Michael Jackson’s Father, Joe Jackson, Has Died Aged 89

The controversial patriarch of the Jackson family, Joe Jackson, has died.

Jackson, who had reportedly been living with cancer and was estranged from much of his family, was 89 years old.

Jackson’s grandson Taj Jackson confirmed the death on Twitter, asking fans to allow his family to “grieve without the nastiness”, alluding to comments made online about Joe Jackson’s alleged abuse of his family members.

“Disgusted by some of the comments I’m reading about my grandpa Joe by those who didn’t even know him,” he wrote.

“Please don’t just regurgitate what you were spoon fed by the press. Joe was loved by our ENTIRE family and our hearts are in pain. Let us grieve without the nastiness.”

In a further statement, Taj wrote, “Thank you Grandpa for the amazing strength, determination and pride you showed this family. The Jackson legacy would not exist without you.
I lost a grandfather but heaven gained The Hawk.”

In a statement (via AP/Reuters), the co-executors of Michael Jackson’s estate — John Branca and John McClain — said they were “deeply saddened” by Mr Jackson’s death.

“Joe was a strong man who acknowledged his own imperfections and heroically delivered his sons and daughters from the steel mills of Gary, Indiana to worldwide pop superstardom,” they said.

Joe Jackson had 10 children with his wife Katherine Jackson, including Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. He was the manager of The Jackson 5, but was known for putting his children through rigorous rehearsals, and was also accused of abusing them.

Michael Jackson, who died in 2009, had expressed both love and hatred towards his father throughout his career.

Read Taj Jackson’s tribute to Joe Jackson, below.

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