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See Michael Jackson's Son Bigi "Blanket" Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance With Family
This support knocked Jaafar Jackson off his feet.
As the son of Jermaine Jackson celebrated the premiere of the Michael biopic—which sees him portray his uncle Michael Jackson—in Germany on April 10, he was joined by his cousins Prince Jackson and Bigi “Blanket” Jackson.
“To have my cousins there and my other family members, that meant everything,” he told E! News’ Will Marfuggi at the film’s US premiere on April 20. “Because it is a family story, and it all started in Gary, Indiana, so it meant the world to me.”
Indeed, the international launch was a true family affair. Not only were Prince, 29, and Bigi, 24, at the event, but Jaafar was also joined by his dad Jermaine Jackson and uncles Marlon Jackson and Jackie Jackson, all of whom posed for a photo together.
Plus, having the film’s first kickoff event in Europe was particularly poignant for the 29-year-old.
“That was special, to be in Berlin and Europe,” Jaafar added. “Especially, I know Michael loved Europe and Germany. He spent a lot of time there.”
And as Michael prepares to thrill audiences worldwide on April 24, the film’s star also reflected on how he hopes viewers react to seeing the early days of Michael's career on the big screen.
Carsten Koall/picture alliance via Getty Images
“I hope they take away a deeper understanding of who Michael was from a child until his adulthood, but also have insight into all those big moments,” he said. “What happened to the moments leading up to that. And really, I hope they walk away just dancing and inspired and wanting more.”
As for how Jaafar’s dad feels about his son taking on the task of embodying Michael, Jermaine summed it up easily: “Extremely proud.”
After all, “He’s a hard worker,” he added of his son. “He deserved the part.”
The 71-year-old also recounted the first time he saw Jaafar in costume as the King of Pop.
“I thought I was looking at Michael,” he admitted. “I started crying.”
Olivia Wong/FilmMagic
Marlon, too, can’t wrap his head around how well his nephew embodied his late brother.
“I told him, I said, ‘Jaafar, you are unbelievable,’” the 69-year-old said, recounting Jaafar’s skepticism. “Because he was so worried that he couldn't capture everything. He couldn't please us.”
Which is why Marlon assured him, “‘Man, you're unbelievable. Trust me.’”
For more on Michael’s family from over the years, read on.
Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images
Rare Red Carpet Appearance
Prince Jackson, Paris Jackson and Bigi Jackson hit the red carpet for the opening night of MJ: The Musical in March 2024.
Instagram / Prince Jackson
Winning Awards
Bigi appeared with his brother Prince and friends at the Santa Monica Film Festival in February 2024. Michael's youngest son had won the award for Best Drama for his short film Rochelles, his directorial and screenwriting debut.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Happy Halloween
Prince and Bigi appeared at their family's annual Thriller Night celebration in 2022.
Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic
Diamond Birthday Celebration
Prince and Paris attended the Michael Jackson Diamond Birthday Celebration at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
All Glammed Up
Prince and Paris made it a family night out at the 2022 Harold and Carole Pump Foundation Gala at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif., in August 2022.
YouTube
Brother & Sister
Prince and Paris appeared in a YouTube video in 2021.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Brothers' Night Out
Prince and Bigi appeared at their family's annual Thriller Night celebration in 2019.
Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic
Strike a Pose
The two posed at Prince's costume party at Jackson Family Home on Oct. 27, 2017.
Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images
Sibling Love
Walking hand-in-hand, the two attended the mothers2mothers and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Benefit Dinner on October 24, 2017, in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Family Photo
Prince wrote on Instagram, "It was an honor to be a part of @officialsiggyjackson wedding with my sis @parisjackson."
Silly Time
The sibling showed off their silly side over the summer on Instragram.
VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images
Step and Repeat
The trio of siblings arrived at the Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour in Los Angeles on January 27, 2012.
Mark Sullivan/WireImage
Hand in Hand
Prince and Paris attend the hand and footprint ceremony at Graumann's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles January 26, 2012.
Mark Sullivan/WireImage
Honoring Dad
Bigi, Prince and Paris appear together at the hand and footprint ceremony.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Meet the Press
The duo stood together as they attended the press conference for Goin' Back To Indiana: Can You Feel It at the Majestic Star Hotel Lakeshore Ballroom on August 29, 2012 in Gary, Ind.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
No Hoosiers Here
On Aug. 30, 2012, the siblings attended the St. Paul Saints Vs. The Gary SouthShore RailCats baseball game at U.S. Steel Yard in their father's hometown of Gary, Ind.
MARK J. TERRILL/AFP/Getty Images
Dad's Memorial
The trio appeared on stage during the memorial service for their father at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on July 7, 2009.
Birthday Tribute
The kids celebrated with dad in this throwback pic shared by Prince.
Family Memories
Prince shared this family photo on what would have been Michael's 64th birthday on Instagram.
Jackson Family
Prince, Paris and Bigi, then nicknamed Blanket, appear with their dad in this throwback pic the eldest of his children shared on what would have been his 64th birthday in 2022.
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