Table of Contents
Who Is Prince Michael Jackson II?
Prince Michael Jackson II, now known as Bigi Jackson, is the third and youngest child of the late pop legend Michael Jackson. For much of his early life, he was famously referred to as “Blanket,” a nickname that he later changed to Bigi in 2015. Born via surrogate, the identity of Bigi’s biological mother has never been publicly disclosed. He was just 7 years old when his father passed away in 2009.
Early Life and Mysterious Origins
Born on February 21, 2002, Prince Michael Jackson II entered the world under a cloud of intrigue, primarily due to the mystery surrounding his conception. While he is widely believed to be Michael Jackson’s biological child, no official confirmation has ever been provided. His biological mother, a surrogate whose identity remains unknown, played no public role in his life. Speculation surrounding his origins intensified after Michael’s ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, the mother of his older siblings—Paris and Michael Joseph “Prince” Jackson—denied any involvement in Bigi’s birth.
One of the most memorable moments of Bigi’s early life occurred in 2002, when Michael Jackson controversially held him over a hotel balcony in Berlin, sparking global media attention. At the time, Bigi was only 9 months old.
The Tragic Loss of His Father
Bigi’s life was forever altered on June 25, 2009, when his father, Michael Jackson, passed away after suffering cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles home. At just 50 years old, the King of Pop’s sudden death shook the world. Bigi, then 7 years old, along with his siblings, was placed under the care of their grandmother, Katherine Jackson, who became their legal guardian.
In the months following Michael Jackson’s death, the three siblings made rare public appearances, including an emotional moment during their father’s funeral where they spoke to his fans. In January 2010, they accepted a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award on their father’s behalf at the Grammy Awards, further cementing their connection to his legacy.
The Aftermath of Michael Jackson’s Death
In February 2010, the official coroner’s report revealed that Michael Jackson’s death was caused by acute propofol intoxication. Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael’s personal physician, had administered the drug, along with other sedatives, in an attempt to treat the singer’s chronic insomnia. A subsequent investigation into Murray’s conduct revealed that he was not licensed to prescribe controlled substances in California, raising concerns about his role in the singer’s care.
In November 2011, Dr. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to four years in prison. The case brought renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding Michael Jackson’s untimely death and the impact it had on his family, particularly his young children.
Throughout the years, Bigi has maintained a relatively private life, occasionally making public appearances alongside his siblings, but largely staying out of the spotlight that once surrounded his famous father.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against A.E.G. Live
Following the untimely death of Michael Jackson in 2009, the Jackson family believed that A.E.G. Live, the company promoting his highly anticipated “This Is It” comeback tour, failed to adequately protect him while under the care of Dr. Conrad Murray. Katherine Jackson, along with Michael’s three children, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the entertainment company, alleging negligence.
The trial began in April 2013, with the plaintiffs seeking up to $1.5 billion in damages, based on an estimate of Michael’s potential future earnings had he survived. However, in October 2013, a jury concluded that A.E.G. Live was not liable for Michael’s death. “Although Michael Jackson’s death was a terrible tragedy, it was not a tragedy of A.E.G. Live’s making,” stated A.E.G.’s attorney, Marvin S. Putnam.
Name Change to Bigi
In 2015, reports emerged that Michael Jackson’s youngest son, previously known as Blanket, had opted for a name change due to years of bullying associated with his nickname. The young teen chose to go by “Bigi” instead, seeking to distance himself from the teasing and establish his own identity.
Bigi Jackson Today
Now residing in Calabasas, California, Bigi Jackson attended the prestigious Buckley School in Sherman Oaks. As his grandmother, Katherine Jackson, grew older, and his siblings, Prince and Paris, entered adulthood, Bigi came under the care of his older cousin, T.J. Jackson. Though sources revealed that he struggled the most among his siblings with the loss of their father, Bigi focused on academics and sports throughout his school years.
Unlike his brother and sister, Bigi has largely stayed out of the public eye. However, he has made rare appearances, including attending his brother Prince’s graduation from Loyola Marymount University in May 2019. In August 2023, Bigi and Prince honored their father by attending the Michael Jackson ONE show at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, commemorating what would have been Michael Jackson’s 65th birthday.