‘I had no choice but to end my marriage’
Clashes over culture and how to raise their son spelt the end for former Christian Janet Jackson and her Muslim husband
Just months after welcoming their son, Eissa, Janet Jackson has announced she’s split from husband Wissam Al Mana. Pals blamed the marriage breakdown on their conflicting backgrounds, saying “they come from very different worlds.” Janet, 50 – who last week was spotted for the first time since giving birth – hadn’t been seen with her husband of five years, Qatari businessman Wissam, since October. The pair had been notoriously private about their relationship.
The singer, who was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, was speculated to have converted to Islam for her husband, who’s worth £800 million. Last October, she was seen hand-in-hand with Wissam, 42, wearing full Islamic dress – a marked difference for the pop veteran, who was known for her raunchy style.
ADOPTING RELIGION
And pals tell Closer how Janet – who caused a stir in 2004 when she accidentally exposed her breast during her half-time show at the Super Bowl with Justin
Timberlake – couldn’t continue living life as a Muslim woman.
A source says: “Janet started to feel suffocated and began to realise how their clash of cultures was making her miserable. She tried to adopt Wissam’s religion out of respect for him, but she never felt fully comfortable with her new lifestyle.”
RAISING HER SON
The source adds: “Once Eissa was born, she told pals that she didn’t want to bring up their son in a world where his parents were constantly arguing. She said they had conflicting views over how he should be brought up and she was miserable trying to suppress who she really was.”
The superstar, whose sexually provocative hits and elaborate shows have contributed to her 30-year career – was forced to cancel her Unbreakable world tour last year following her pregnancy announcement – a move sources say she felt uncomfortable with.
FAMILY SUPPORT
A source says: “Janet hated disappointing her fans, but Wissam didn’t want her on tour while she was pregnant. He was concerned about her wellbeing and didn’t want her to be away for all that time. Janet understood his concerns, but made it clear she wanted to continue after the baby was born – a decision that caused tension as Wissam wanted her to be a stay-at-home mum, but Janet couldn’t give up her dream of performing.”
Janet – who is the youngest sibling of the famous and troubled family – is now turning to her sister Rebbie and brother Randy for support. Last week it was revealed her nephew Blanket, 15, Michael’s son, has been living alone without his legal guardians.
A source says: “Janet’s always been close to her siblings, especially Rebbie and Randy, who’ve flown out to stay with her. She knows it’s going to be a long road, but she’s determined to stay strong for Eissa and make the divorce amicable.”