JACKO: THE MOVIE
Nephew believes biopic can address star’s abuse claims
MICHAEL Jackson’s nephew says a film about the pop star is on the cards.
Soul singer TJ Jackson says a biopic about his uncle and the Jackson 5 needs to be told to reframe the “awful” sex abuse allegations made after Michael’s death in 2009 at the age of 50.
TJ, 43, son of Michael’s brother Tito, said: “I think it’s awful, to be honest. I think it’s very sad.
“I think it’s in a way disgusting because what sells in this world is negativity. People like to gossip, people like scandals. My uncle is not here to defend himself, so he’s an easy target. He was always an easy target, because he was always quiet.
“But now that he’s no longer with us, there couldn’t be an easier target. Everyone knows who Michael Jackson is. So it’s an easy story to sell. But I truly believe truth always wins out.”
TJ said that any Jackson 5 film would tackle more than the music. He said: “The importance my family had in black culture first, black people, and allowing people of all nationalities to idolise a black family or black figures is something I think gets lost.
“To become, you know, sex symbols for our huge band and number one in the early
70s as black kids is an incredible accomplishment. That story needs to be amplified in my opinion. So I think there will be a Jackson story, a biopic.
“For me in my career, I have a long way to go to earn that right.
“But I am just proud my family has done what they have done and they are the people they are and I feel incredibly blessed to have that last name, Jackson.”
■ TJ will be in London for An Evening with TJ Jackson at St Martin’s House, Covent Garden on July 11. Tickets at tjjacksonmusic.com