Michael Jackson was obsessed with hiding his kids away from the public, a practice that sparked curiosity. His eldest child explained the reason behind this, prompting a wave of reactions online.Michael Jackson was as peculiar as he was protective.
One of the most notable elements was a mask he frequently wore. But this had also extended to his children, whose faces were often hidden behind masks and veils whenever they appeared in public with him.
This curious practice fueled years of speculation among fans and the media, as people wondered why the pop star went to such lengths to conceal his children’s identities. Recently, one of Michael’s children revealed the true reason behind this practice, shedding light on the late musician’s motivations and sparking a fresh wave of reactions online.
Michael Jackson wearing a black mask at the 1996 World Music Awards on May 7, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
Michael was intensely focused on safeguarding his children’s privacy, an obsession that shaped much of their early lives. His actions, though unconventional, were driven by a desire to protect his children from the relentless media attention that had marred much of his own life.
The singer was determined that they would not endure the same level of exposure and scrutiny he had experienced throughout his career.
Michael raised all of his children in a unique way which his eldest son, Prince Michael I Jackson, understood very well. In an interview, Prince disclosed that the dancer spoke to him like an adult and revealed why he made them wear masks.
Paris, Michael, and Prince Jackson visit Harrods October 12, 2005, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
“He told us the reason for the masks was he wanted us to have our own life without him,” Prince revealed, adding that he and his siblings were able to go out in public without their father unbothered because they were unrecognizable.
He also admitted, “I don’t think I ever thought about if other kids lived like that when I was younger. But once I knew who he was, I realized it wasn’t normal.”
After discovering the reason behind Michael’s overprotectiveness, social media users reacted, with one person noting that he was very peculiar. “Surprisingly,” said one Facebook user. Another noted, “He was a very strange man.” Someone else sympathized, “This is just too too sad.”
Michael sadly passed away on June 25, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. He left behind three young children, and after his passing, a custody battle ensued between his mother, Katherine Jackson, and his ex-wife, Debbie Rowe.
Following several weeks of negotiations, the two reached an out-of-court agreement. Reports at the time revealed that Katherine would be granted full, permanent custody of the children, while Debbie would receive “meaningful visitation rights.”
A source with direct knowledge of the agreement confirmed that Katherine retained sole custody of Prince Michael I, then 12, Paris-Michael Katherine, then 11, and Prince Michael II, then seven (Blanket), with Debbie maintaining her legal parental rights.
Katherine Jackson leaves the Santa Maria Courthouse on April 30, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Debbie is the biological mother of Michael’s two eldest children, Prince and Paris. His youngest child, Blanket, was born via an unnamed surrogate following Michael and Debbie’s divorce.
In a 2016 interview, Michael’s eldest son, Prince, shared that he considered his grandmother, Katherine, and his cousin, Frances, as the two primary mother figures in his life. “As for my birth mother, she’s always been more of a friend, and that works for us,” he added.
Katherine and Michael Jackson depart from Santa Barbara County Court on April 21, 2005 in Santa Maria, California. | Source: Getty Images
In the same interview, Prince opened up about the challenges he and his siblings faced after their father’s passing. He explained, “After he died, we got bombarded with [everything].”
This included the resurfacing of Michael’s scandals, such as the numerous allegations of child molestation, his acquittal of child sexual abuse charges, and constant speculation about his changing appearance and eccentric behavior dating back to the 1980s.
After being carefully protected from the intense media scrutiny that surrounded their father, Michael’s kids found themselves confronting the same accusations and tabloid gossip that had often overshadowed his fame.
The very scandals and rumors that had plagued their father’s life now became a part of their own reality. As they grew older, Michael’s children each took their own paths in life.
(L to R) Prince, Paris, and Bigi aka Blanket Jackson at the press night performance of “MJ: The Musical” on March 27, 2024, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Prince openly shared that many people initially expected him to follow in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in music and dance. However, he humorously confessed that he couldn’t do either of them.
Michael and Prince Jackson pictured on March 28, 1998 | Source: Getty Images
“Music is a big part of my life. It shaped who I am because of my family, but I’ve always wanted to go into production. My dad would ask me what I wanted to do and my answer was always producing and directing,” said Prince.
Michael and Prince Jackson pictured on the balcony of the Adlon Hotel on November 19, 2002, in Berlin, Germany. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his famous father’s efforts to shield him from the public eye, Prince received full support from the Jackson family in his chosen career path.
Prince Michael Jackson attends the premiere of “Gringo,” 2018 | Source: Getty Images
His cousin, Taj Jackson, described him as “extremely smart” and noted that Prince is a grounded young man, a trait instilled in him by his father.
Prince Jackson attends the 23rd annual Harold & Carole Pump Foundation Gala on August 18, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Unlike him, Prince’s little sister Paris, has decided to follow in their dad’s footsteps by pursuing a music career. However, before finding the courage to do that, she had to work on herself.
Paris Jackson attends AllSaints SS25 Runway Show celebrating 30 years on September 13, 2024, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Michael’s death deeply affected his daughter, leaving her emotionally scarred. She attempted to take her own life multiple times, ultimately entering treatment at the age of 15. In a March 2017 interview, Paris openly disclosed that she “was always the weird kid.”
Minders escort the veiled Paris and Prince Jackson as they visit the Berlin zoo on November 20, 2002, in Berlin, Germany. | Source: Getty Images
“I’ve always wanted to kind of break off and do my own thing, just ’cause I feel I enjoy independence very much,” she expressed. Growing up, Michael used to dress his daughter in an idealized, traditional way, often in dainty pinafores, lacy collared blouses, and Mary Jane shoes.
Paris Jackson at Off-White RTW Spring 2025 on September 8, 2024, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Now, as she embraces her own identity, her style reflects a vibrant, free-spirited look, featuring tie-dyed bright colors, dangling peace-sign necklaces, and worn Converse sneakers.
Paris, Michael and Prince Jackson visiting Harrods on October 12, 2005, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Michael was famously obsessed with safeguarding his children’s privacy, often having them wear masks or veils whenever they appeared in public with him.
Paris Jackson attends the Los Angeles opening of “Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour” on January 27, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
However, after his death, the children were suddenly unmasked, revealing not only their faces but also the extent of their isolation from the outside world.
Paris Jackson at Coperni RTW Spring 2025 on October 1, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
At 12 years old, Paris acknowledged that she lacked social skills, explaining how she had to quickly teach herself how to navigate interactions. Even now, she leads a rather solitary life.
Paris Jackson attends the Stella McCartney Paris Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 show on September 30, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on her journey, she shared that, over the years, she has worked hard to improve her communication abilities, adding, “I think I’ve gotten pretty good at it.”
