Michael Jackson's Relationships with His Siblings: Closer to Janet but Underlying Strain with LaToya
Michael Jackson, the 'King of Pop,' was known for his remarkable talent and incredible stage presence, but his relationships with his siblings were often misunderstood. Particularly, his close bond with Janet and the strained relationship with LaToya have been subjects of much discussion and scrutiny. This article explores these dynamics and the reasons behind them.
Close Relationship with Janet Jackson
Michael Jackson was closer to Janet, his younger sister by eight years, than to any other sibling. Janet, often called 'the family prodigy,' idolized her big brother. Despite the significant age difference, their relationship held a special place in both of their hearts. Michael supported Janet's burgeoning music career, and her performances were a source of pride for him.
During the 1980s, the siblings' bond became even stronger. Janet moved in with Michael for a time when he was filming the movie ‘The Wiz’ at an apartment in New York City. LaToya, who is about two years older than Michael, stayed in the family's Encino home. This close living arrangement allowed the siblings to share moments and experiences, which further solidified their relationship.
Strained Relationship with LaToya Jackson
While Michael had a deep connection with Janet, his relationship with LaToya was marked by more tension. LaToya's statements made in response to tabloid accusations of inappropriate behavior towards children affected their relationship significantly. When a family attempted to extort money from Michael, LaToya unwittingly fueled the public's misunderstanding by making a comment to the press. This action caused significant hurt to Michael, who would later admit that he forgave her in his later years.
LaToya's marriage to Jack Gordon, an entertainment manager, also exacerbated the situation. Gordon insisted that LaToya issue a public statement denying the false allegations. However, this pressure, combined with Gordon's domestic violence, ultimately led LaToya to divorce him. By the time she was free from Gordon, the public's perception of Michael had been significantly damaged.
Family Dynamics and Financial Exploitation
The Jacksons were known for viewing Michael as a 'cash machine,' and this was a source of contention within the family. Many family members, including LaToya and Janet, sought to exploit his success for financial gain. Michael was repeatedly hurt by these attempts and had to distance himself from most family members to protect his personal and professional life.
Despite the financial exploitation, Michael remained close to his mother, Katherine Jackson, and his sister Janet. These relationships were deeply rooted in mutual support and admiration. They shared a mutual understanding and respect, which helped to sustain their relationship through the difficult times.
The Jackson family, while tight-knit, faced numerous challenges that tested their familial bonds. The relationship between Michael and his siblings, particularly Janet and LaToya, were complex and often misunderstood. Despite the underlying tension and disagreements, the Jacksons remained a family that shared a legacy of music, love, and struggle.