Devastated by the recent death of their beloved son and brother Michael, more secrets about his life and the lives of the Jackson family are coming to light.
Apparently, the entire Jackson family has been dealing with just as many financial troubles as the fallen icon had.
Many of the of Jackson children have fallen far from the graces of fame due to money problems, such as Marlon Jackson, who stocks shelves at a Vons supermarket in San Diego and Jackie, the oldest brother, who is is struggling to manage his son’s aspiring rap career after attempts at an Internet startup clothing business failed.
The only brother still left making his own music is Tito Jackson, but he makes a meager living off the venture, pulling in $500 and $1,500 per the sporadic gig.
But how did the once lucrative family find themselves in finical ruin? Reports suggest “a slew of bad investments, poor advice, bankruptcy, stubborn pride, divorces, IRS debt, child support” and, of course, Michael, whose own financial difficulties leave his loved ones a suggested $400 million debt to deal with. Along with that, there are also reports that while Michael was known to support his family financially, he used his influence to stop his brothers from venturing out and working on their own music. Michael had signed his brothers to his personal record label,MJJ, and then refused to release any of their music.
Furthermore, during Michael’s 2005 child molestation trial, several of the brothers, in need of cash flow, documented private family affairs, hoping to shop it around to networks as a reality show. Though it never came to pass, it was these kind of desperate measures that the Jackson family has been reduced to in order to fund their lifestyles.
While the brothers may have lost their fortunes, it seems it will be up to the more successful sisters to help carry the family through the roughest of times. Janet Jackson, being the most successful sibling next to Michael, has created an empire of her own, reportedly being worth upward of $150 million.
We will have to wait and see how far Janet will go to support her family. We’re sure she will, but at what cost to her, remains to be seen.
[Image via WENN.]