Meet Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s Nephew, Starring As The King Of Pop In Controversial Biopic

Michael Jackson is one of the most influential celebrities, even 16 years after his death. Given the title of ‘King of Pop’, Michael changed the dance and music industry forever. As one of the most popular celebrities ever, Michael’s life wasn’t bereft of controversies. Hence, ever after he has been gone for many years, people are still curious about his life.

As a result, there is significant anticipation for his upcoming biopic, Michael. However, who could possibly play the popstar who had such rare and distinctive features? It’s none other than Michael’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson. However, Jaafar’s debut and Michael’s biopic had already run into controversies before their release. Here’s everything to know about Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar, and the controversy around Michael.

Who are Jaafar Jackson’s parents? Relationship to Michael Jackson explained

Jaafar Jackson was born on July 25, 1996, in Los Angeles. His parents are Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza and Jermaine Jackson. For the unversed, Jermaine and Michael were brothers and members of the Jackson 5. Jermaine was the fourth, while Michael was the eighth of their parents’ ten children. The former was the second vocalist; meanwhile, MJ was the lead of their band. Even after the ‘King of Pop’ went for a solo career, Jermaine remained with his other brothers in the band.

Apart from Michael Jackson, Jaafar’s family tree is quite complicated. Jermaine has been married three times, and hence, Jaafar has a few half-siblings from his father. Meanwhile, the half-siblings on his mother’s side are also his cousins. Before marrying Jermaine, Alejandra was in a serious relationship with the youngest Jackson brother, Randy, and they share two children.

Jaafar Jackson’s career before the Michael biopic

Following the footsteps of his father and uncles, Jaafar is also a multi-talented powerhouse. He is a singer, dancer, and actor. He initially started his singing career by covering popular songs by Marvin Gaye and more. Jaafar then released his single called ‘Got Me Singing’ in 2019. He was also featured in the music of ‘Love One Another’, made by his uncle, Tito Jackson. Additionally, Michael isn’t the first Jackson family-related project that Jaafar would be appearing in. Jaafar was also seen on the TV series, The Jacksons: Next Generation.

Jaafar Jackson had pointed a stun gun at Michael Jackson’s children?

In 2010, child protection authorities stormed Michael Jackson’s Los Angeles residence, where he lived with his mother and children. As per reports, his nephew, Jaafar had bought a stun gun online. The then 13-year-old then played with a gun with his younger cousins. As per an ABC News report, the children played with the gun for at least three days before it was discovered to be dangerous. Reportedly, when Jaafar was chasing his 8-year-old cousin, Prince, with the taser, they were caught.

Jaafar Jackson’s father was heartbroken at Michael Jackson’s death

Michael Jackson’s death sent shockwaves through the whole world. The ‘King of Pop’ was only 50 years old when he passed away from a medication overdose on June 25, 2009. His personal physician, Conrad Murray, was held responsible, as he had administered the propofol that helped him sleep. Jermaine has often talked about his brother’s untimely death. He once even said that he had wished it had been him instead of Michael. Like Michael’s father, Joe, his brorther, Jermaine had also believed that there was foul play behind Michael’s death. In a Fox Business interview, he shared:

“I’ll just say my observation to the whole thing that happened, during the time it happened, was that he (Conrad Murray) was just a finger to a bigger hand, there were more people involved in taking my brother’s life but his spirit will live on. He’s with us all the time.”

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in his controversial biopic

Jaafar Jackson’s Instagram page has only four photos, and all of them are about his acting debut with the biopic, Michael. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film’s trailer shows Jaafar transformed into the ‘King of Pop’. However, the film’s script has run into trouble many times. Michael Jackson had many serious accusations of misdemeanor against children. Dan Reed had covered this through interviews with the alleged victims in his documentary, Leaving Neverland. After reading a draft of Michael, Dan Reed criticised the script, stating that it discredited the accusers and showed a sanitised version of Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris Jackson, denied having involvement with the film. She also shared that she read the script and gave notes on some things that were ‘dishonest’. Apart from that, Paris also mentioned that a section of her father’s fandom who ‘still lived in a fantasy’ were going to be happy with the film.