For years, Blanket Jackson was known as the youngest son of Michael Jackson, one of the most iconic entertainers in history. But today, the world is seeing an entirely different version of him—one who has reinvented himself, stepped into the public eye on his own terms, and even changed his name.
A Legacy Unlike Any Other
Michael Jackson, often referred to as the “King of Pop,” left an indelible mark on music, dance, and popular culture. His career began as a child star with The Jackson 5, but he soon became a solo sensation with legendary albums like Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad.
With an unmatched ability to captivate audiences through mesmerizing performances, groundbreaking music videos, and unforgettable hits like Billie Jean, Beat It, and Thriller, Jackson became a global phenomenon. However, his personal life remained a source of endless fascination, scrutiny, and controversy.
His tragic passing in 2009 at the age of 50 sent shockwaves across the world. But beyond his fame and scandals, Jackson left behind three children—Prince, Paris, and Blanket Jackson—who have since forged their own paths.
Growing Up in the Shadow of a Global Icon
Michael Jackson’s children were largely shielded from the public eye while he was alive, but after his passing, the world began paying closer attention to them.
During their father’s emotional memorial service, a moment that remains etched in pop culture history, an 11-year-old Paris Jackson delivered an unplanned, heartbreaking tribute:
“Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say that I love him so much.”
Despite living very different lives, Jackson’s three children have remained incredibly close over the years. As Prince Jackson shared in an interview, family time has become more valuable than ever:
“Any moment I get to spend with my siblings now, especially as we’re getting older and our own lives are starting to blossom and grow, every moment that I get with them—any little family dinner, any family outing—is really a special moment.”
The Infamous Balcony Incident That Made Blanket a Household Name
For many, the first time they saw Blanket Jackson was during one of the most controversial moments in his father’s life.
In 2002, Michael Jackson made global headlines when he appeared on the balcony of the Adlon Hotel in Berlin, holding his nine-month-old son over the edge in front of screaming fans.
The shocking sight of the baby, with his face covered by a cloth, dangling above the crowd left the world stunned and horrified. The backlash was immediate, and Michael later apologized, saying he had “got caught up in the moment” and never intended to put his son in danger.
That moment, however, ensured that Blanket would always be remembered—a fact that would later contribute to his decision to change his name.
From Blanket to Bigi: A Reinvention
Born Prince Michael Jackson II, the youngest son of the King of Pop was given the nickname Blanket by his father. The name was a reference to Michael’s habit of shielding him from the public by covering his face with a blanket.
However, as he grew older, the nickname became a source of teasing and discomfort. In 2015, he officially decided to change his name to Bigi Jackson, distancing himself from the past and embracing his own identity.
His reinvention wasn’t just about changing his name—it was about stepping out from his father’s shadow and carving his own path in life.
A Quiet Life with a Powerful Mission
Unlike his older siblings, Bigi Jackson has maintained a low profile for most of his life. While Prince and Paris Jackson have been active in the public eye—pursuing careers in entertainment, modeling, and philanthropy—Bigi has kept a much more private existence.
But in recent years, he has begun to use his voice for a cause that matters deeply to him—climate change.
In a rare television appearance, Bigi spoke about his commitment to environmental advocacy during an interview on Good Morning Britain. Standing in his father’s home, surrounded by memorabilia, he shared his thoughts on continuing Michael Jackson’s legacy while also making an impact in his own way.
“There’s a lot of really cool stuff here, a lot of history in this house and the studio. That’s what he [Michael] was all about, and that’s what each of us [his children] want to do—create things that people can enjoy, but also that benefit their lives.”
Beyond just talking about it, Bigi has been actively working to bring awareness to climate change, calling on world leaders to take urgent action before it’s too late.
“I think we have some work to do, but our generation knows how important it is.”
A Budding Filmmaker on the Rise
In addition to his climate activism, Bigi is also making a name for himself in filmmaking.
Earlier this year, he won Best Drama at the Santa Monica Film Festival for his short film Rochelles, proving that he has a talent for storytelling and creativity, much like his father.
It remains to be seen whether Bigi Jackson will fully embrace a career in the entertainment industry, but one thing is clear—he is charting his own course, and he is doing it on his own terms.
Fans Show Support for His New Journey
As Bigi continues to step out of his father’s enormous shadow, fans have been showering him with love and encouragement. Many have taken to social media to express their admiration for his personal growth and the work he is doing.
One person wrote, “It’s not easy coping with the death of a parent. Glad to see he’s doing better. Only wish good things for the offspring of MJ.”
Another added, “Good for him. Love the name and wish him luck.”
As the youngest son of a global legend, Bigi’s life has been anything but ordinary. But instead of relying on his father’s fame, he is proving that he is his own person, capable of making an impact in the world in his own way.
The Future of Bigi Jackson
While many still remember him as the baby on the balcony, Bigi Jackson has grown into an intelligent, thoughtful, and ambitious young man. His focus on climate change, filmmaking, and his personal reinvention is a testament to the fact that he is not just “Michael Jackson’s son” anymore—he is Bigi Jackson, a name that stands on its own.
Where his journey will take him next remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—he is no longer living in the past. Instead, he is looking toward the future, determined to make a difference in the world just as his father once did.