Music legend Michael Jackson left behind three young children when he passed away in June 2009. His youngest, Prince Michael “Blanket” Jackson II, was only seven when his father died, according to Page Six.

“Blanket” Jackson, who now goes by the name “Bigi”, received massive media attention when he was an infant and not just because he was Michael Jackson’s son. His father dangled him over a balcony when he was only nine months old.

Since Michael Jackson’s passing, Jackson has remained close with his siblings, Prince Michael Jackson and Paris Jackson. However, he has chosen to live a more private lifestyle out of the spotlight.

Why Does Bigi Jackson Live A Private Lifestyle?

Bigi Jackson is well aware of his father’s legacy and impact on entertainment. Surely, he is proud of his father’s vast accomplishments. However, Jackson was only a small child when his larger-than-life father passed away, leaving an indelible emotional scar. While he may have known about his father’s career growing up, he strictly knew Michael Jackson as his dad. At his father’s memorial service, Jackson was seen holding a Michael Jackson doll as a comfort.

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His siblings, Prince Michael Jackson and Paris Jackson, had similar experiences. They were young and struggled profoundly with the loss of their beloved father. They all grew up sheltered and out of the spotlight. Michael Jackson would even have his children disguised if they went out publicly, according to Rock Celebrities. As all three children began to grow up without their father, Prince Jackson and Paris Jackson explored the spotlight and became representatives of their father’s legacy. Both pursued careers in entertainment.

Bigi Jackson, while still honoring his father’s legacy, has decided to remain out of the spotlight and live a more private lifestyle. Why Jackson has chosen to avoid the spotlight could be for multiple reasons:

He struggles with living up to the legacy of his father
He grew up privately with his father and never felt a calling to the spotlight
He lacks the talent to successfully enter the entertainment industry

According to a family friend who spoke with People Magazine, Bigi Jackson “has had the most problems adjusting after Michael died”. When his father passed away, Jackson was reportedly “very lost and extremely upset.” The young child, who was close with his father, did not understand death and how to handle the loss of a parent.

As an adult, Jackson undoubtedly enjoys his quiet lifestyle, as he can focus on his passions without much fanfare. According to Express, Jackson has taken steps to honor his father’s values. In a 2021 Good Morning Britain interview, Jackson, joined by his siblings, spoke about global warming. Concerned, Jackson emphasized that he wanted to educate others about the global warming crisis. “I do think it’s important that we all know about it, and I think we have some work to do, but our generation knows how important it is”, Jackson said.

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In 2012, Jackson articulated that he would be interested in pursuing a career as a director. In a documentary about his family, Jackson elaborated:

“Sometimes I would go in [my dad’s] room while he was getting ready for something and watch. He was a good dancer, he was a very good dancer. I can’t dance or sing, I’m not that kind of person who sings and dances. When I grow up I want to be a director because its fun, and I make little movies when I’m at my house with cousins and friends and different things.”

As of December 2023, it is not clear if Jackson has ever professionally pursued directing. Based on a variety of sources, not much is known about Jackson and perhaps this is exactly what he desires. One milestone in Jackson’s adult life did become public knowledge, however. In 2020, he purchased his own $2 million dollar home.

Did Bigi Jackson Dislike The Nickname Blanket?

According to Meaww, Prince Michael Jackson II “resented his father” for nicknaming him Blanket. An individual familiar with the matter articulated that Jackson felt the nickname “sounded so stupid.”

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Jackson eventually took on the name “Bigi” after being mocked by students at school. According to a trustworthy source, Jackson’s peers “have always been slightly mean to him because of their jealousy over who he is and going by Blanket made him a much easier target for ridicule.”

This is more than understandable for the young Jackson who not only had to mourn his father’s passing, but live daily life as the son of one of the most famous men in entertainment history. Furthermore, the name Blanket is far from masculine and could easily be something bullies would target.

While Jackson has not spoken about his father’s notorious dangling incident, this early childhood experience has most likely impacted him emotionally. He will be forever known as the child Michael Jackson dangled over a balcony. Has Bigi Jackson questioned why his father handled him in such an unsafe manner? It would be safe to assume yes.

Jackson, who has gone by Bigi since 2014, has always been reflective about his father despite any possible resentment. He has attended multiple memorial and tribute events with his siblings. Furthermore, in the rare few interviews he has given, he has spoken about his father with love.

Bigi Jackson, while a private individual, will always be loved by Michael Jackson’s millions of fans. If he ever chose to pursue a public career, it can be expected that he would be welcomed with open arms.