▶ Watch: Prince Jackson talks about his childhood in rare interview
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“As a child I didn’t understand why people were so impressed with my dad,” says Prince, Michael Jackson’s eldest son, on the YouTube talk show The Mix. Prince, whose real name is Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, grew up with a sister, Paris (22), and a brother, Blanket (19). “People followed us everywhere and tried to touch him. I first realized how famous he was at an outdoor performance. There was an endless sea of people. Some spectators passed out. I did not understand that and asked him afterwards. ‘Dad, why do people pass out when they see you? I see you every day, there is nothing special about that, right? ”
Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest in 2009 after an overdose of drugs. He was 50. “I miss him more every year,” said his son. “How could it be different? He was my father, I learned a lot from him. Especially that I always have to keep learning. My dad used to say, “The moment you stop learning is when you start to die.” I have never forgotten that. ”
His father’s fame also brings a lot of pressure, says Prince. “Of course I am proud to have my father’s name, which is something I cherish. But such a name brings a lot of pressure. People expect you to live up to its gold standard. And believe me, I am not an artist. I can’t sing and dance, I can’t even moonwalk! ”
Prince Jackson did not speak about the controversy surrounding his father and the child abuse allegations. He only talked about his own experiences. “Actually, we didn’t have a bad childhood. My dad was world famous, but we were just kids growing up and getting older. I am very grateful for the years we have had with him. ”
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