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#Post#: 211--------------------------------------------------
MJJC Exclusive Q&A with Taj Jackson - Read Taj's answers
By: WomanInTheMirror Date: February 6, 2012, 10:09 pm
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Before I post Taj Jackson's answers to your questions let me
tell you a little bit about what happened behind the scenes.
First of all I hope all of you can realize the importance of
this Q&A. As Michael Jackson fans we had questions, we had
concerns in issues related to the Jackson family and Taj Jackson
agreed to take questions and answer them to best of his ability
so that we can fix misunderstandings and overcome negativity and
realize that despite our difference of opinions we are all on
the same side - Michael Jackson. As MJJC it's our hope that we
can all move towards a more positive and harmonious future.
Secondly today I have seen some rumors that said Taj Jackson was
selective with the questions he answered, this is absolutely
false. Taj did not give me any rules about the questions he's
willing to answer and he replied all of the questions I sent his
way.
Finally as I mentioned before I don't give any deadlines for
replies to our questions. I was constantly in contact with Taj
and I'm the one that told him to take as much time as he needed.
So I'm the one that's responsible for any delay, do not put it
on Taj.
I hope that you can read Taj's answers with an open mind and we
can all be more positive. Enjoy !!!
MJJC Exclusive Q&A with Taj Jackson
MJJC: Many believe MJ wasn't close to his family for many years
before he passed. Some have put the timeline as far back as Off
the wall. Janet has confirmed this in her interviews prior to
his passing, while Latoya & Jermaine book reinforced this
notion. Can you tell us how close was MJ to his family in
general? How often did you have contact with him & the children
before June 25th? How often did you see MJ after he returned
from Bahrain?
Taj Jackson: Well I think that answer depends on which family
members you are talking about. I know that my uncle Michael had
never stopped being close to us (me and my brothers). I also
know that my uncle Michael was always extremely close to my
Grandma.
Yes, I know some members of my family weren't as close to my
uncle in the later years as before, but for us that never was
the case. I talked to him and saw him very often.
MJJC: There have been some questionable ventures that included
Michael’s children such as children being listed in the
contracts as a condition, promoting products/ charities that are
involved in legal fight with Estate, giving interviews to
journalists (ie: Frauke Ludowig) that made disparaging remarks
about MJ before. What do you think of your family putting
Michael's three vulnerable children out into the spotlight every
time something MJ's related happens? MJ went to extreme lengths
to protect his children from the media, so why just a year after
his death have his children begun to appear on TV in interviews
all round the world, have pap photos of themselves appear
constantly in the media, and have public twitter accounts which
are picked up by gossip websites like TMZ. As his nephew do you
think this is what MJ would have wanted for his young children?
Do you ever think that maybe Michael wanted his children
protected?
Taj Jackson: We are really trying to do our best with the
situation in front of us, but we are only human. It's always
easier to sit back and judge. But no one else is really in our
shoes.
As for his kids, they are his legacy now. They are the ones that
can and will carry on the MJ name and message. We don't force
them to do that, they are proud to do it.
MJJC: Are the adults aware of the ongoing cyber bullying Paris &
Prince have been subjected to on Twitter? (Unsavory characters
have tweeted them the autopsy picture, made crude jokes, curse
and ridicule the children). Why are the children allowed to be
on Twitter when so many hate on them? Are they being monitored
when they go online? Are there concrete and serious steps being
taken to protect the children against cyber bullies?
Taj Jackson: We take cyber bullying VERY seriously and
appropriate steps have always been taken when warranted. However
the last thing we want Prince, Paris, and Blanket to feel is
that they are being imprisoned. No matter how much we want or
try to protect them, there will always be people out there full
of jealousy and hate.
MJJC: Do you feel, in your heart of hearts, that THIS
GLE/JA-TAIL “MICHAEL FOREVER TRIBUTE”, was worthy of MJ? Do you
really believe the lineup was the best for the greatest
entertainer? Were the fans concerns about the tribute ever taken
seriously?
Taj Jackson: No tribute will ever truly be worthy of MJ. He is
undoubtedly the greatest of all time. However that doesn't mean
that there should never be any MJ tributes. Personally I think
there should be MJ tributes all the time. My uncle should ALWAYS
be celebrated.. not just for his music contribution, but for the
incredible person he was.
I did this tribute for my uncle. And knowing my uncle… he would
have much rather have seen his mother and kids there…and his own
brothers, sister, and nephews 3T up on stage performing a
tribute to him, then ANY other big named artist(s).
MJJC: We now learn GLE has filed for bankruptcy on October 8th,
THE NIGHT OF THE TRIBUTE. What steps will you & your family
take, to make sure GLE/JA-TAIL respects their commitments to the
workers? Did the charities receive their promised donation?
Taj Jackson: I am not GLE, and don't have all the details on
what exactly transpired, therefore I can not comment on this
yet. Sorry.
I really hope there is more info in the near future.
MJJC: Since you were a consultant to the estate, you must not
believe the will is fake. But do you know why some in your
family would think the will is fake, but never went to court to
legally challenge it? Have you ever discuss the issue with your
family? What is their thinking, and how did they come up with
the belief that the 2002 will wasn't signed by MJ? Has the
Jackson family cooperatively decided to start working with the
MJ Estate or are some still holding out and consider them an
enemy?
Taj Jackson: I still am involved in the Estate. And regarding
these questions , I can only speak on my behalf. Or things that
I was personally part of.
I think the us (the family) vs them (the Estate) mentality is
very dangerous and non productive. When you compete or consider
someone the enemy, then there has to be a clear winner and a
loser. Why would I want my uncle's Estate to fail? Communication
is the key though and for the longest time there was definitely
a lack of it on both sides. It also doesn't help the situation
when you hear someone say go "Team this" or "Team that". For me
it's all about my uncle legacy and not a game. The only team
should be Team MJ.
Also the Jackson Family is a huge family and although we are a
family unit, it is still made up of many individuals. Please
remember, one person does not speak for the whole family or
represent the whole family.
MJJC: Paris and Prince openly support other Artists music and
Albums and even Jackson family endeavors on Twitter but no
mention at all of their Dads new releases. They have even been
tweeted questions from their followers but refuse to reply.
Seeing how they are vocal of how proud they are of their dad's
accomplishment, it raises a lot of questions. Have MJ's children
been forbidden to support Estate ventures for their dad?
Taj Jackson: MJ's kids have never ever been forbidden to support
Estate ventures. They have been to and supported many ventures
that the Estate was directly behind. They are VERY proud of
their dad's accomplishments.
MJJC: Do the oldest two know and understand the estate is
theirs? Their dad's legacy? His gift to them?
Taj Jackson: I'm sure someone has told them all of this, but I
would never have that conversation with them. I'm focused on
their health and happiness. It is my job to make sure that they
become something my uncle would be proud of.
My brothers and I have gladly put our music career on hold for
over 2 years in order to make sure my Grandma and our 3 cousins
were doing okay. That is our number one priority. And it's the
least we can do considering everything our uncle did for us.
MJJC: Every new venture bring forth to capitalize on MJ's fame,
arts, notoriety, not sanctioned by the MJ estate, is by
definition, undermining MJ's wishes and taking money from his
rightful heirs. Why are the children used in projects which are
against the MJ estate's interest and so in effect against the
children's long-term interest? Two examples - GLE tribute which
appeared to ignore the Estate completely in their planning for
the concert and tried to embarrass the executors and MJ himself
by offering $100K to MJ's children who have been provided with
untold wealth from their father, also public involvement of the
children in the Heal the world foundation which is in a costly
and lengthy lawsuit with MJ estate. Do you think it is fair or
ethical to use these young children in that way? Do you
understand how it is viewed from the outside that the children
are being asked to endorse products that go directly against
MJ's wishes in establishing an estate for them?
Taj Jackson: This is another family vs estate debate…. so I
think I'll pass on this one :-)
MJJC: Do you understand the concern fans have over the people
(such as: Dieter Weisner, Marc Schaffel, Melissa Johnson, Howard
Mann aka Henry Vaccaro aka Vintage Pop) that had fall outs with
MJ being in business with both your grandparents now? Anything
you want to tell us about this?
Taj Jackson: That's a very interesting concern… but going by
those rules, there would definitely have been no "This is It"
movie or soundtrack, or "Michael" album, or "MJ" Julien auction
either.
MJJC: Are people, outside or inside of the family, taking
advantage of your grandmother? Many fans believe Katherine
Jackson is used as a front because fans love her & respect MJ's
deep affection for her. But many fans have woken up to the game
being played, and the GLE revolt has shown that. Is it now clear
to the family, that most fans will not blindly support a
questionable venture, just because Katherine Jackson or MJ's
kids are used as the selling point?
Taj Jackson: Is this a question or a statement? Not sure. But I
will still try and answer it. :-)
People will believe what they want to believe. People will
support what they want to support. People will think what they
want to think. I always try and do my best to keep an open mind
and see both sides of the story.
MJJC: Do you think Michael would be happy with the various book
releases, merchandising deals and tributes that the Jackson
family has endorsed in the last twelve months? What's your
response to those who claim that the family have been cashing in
on Michael's passing?
Taj Jackson: This question reminds me of when my brothers and I
first started promoting 3T back in the day. All the French promo
posters and billboards said "Nephews of Michael Jackson". The
next time I saw my uncle I started to apologized to him about
this. I started to tell him that we didn't tell Sony France to
put that on all the advertising. He stopped me before I could
finish and I'll never forget his response, . He said, "Applehead
don't ever apologize, you are my nephews, flesh and blood and I
love you. You are a Jackson. Be proud and wear that name like a
badge of honor. I'm counting on you guys to carry on this legacy
when I'm done."
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.
MJJC: Even before your uncle was officially declared dead on
25th June, your family through its spokesman, Oxman, and various
family members since, has made the serious allegation to the
media that Michael Jackson's problem with overmedication was so
bad that you as a family were attempting interventions. Can you
clear up this confusion with fans as it severely impacts on MJ's
reputation, especially as a father?
Taj Jackson: If someone goes out and speaks on your behalf
without your agreement or knowledge, does that make him your
spokesman? Brian Oxman is not the family spokesman and he
definitely does not speak for the entire family or me.
MJJC: About Cascio Tracks: How can you be so sure that the voice
in the tracks is not real? Do you have any evidence to support
that besides your own ears? Did you guys seek out experts to
analyze the tape and having forensic evidence? If you believe
the tracks were fake, why did you not take legal action? Did you
talked to Eddie Cascio or any member of the Cascio family about
the tracks before or after the album fiasco? Do you tried to
reach out each other and hear both side of opinion and tried to
sort thing out? Why did you feel you had to involve the public
by bringing the fight on twitter? Do you take some
responsibility for the major division this has created within
the fan community? Do you reckon, some will FOREVER question the
veracity of every new project?
Taj Jackson: That's a very sore subject, the Cascio Tracks. But
just know, A LOT went on behind the scenes before things went
public and plenty of time before the "Michael" track list was
even finalized. I really shouldn't say anymore otherwise I might
say things I'll later regret. :-)
MJJC: You have tweeted that Michael's fans don't understand and
that we only know part of the story. We can understand how that
must be frustrating, equally from Michael's fan base perspective
it is also frustrating when we reach out to the family and don't
get any feedback. The fans look to the family for support and
answers to various questions, but it appears there is not if
much if any response from the family. What can the family and
the fans do to correct the breakdown in communication'? Would
the family be willing to establish an official line of
communication and if so, what method of communication would the
family be comfortable with? It would be great to see a dialogue
between the fans and family.
Taj Jackson: That's a tough situation. I'm not sure anyone in
our family wants to be the messenger or liaison anymore. People
always want to blame or kill the messenger when something goes
wrong…lol
Every problem, concern or incident would lie squarely on that
person's shoulders. No thanks. As much as I would love to help
with that now. I've been there… done that. That's not for me… I
would rather put that energy into my uncle's mother and kids.
MJJC: Did MJ ever record his own solo version of Why? If he did,
what can you tell us about Michael’s original demo for WHY? Do
you think it could see a release?
Taj Jackson: No, unfortunately it doesn't exist. There was only
my uncle's backgrounds on the demo. There is a Babyface version
of Why with MJ backgrounds though.
MJJC: We all know MJ was an amazing person, what do you love
most about him?
Taj Jackson: His heart. Period. "Amazing person" is totally an
understatement. His care for children and the world was not a
gimmick, it was who he really was. If I could be a tenth of the
man my uncle was, I would be happy with my life.
MJJC: What's your favorite memory of MJ?
Taj Jackson: One favorite memory is the time my brothers and I
spent with him in Nagasaki, Japan. There is a Dutch Village
Theme Park called Huis Ten Bosch. We had such an incredible time
there and laughed so much during that trip. I am blessed and
lucky to have so many great and happy memories with him. Enough
memories to last a lifetime. :-)
MJJC: How was it like to work with MJ? Was MJ still being like
an uncle when working or he was just pure professional?
Taj Jackson: He was absolutely a creative genius. Every time I
worked on something with him, it never ever felt like work.
For example, the music video shoot for "Why". My first worry was
that my uncle was playing around just a little too much…. cause
he kept trying to make us laugh every time the camera was
rolling. But afterwards I understood exactly what he was doing.
I was way too serious for the video, thinking in my head…this is
a music video with Michael Jackson…
But that was never the relationship we had with our uncle. Our
relationship with him was filled with love, fun, respect and
mutual admiration. And the video at the end of the day captured
that perfectly.
MJJC: What is the single most important advice MJ had given you
or your brothers, and you would like to share with his own kids?
Taj Jackson: We have shared almost everything my uncle has ever
said or taught us with his own kids.
The single most important advice he has ever given me is to
truly believe in my dreams. Also to be appreciative of and
grateful for what I have and always give back to the world…to
those less fortunate… and stand up for those without a voice.
Source:
HTML http://www.mjjcommunity.com/forum/threads/121238-MJJC-Exclusive-Q-amp-A-with-Taj-Jackson-Read-Taj-s-answers
#Post#: 212--------------------------------------------------
Re: MJJC Exclusive Q&A with Taj Jackson - Read Taj's answers
By: Admire Date: February 6, 2012, 10:21 pm
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Taj was very gracious to give MJJC an interview. Some fans have
such cynical attitudes about the Jackson family. It's very
disrespectful. Thanks for posting, WomanInTheMirror!
#Post#: 224--------------------------------------------------
Re: MJJC Exclusive Q&A with Taj Jackson - Read Taj's answers
By: WomanInTheMirror Date: February 7, 2012, 9:51 pm
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I kind of thought that some of the questions that were asked
were out of line. I would have liked to read more about Michael
the uncle, read some more memories about Michael that Taj would
feel comfortable sharing, how the kids were doing, how Katherine
is doing since the trial, and so on. There was not a lot of
substance to that interview.
#Post#: 226--------------------------------------------------
Re: MJJC Exclusive Q&A with Taj Jackson - Read Taj's answers
By: Admire Date: February 7, 2012, 10:14 pm
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[quote author=WomanInTheMirror link=topic=78.msg224#msg224
date=1328673080]
I kind of thought that some of the questions that were asked
were out of line. I would have liked to read more about Michael
the uncle, read some more memories about Michael that Taj would
feel comfortable sharing, how the kids were doing, how Katherine
is doing since the trial, and so on. There was not a lot of
substance to that interview.
[/quote] I agree, those fans seem to have a very cynical
attitude in regards to the Jackson family. The interview
could've been more interesting if they didn't ask inappropriate
condecending questions.
They tried to put Taj on the spot, but he didn't feed into it.
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