ADVERTISEMENT













ADVERTISEMENT

Jermaine Jackson on Michael's Death: 'I Wish It Was Me'

Jermaine Jackson on Michael's Death: 'I Wish It Was Me'
Copyright 2009 Ann Johansson / Getty Images

Jermaine Jackson is speaking out about his brother Michael Jackson's death -- and he makes a shocking admission about the King of Pop's passing.

The 54-year-old Jackson brother said Thursday during an interview with Matt Lauer on NBC's "Today Show" that he would like Michael to be laid to rest at Neverland Ranch, and he reveals that he wishes he had died instead of his younger brother.

He also told Matt that his family brought Michael Jackson's three children Michael "Prince," Paris-Michael and Prince "Blanket," to see Michael's body after he passed away. Jermaine told Matt, "The therapist thought it was important for them to see their father ... so they could understand." He continued on to say, "But now they're fine. I know it's tough, but I think it was the best thing to do."

On his brother's struggles, he said, "He became a victim of his own success ... because it was hard for him ... he felt tremendous pressure." The interview was conducted at Michael's famed former home, Neverland Ranch, which he left after he was tried and acquitted on child molestation charges, and Jermaine says the experience tainted Michael's former love for his home: "He [only] looked at it [differently] because he was hurt, he was torn apart."

On media speculation that Michael could have been addicted to drugs, Jermaine said, "I had heard thing about prescription drugs when he [was burned on the set of a Pepsi commercial in 1984]. I don't know about these things, because I hate everything [to do] with drugs." Jermaine added, "For people to come forth and say things [when] they don't have the facts is very damaging to the family ... because we don't know."

Jermaine said that the world "wasn't ready for Michael," and added, "Michael was a gift, and I guess a lot of people who said the most awful things about him, they realize now how much they love him."

Posted July 02, 2009 4:47:00 AM
See All: jermaine jackson music michael jackson

E-Mail | Print | | RSSRSS | 

Recent Headlines

Shirtless Jon Gosselin: 'Don't Get Married, Levi'
November 20, 2009, 07:00 PM (PDT) An hour ago
Dr. Phil: Oprah's Show Was Home For Me
November 20, 2009, 06:51 PM (PDT) An hour ago
Levi Johnston's Mother Sentenced to Five Years in Jail
November 20, 2009, 06:46 PM (PDT) An hour ago
Heidi Klum Takes New Last Name -- Hubby Seal's!
November 20, 2009, 05:13 PM (PDT) 2 hours ago
Sarah Palin's Book Notches Big Sales
November 20, 2009, 05:05 PM (PDT) 2 hours ago
Charges Dropped Against John Rich
November 20, 2009, 03:05 PM (PDT) 4 hours ago
Bond Increased for Erin Andrews' Accused Stalker
November 20, 2009, 02:30 PM (PDT) 5 hours ago
New Details: Dr. Conrad Murray Search Warrant Unsealed
November 20, 2009, 02:00 PM (PDT) 6 hours ago
Heidi Klum, Stars React to Oprah News at Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
November 20, 2009, 01:58 PM (PDT) 6 hours ago
'Survivor''s Laura Morett: We Shot Ourselves in the Foot
November 20, 2009, 01:57 PM (PDT) 6 hours ago

Oprah Winfrey Reveals Why She's Ending Her TV Show
Nov 20, 2009 07:57 AM (PDT)
 
Levi Johnston's Mother Sentenced to Five Years in Jail
Nov 20, 2009 06:46 PM (PDT)
 
The Cyrus Family Speaks Out on Loss of Tour Bus Driver
Nov 20, 2009 12:56 PM (PDT)
 
ADVERTISEMENT
  • ETNOW: Taylor Lautner on Kristen Stewart: We Have a Similar Relationship to Jacob & Bella http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/11/81249/index.html
  • ETNOW: Taylor Lautner says now that 'New Moon' is out he's ready for Thanksgiving, "family, food and football." RT @BradBesseyET @OfficialTL
  • ETProdSharlette: TWILIGHT-NEW MOON breaks all records. Midnight crawlers brought in 26.27 Million last night. WOW congrats vampires and wolves, ET has it!
  • BradBesseyET: Taylor Lautner says now the wait is over for Twilight: New Moon, he's ready for Thanksgiving and "family, food and football." @OfficialTL
  • ETNOW: Our @BradBesseyET promised & here it is! Adam Lambert Gives ET a Sneak Peek at His AMA Performance http://tinyurl.com/yzuqqng @adamlambert
Module - Poll

Which new film will get you into theaters this weekend?

Gathering poll results. Please wait...

Catch Hollywood's brightest stars out on the town!

View Star Sightings Gallery

Do you think your fave celeb's style is super sweet or totally beat?

View Hit or Miss Gallery

See whose glamorous style is turning heads around town!

View Glam Squad Gallery

See First Lady Michelle Obama's fabulous fashions within the first 100 days and more!

View the Michelle Obama Fashion Gallery