This is a difficult situation. I’m not sure anyone in the family would be willing to play the role of liaison or intermediary. When a mistake happens, all the bowls break over the intermediary’s head. All responsibility falls on that person. Nobody appreciates them. I took on that role at one point. It’s not my job. I’d better spend my energy and ability on my grandmother and my uncle’s children.
- Did MJ ever record a solo version of the song Why (released: 1996)? If the answer is yes, can you share information about this version of the song with us? Could it be released one day?
Taj Jackson: No, unfortunately such a song doesn’t exist. On the song demo, only my uncle’s background vocals were recorded. Babyface also made a version of this song, and in the background, he used my uncle’s vocals.
- We all know what an amazing person Michael was. What do you like most about him?
Taj Jackson: His heart. “Amazing person” is an understatement. The love he had for children and for the entire world wasn’t trickery or deception. He was exactly what he showed. If I could be even a tenth of what my uncle was, I would feel satisfied with my life.
- What is your best memory of MJ?
Taj Jackson: When my brothers and I went to Nagasaki in Japan. There’s an amusement park there called Huis Ten Bosch. We had a great time there. How much we laughed during that trip. I’m very happy and grateful that I have so many happy and beautiful memories of him. My memories are so many that they’ll stay with me for the rest of my life.
- What was it like working with MJ? When you were busy with work, was he still your uncle or did he act like a professional?
Taj Jackson: He was definitely a creative genius. I never felt like I was working. For example, when we were filming the video for Why, my uncle would joke with us, and every time the camera zoomed in on us, he made us laugh. My fear was that he might go too far. But then I realized what his goal was. In my mind, I considered this video an MJ project, and I took it too seriously. But our relationship with my uncle was never dry or serious. Our relationship was based on love, happiness, mutual respect, and admiration. And those are the same things that were captured in the video.
- What was MJ’s most important advice to you and your brothers? Would you like to share it with his children as well?
Taj Jackson: We passed on everything my uncle had told or taught us. His most important advice was to believe in our dreams. Know and be grateful for what you have, and repay your debt to the world. Give from what you have to people who haven’t been as fortunate as you, and defend those whose voices don’t reach the world.
Source: eMJey.com / MJJC