"He really had an innocent heart, and that was something people took advantage of." - Taj Jackson

[Triana]

"He really had an innocent heart," he said, "and that was something people took advantage of." - Taj Jackson, Michael's nephew
_ _ _ _ _

LOS ANGELES – A nephew of Michael Jackson says his uncle joined a large family dinner a few weeks before he died, and talked openly about his creative plans beyond the 50-date concert stint in London.

Jackson gathered with about 50 members of his family for dinner at an Indian restaurant a few weeks before he died, Taj Jackson, the 36-year-old son of Tito Jackson, said outside a courtroom during a hearing Friday.

That night was the last time he saw his uncle, who "was just enjoying being with the family." He said they spoke only of the future.

"He had his next chapter mapped out," Taj Jackson said. "He wanted to do this (tour) and get on to the next chapter. The last words he said to me were, 'We're gong to do film after this.'" He said Jackson was interested in directing.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090822/ap_en_mu/us_jackson_family_dinner

[sunnybrook]

1. I understand that MJ trusted these nephews

I have seen the video he did with them and I even read somewhere that if his Mother died they would be "next in line" for the estate. However, I am highly suspicious of this whole family, with the exception of Janet. They were going to have Randy testify then a nephew comes instead? I can only imagine the pressure these kids are under to advance what the family wants to happen, which often goes back to the devil himself, Joe Jackson. I am sure Tito can pressure his kids. Cannot really trust the family in matters of not exploiting MJ.

[Triana]

2. I agree with you on several fronts...

..I think Michael has always been the family's 'cash cow' - they pushed, pressured, and used him from the start - and after he became successful, he supported many of them.

In regards to Sony (I can't STAND them) and their "2-week-only" release of the "This Is It" film - that's a nasty slap in the face to grieving fans who'd like to see the man's last performances. Given that, many likely many will miss it due to the time and monetary limitations - I hate to think what they'll charge for tix. I hate Sony with a passion though and AEG is likely as bad. Maybe it was the family that wanted the 2-week limit, who knows. I'd be interested to find out. No, this isn't mentioned in the OP, it's just me ranting.

And in regards to Neverland - it's pretty well known that Michael did NOT like that place after it was tainted by extortion/false accusations/scandal - no way would he wanted to have ended up there, so Taj was right on on that subject - as was Michael's mother (who I like but I think she is likely bullied a lot by Joe - and he probably beat the shit out of her too, as well as his kids). He abandoned the place after the trial was over and I don't blame him. Too bad because it was a beautiful place that could still, even now, be a place for sick and disadvantaged kids to go to have a little fun in their lives whereas they'd otherwise not have a chance. But - eh - that's been ruined by greedy extortionists.

In regards to Joe - he is Satan as far as I'm concerned. Child user/abuser. It's hideous what he did to those kids when they were little and Michael was forced to be an adult performer/cash cow when he was SO little - that it affected him for the rest of his life - and then the public ridiculed him MORE on top of it - as IF he could have changed his childhood. Guess he could have run away from home. I'd challenge ANYONE who was forced to live that kind of life as a small child, to then be perfectly "normal" and fit into the status quo so as not to be ridiculed by a cruel society for having a hair out of place that's different from anyone else, having skin diseases they can't help, or being in ANY way "different" (OMG!) from anyone else. And he did have real talent - natural talent - but it had nothing to do with Joe. Having talent like that makes a person "different" right out the gate. As for those who like to reject and ridicule others who are "different", well, people are uncompassionate and cruel - and their own Karma will bite them in the ass - guaranteed - and I take a lot of comfort in that. :evilgrin:

It's the "different" among us who change the world. God(dess) bless the "Freaks". One such "Freak" - Harvey Milk - just got a Freedom Medal for that. Bless 'em.

Regarding Michael's heart/emotions - and his being taken advantage of because of that - many have said he was emotionally a sweet, very heart-innocent, too-trusting person. I've read/heard that from many more people than just Taj - many of whom have nothing to gain by saying it (or not) - so given that pattern, I have to believe that it's true - regardless the untrustworthiness of that family in general and Joe in particular.

Prime examples of his being taken advantage of in this way was the extortion and the various other vultures swirling around him during his life - such as some of his family, and "Doctor" Conrad Murray, various managers and financial people, et al. It's not surprising he didn't know who he could trust. Not at all. Everybody wanted his money.

"He was the most inspirational person in my life. His one dream was to cure all the sick children in the world. And when I'd say, 'Isn't that impossible?' Michael would just start to cry. He was very emotional about things that moved him. I guess you'd have to say he was a pure innocent in a world that wasn't so innocent anymore." - Brett Ratner, filmmaker and music video director

"Making Thriller with Michael was like - working with a VERY gifted 10-year-old - and I don't mean that in a negative way..." John Landis, Director for the Thriller video (Michael was about 19-20 when Thriller was made).

[sunnybrook]

3. Wow that is alot of stuff..

Unfortunately, I see that you used a quote from John Landis, but he lined up in the end with everyone else to sue MJ. There is an old saying that just because I am paranoid doesn't mean you're not watching me (or something like that), but anyway, my point is that Michael was paranoid, for good reason. EVERYONE that came into his world, or at least most people, then stabbed him in the back later. I don't know if you read the USA Today article yesterday from his artist, but he is one of the few people associated with Michael that did not seem to be out to get theirs. Sad, really.

About Neverland, I totally agree with you, it would be a travesty for them to bury him at Neverland. Jermaine immediately went on Larry King to promote the idea of Graceland, I mean Neverland, as a burial place. He knows as well as strangers like us that MJ WOULD NOT have wanted that. He is strictly out to exploit Michael in his death, and I think he has clearly shown that. My point about them "switching" witnesses from Randy to Taj is that this family is not stupid. They know that people are saying that they are for the most part acting like a bunch of shameless money grubbers in the event of his death. They are aware of public opinion. That is why after you had that moronic father hitting all the talk shows, and they saw how disgusted people were with him and his legacy, that they put out word that he would not be raising the children, and would rarely see them, etc... In a similar media savvy way, I think they realize the public image of the "brothers" in general, and for that reason thought that Taj would make a better witness for their case. The fact that he said he was against him being buried at Neverland only makes him more credible, see what I mean? I am not saying this young man is necessarily insincere, I am just saying he must be totally pressured by the family. They need someone who looks like they actually love Michael, and none of them have been looking that way! Janet excluded of course.

Sony making money off him? You are right that is disgusting, and I agree the two week thing will turn the movie into a total media event where you are damn lucky to get tickets and it will be overcrowded and ridiculous. I am sure you do not have to worry if you don't see it then, it will return, they are just playing on the market forces right now. Alot of bullshit, but if you wait you could see it when they release it for real. I guarantee they are not stupid enough to only collect 2 weeks worth of money and then throw the film into the trash. It will be back!

Anyway, I for one will not be hating on you. There are other MJ fans here at DU and I appreciate all the stuff you are posting!

:hi:

[Yehonala]

6. Bunch of Shameless Moochers

His whole family used him shamelessly. I don't think he trusted any of them, rightly, and I don't think he would have toured with him. Even Katherine was manipulative and as for Joe, she should have shot his abusive head in. No excuse about marriage vows. "Honor Thy Father and Mother" goes out the window the minute abuse begins. Katherine enabled him and is just as responsible for the mess Michael was in. What selfish monsters he was swamped with. Michael in in a better place.

[rj5690]

4. I completely agree

[Deja Q]

5. I posted in another thread and stopped short of feeling he was that type of man...

Thank you, Taj. I'm so sorry things turned out as badly as they had. Given his influence in the music industry and taking music videos to a whole new level, I suspect he - as a movie director - would have done real wonders.

A shame...