DINH DOONG

In 2002, a shocking moment involving the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, shook the world. Fans, media, and onlookers witnessed a scene that became one of the most controversial moments of the superstar’s career: Michael Jackson briefly dangled his infant son, Prince Michael II—also known as “Blanket”—over the edge of a hotel balcony in Berlin. At the time, the incident caused outrage, with many questioning Jackson’s judgment as a parent. But today, more than two decades later, Prince Michael II is all grown up and far removed from the drama that surrounded his early years.

Who Is Blanket, and What Happened?

Prince Michael Jackson II, often referred to as “Blanket” in his early years, was born on February 21, 2002. His mother’s identity has remained a mystery, but Jackson famously fathered him through a surrogate. Blanket quickly became a subject of public curiosity due to his father’s fame and the controversial incident that took place just a few months after his birth.

The balcony incident occurred when Michael Jackson, staying at the Hotel Adlon in Berlin, appeared on the balcony with his newborn son. Jackson briefly held the baby over the railing, sparking an intense public backlash. The world watched in shock as it seemed Jackson could have accidentally dropped his son. Though Jackson later apologized, stating he got “caught up in the moment,” the incident has remained etched in public memory.

Blanket’s Journey and Transformation

Now, more than 20 years later, Blanket has grown up to be a young man living a relatively private life. He has since changed his name to “Bigi,” a reflection of his desire to move beyond the nickname “Blanket,” which he reportedly disliked. Bigi’s childhood was primarily kept out of the public eye, as his guardians—his grandmother, Katherine Jackson, and later, his older cousin, TJ Jackson—sought to provide him with a more stable and normal upbringing away from the media frenzy.

Despite being born into one of the world’s most famous families, Bigi has managed to maintain a low profile compared to his older siblings, Prince and Paris Jackson. He has rarely made public appearances, choosing to live away from the constant scrutiny that often comes with being a part of the Jackson legacy. However, fans got a glimpse of Bigi in 2015 when he attended the opening night of the “Michael Jackson ONE” show in Las Vegas, a tribute to his father’s legendary career.

Education and Interests

Bigi Jackson’s education has been another aspect of his life kept out of the public eye, though it’s known that he attended the prestigious Buckley School in California. As of recent reports, Bigi has shown a keen interest in filmmaking. While his siblings have pursued careers in the entertainment industry—Prince as a producer and Paris as an actress and model—Bigi’s passion appears to be more behind the camera.

In 2021, he gave a rare interview for Good Morning Britain, discussing climate change and showing support for environmental causes. This glimpse into Bigi’s interests highlighted his growing maturity and awareness of global issues, reflecting a sense of responsibility that often accompanies children of famous parents.

Life in the Shadow of Michael Jackson

Growing up as Michael Jackson’s son undoubtedly comes with immense pressure. Michael Jackson, often referred to as the greatest entertainer of all time, left behind an unparalleled legacy when he passed away in 2009. Since then, his children have faced the challenges of growing up in the shadow of their father’s immense fame.

For Bigi, this meant navigating childhood and adolescence under the public’s eye, even though he mostly stayed away from the spotlight. His efforts to live a quieter life compared to his siblings suggest that he has chosen a different path. While Paris Jackson has embraced public life and activism, Bigi seems content to live more privately, focusing on his passions and education.

Bigi Jackson Today

As of 2024, Bigi Jackson is a 22-year-old man who continues to live in California, enjoying the freedom of a relatively private life. While he is not as active on social media as his siblings, occasional updates from family members show that he remains close to his family. Bigi, Prince, and Paris share a tight bond, which has been evident in the few public appearances they’ve made together, most notably on what would have been their father’s 60th birthday in 2018.

Bigi’s future remains open-ended, with his potential to pursue a career in filmmaking or environmental activism on the horizon. Though he may always be remembered as the baby Michael Jackson briefly held over a balcony, his life today is defined more by his personal interests and quiet pursuit of his own goals.

Conclusion

The incident involving Michael Jackson and his son Blanket in 2002 will always be part of pop culture history, but the story of Prince Michael II, now known as Bigi, has evolved far beyond that moment. Now an adult, Bigi Jackson is forging his own path, showing the world that he is more than just the child of a music legend. While he remains linked to his father’s legacy, Bigi has proven that he is his own person, ready to take on the world on his own terms