The Jackson family tried to stop Michael Jackson's addiction to prescription drugs by staging interventions, Janet Jackson said on Good Morning America today.
"Of course, that's what you do," the youngest member of the Jackson family said in an interview. "Those are the things that you do when you love someone."
"You can't just let them continue on that way. We tried that more than a few times," says Janet, who laments that ultimately, "We weren't very successful."
The singer says Michael Jackson responded in a measured way to his family's attempts to help. "He understood that it was out of love, out of caring."
She refutes critics' claims that the family was naive about Michael's problems or enabled the icon. Nevertheless, she admits, "People can be in denial."
Janet Jackson continues to speak out about her brother's death.
When ABC's Robin Roberts went to ask a follow-up question about Michael being in denial, she replies, "I wish he could answer this question. And not me."
Jackson said she is a "big believer in the power of prayer, but that's something you can't do for them ... it's something they have to do for themselves."
Growing up, Janet says of her eight siblings, she was closest to "Mike." The last time they spent time together was "a few days before my birthday," May 16.
"We had a lot of fun laughing. He was cracking up ... Laughing at me."
Michael Jackson tragically passed away June 25. Earlier this week, Janet said she believes Dr. Conrad Murray should be held responsible for his death.
On a personal note, Janet also put the kibosh on rumors that she's getting back together with Jermaine Dupri, though the two remain very close.
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14 Comments
November 18th, 2009 9:27 PM
Opportunist....Opportunist....Opportunist....She looks more and more like her father in a wig every day and all you Janet FANATICS are determined to pretend that its just coincidence that she is speaking out when she has an album to promote. ABC paid her good money to grieve publicly and state the things that her sister Toy stated a LONG TIME ago.
November 19th, 2009 12:30 PM
Donnie: Why don't you just shut up!!! YOU have no idea what you are talking about. She has the right to do whatever she wants to do. Go and hide under a rock...
November 19th, 2009 1:32 PM
Hey Donnie, you've posted that same message all over the place. Do you work for the FCC or something? lol.
November 19th, 2009 2:51 PM
Do your homework Donnie. She does not need GMA's money for an interview. I think being worth 150 million will probably do her just fine. Stop hating and get a life!
November 19th, 2009 4:34 PM
Just tired of reading the fanatics in denial all over the net. So I feel compelled to respond with a voice of reason. Clearly this was a promotional interview. The timing is obvious. I'm not criticizing her. They are an entertainment dynasty and that is their job. However you Janet nutjobs criticized Joe, Latoya and Jermaine for doing the same thing Janet is doing, maintaining the Jackson legacy.
November 19th, 2009 5:21 PM
Donnie, Janet Jackson still has her OWN career. She or any other star in that situation for that matter would not have to put their career ton hold in order to prove something to others. You are not recognizing that fact.
November 19th, 2009 5:41 PM
I don't know that this was "perfect timing". How long should the family wait before they are allowed a calibrated voice? Granted this family has been embroiled in controversy for many years and at times it may seem to some that they have "timed" what some perceive to be publicity stunts--but that is the business they are in. It should not negate the feelings that are expressed regarding the passing of a beloved family member or what seemed to be honest answers to very personal questions. If it so happens that this "coincidence" came about just as Janet Jackson is gearing up for releasing a new album, so what? The death of Michael Jackson is still under intense scrutiny and a meticulous investigation which is sure to continue for many many years. Should the family keep quiet and not go on with their lives until the investigation is complete? The family needs to attempt to carry on their lives as normally as they can in order to heal--and for Janet Jackson this is in the entertainment venue. I believe this interview was really about HER and HER GOING FORWARD as it should have been--and the only OPPORTUNISTS in this game are the media whores who are using this opportunity to market the interview as a "tell-all" about the death of Michael Jackson. And no, I am not a Janet FANATIC. I am a fifty year old woman who does not really like her type of music but that does not mean I do not appreciate what she does, the position she is in, how she feels, and who she is inside.
November 19th, 2009 8:04 PM
I bought a copy of this is it. I wanted to tell you I grew up listening the jackson family's music your brother is very missed. I still listen but it is not the same without him here. And i will continue to pray for your family. And good luck on the release of your new album. I am just one of the fans
November 20th, 2009 11:43 AM
I guess Janet Jackson is not supposed to have a life. Janet Jackson does not need to make another album, movie etc.
She has more than enough money to retire. Her talking and making movies is helping her. I am so happy she spoke with Robin Roberts. I understand her a little more. And I hopes she continues to do interviews. She has to live for herself and not anyone else.
November 21st, 2009 8:52 AM
Donnie is ignorant!!! I take it that he missed 2nd grade twice, being that he can't spell.