According to many, including his own daughter Paris, Michael Jackson was a loving and attentive dad.
Jackson’s former personal photographer, Ian Barkley, shared in an exclusive interview with E! News that the popstar and his three children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and Blanket, 7, had a “really good” relationship.
He added that Jackson had a no-holds-barred attitude when it came to his children. Some of the great lengths he would go to to ensure their welfare, would include babyproofing everywhere, even expensive suites, to ensure the kids couldn’t hurt themselves, and giving the handlers a long list of all the foods the children could and could not consume. Barkley explained that while he was afraid of allergies, he was also scared of poisoning.
Over at the Neverland Ranch, Jackson would not let the children roam far for fear of coyotes. He also would not allow them to go on the rides as they please, gently reminding them each time that they were only for birthdays or special occasions.
According to Rabbi Boteach, a former friend and spiritual adviser of Jackson ” he was very concerned that the kids grow up with the right values.”
“To the extent that Michael Jackson’s kids COULD have a normal life, he wanted them to have it,” shares the rabbi. He further adds, “I’m not here to whitewash the sins of Michael Jackson – he was accused of some abominable things…but when it came to being a father, there was much to admire.”
Watch the below video of the Paris Jackson’s emotional tribute to her dad, the King of Pop
“Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much.” – Paris Jackson, Age 11
