What to Know About Bigi Jackson, Michael Jackson’s Youngest Child

by

As a lifestyle observer, I remember being truly struck by the first images of Michael Jackson’s son, Blanket. Even putting his father’s unique personality aside, the way he was presented to the world was just…unconventional, to say the least. It was a moment that really stuck with me.

On November 19, 2002, Michael Jackson held his 9-month-old son, Prince Michael Jackson II, out on the balcony of their hotel suite in Berlin to wave to fans. Photographers tried to get a picture of the pop star’s youngest child, but a towel was used to protect his face.

You know, Michael really thought he was recreating that iconic Lion King scene – holding his son up like Simba! It’s pretty ironic, considering he was actually in Germany receiving an award for his decades of work with children. But the moment didn’t land as he hoped. It caused a huge uproar worldwide, and believe it or not, it even inspired a storyline on Law & Order back in 2003. It just goes to show how quickly things can be misinterpreted, even with the best intentions.

The singer, known for Thriller, released a statement saying he wasn’t making excuses for his actions. He explained that he simply got carried away and assured everyone he would never do anything to put his children in danger. This came as concerns about his parenting skills were rapidly growing.

But the surprising stories about Michael Jackson were just starting to surface. It wasn’t until after his death in 2009 that people began to see a more relatable side of him as a father, through the heartfelt memories shared by his two oldest children, Prince Jackson (born Michael Joseph Jackson Jr.) and Paris Jackson (born Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson).

And that little baby from the balcony is turning 24 on Feb. 21. 

In 2015, he decided to stop being called “Blanket” and began using the name Bigi Jackson. Around that time, as he neared high school graduation, he was very interested in movies and comic books, fully embracing a typical teenage life despite his extraordinary family background, according to TopMob News.

He was particularly close to his older brother, Prince, though all three siblings shared a strong bond, according to a source.

The three siblings have largely stayed out of the public eye, despite ongoing interest in their father’s life and legacy. They made a rare joint appearance on the red carpet in London in 2024 at a performance of MJ: The Musical. The youngest Jackson sibling generally prefers a private life, though a lunch date with a mystery woman made news in January.

Paris Jackson marked her brother Bigi’s 18th birthday in 2019 with a nostalgic Instagram post. She shared some throwback photos and expressed her disbelief at how quickly time has passed, recalling when she used to change his diapers. She wrote that she’s incredibly proud of the kind, funny, intelligent, and insightful young man he’s become, and noted he values his privacy, so she kept her message brief. She wished him a happy birthday.

In November 2021, the most private of Michael Jackson’s children gave an interview to Good Morning America, where he looked at a collection of items from his father’s famous career.

You know, being here with Bigi, he really hit the nail on the head. He was saying how much history is soaked into these walls, both in the house and the studio. And it made me think – that’s really what we’re all trying to do as artists, right? Create things that people not only love, but that actually make a positive difference in their lives. It’s a beautiful thought, and it’s what draws me to this place and his legacy.

And the kids were taught that it was the people in the house who mattered at the end of the day.

Prince, 29, shared on Good Morning Britain that his father used to tell him and his siblings that family was all they’d ever need. He explained, ‘He’d say we might not have much, but looking around at each other – me, my brother, and my sister – that’s everything.’ Prince said this message really resonated with them and helped create the strong bond they all share.

Their father told him that, as the oldest, he would eventually need to take care of his younger siblings. This responsibility came much sooner than expected when his brother, Michael, unexpectedly passed away in 2009 at the age of 50. At just 12 years old, Prince admitted he wasn’t prepared to take on that role.

He remembered that after his father died and they were left to fend for themselves, his siblings stepped up and took responsibility for things he hadn’t been able to handle.

It’s amazing how quickly time has passed – they’ve all grown up now! Considering how private their births were, it’s really surprising to see them all grown up.

Prince, who proposed to his girlfriend Molly Schirmang last summer, shared that because he and Molly are close in age, they don’t really fall into traditional ‘older’ or ‘younger’ roles. He said that he cherishes every moment spent with her and their families, whether it’s a simple dinner or a fun outing.

Moreover, they’ve got a legacy to oversee.

Oh my gosh, I was so excited when I saw Prince talking about his family! It was at this amazing benefit he threw – “Thriller Night” – at his house in Encino, all for his Healing Los Angeles foundation. He was chatting with Access Hollywood back in October 2019, and he just said the sweetest thing about growing up with siblings. He basically explained that, you know, siblings just share so many similar experiences and come from the same kinds of backgrounds. It was just… everything!

It’s like you share a special connection with them because they truly understand your upbringing and how you were raised, in a way others can’t. It’s a very honest and genuine relationship. Especially when you’re surrounded by people who might not have your best interests at heart, it’s easy to get caught up in superficial interactions. That’s why having that strong, real bond as siblings has made us even closer – we always know it comes from a place of love.

Looking back, Michael Jackson’s attempts to shield his children from the public eye don’t seem unusual, but at the time, they contributed to his reputation for being eccentric—especially his practice of having his children wear masks in public. After a highly publicized and controversial trial in 2005 where he was found not guilty of child molestation, he remained deeply suspicious of the media for the rest of his life.

As a lifestyle observer, I’ve always been fascinated by how fame impacts people, and this artist was a particularly complex case. He experienced the absolute highest level of stardom, yet underneath that, he carried a vulnerability, like a part of him never fully matured. Imagine being thrust into the public eye at just six years old, with your entire family’s well-being resting on your talent – it’s a lot for anyone to handle, and it clearly shaped who he became.

Subsequently, he wanted his own children to have a shot at a childhood. 

Prince recalled that his father treated him with respect and explained the reason for wearing masks – he wanted his children to have independent lives. He didn’t consider his upbringing unusual as a child, but later realized it wasn’t typical. He remembered a moment at Disneyland where he innocently waved back at fans, assuming it was a normal experience. Prince reflected that his life has always been different, and he embraces that, as it’s all he’s ever known.

Prince went to Loyola Marymount University and dedicated himself to charitable work. Meanwhile, Paris pursued a career in modeling and music, even forming a band called The Soundflowers with her then-boyfriend, Gabriel Glenn.

After facing immense personal hardship nearly 17 years ago, the Jackson siblings have figured out how they want to navigate public life. Having grown up in the entertainment industry, they understand better than most how challenging it is to balance a career with maintaining privacy, especially when fame feels inherent to who they are.

Paris Jackson shared that her father, Michael Jackson, would often confide in her and her brother Prince, even crying to them about the accusations he faced. She described how painful it was to see her father in such distress, feeling helpless as the world seemed to turn against him. It deeply affected her, leading her to resent those she believed were unfairly attacking him. She remembers wondering how people could be so cruel.

She explained that he was honest with them. She believes it’s important to give children a wonderful childhood, but also to realistically prepare them for the challenges life throws their way.

As a longtime fan, I’ve always been struck by how fiercely Paris and Prince protect Bigi. He’s really stayed out of the public eye, much more so than his older siblings. I remember being so excited when Paris shared a photo of herself with both her brothers around Christmas in 2017 – it was the first picture of Bigi that had been officially released to the public in years, and it felt like a special moment.

I’ll never forget seeing Michael’s children for the first time. They were so young when their father passed away on June 25, 2009, but I remember the memorial at Staples Center in Los Angeles so vividly. It was truly heartbreaking. What really struck me, and the whole world, I think, was hearing from his daughter, Paris. She was only eleven, but she spoke with such incredible poise and emotion. She told everyone, ‘Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much.’ It was a really powerful moment, and it showed everyone just how much they adored him.

Young Prince Michael Jackson II, then known as Blanket, sat in the front row alongside his siblings and grandparents, holding a show program and a Michael Jackson doll.

All three kids were entrusted to the care of their paternal grandmother Katherine Jackson.

Beyond their grandmother (who stayed married to Joe Jackson, though they lived apart for years before his death in 2018), Prince, Paris, and Blanket were surrounded by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. However, each of them struggled to adjust to life without their father, who had always been a close and constant presence in their lives.

Growing up, the children were home-schooled while living with their father, both at his Neverland Ranch and the family’s large property in Encino, known as Hayvenhurst House. After their father passed away, they began attending private school.

In 2011, La Toya Jackson told The Daily Beast that her brother Michael had made his children wear masks to protect them from harm. After his death, their grandmother, Katherine Jackson, decided it was time for them to remove the masks, saying, ‘Today we’re unmasking you. Today the masks come off.’

But even the nickname Blanket ensured that Prince Michael II would be considered an enigma.

Michael shared that he uses the nickname ‘Blanket’ with both his family and coworkers. He described it as a way of saying someone should be ‘blanketed’ with love and care, comparing it to the comfort and blessing of a warm blanket. Despite the nickname’s public use, the identity of Blanket’s mother has remained a secret.

As a longtime fan, I was surprised to learn, through J. Randy Taraborrelli’s biography, that Michael actually used a surrogate mother to have his children, using his own sperm. He explained that he didn’t have any prior relationship with her – they were complete strangers. What struck me most was that he wasn’t concerned with her race at all. He simply wanted a healthy woman with good eyesight and, importantly, someone who was intelligent. He really thought about all aspects of ensuring his children had the best possible start.

Following his initial public appearance at age 7, Blanket was occasionally seen with his siblings, Paris and Prince, at events celebrating their father. These included the 2011 premiere of Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas and a tribute concert in 2013, where all three children introduced a performance by Beyoncé.

Everyone says that time makes things better, but that’s not really true,” Paris explained to Rolling Stone. “You just learn to live with it.”

After Katherine Jackson hadn’t spoken to her grandchildren for ten days in 2012, causing a significant family disagreement that took time to resolve, her then-34-year-old nephew, T.J. Jackson (son of Tito Jackson), was named co-guardian of Prince, Paris, and Blanket, with Katherine’s approval.

In October 2017, Katherine officially began the process of transferring legal guardianship of her child to T.J., who is a married father of four and a stepfather to two others.

Katherine believes 15-year-old Blanket is mature enough for T.J. to fully take over as his guardian, according to her lawyer, Ryan G. Baker, in a statement to TopMob News.

As a longtime Michael Jackson fan, I remember when the Searching for Neverland biopic came out – it really stirred things up! It was based on the experiences of two of his former bodyguards, and one thing that stuck with me was the story about his son, Blanket. Apparently, he really didn’t like being called ‘Blanket’ and wanted a different name. It was a surprisingly personal detail that the film highlighted.

None of Michael’s family members, including his children, have publicly commented on the Lifetime movie. However, a statement from his estate confirmed they had no involvement in its production – Paris Jackson reportedly declined a set visit – and do not approve of any projects, including this film, that attempt to profit from his legacy.

In a 2016 interview with the L.A. Times, Prince explained that he and his siblings have each dealt with things in their own way, and that he personally has found it easier to cope as he’s gotten older.

Prince and Paris are now publicly addressing the media, hoping to reshape the story surrounding their father and the years following his death. They’ve consistently worked to protect his legacy and have spoken fondly about how they’ve chosen to remember him. Both have also gotten tattoos as a tribute to their father, and in November 2019, they represented him at a Motown anniversary event in Beverly Hills.

Michael would be pleased to learn his youngest son, Bigi, actually experienced a childhood. He had the chance to travel to Japan and Italy with Prince and T.J.’s family. In May 2019, Bigi and Prince even recorded a movie review show on YouTube with their cousin, Taj Jackson (T.J.’s brother). Being a big fan of comics, Bigi naturally started with a review of Avengers: Endgame and the Marvel Universe.

My brother has an incredible ability to guess a movie’s release year, even if he’s never watched it,” Prince shared with Entertainment Tonight in October 2019. “He knows everything about the film – the director, the cast, even the crew – details most people wouldn’t know. He’s always deeply studied film, and that’s thanks to our dad encouraging his passion for it.

I started getting into film very young, thanks to a teacher who really encouraged me. I think my personality helps keep things light, and Taj is great at keeping the peace and finding compromises. We really balance each other out well.

It seems their father always hoped his three children would find a way to complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

See Prince, Paris and Bigi through the years:

Prince, Paris and Bigi attend the red carpet for the opening night of MJ: The Musical in March 2024.

In February 2024, Bigi, Michael Jackson’s youngest son, attended the Santa Monica Film Festival with his brother Prince and friends. He received the award for Best Drama for his short film, Rochelles, which marked his first time directing and writing a film.

Prince and Bigi appear at their family’s annual Thriller Night celebration in 2022.

Prince and Paris Jackson were in Las Vegas to celebrate Michael Jackson’s birthday with a special event at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

In August 2022, Prince and Paris attended the Harold and Carole Pump Foundation Gala at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

Prince and Paris appear in a YouTube video in 2021.

Prince and Bigi appear at their family’s annual Thriller Night celebration in 2019.

Paris and Prince Jackson posed for a photo at the 2nd Annual Costume For A Cause event, held at the Jackson Family Home on October 27, 2017. The event was presented by Heal LA and TLK Fusion.

On October 24, 2017, the couple attended a benefit dinner in Beverly Hills, California, supporting mothers2mothers and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, walking hand-in-hand.

Prince expressed how happy he was to celebrate at the wedding of Siggy Jackson, alongside his sister, Paris Jackson.

The sibling showed off their silly side over the summer on Instragram.

On January 27, 2012, three siblings attended the Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour in Los Angeles.

On January 26, 2012, Prince and Paris Jackson participated in the famous hand and footprint ceremony at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.

Bigi, Prince Jackson and Paris appear together at the hand and footprint ceremony.

On August 29, 2012, the pair attended the press conference for “Goin’ Back To Indiana: Can You Feel It” at the Majestic Star Hotel in Gary, Indiana.

On August 30, 2012, the siblings went to a baseball game between the St. Paul Saints and the Gary SouthShore RailCats in Gary, Indiana—their father’s hometown—at U.S. Steel Yard.

On July 7, 2009, the three siblings took the stage at their father’s memorial service, which was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The kids celebrate together with dad in this throwback pic shared by Prince.

Prince shared this family photo on what would have been Michael’s 64th birthday on Instagram.

In a photo shared by his oldest child, Michael Jackson is seen with Prince, Paris, and his youngest son, nicknamed Blanket, in a throwback picture from 2022, which would have been Jackson’s 64th birthday.

Read More

2026-02-21 16:19