MJJC Exclusive Q&A with Taj Jackson - Read Taj's answers

[KingMikeJ]

Thanks for setting this up Ivy, it's great to finally read the answers. Taj was kind of vague throughout but I think we all expected that. And I hope Taj realises the "Estate vs Family" thing started with La Toya and to this day she is continuing it. Anyway, thanks again Ivy and Taj.

Thanks Ivy. Thanks Taj.
I see he didn't clarify anything at all. The one of reasons why I don't understand some of family members is their tendency to talk too much but can't speaking straight out. His answer about Cascio tracks is just about nothing.

He probably doesn't want to be sued.

 

[HumanNature2210]

Best comment so far. Thanks Ivy for taking the time to arrange the Q&A but I guess we will never get the kind of "truthful answer" that we are hoping for. I guess too concern about offending some "senior family members".

And I fully agree with Memefan, MJ's legacy will never be linked to the Jackson's and all this bullshit is just to justify the "cashing in".

I read his answers very late last night... i was too drugged up to comment then, but i am not even sure i want to comment now.

I appreciate some of his answers. For example, i am glad he didn't push the idea that MJ was close to his family. We know, and i think they now understand, fans are far more knowledgeable about MJ and his strenuous with the Jacksons, than they realize before June 25th 2009.


The single one thing i took from his answers is: he is one person among many, all pulling in different AND often opposite directions. They don't see to have a dialogue among themselves, and no one seems to know how to get all of them in a room, that is reflective of the very public bickering we see on Twitter & in the media. No decorum.

I understand why MJ pulled away...and i think, when so many people with divergent opinions where no one will take the lead, no one wants to follow, for one's sanity, it's best to walk away.

Ivy, your intro was very misleading....there can't be a communication line with the fans, when there's none within the family. lol

Again i appreciate your effort to pull this off and also, thankful that Taj took the time. If one disregard his Cascio response (he should have been able to answer this one sincerely because he was one of the instigators), It's obvious, that he tried to do the best he could, but he doesn't hold all the cards.

ETA: One final point before i move on, i will never accept that MJ's legacy is intertwine with the Jacksons. Too many things have gone wrong since 1991 and too many things continue to go opposite of enhancing MJ's legacy.

And thankfully, the general public isn't linking MJ's legacy to the Jacksons. And again, I am glad the kids won't control the estate for many years to come, by the time they are in charge they will wise up to many things.

 

[Angela_MJJ]

I have to say I'm a little bit disappointed but I'm happy he took the time to answer the questions for us.

 

[Bonnie Blue]

Thanks ivy for organising this, it is appreciated. Unfortunately i found taj's answers unenlightening, i'm no wiser as to the jackson thinking behind doing projects without estate backing, allowing ppb to be so public and to the family's claims that mj was needing drug interventions before he died (neat deflection to concentrate on oxman and no, not one family member contradicted oxman in those first crucial days in june).

Most revealing comment, 'family cannot cash in on their own name'.

 

[Dsplenter]

Sorry to come out of the blue but i feel like adding my two cents in here.

A few fans have been noticing this great divide and surge of negativity in the MJ fanbase every since his passing and it's starting to get clear to us what is going on.

First of all, it was gracious of Taj to take the time to answer tedious, predictable and sometimes inappropriate questions from none other than Michael Jackson fans, about his own oncle.

Sec. of all from the responses, seems like the majority is still not satistied as predictable as it would be also. Well, people who have agendas are never satisfied.

Third of all, listening to the so-called fans, it's as if they've never even listened to Michael himself or gotten his messages. It's as if his work and all of his accomplishments should be done all over again.

Maybe you should pay more attention this:

 

[Krshna28]

Thanks Ivy for all your hard work......you're the Jewel of MJJC!!!


But Taj.......Geez.....talk about playing dodgeball......

It's either he didn't want to fully answer the questions......or he wasn't allowed to!!!!!

 

[Dsplenter]

And it never fails to become obvious when a group has an agenda. Their true colors will just explode once their little scheme is confronted and called out.
Those who have confidence are a threat to those who don't and Michael had plenty of confidence not only in who he was but in his purpose in this world. As much as many like to claim themselves fans of his, they are still overwhelm by this confidence so they use his name to spread animosity because they just can't reach the higher level of positivity where MICHAEL JACKSON was. This is worse than being an obvious hater.

 

[Ben]

Thank you very much to Ivy for organizing this. I'm not really disappointed as it's rather what I expected. Taj indeed agreed to answer, and it was nice of him to take the time, but I dont see anything being explained. It was very politically correct.

I have to confess a couple of things kinda make my blood boil a little, like the kids being bullied or doing interviews; I doubt they were told about the way some interviewers talked about their dad, and not being imprisoned doesnt mean having 200 000 followers and sharing your private pictures online; or to go and meet lunatics you talked to on twitter.
There's a lot he says that totally contradicts what the eldest do and say, or what we see happen.


And I agree, I dont think anything will change. That one was really shocking :

Most revealing comment, 'family cannot cash in on their own name'.

Yes they can. When the only one who gave this name any real significance is gone.

 

[Autumn II]

Most revealing comment, 'family cannot cash in on their own name'.

The responses to the questions were so vague as to be jello. But that was to be expected, and either he was counseled not to answer, or figured that one out on his own?

Agree, that was the most revealing comment, and may enlighten us as to the Jacksons' reasoning behind so many of their "projects?"

He wrote: "So…. my uncle Michael considered his legacy to be a piece of the Jackson legacy. For him, it had always been about the Jackson name living on. And I don't believe family can "cash in" on their own name."

I highly DOUBT that is how Michael felt. There is no indication that he did, or he would have welcomed the MANY attempts of the family to reunite the J5, and AGAIN cash in on childhood material. (anyone remember the "Korea fiasco?") After the MSG concert, Michael was having no part of that. The Jacksons, via Frank DiLeo? even seem to have attempted to disrupt the TII concerts, with a strange "reunion" concert involving the brothers. Michael was having no part of that, either.

Michael's last name is "Jackson," and he has parents and siblings of the same name. That does NOT mean they ever functioned as a "unit" after the Jacksons (adult brothers and Michael) era. Michael was the most famous entertainer who ever lived. And the rest of the family, are NOT. But this does explain somewhat the reasoning (or lack of logic?) behind using the name "Jackson" to promote the family's various money-making ventures? That is actually what they THINK? That they are some sort of family "unit," with the entitlement that would involve? That might, possibly, fly on its own, if they didn't ALSO use Michael's likeness and associations, i.e. Joe's perfume? Or, a tribute concert, that was a tribute to ONE, particular, "Jackson?"

For me, this particular answer confirms the sense of entitlement the family must feel. It's sad, actually.

 

[soulmum]

Thanks for all the hard work in getting this interview. Yes, some of the answers were vague but some also put him in an awkward position to be able to answer properly. The good part is that some of the questions may have given Taj food for thought and there may just be some things he will check up on especially regarding the children. It's also good for him (and the rest of the family) to know for certain the way the fans are thinking because I'm sure they rely on us for anything they themselves have 'out there', they really don't want to alienate us. I know some family members have their own fan base but they must hope that the 'Jackson' name alone will help with sales.

 

[MJnVA]

I think Dr. Shafer spoiled us.

 

[Autumn II]

I think there has always been some confusion, among some in the Jackson family, about what it means to be a "Michael Jackson fan?" It means just THAT, and does not automatically include anyone else in that family, by association. Sure, some people are fans of, and follow, the other family members, and in that sense, they are THEIR fans, too. Nothing wrong with that, but it's certainly not a given that allegiance to Michael would automatically transfer to anyone else -- because it DOESN'T.

 

[bluetopez]

Originally Posted by Bonnie Blue
Most revealing comment, 'family cannot cash in on their own name'.

So true. With that answer u don't even have to read the rest because it truly said it all as to why they do what they do sometimes. SMH

And another thing. They all may be Jacksons but there is only one MICHAEL with the last name Jackson in that family. Ya know the one ya'll depend on for your "careers" and projects. Especially since he died. So ya Taj that is cashin in whether u like it or not! And using the kids as the cash cowes to do it. SMH Let them just be kids. And I found it also funny how he said he and his brother put their careers on hold after MJ died to take care of his kids.... What Careers?!

Anywayz, not even gonna sweat this never ending crap no more, it's clear as I said nothin will changed with this family and many MJ friends neither. Blah. I am a MICHAEL (the person & the musician) fan and that's it.

 

[TheChosenOne]

Thanks for all you have done, Ivy.

I guess the challenge we have is that since it is a text interview, we do not have the opportunity to challenge vague answers and to really get to the meat of the matter. Ah well.

 

[Acafan]

The responses to the questions were so vague as to be jello. But that was to be expected, and either he was counseled not to answer, or figured that one out on his own?

Agree, that was the most revealing comment, and may enlighten us as to the Jacksons' reasoning behind so many of their "projects?"

He wrote: "So…. my uncle Michael considered his legacy to be a piece of the Jackson legacy. For him, it had always been about the Jackson name living on. And I don't believe family can "cash in" on their own name."

I highly DOUBT that is how Michael felt. There is no indication that he did, or he would have welcomed the MANY attempts of the family to reunite the J5, and AGAIN cash in on childhood material. (anyone remember the "Korea fiasco?") After the MSG concert, Michael was having no part of that. The Jacksons, via Frank DiLeo? even seem to have attempted to disrupt the TII concerts, with a strange "reunion" concert involving the brothers. Michael was having no part of that, either.

Michael's last name is "Jackson," and he has parents and siblings of the same name. That does NOT mean they ever functioned as a "unit" after the Jacksons (adult brothers and Michael) era. Michael was the most famous entertainer who ever lived. And the rest of the family, are NOT. But this does explain somewhat the reasoning (or lack of logic?) behind using the name "Jackson" to promote the family's various money-making ventures? That is actually what they THINK? That they are some sort of family "unit," with the entitlement that would involve? That might, possibly, fly on its own, if they didn't ALSO use Michael's likeness and associations, i.e. Joe's perfume? Or, a tribute concert, that was a tribute to ONE, particular, "Jackson?"

For me, this particular answer confirms the sense of entitlement the family must feel. It's sad, actually.

I agree with all you have said.

That one sentence about "family can't cash in on their own name" is packed with so many assumptions and, as you said, a sense of entitlement.

It's rivalled by his comment that "my uncle Michael considered his legacy to be a piece of the Jackson legacy". A piece?! I think that for many fans around the world, it's the other way around. But clearly, to consider themselves a family dynasty allows them to justify all their various ventures. And it confirms the name of the game for many years to come. And absolutely Katherine (with Joe) controls the purse strings. Note how often here and on Twitter Taj speaks of protecting his grandmother; I'm sure he loves her with all his heart, but he is being savvy, too.

I also agree that some consistent, adult guidance about the kids' use of social media doesn't equal "imprisonment". If Paris' twitter is made private, or is used only for "official" uses, will that really "imprison" them? Actually, Taj's term "imprisonment" almost sounds like a veiled critique of how Michael saw fit to shield the kids. We saw and heard Katherine on Oprah say that she never liked the kids' masks which Debbie supposedly decided upon but Michael enforced. The Jacksons have long made some backhanded comments about one another in public, so for Taj to allude to that wouldn't surprise me.

The burden of "normalcy" seems to rest heavy on the shoulders of some Jacksons.

I also noticed that when asked about the kids and their involvement in Estate and non-Estate projects, Taj said that they are now Michael's legacy, and something about how they will carry his legacy forward. That's fine in a few years, but what about while they are young, Michael being Michael's legacy?? His own work and message standing up to the test of time for at least a few years until the kids are 18 or so, without public promotion by his kids? It's hard not to wonder what's really behind that reasoning....

That said, big thanks to Ivy for organizing all this, and thanks to Taj for taking the time to do this.

 

[ilmjj]

I think there has always been some confusion, among some in the Jackson family, about what it means to be a "Michael Jackson fan?" It means just THAT, and does not automatically include anyone else in that family, by association. Sure, some people are fans of, and follow, the other family members, and in that sense, they are THEIR fans, too. Nothing wrong with that, but it's certainly not a given that allegiance to Michael would automatically transfer to anyone else -- because it DOESN'T.

Thank you Ivy for doing this:wub:

Autumn I agree with you. I wonder if the family has noticed how the tickets sales for the Immortal tour are going compared to how the tickets sold for the MJ tribute the family put together?
I also agree with you that I never got the impression from Michael that his legacy was tied to or included the rest of the family. If anything I felt just the opposite vibe from him.

 

[Ben]

I never got the impression from Michael that his legacy was tied to or included the rest of the family. If anything I felt just the opposite vibe from him.

Best proof of that is the fact NONE OF THEM has any power in the management of his Estate. That's the opposite of trust if you ask me.

 

[Autumn II]

Best proof of that is the fact NONE OF THEM has any power in the management of his Estate. That's the opposite of trust if you ask me.

EXACTLY, and in the writing of his will, Michael was very eloquent, indeed. He clearly felt NO responsibility to or for the rest of the family, except for his children, and for Katherine. Plus, in the case of Katherine, he wanted her to be comfortable for the rest of her life, but not to have access to the estate in any other sense, i.e. to invest money in "family projects."

If they truly were a "family unit" as Taj would like for us to believe, then Michael would have provided generously for his siblings. But, he did NOT, and he didn't give Katherine enough access to his fortune to be able to spread money to the rest of the family. In that one, vastly important thing, Michael conveyed his feelings about the rest of the family, very, very firmly. Nothing they can say can really counteract the eloquence of Michael's will, and who was, and was NOT, in it.

Michael's legacy stands on its own, and has nothing to do with the family "carrying the legacy forward." The estate will manage new releases and products, and Michael has a body-of-work that has its own merit. The family doesn't' have to do a thing, because Michael will be remembered for generations to come.

 

[irma]

thank you so muck ....................IVY....

 

[Acafan]

If they truly were a "family unit" as Taj would like for us to believe, then Michael would have provided generously for his siblings. But, he did NOT, and he didn't give Katherine enough access to his fortune to be able to spread money to the rest of the family. In that one, vastly important thing, Michael conveyed his feelings about the rest of the family, very, very firmly. Nothing they can say can really counteract the eloquence of Michael's will, and who was, and was NOT, in it.

.[/QUOTE]

And even if they were a tight-knit family unit, who says that Michael is obligated to include his siblings in his will? I don't know many people who have children but still make sure to provide for their grown siblings in their will. I can imagine that it happens across cultures, and maybe to designate certain items (like, "my sister can have the painting in the bedroom she always admired" or something) but why expect Michael to divvy up his fortune among his siblings? They just seem to constantly hold him up to unrealistic expectations. IIRC, if anything happens to P,P, and B, then the T3 will inherit, which sounds reasonable - providing for the younger generation. Also, Randy and various family members have been able to park their wives and kids at Michael's old home (Hayvenhurst) for years - hasn't that been enough for them??

It's rather sad to think that everything Michael accomplished and sacrificed for in his solo career, his family wants to subsume for the greater glory of the Jackson legacy. No doubt that the Jackson family is a great American musical family and J5 made history, but the family need to step aside sometimes and stop making certain assumptions.

 

[Bonnie Blue]

I keep thinking of the family attempts to make taj the third executor of the estate. With the views that he holds, i'm glad that never happened. MJ may very well have said to 3t one time that he's hoping they will carry on the jackson legacy, probably meaning being in the music business, but the fact he didn't have his family involved in his estate , as ben pointed out, is a far more powerful statement as to how he saw his own legacy as something separate.

 

[ilmjj]

I keep thinking of the family attempts to make taj the third executor of the estate. With the views that he holds, i'm glad that never happened. MJ may very well have said to 3t one time that he's hoping they will carry on the jackson legacy, probably meaning being in the music business, but the fact he didn't have his family involved in his estate , as ben pointed out, is a far more powerful statement as to how he saw his own legacy as something separate.

Exactly! I remember them pushing for Taj too. If that is what Michael wanted then he would have done so. The end...

 

[Dsplenter]

Seriously it's really depressing and frightheting to see how clueless and shady many of the MJ fans are. :no:

Taj answered every single question perfectly! He knows how to stand up for himself. Funny cause if you really followed MJ and knew what He was about, you'd come to the conclusion that there's no other better people to keep his legacy alive than his children and family. How the hell can people know word for word what Michael told his own damn family members? If Michael wanted to really dissociate himself he would've changed his name himself. There's no confusion and no mystery here. It was just MJ's destiny to be the bigger star but that doesn't mean the others are living off his success. His success was the brigth light to attract the people to a more unified center.

Yes, they are a unit whether you like it or not. I'm surprised that Taj even revealed such a thing because it's the kind of thing proned to secrecy. After that there ain't no mystery, what there is though is an agenda by the same kind of people who've persecuted Michael throughout his life to destroy him and his goal and that include his family as well. The divisive tactics you so-called fans are using is playing right in their game plan.

It's really suspicious how pro estate some MJ fans are even if the executors have made some shady deals that should be questioned. Like for example again recently, that foot/hand print ceremony. Why wasn't it done when Michael was alive? :angry: And the constant trashing by the fanbase of the Jackson family every since he died is very telling.

 

[paisleyCUTtop]

I thought that this was great. Interesting to hear him at least acknowledge some of the more hard-hitting questions.

 

[Nonoka]

Wow, that was a beautiful interview! Taj seems like a lovely person, too.

 

[ivy]

It's really suspicious how pro estate some MJ fans are even if the executors have made some shady deals that should be questioned. Like for example again recently, that foot/hand print ceremony. Why wasn't it done when Michael was alive? :angry:

because it was limited to actors and actresses only before Michael's death and the new owners only started to include non-actors in 2011. so it couldn't be done when Michael was alive.

 

[gerryevans]

Seriously it's really depressing and frightheting to see how clueless and shady many of the MJ fans are. :no:

Taj answered every single question perfectly! He knows how to stand up for himself. Funny cause if you really followed MJ and knew what He was about, you'd come to the conclusion that there's no other better people to keep his legacy alive than his children and family. How the hell can people know word for word what Michael told his own damn family members? If Michael wanted to really dissociate himself he would've changed his name himself. There's no confusion and no mystery here. It was just MJ's destiny to be the bigger star but that doesn't mean the others are living off his success. His success was the brigth light to attract the people to a more unified center.

Yes, they are a unit whether you like it or not. I'm surprised that Taj even revealed such a thing because it's the kind of thing proned to secrecy. After that there ain't no mystery, what there is though is an agenda by the same kind of people who've persecuted Michael throughout his life to destroy him and his goal and that include his family as well. The divisive tactics you so-called fans are using is playing right in their game plan.

It's really suspicious how pro estate some MJ fans are even if the executors have made some shady deals that should be questioned. Like for example again recently, that foot/hand print ceremony. Why wasn't it done when Michael was alive? :angry: And the constant trashing by the fanbase of the Jackson family every since he died is very telling.

Oh please...fans aren't pro estate. They're pro Michael Jackson. They're pro the best emotional and financial welfare for his children. They're pro the best vehicles to maintain and enrich his legacy. They're pro the MJ brand, image and positivity for that image. They're pro his wishes be fulfilled and by those HE felt best equipped and experienced to do so.

The only gameplan is the one MJ created in who he did and did not choose to oversee his interests.

In his TWO known wills, neither of them appoint the Jackson family. In his entire solo career, none of the Jacksons were involved. In the building of his business empire, none of the Jacksons played a part. In fact, MJ seemed to make a point of keeping them out of his business. That’s all very telling.

One of the persons he did appoint not only helped him build his empire, but was instrumental in his acquiring his most valuable asset. That’s very telling in how smart he was to appoint someone with a PROVEN success record instead of a family bloodline.

On a personal level, I don’t think most fans give a hoot about the executors one way or another. They only care that they do the job MJ entrusted them to do. And they’re doing it. I don’t like everything they’ve done. But their major endeavors, like the “This IS it” movie, the Vision compilation, Cirque, etc. have been impressive, classy, and enhancing for MJ’s legacy. I have no doubt they’re shady, but then I think signing up MJ’s minor children to a contract with a porno producer is beyond shady. It should be criminal.

The sad part of all of this is most fans had a lot of L.O.V.E and support for the Jackson family. It has been THEIR actions over these last couple of years that have changed those feelings, which is also very telling.

 

[bluetopez]

Dsplenter No, not everyone is happy with some of the decisions the executors are doing. I'm fine with Immortal Cirque show, was iffy with the decision with the This Is It Movie, not happy at all with the Michael Album. And scared to see what they will do with future albums. So it's important to look at both sides and what are both doing I think. Since it's our money that we will spend on these projects if we choose too.

Although, I think they are the better choice (the MJ estate) then his family because of people like Joe Jackson and his shady deals! And that's why in many ways MJ did not include his family other then his kids n mom in his will. Plus, many Jacksons like Jackie are doing things with the Estate themselves so what cha think about that? It's not much of a family unit if they can't even agree on things TOGETHER...is it?

 

[serendipity]

Thanks for posting the answers. Basically I agree with what most are saying here. You can see, once again, that sense of entitlement the Jacksons have to everything MJ. Taj continuies to defend the shady deals the family is doing. His answer about the kids getting bullied is frankly pathetic - monitoring them is not imprisoning them (and yes, I do get the feeling some of them probably think MJ was imprisoning them by going to such great lengths to protect them).

One last thing - it's funny how they are talking about Jacksons legacy and how MJ's legacy is a "piece" of it etc,. but they aren't doing to Janet what they're doing to MJ. If they are such unity why aren't her name, likeness and money being used the same way MJ's are??

 

[missred07]

Seriously it's really depressing and frightheting to see how clueless and shady many of the MJ fans are. :no:

Taj answered every single question perfectly! He knows how to stand up for himself. Funny cause if you really followed MJ and knew what He was about, you'd come to the conclusion that there's no other better people to keep his legacy alive than his children and family. How the hell can people know word for word what Michael told his own damn family members? If Michael wanted to really dissociate himself he would've changed his name himself. There's no confusion and no mystery here. It was just MJ's destiny to be the bigger star but that doesn't mean the others are living off his success. His success was the brigth light to attract the people to a more unified center.

Yes, they are a unit whether you like it or not. I'm surprised that Taj even revealed such a thing because it's the kind of thing proned to secrecy. After that there ain't no mystery, what there is though is an agenda by the same kind of people who've persecuted Michael throughout his life to destroy him and his goal and that include his family as well. The divisive tactics you so-called fans are using is playing right in their game plan.

It's really suspicious how pro estate some MJ fans are even if the executors have made some shady deals that should be questioned. Like for example again recently, that foot/hand print ceremony. Why wasn't it done when Michael was alive? :angry: And the constant trashing by the fanbase of the Jackson family every since he died is very telling.

I have to disagree with so many points. First, how come a last name mean everything? How come a man's legacy can only last by his kids and family? MJ's legacy of art and music part are lasted by themselves because he put his soul into his works and that's the reason his legacy lives on forever. If his kids and family have no talents in singing and dancing, why to put all those pressure on them? They should live their live not under the shadow of Michael Jackson. Even if they have talent, they should have their own names and legacy as artists, not just being MJ's kids, MJ's nephews etc. I don't think Janet would be happy to be remembered just as MJ's sister.

They are not a unit whether you like or not. They are family but not a unit and blood is not the only thing to united people. Sometimes your relatives are not the closest people to you. If you want to discuss the relationship in this family. MJ said it himself: tight knit my ass. His will also said out loud. He never wanted to tour again with his family also said out loud. (I am not saying he didn't love his family. I believe he did and most of the family members did love him.) BTW, It's his own family doing many things to destroy fans' trust. Two years ago, most of the fans supported the J family and being suspicious about the estate and many other people. Now, many fans lose their trust after one after one scam. Respect and trust are earned and not gained by your last name.

It's also funny that you think the fans are pro-estate blindly. Did you see so many fans are unhappy about the "Michael" album? Did you see so many fans are complaining about the TII sound tracks and the whole TII-Paul Anka fiasco? Fans are watching the estate and fans complains when estate did something bad. Same goes for the J family. Like what I said before, 2 years ago, most of fans supported the J family way better than the estate. However, 2 years passed, when you compared the projects hold by J family, most of them are scam and trying to exploite MJ.