Jackson Trial: Mum 'Seeks £25bn' From AEG

Jackson Trial: Mum 'Seeks £25bn' From AEG - Michael Jackson's family is taking the promoter of his ill-fated comeback tour to court, reportedly claiming tens of billions of dollars from AEG Live.

The civil proceedings in downtown Los Angeles will focus on the Jacksons' claim the company was guilty of the "negligent hiring" of Dr Conrad Murray, the physician now in prison for killing Jackson.

One of the headlines in the US promises that this will be "The Wildest Jackson Trial Yet" - as the life and death of the King Of Pop is about to get another airing in court.

Jackson's mother Katherine and children are believed to be seeking £25bn, including £5bn loss of future earnings - figures which are staggering even to seasoned US legal analysts.

As the court begins the task of selecting jurors for a trial that could last nine weeks, the media war between the two sides has stepped up a notch.

The Jackson family were already thought to be planning to call the star's 16-year-old son Prince to give evidence. The teenager is expected to testify about witnessing his father's last moments.

Now we hear that another Prince, the pop star of that name, could also be called by the Jacksons to testify about his experiences with AEG.

Already many of the emails the Jacksons will rely on in court - electronic conversations between senior figures at AEG - have been leaked to the media.

It is understood AEG will argue they were not responsible for Murray or what happened to Jackson.

As part of their evidence, the judge has ruled they can bring up details of Jackson's child molestation trial.

It has been reported they will also seek to show that the star had drug issues well before he met Murray.

Murray himself is said to have refused to give evidence in the case while his own appeal against conviction is ongoing.

One of the most significant moments will come before the trial even starts: the judge Yvette Palazuelous will rule on an application for live television cameras to be in court.

She has refused so far but those challenging that ruling say the very principle of justice for the millions who will not have a seat in court means them being able to watch it on TV.

They point to the massive global television interest in the trial of Murray and the importance of the public seeing justice at work.

It is an argument that holds a lot of sway in the US and especially in California, with decades of precedent for televising court proceedings.

Her ruling is eagerly awaited by the media and by Jackson's millions of fans around the world, many of whom have lingering questions about his death. ( Sky News )

READ MORE - Jackson Trial: Mum 'Seeks £25bn' From AEG

Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. may not campaign ahead of election

Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. may not campaign ahead of election - The wife of Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. said on Wednesday the nine-term congressman - who has not made any public appearances since going on medical leave in June - may not appear in public to campaign ahead of the November 6 election, according to the Chicago Tribune.

In late July, after a series of statements from Jackson's office and doctors that raised more questions than they answered, the Mayo Clinic announced it was treating the congressman for bipolar disorder. He was released last month and is now convalescing at home, according to his office.

On Wednesday, Jackson's wife Sandi Jackson, a Chicago alderman, told reporters at City Hall, "I know he's eager to (campaign) ... But he's also under doctor's orders to stay very calm, very quiet, and he's going to do that," the newspaper reported.

She added that Jackson had no plans to step aside and make way for another Democratic candidate.

"He is on the ballot and he's going to stay on the ballot," she said, according to the newspaper. "And I'm looking forward to him coming back to work after his re-election. No last minute switcheroos. He would never do that and I would never want that for him."

Jackson, 47, the son of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson Sr., has served in Congress since 1995 and in March won the Democratic primary to seek a 10th term.

But he has not made any public appearances since June, when his office said he had taken a leave from office to treat what was initially described as exhaustion, even though he is running again to represent Illinois's 2nd Congressional District in Washington, D.C.

Jackson has been the subject of a congressional ethics committee probe over an alleged bribe offered to former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich by a Jackson supporter in 2008.

The offer was intended to entice Blagojevich into appointing Jackson to President Barack Obama's vacant U.S. Senate seat. Jackson has admitted to lobbying for the seat but has denied knowing about any money offered to Blagojevich, who was convicted of corruption charges and is in prison. ( Reuters )

READ MORE - Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. may not campaign ahead of election

Jesse Jackson Jr. target of criminal probe

Jesse Jackson Jr. target of criminal probe - Jesse Jackson Jr. Is the Target of a Criminal Investigation for Home Decorating - In what's shaping out to be a pretty dreadful year for Jesse Jackson's Jr., the Chicago congressman who has been on medical leave for bipolar disorder is now the subject of a criminal investigation for misusing campaign money to spruce up his house.

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The Wall Street Journal's Devlin Barrett and Evan Perez report that a FBI probe of Jackson is in its "final stages ... according to people familiar with the matter," with the possibility of an indictment coming before the November election. The paper reports Jackson's attorneys tried to get assurances that an indictment wouldn't come before Nov. 6, but Justice Department officials refused to make any promises. He's alleged to have "misused campaign money to decorate his house," reports the Journal. Evidence of a probe's existence first appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times on Friday, but the paper didn't report why the congressman was being investigated. Sources did tell the paper, however, that it involved Jackson's finances. After the Journal leapfrogged the Sun-Times last night, the paper followed up with details of some unusual activity involving the sale of Jackson's home, which seems to have tipped off investigators:

The Jacksons put their Washington, D.C., home on the market last month at a price of $2.5 million. The listing was public and included the property’s address as well as multiple photos of the inside of the home. A campaign spokesman said at the time that home was put on the market to pay for mounting medical bills... A day after the D.C. listing was made public, the couple subsequently took it back off the market, citing a security issue.

If you're keeping track of Jackson's legal problems at home, this probe has nothing to do with an earlier investigation into Jackson and disgraced ex-Gov. Rod Balgojevich who was accused of scheming to sell off Barack Obama's old Senate seat. (Jackson denied any wrongdoing in that matter.) When it comes to this current investigation, no one knows if it was slowed down by Jackson's surprise disappearance in June which was later attributed to treatment for bipolar disorder and intestinal problems at the Mayo Clinic.

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Whatever the case, Jackson's intestinal problems aren't preventing him from having a drink at DC watering hole Bier Baron, according to Gawker's John Cook.

According to two independent sources, Jackson was spotted drinking at Bier Baron Tavern ... on Tuesday and Wednesday nights last week. Each night, he was accompanied by a different woman. According to both sources, Jackson was drinking. "They were laughing and very focused on each other," one source said of Jackson's demeanor on Wednesday night. "Not sure when they left but I saw them there around 10:30 p.m. They didn't appear intoxicated or loud, but were definitely enjoying themselves."

The establishment formerly known as the Brickskeller, is a basement/restaurant bar famous for its huge selection of international beers. That may win him the respect of craft beer drinkers but not the Chicago Tribune. Last week, the newspaper withheld its endorsement from him, saying it's an "open-ended question" as to whether he'll ever get back to work, listing Republican Brian Woodworth as a "viable alternative." ( The Atlantic Wire )

READ MORE - Jesse Jackson Jr. target of criminal probe

Jacksons say estate executors harming the family

Jacksons say estate executors harming the family — Janet, Randy and Rebbie Jackson say the executors of Michael Jackson's will are causing harm by damaging "fundamental family relationships" and isolating matriarch Katherine Jackson "from anyone questioning the validity of Michael's will."

The Jackson siblings released a statement late Friday through an attorney amid a fight over their brother's will with the executors of his estate.

On Thursday a judge named TJ Jackson, a cousin to Michael Jackson's three children, as co-guardian with Katherine Jackson, who was named their sole caretaker in the disputed will.

FILE - In this Oct. 8, 2011 file photo, from left, Prince Jackson, Prince Michael II "Blanket" Jackson and Paris Jackson arrive on stage at the Michael Forever the Tribute Concert, at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. TJ Jackson, one of Michael's favorite nephews, has been designated to work beside Michael's mother, Katherine, to look after the welfare of his three cousins Prince, 15, Paris, 14 and Blanket,10, who will inherit the King of Pop's fortune. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, File) *Editorial Use Only*

Janet, Randy and Rebbie Jackson accuse the executors of a "relentless" negative media campaign and say they have been barred from visiting their 82-year-old mother or Jackson's children.

"The effect of that notice not only is to damage fundamental family relationships, it is also to isolate Katherine Jackson from anyone questioning the validity of Michael's will," reads the statement by Janet Jackson's attorney, Blair G. Brown, released on behalf of Janet, Randy and Rebbie Jackson.

They say they will continue to contest Michael Jackson's will because "the executors have never explained how Michael could have signed his will in California on a date that irrefutable evidence establishes that he was in New York."

Representatives for the executors of the will did not immediately respond to calls and emails requesting comment. However, representatives for executors John Branca and John McClain released a statement some weeks ago saying, "Any doubts about the validity of Michael's will and his selection of Executors were thoroughly and completely debunked two years ago when a challenge was rejected by the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the California Court of Appeals and, finally, the California Supreme Court."

Janet, Randy and Rebbie Jackson say they will continue to contest Michael Jackson's will, adding, "they stand nothing to gain financially by a finding that the will is invalid."

"The individuals who have the most to lose by a finding that the will is invalid are, of course, the executors and those on the executors' payroll."

The siblings say they will "press forward in their search for the truth in order to carry out the wishes of their brother Michael." ( Associated Press )

READ MORE - Jacksons say estate executors harming the family

Jackson says she was kept from communicating

Jackson says she was kept from communicating — The mystery of Michael Jackson's mother's disappearance was clarified Thursday with the release of court papers that said she was kept from communicating with outsiders while at a resort and was unaware she had been reported missing.

Katherine Jackson declared in the documents that she learned she was the subject of a search when she accidentally heard a TV report.

FILE - In this Nov. 29, 2011 photo, Michael Jackson's mother Katherine Jackson and brother Jermaine Jackson leave after the sentencing of Conrad Murray at the Los Angeles Criminal Justice Center. Attorneys for Michael Jackson’s estate on Monday, July 30, 2012 acknowledged they limited access to the home shared by the late singer’s mother and children in response to a driveway disturbance last week. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)

Before that, she said, she was kept virtually incommunicado without access to a phone or her iPad. She said her stay at the Tucson resort was unplanned, and she went there after she was told her doctor had ordered her to rest.

Before that, she had intended to take a cross-country RV trip to see her sons perform in concerts.

"While there was a telephone in my room, the telephone was not functioning and I could not dial out," she said in the documents. "In addition, there was no picture on the television in my room."

She told of asking repeatedly to have the TV fixed.

"One morning I woke up to the sound of the television," she said. "While there was no picture, I heard a broadcast that stated I was missing."

Her declaration was attached to papers filed in a request to be reinstated as guardian of Michael's children, Prince, 15, Paris, 14 and Blanket, 10. Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff granted the request Thursday and temporarily named her nephew, TJ Jackson, as co-guardian.

Beckloff said last week that he didn't believe Katherine Jackson had done anything wrong but suspended her guardianship duties because she had been out of contact with her grandchildren for 10 days.

While at the resort, Jackson said, she was unaware that her grandchildren were worried about her and that her lawyer had flown to Tucson to contact her.

"While I was away, I had no reason to question whether the people with whom I placed trust would inform me that Prince, Paris and Blanket were trying to reach me," she said.

She said she had asked about the children and was told they were fine.

"The day before I was brought home from Tucson, I was finally permitted to use the phone to speak with Prince, Paris, Blanket and TJ," she said.

Some of Katherine Jackson's comments appeared in conflict with a statement she made to ABC News before she left Tucson.

Seated with her children Randy, Janet and Rebbie next to her, she read from a prepared statement saying she had not been held against her will

"My children would never do a thing to me like that, holding me against my will," she said. "It's very stupid for people to think that."

She said then that she was devastated at learning she had lost guardianship of her grandchildren and said the action "was based on a bunch of lies."

In the aftermath of what her attorney Perry Sanders Jr. called "the chaos," Katherine Jackson asked for a meeting with TJ Jackson and the lawyer to find out what was going on.

As a result, she said, she decided that TJ Jackson, who had been an unofficial co-guardian of the children, needed legal authority in case something happened in her absence.

Beckloff said during a hearing after Jackson resurfaced that an investigator who looked into the children's care found the late pop star's 82-year-old mother was an excellent guardian and the children love her.

"I think the kids are in terrific hands," the judge said. "It appears from the report that Katherine Jackson has done a wonderful job and cares about the children very much."

Beckloff noted that the children also have a close relationship with their 34-year-old cousin TJ Jackson, who was named temporary guardian last week after working closely with Katherine Jackson since Michael Jackson died.

TJ is "incredibly respectful" of the family matriarch and she is respectful of him, the judge said.

Beckloff said he will finalize the arrangement later this month but for now will issue letters of co-guardianship allowing both Jacksons to make decisions about the welfare of the children.

TJ Jackson's new co-guardianship status is temporary, but the judge could make it permanent when he convenes the next court hearing on Aug. 22.

The shared guardianship plan is apparently designed to remove pressure from Katherine Jackson who was previously named in her son's will as the children's sole guardian.

Sanders has said the arrangement will allow her to focus on the children's upbringing and not on home or logistics issues.

The changes in guardianship come on the heels of family dissension over Michael Jackson's will, which left nothing to his siblings when he died three years ago. Several of them signed a letter that was leaked to the media alleging the will was a fake and calling on executors of the estate to resign.

On Wednesday, Jermaine Jackson issued a plea for peace in the family and withdrew his support of the letter.

He wrote that the family is still raw from Michael Jackson's death, and his mother has endured incredible stress and pressures since then. ( Associated Press )

READ MORE - Jackson says she was kept from communicating

Jackson move to Mayo could point to complications

Jackson move to Mayo could point to complications — The announcement that Jesse Jackson Jr. had been transferred to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota pinned down his whereabouts for the first time in weeks and gave clear confirmation that the Illinois congressman is suffering from depression.

It also was the first mention that he's now being treated for a "gastrointestinal issue," which some experts said Saturday was a sign his condition is becoming more complicated.

FILE - In this Oct. 16, 2011 file photo, Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr., D-Ill., is seen during the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington. The Mayo Clinic says Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is being treated for depression at its hospital in Rochester, Minn. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

The Chicago Democrat and son of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson has been on a secretive leave of absence for nearly seven weeks, during which his office has released only occasional snippets of information, including that he was undergoing treatment for a "mood disorder" at an undisclosed inpatient facility.

A new, three-sentence written statement from the congressman was distributed by the Mayo Clinic late Friday during the national broadcast of the Olympics' opening ceremony, when public attention was more likely fixed half a world away.

As in the past, the statement gave scant detail, an apparent ongoing strategy in the face of pressure from congressional colleagues and constituents clamoring for an in-depth explanation.

It said he had been transferred to the Mayo Clinic for "extensive inpatient evaluation for depression and gastrointestinal issues," but gave no information on the nature of his depression, where Jackson was being treated prior to arriving at the Mayo Clinic or his progress.

The clinic said Saturday it could not release anything further.

Mention of a gastrointestinal problem raised new questions — whether it's linked to the depression, entirely unrelated or a complication from a 2004 procedure he underwent to help him lose weight.

"Certainly some people do, as part of their depression or anxiety disorder, manifest it with gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea," said Matthew Lilly, a psychiatrist in Rochester, Minn., who did a yearlong fellowship at Mayo in 2010 before going into private practice.

"But for them to even comment on that would, to me, sound as if it's a significant issue and not just a mild symptom associated with his illness," he said.

The Mayo Clinic has a highly rated gastrointestinal department as well as a free-standing inpatient psychiatric unit, said John Anderson of the Associates in Psychiatry and Psychology in southeastern Minnesota.

He said people receiving psychiatric care are often transferred to the clinic when a physical illness develops since both can be treated there.

"Mayo does an excellent job in terms of combining those, so they can treat what's essentially a dual diagnosis," Anderson said.

Phone messages left Saturday for Jackson's spokesman weren't immediately returned.

There was no word Saturday on how long Jackson might remain at the Mayo Clinic.

Typically, Mayo will keep someone as a psychiatric inpatient anywhere from several days to several weeks, Lilly said, though he added the use of the phrase "extensive inpatient evaluation" suggested to him it could be longer for Jackson.

"That would be pretty unusual for someone to stay as an inpatient more than a couple of weeks unless there were some pretty complicated issues going on," Lilly said.

The Mayo Clinic has treated other high-profile figures, including Saudi King Abdullah, and has a reputation for top-level security and strict patient privacy, which is evidently important to the congressman and those around him.

Clinic spokesman Ginger Plumbo said it released the brief statement only because Jackson's staff requested it.

"We would never just release information about any patient without their request or consent," Plumbo said.

The timing of Jackson's medical leave has raised questions, in part because Jackson is facing an ethics investigation in the U.S. House connected to imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The congressman went on leave June 10, but his office didn't disclose it until weeks later. Initially, his office said Jackson was being treated for exhaustion. Since then, the office has said his condition was more serious and required inpatient medical treatment.

Earlier this month, a statement from an unidentified doctor said Jackson was receiving intensive medical treatment at a residential treatment facility for "a mood disorder."

The House Ethics Committee is investigating allegations that Jackson was involved in discussions about raising money for Blagojevich's campaign in exchange for the then-governor appointing him to President Barack Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat.

Jackson was not charged and has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. ( Associated Press )

READ MORE - Jackson move to Mayo could point to complications

Jesse Jackson Jr. in Mayo Clinic for depression

Jesse Jackson Jr. in Mayo Clinic for depression — Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., whose whereabouts haven't been disclosed since he quietly took a medical leave from Congress several weeks ago, is being treated for depression at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, according to a statement released by the hospital.

Jackson is undergoing an extensive inpatient evaluation for depression and for gastrointestinal issues, the hospital said, providing the first details about his medical condition. But the statement released late Friday didn't disclose where the longtime Chicago congressman, the son of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, had previously been staying.

FILE - In this Oct. 16, 2011 file photo, Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr., D-Ill., is seen during the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington. The Mayo Clinic says Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is being treated for depression at its hospital in Rochester, Minn. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

"Further information will be released as Congressman Jackson's evaluation proceeds," the statement said, adding that he and his family were "grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers that have been received throughout his care."

Phone messages left by The Associated Press for his spokesman weren't returned Friday. In 2004, Jackson underwent a procedure to help him lose weight that involves removing part of the stomach and rearranging the intestine.

The Democrat went on leave June 10, though his office didn't disclose it until weeks later and has been mum on details ever since. Initially, his office said Jackson was being treated for exhaustion. But his staff later said Jackson's condition was more serious and required inpatient medical treatment. They also said Jackson has been grappling with emotional issues.

Under mounting pressure from his colleagues and constituents, his office released a statement last month from his unnamed doctor saying Jackson was receiving intensive medical treatment at a residential treatment facility for "a mood disorder."

The timing of his medical leave has raised questions, in part because Jackson is facing an ethics investigation in the U.S. House connected to imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The House Ethics Committee is investigating allegations that Jackson was involved in discussions about raising money for Blagojevich's campaign in exchange for the then-governor appointing him to President Barack Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat. Blagojevich is serving a 14-year prison sentence for corruption.

Jackson was not charged and has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Jackson faces a Republican and independent candidate in November, though he's widely expected to win re-election. He first won office in a 1995 special election and has easily won each race since. His district includes parts of Chicago and some suburbs. ( Associated Press )

READ MORE - Jesse Jackson Jr. in Mayo Clinic for depression

Katherine Jackson's Attorney Says She Is Fine After First Face-to-Face Meeting

Katherine Jackson's Attorney Says She Is Fine After First Face-to-Face Meeting - Katherine Jackson's attorney said he had met with his client face-to-face for the first time in several days, and that she was doing well despite the escalating family feud.

"I had a long and productive meeting today with Mrs. Jackson," Perry Sanders Jr. wrote in a statement Thursday, according to The Associated Press. "I am pleased to report that she is fine, and she laughed at the widely publicized report that she had suffered a stroke."

News of Jackson's stroke made headlines in a letter written by five of her children early last week calling for the executors of Michael Jackson's will to step down.

Sanders said he would release a formal statement Friday about his discussions with the 82-year-old matriarch of the Jackson family.

Michael Jackson's oldest son, Prince, continues to blast his famous aunts and uncles hours after his grandmother, Katherine Jackson, returned to her California home on Thursday.

"Although I am happy my grandma was returned, after speaking with her I realized how misguided and how badly she was lied to," Prince Jackson tweeted Thursday.

Sources Tell ABC News that since Katherine Jackson has returned lawyers are preparing paperwork for her to regain custody of Michael Jackson's children: Prince, Paris and Blanket.

On Wednesday, a judge removed Katherine Jackson temporarily as guardian and named her grandson TJ Jackson, 34, as temporary caretaker of the late legend's children amid a bitter family dispute over Michael Jackson's estate. TJ Jackson is the son of Tito Jackson.

Katherine Jackson told ABC News in a televised statement that the court ruling was "based on a bunch of lies" and she was "devastated" the children were taken away from her.

"There are also rumors going around about me that I have been kidnapped and held against my will," said Jackson. "My children would never do a thing like that, hold me against my will. It's very stupid for people to think that."

While Jackson was away in Arizona, Paris Jackson took to Twitter, saying that she had not heard from her grandmother and she was "missing."

On Thursday Prince Jackson posted screen grabs of what he called a group text with aunts Rebbie and Janet Jackson in which he demanded to speak with his grandmother. "Don't let them pls," appears to be the reply from Janet, something Prince says he was not meant to see.

"I'll tell you they're good kids. They're really kind intelligent shockingly normal kids given their upbringing," said ABC News consultant Howard Bragman of Reputation.com.

The group text message was dated Monday, July 23, the same day Janet attempted to take Paris' cell phone away, which was seen on surveillance cameras at Katherine Jackson's Calabasas, Calif., home while she was in Arizona. ( Good Morning America )

READ MORE - Katherine Jackson's Attorney Says She Is Fine After First Face-to-Face Meeting

Katherine Jackson Back in California After Arizona Stay

Katherine Jackson Back in California After Arizona Stay - Katherine Jackson returned to her Los Angeles-area home this morning after spending more than a week in Arizona, where she was out of contact with the children of her son, Michael Jackson.

Paris Michael, Michael Jackson's 14-year-old daughter, tweeted "grandma's here ! #thankyougod

In an exclusive statement to ABC News Wednesday, Katherine Jackson said she was "devastated" his children have been "taken away" from her while she was vacationing in Arizona. She was named their legal guardian in Michael Jackson's will.

"I am devastated that while I've been away, my grandchildren have been taken away from me, and I'm coming home," Katherine Jackson said.

Speaking to ABC News from the Miraval Arizona Report & Spa in Tucson, Ariz., where the 82-year-old Jackson family matriarch had been resting for at least a week, Katherine Jackson also addressed the uncertainty concerning her whereabouts.

Katherine Jackson is the guardian of her late son Michael Jackson's children -- Paris Michael, Prince Michael, and Prince Michael II -- but prior to Tuesday night, they had not heard from her in days. In her absence, there were reports of disputes among Jackson family members at Katherine Jackson's Calabasas, Calif., home.


"There are rumors going around about me that I have been kidnapped and held against my will," Katherine Jackson said. "I am here today to let everybody to know that I am fine."

"My children would never do a thing to me like that, holding me against my will," she added. "It's very stupid for people to think that."

Katherine Jackson said a court ruling Wednesday that made TJ Jackson -- the son of Michael Jackson's brother, Tito Jackson, and grandson of Katherine Jackson -- the temporary guardian of Michael Jackson's children was "based on a bunch of lies."

She said her stay in Arizona at the Miraval was a "short vacation and rest."

"There's a lot of lies that have been put out there and I am going home to straighten them out, and this kind of stuff doesn't make sense," she said.

As for not calling her grandchildren for days, Katherine Jackson said, "One reason I didn't call is I just gave up my phone and I didn't want to have any phone calls while I was here."

Below, read Katherine Jackson's full statement to ABC News.

Transcript of Katherine Jackson's Statement to ABC News:

Hello, I'm Katherine Jackson, and there are rumors going around about me that I have been kidnapped and held against my will.

I am here today to let everybody know that I am fine and I am here with my children, and my children would never do a thing to me like that, holding me against my will. It's very stupid for people to think that.

But anyway, I am devastated that while I've been away, that my children, my grandchildren, have been taken away from me, and I'm coming home to see about that, also.

So I spoke to my grandson, TJ, last night, that I left there to be in charge of my children -- and I never leave home without leaving them with instructions of who to stay there with them, the nanny and all of them -- and someone had let go the cook, the nanny, and also the housekeepers. I don't know who did that but they don't have that power and they shouldn't have done it.

And now, the people are saying they are there with nothing to eat. I am sure they have something to eat but it's probably not healthy because the cook is not there.

But since I have also been away, my guardianship, which I just said, my children, have been taken away from me, my guardianship has been taken away from me. And, but, I spoke to my grandson TJ and also I spoke to Prince and Paris last night and told him I would be home today and they're waiting for me to come.

And I told him it wasn't necessary for him to go down and sign for guardianship. ... I don't know who instructed him to do that -- but that's what, but he wanted me to come home before that happened, but the ruling in court today was about the guardianship and I think it was based on a bunch of lies, but I have a good idea who's doing that and who's behind that.

But I am grateful for my children that they saw that I needed rest and they wanted to take me away for a while, just a short vacation and rest up. But one thing I have to say ... that I'm here at Miraval. They have taken good care of me and have made sure that I got the rest that I needed.

One reason I haven't called is I just gave up my phone and I didn't want to have any phone calls while I was here.

My assistant, Janice Smith, have been calling back home to see how things were going and she had been keeping in contact with my nephew, I mean my grandson, and he says everything is going fine. But I was still thinking about the children and I still worry about them, but they are fine.

Before I left, as I said, I put everything in order with the appropriate people to take care of my children for me and it's really bad to hear that what's going on at home, and the children have been taken away -- but I know that ... I'll get there in time to get them back. And after I finish this, I will be on my way home.

I have to thank Miraval again for taking very good care of me and making sure I got good rest.

We don't get much -- we saw an electric show because it was lightening and we saw a rainbow.

I had a very good time here -- and if anyone wants to rest I think they should come here.

Because there's a lot of lies that have been put out there and I am going home to straighten them out and this kind of stuff doesn't make sense. So I want to say goodbye and I am on my way home. ( Good Morning America )

READ MORE - Katherine Jackson Back in California After Arizona Stay

Katherine Jackson Home Site of 'Scuffle' Between Family Members

Katherine Jackson Home Site of 'Scuffle' Between Family Members - The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to a "family disturbance" at the Jackson family home after, sources said, Randy, Jermaine and Janet Jackson showed up and apparently tried to take Michael Jackson's kids away.

Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said Monday there was a "scuffle" between two family members at the Calabasas home of family matriarch Katherine Jackson, but no arrests were made.

TMZ posted a photo of siblings Janet and Jermaine Jackson standing outside the home around the time police were called, according to the website.

Katherine Jackson's laywer, Sandra L. Ribera, issued a statement today, saying "Jackson family members ambushed Katherine Jackson's home after their vehicle tore through security gates on the tails of the SUV containing Michael Jackson's children."

Ribera said Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson were taken to safe location. "An altercation ensued shortly thereafter and law enforcement arrived at the scene," according to the statement.

ABC News consultant Howard Bragman of Reputation.com said, "This is truly an escalation of what's been going on. There's a lot of private security, so to actually have law enforcement called is a big step up."

It was the latest drama that has plagued the Jackson family in the past few weeks. Katherine Jackson was reported missing Saturday only to be found "resting" with her daughter in Arizona.

X17Online obtained a photo of Jackson smiling and playing Uno with her family in Arizona. Her children released a statement Monday saying the missing person's report was "created by the very person and persons we are trying to protect our mother from."

Trent Jackson, Katherine Jackson's nephew and confidante who reported her missing, tweeted Michael Jackson's 14-year-old daughter, Paris: "I know it's completely unfair for them to do this you and your brothers. We will keep trying. I love you."

Paris Jackson tweeted Monday , "8 days and counting. Something is really off, this isn't like her at all. I wanna talk directly to my grandmother."

Katherine Jackson is the legal guardian of her late son's three children and there is no word on who is watching them in Jackson's absence.

Jermaine Jackson released a statement earlier this week about his mother's whereabouts, saying this is all "a conspiracy to deflect attention away from a letter we wrote asking for the resignation of executors" of Michael Jackson's will.

Five of Michael Jackson's siblings last week said his will was fake and the executors of his lucrative estate, John McClain and John Blanca, should step down. Jackson's entire fortune was left to his mother and three kids.

"They [executors of the will] will not stand down because the siblings who were left out of Michael's will want them to," said Zia Modabber, who is the attorney of the Jackson estate.

Howard Mann, Katherine Jackson's business partner, believed money is pulling the family apart.

"I believe that Katherine and the children who are benefactors of the estate fall on one side, and then Randy, Jermaine and Rebbie and Tito fall on the other side," Mann said. "They're a group of people who have a great deal of questions about the administration of the estate."

Modabber said, "I can't speak for them. I don't know what's motivating Jermaine and Randy and some of these others, but money is not a bad guess."

Modabber and Mann faced off in court Monday in a dispute over Mann and Katherine Jackson's selling Michael Jackson merchandise.

"It doesn't matter that it's Howard Mann and he may give some of the money to his family, to Katherine Jackson or anybody else," Modabber said. "You can't take property that belongs to the estate, make money from it, without getting permission from the estate."

Mann's attorney argues the material is and always was owned by Katherine Jackson and her husband, Joe, and not the late King of Pop.

Michael Jackson's estate is now worth about $1 billion and counting. ( ABC News )

READ MORE - Katherine Jackson Home Site of 'Scuffle' Between Family Members

Katherine Jackson is safe, with family

Katherine Jackson is safe, with family — Katherine Jackson, the mother of Michael Jackson and guardian of his three children, is safe and with a family member in Arizona, authorities said late Sunday, one day after another relative reported her missing.

Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputy Mark Pope said investigators made contact with Jackson, but he did not have specifics on her whereabouts. The agency previously said they believed she was with a relative and safe, but wanted to speak with her.

FILE - In this Monday, Feb. 28, 2005 file photo, Michael Jackson follows his mother, Katherine Jackson, as they arrive for court on the opening day of his child molestation trial at Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria, Calif. Katherine Jackson has been reported missing, but the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says she may be with family members. The agency says another family member reported her missing Saturday night, July 21, 2012 because he couldn't speak with her and was concerned. The sheriff's department says deputies are trying to reach Jackson and are asking her to contact them.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Katherine Jackson is with her daughter Rebbie in Arizona, following a doctor's orders to "de-stress" and stay away from the phone and computers, her son Jermaine Jackson said in a statement late Sunday. He said access to his mother is not being blocked.

A member of the Jackson family had reported the family matriarch missing on Saturday, prompting a frantic plea from the late pop star's only daughter to help locate her grandmother.

"I haven't spoken with her in a week I want her home now," 14-year-old Paris Jackson tweeted, later providing a number for people to contact in case they see her grandmother. Katherine Jackson has been caring for Paris, Prince Michael and Blanket Jackson since their father's death in June 2009.

It was unclear who is taking care of the children in her absence.

The incident demonstrated divisions in the Jackson family just days after five of the singer's siblings once again claimed that the King of Pop's will was a fake and that the executors of his lucrative estate should step down.

The undated letter, signed by Janet, Randy, Tito, Rebbie and Jermaine Jackson, claimed Katherine Jackson was being manipulated by the executors, John Branca and John McClain, her health had been affected, and she suffered a mini-stroke.

The estate has denied the accusations, which have swirled since Michael Jackson died from an overdose of a powerful anesthetic. Katherine Jackson obtained permission from a judge to investigate the will's validity, but never pursued the matter in court.

"It dismays me that such an alarmist 'missing person' report has caused unnecessary anxiety among Michael's children who will understandably react to what they misunderstand, hear or are told," Jermaine Jackson wrote.

The mystery of Katherine Jackson's whereabouts was compounded by a visit from her son's former physician, Dr. Allan Metzger, who examined her July 14 after being brought to her Calabasas home by someone close to the family, said her attorney, Sandy Ribera.

She had been scheduled to depart on an RV trip to the Southwest to watch her sons perform. The elder Jackson never made any of the shows and Metzger apparently told her not to take the trip, Ribera said.

Metzger is not Katherine Jackson's primary physician and her regular doctor wasn't aware the his house call until concerns about Katherine Jackson's whereabouts were raised, Ribera said.

A phone message left for Metzger at his Beverly Hills practice was not immediately returned Sunday.

Metzger treated Michael Jackson earlier in his career and met with the singer once in the months before he died. Defense attorneys for the physician convicted of killing the pop superstar called him as a witness to try to show the singer was attempting to obtain a powerful anesthetic for home use.

Despite being a defense witness, Metzger aided prosecutors by telling jurors that he refused Jackson's request and warned him of the risks.

Paris Jackson referenced Metzger's visit in a tweet early Sunday, writing, "the same doctor that testified on behalf of dr murray saying my father was a drug addict (a lie) is caring for my grandmother... just saying."

Conrad Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for causing Jackson's death at age 50. ( Associated Press )

READ MORE - Katherine Jackson is safe, with family

'Mood disorder' fuels more Jackson intrigue

'Mood disorder' fuels more Jackson intrigue - U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s disclosure that he is suffering from a "mood disorder" still leaves many questions about his secretive medical leave and whether the Illinois congressman has satisfied mounting calls to be more open about his monthlong absence.

Just hours after Democratic leaders in Congress ratcheted up pressure on Jackson to reveal more information, his office released a brief statement from his doctor on Wednesday saying the Chicago Democrat was receiving "intensive medical treatment at a residential treatment facility for a mood disorder."

FILE - In this May 16, 2011 file photo, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. attends ceremonies for Chicago Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel in Chicago. On Wednesday, July 11, 2012, Jackson's staff said they soon could have more information to release about the Chicago Democrat's medical condition. Jackson's been on medical leave for a month, but his location and exact ailment haven't been disclosed. Initially, staff said he was being treated for exhaustion. But last week they said his condition was worse than previously thought and required inpatient treatment. They also disclosed Jackson has been battling emotional problems. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

But it offered no details about Jackson's whereabouts or even the name of the doctor, citing federal privacy laws.

Several experts said that based on the doctor's use of the term "mood disorder," they believed Jackson might be suffering from depression. But the statement did not elaborate on his condition and rejected claims that the 47-year-old congressman was being treated for "alcohol or substance abuse."

"He is responding positively to treatment and is expected to make a full recovery," the statement said. His spokesman declined to elaborate.

When Jackson's medical leave was first announced — two weeks after it began on June 10 — his office said he was being treated for exhaustion. Last week his staff said his condition was worse than previously thought and required inpatient treatment, saying Jackson had been privately battling emotional problems. The office has remained mum on details.

The timing of the leave has invited scrutiny, coming as Jackson faces an ethics investigation in the U.S. House connected to imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Days before Jackson's office announced his leave, a fundraiser and family friend also involved in the probe was arrested and charged with unrelated medical fraud charges.

The Associated Press on Wednesday interviewed several physicians who didn't have firsthand knowledge of Jackson's condition but said the term "mood disorder" typically refers to depression or bipolar disorder, which used to be known as manic depression.

Dr. Daniel Yohanna, vice chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago, said depression is more common and affects about 5 percent of men at some point in their lives. Symptoms can range from sleep disturbance and appetite problems to hopelessness and thoughts of suicide, though cure rates are very high, he said.

"It could come out of nowhere, it runs in families, you could have a genetic predisposition, or it can come after a difficulty in your life," Yohanna said. "Once it gets rolling it's hard to stop it on your own."

Ian Gotlib, a professor of psychology at Stanford University, said depression is generally treated on an outpatient basis. But he said that if doctors were concerned about the safety of the patient or if the disorder were severe enough, they could recommend inpatient treatment.

"The good news is that it's clearly treatable," Gotlib said, adding that counseling and prescription drugs would be likely for inpatient treatment and that it could take weeks.

It's unclear whether Wednesday's statement would temper the mounting demands for full disclosure of the congressman's ailment.

Before Jackson's statement was released, Democratic leaders in the U.S. House joined Jackson's colleagues and constituents in urging the congressman to provide a public update about his condition. House Leader Nancy Pelosi, when asked about Jackson, said she hoped he would have "the appropriate evaluation so he can share that information."

Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the No. 2 Democrat in the U.S. House, said Wednesday that Jackson wasn't in "an unusual circumstance."

"People get sick, and when people get sick, they miss work. Everybody in America understands that," Hoyer said. "But I think the family would be well advised to give his constituents as much information as is appropriate."

Fellow Illinois Democrats Sen. Dick Durbin and Rep. Luis Gutierrez have called it Jackson's responsibility as a public official to disclose details. Jackson's little-known opponents in the November election have spoken out on the same issue, and some voters in his district have asked questions.

Durbin was unavailable for comment Wednesday evening after the Jackson office's latest statement.

Jackson spokesman Rick Bryant has said relatives requested Jackson's location be kept private, and his family has been unusually reticent on the issue. His wife, Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson, has said little. And his father, civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., has called it a private issue and repeatedly declined to give details.

The pending House Ethics Committee investigation is focusing on allegations that Jackson discussed raising money for Blagojevich's campaign so the then-Illinois governor would appoint him to President Barack Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat. Blagojevich is serving a prison sentence for corruption. Jackson has denied the claims.

Jackson also allegedly directed a fundraiser, Raghuveer Nayak, to buy plane tickets for a woman described as Jackson's "social acquaintance." Jackson and his wife have called that a personal matter.

Nayak was the fundraiser arrested and charged with the unrelated medical fraud charges. He has pleaded not guilty.

At Blagojevich's 2010 corruption trial, prosecutors said another Blagojevich fundraiser was ready to testify that Jackson instructed Nayak to raise money for Blagojevich's campaign to help him secure the Senate seat. The same witness later testified he attended a meeting with Jackson and Nayak.

Jackson was not charged and has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Jackson faces a Republican and independent candidate in November, though he's widely expected to win re-election. He first won office in a 1995 special election and has easily won each race since. Jackson's district includes parts of Chicago and some suburbs but was expanded during the last redistricting process to include less familiar territory further south of the city. ( Associated Press )

READ MORE - 'Mood disorder' fuels more Jackson intrigue

Without Michael, Jackson brothers prepare to tour

Without Michael, Jackson brothers prepare to tour — Guided by a thumping bass line from their backing band, the Jackson brothers strut forward to a row of four microphones, thrusting their pelvises along the way, before launching into "Can't Let Her Get Away," a song their superstar sibling released on his "Dangerous" album. If they had afros and matching powder blue suits, it might feel like 1977 again.

It doesn't. They're casually sporting sunglasses, workout gear and a few more pounds than when they, along with the future King of Pop, were simply known as the Jackson 5. (Also, "Can't Let Her Get Away" was released in 1991 after the group fizzled out.)

Nearly three years since Michael died while preparing for his comeback tour, four of his brothers — Marlon, Jermaine, Tito and Jackie — are set for their own return to the stage as The Jacksons. It hasn't been easy.

"The brothers don't know this, but I've broken down several times and cried during rehearsals," said Jermaine during a recent rehearsal break on a soundstage in Burbank, Calif. "I'm so used to Michael being on the right and then Marlon, Jackie, on and on. It's just something we never get used to."

The brothers are launching their "Unity" tour on Wednesday, five days ahead of the third anniversary of Michael's death from an overdose of the anesthetic propofol on June 25, 2009.

"For me, this cycle that comes around every year — this day, that day — that doesn't affect me because it affects me every day," said Marlon. "When that day comes around, it's the same. You learn to live with it. I still wake up sometimes and go, 'Jeez. I can't believe my brother's not here.'"

Following Michael's death, the four brothers appeared in the A&E reality series "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty," which chronicled their loss and attempt to stage a comeback before their brother died.

Jermaine said the brothers have wanted to reunite on their own for years, but after Michael's passing, they needed time to heal — and the tour is another step in that process. They've rearranged their classics to suit their voices, and Jermaine said the group plans to pay tribute to Michael during their shows with a slideshow and medley that will conclude with the tune "Gone Too Soon."

"There's certain songs that make you feel the sorrow," said Tito. "Then again, there are other songs that bring so much joy and happiness, such as 'ABC' and 'I Want You Back' and the up-tempo stuff like 'This Place Hotel.' I just imagine how he used to walk and spin and do all these things. You can feel his presence here."

The Jacksons' tour kicks off at Rama Casino in Ontario, Canada, and is scheduled to end July 29 at the Snoqualmie Casino Amphitheater in Snoqualmie, Wash. Other stops include Detroit's Fox Theatre, Los Angeles' Greek Theatre and Harlem's sold-out Apollo Theatre, where the Jackson 5 won an amateur night in 1969 before rocketing to fame.

Michael later forged unprecedented success as a solo artist. His superstardom was unrivaled, and his brothers couldn't capture similar acclaim or sales with their solo projects or last studio album, 1989's mostly Michael-less "2300 Jackson Street," but their legacy as a group has remained unchanged. The Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

While various combinations of the brothers have reunited to perform over the years, including at last year's "Michael Forever" tribute concert in Wales, "Unity" will mark the first time the brothers have toured together since their final "Victory" outing in 1984. (Marlon said Randy, who officially joined The Jacksons in 1975, elected not to join the tour but noted that the youngest Jackson brother was welcome at any time.)

"We have a certain magic," said Jackie. "Once we get out here and run it down a couple times, it comes back to you. I'm not (moving) like I used to, but we still got it."

Will the fans think so — and will they turn out to see The Jacksons, whose ages now range from 55 to 61, perform their hits without Michael?

Last year, Cirque du Soleil launched "Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour" in Las Vegas. The show featuring dancers and acrobatic acts performing routines set to M.J. tunes has been among the top touring acts this year, and "Immortal" will return to Vegas for a residency at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.

However, Gary Bongiovanni, editor-in-chief of concert industry trade publication Pollstar, doesn't believe The Jacksons will achieve similar success with their smaller endeavor.

"The Jacksons were really all about Michael," said Bongiovanni. "The Cirque du Soleil show was successful because it was Cirque du Soleil and Michael's music. I don't know if that portends much for the remaining brothers and their ability to generate enthusiasm for ticket sales."

The brothers are undaunted, hoping to release an album of new music then go back out on tour.

"It's like riding a bike," said Marlon. "You never forget, but you do need to tweak a few things." ( Associated Press )

READ MORE - Without Michael, Jackson brothers prepare to tour

Rebbie Jackson On the Pain of Raising Daughter With Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia

Rebbie Jackson On the Pain of Raising Daughter With Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia - The Jackson family has certainly been served many ups and downs. Now the eldest of the Jackson children, 60-year-old Rebbie Jackson, is opening up about her daughter Yashi Brown’s battle with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in an attempt to reduce to stigma surrounding mental illness.

“It was such a hard thing, it has all been an experience I will never ever forget and all I wanted was to find a solution or a way in which Yashi could just solve the problems," Jackson told FOX411’s Pop Tarts. "A lot of people are have these disorders and they don’t know it because there are very different degrees of bipolar. So many people have this but they can’t figure out what their problem is. So you have to get to the core of the problem, expose it and accept it does exist, and then you can go about learning how to deal with it.”


The Jackson family has certainly been served many ups and downs. Now the eldest of the Jackson children, 60-year-old Rebbie Jackson, is opening up about her daughter Yashi Brown’s battle with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in an attempt to reduce to stigma surrounding mental illness.

Rebbie Jackson's 'Reaction' album cover.

“It was such a hard thing, it has all been an experience I will never ever forget and all I wanted was to find a solution or a way in which Yashi could just solve the problems," Jackson told FOX411’s Pop Tarts. "A lot of people are have these disorders and they don’t know it because there are very different degrees of bipolar. So many people have this but they can’t figure out what their problem is. So you have to get to the core of the problem, expose it and accept it does exist, and then you can go about learning how to deal with it.”

In attempt to reach out to other families dealing with mental illness, Brown, now 33, is releasing the book “Black Daisy in a White Limousine: 77 Poems.”

“The poems date back to when I was in my teens to now. You can see some of the emotional changes and you get a sense of the true honest expression of all the things I’ve experienced with life, with family, love and all of that. You get a sense of what it is that we’re talking about,” Brown told Pop Tarts.

Brown’s mental illnesses went undiagnosed for several years, and it wasn’t until she was in her early twenties that the medical profession was able to pinpoint her problems. But due to the support of her family and the power of prayer, she now feels she is in a place to help other sufferers through their journey.

Brown also said coming from the famous Jackson family made it more difficult to cope with her mental health issues.

“It was harder for sure, you feel like you constantly have to hold it together so technically you’re living a double life. You’re living in this world that you totally don’t understand then you leave and go into the public where you really have to have it together,” she said. “Of course growing up in a high profile family especially will make you feel like you need to be some sort of an example or be super strong to the people around you and not be yourself. Instead of saying, ‘I have these challenges and other people have these same challenges and let’s communicate and talk about it’ as opposed to trying to act like they don’t exist or that you have it all together, which is really exacerbating it in the long run.”

As a mother, Rebbie, a Jehovah's Witness, also continues to turn to religion to pull her through the hard times.

“It’s about staying focused and prayer. I am a bible student for sure. And being calm. It’s hard to not let people go and get you upset or keep you upset,” she said. “We live in crazy times and whatever takes you away from the rhetoric, the craziness, just be calm and try to deal with life one day at a time.”

Jackson is also playing her part to help others in need by returning to the stage to headline the upcoming Pick Up the Phone Suicide Prevention Tour, which kicks off in Washington DC on February 25.

And even amid the Dr. Conrad Murray trial that currently taking place in Los Angeles, Jackson insisted that 20 months after her brother Michael’s death, the Jackson family is doing very well.

“They seem to be fine,” she added. “Everybody seems to be doing fine.” ( foxnews.com )

In attempt to reach out to other families dealing with mental illness, Brown, now 33, is releasing the book “Black Daisy in a White Limousine: 77 Poems.”

“The poems date back to when I was in my teens to now. You can see some of the emotional changes and you get a sense of the true honest expression of all the things I’ve experienced with life, with family, love and all of that. You get a sense of what it is that we’re talking about,” Brown told Pop Tarts.

Brown’s mental illnesses went undiagnosed for several years, and it wasn’t until she was in her early twenties that the medical profession was able to pinpoint her problems. But due to the support of her family and the power of prayer, she now feels she is in a place to help other sufferers through their journey.

Brown also said coming from the famous Jackson family made it more difficult to cope with her mental health issues.

“It was harder for sure, you feel like you constantly have to hold it together so technically you’re living a double life. You’re living in this world that you totally don’t understand then you leave and go into the public where you really have to have it together,” she said. “Of course growing up in a high profile family especially will make you feel like you need to be some sort of an example or be super strong to the people around you and not be yourself. Instead of saying, ‘I have these challenges and other people have these same challenges and let’s communicate and talk about it’ as opposed to trying to act like they don’t exist or that you have it all together, which is really exacerbating it in the long run.”

As a mother, Rebbie, a Jehovah's Witness, also continues to turn to religion to pull her through the hard times.

“It’s about staying focused and prayer. I am a bible student for sure. And being calm. It’s hard to not let people go and get you upset or keep you upset,” she said. “We live in crazy times and whatever takes you away from the rhetoric, the craziness, just be calm and try to deal with life one day at a time.”

Jackson is also playing her part to help others in need by returning to the stage to headline the upcoming Pick Up the Phone Suicide Prevention Tour, which kicks off in Washington DC on February 25.

And even amid the Dr. Conrad Murray trial that currently taking place in Los Angeles, Jackson insisted that 20 months after her brother Michael’s death, the Jackson family is doing very well.

“They seem to be fine,” she added. “Everybody seems to be doing fine.” ( foxnews.com )

READ MORE - Rebbie Jackson On the Pain of Raising Daughter With Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia

'I 'd bang my head against a wall because I felt so unattractive': Janet Jackson reveals brothers taunted her over weight

'I 'd bang my head against a wall because I felt so unattractive': Janet Jackson reveals brothers taunted her over weight - Janet Jackson has revealed she was so disgusted with her body that she would smash her head against a wall.

The singer said she felt 'unattractive' and hated her body image growing up.

Jackson said her anguish was made worse after she was taunted about her weight by her brothers, including Michael who called her derogatory names, such as 'pig', 'cow' and 'slaughter-hog'.

Body battle: Janet Jackson, pictured in November, has revealed she felt 'unattractive' during her youth

The singer, who has battled her weight over the years, said she grew up hating her body.

'I would literally bang my head up against the wall because I didn't feel attractive,' she said.

'There was a lot of pain in my life. But I did. I felt very unattractive.

The 44 year old star writes about her weight issues in her forthcoming autobiography called True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself.

She spoke about her problems in a interview to be aired on the Today show later this week.

Extracts from the interview were released yesterday with Jackson revealing how her body image issues were not helped by how she was treated by her brothers, including the late Michael Jackson.

The singer said they had numerous nicknames for her that included cow, horse and pig.

'It makes you laugh, it really does. It makes you laugh. I guess some people could say, "Oh that's, you know, brothers and sisters joking, it's all affection, it's all, you know, it's in a loving way,"' she said.

'But not everybody can brush it off, and I was one of those.'

Jackson, one of the most successful female recording artists of all time, said her weight problems began when she was 10 years old and asked to lose weight for a TV role.

Famous family: Janet (centre) says she was teased about her weight by her brothers growing up

'I was asked to lose weight. I wasn't a heavy kid on the show but I was 10 years old and developing very quickly so they would put gauze around my chest to make me smaller, and I think that has an effect on you as a child as if who you are isn't good enough,' she said.

Jackson, the youngest of the famous singing family, has previously admitted to being a emotional eater.

In 2007 she piled on 60lbs from overeating, but later lost the weight from a punishing exercise regime and nutrition regime.

Jackson put on the weight after disappearing from public view following the 'Nipplegate' scandal at the 2006 Super Bowl.

The singer caused outrage after a wardrobe malfunction when Justin Timberlake peeled back her top to reveal a star covered nipple. ( dailymail.co.uk )

READ MORE - 'I 'd bang my head against a wall because I felt so unattractive': Janet Jackson reveals brothers taunted her over weight

'It's been a living nightmare': Michael Jackson's sister Rebbie speaks out about Conrad Murray trial

'It's been a living nightmare': Michael Jackson's sister Rebbie speaks out about Conrad Murray trial - Michael Jackson's oldest sister Rebbie says she still feels like she is in 'a living nightmare' two years after the King of Pop's death.

The 60-year-old singer, who has kept a lower profile than most of her relatives, said the loss of Michael was 'devastating'.

'It's been like a living nightmare, to be very honest,' Rebbie, who helped raise her brother, admitted on U.S. TV's The View.

Living nightmare: Michael Jackson's oldest sister Rebbie appeared on US talk show, The View, and talked about life after her brother's death

Setting the record straight: Rebbie dismissed reports of dissent among family members over the distribution of Jackson's estate, and insisted the trial over his death has brought them closer

'A day doesn't go by where I don't think about it - think about him. Some times in the middle of the day I just break down and start crying.'

I'm not guilty: Conrad Murray has formally pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter over the pop star's death

Rebbie dismissed reports of dissent among family members over the distribution of Jackson's estate - and insisted the trial over his death has instead brought them closer.

'Everybody is working toward wanting to see justice because of the way he died,' she said.

When asked about Dr Conrad Murray, she replied: 'I have faith in the judicial system and we are going to find out the truth with everything in these few weeks.'

Asked if when she looks at Conrad she feels like she is looking at her brother's killer she paused before admitting: 'Yes I do. I do. But I want the truth to come out. It's very difficult - you have to see there and see all that.'

She admits that the 'family was very much aware' that Michael had problems with drug use and 'there were many times there were interventions'.

'But even though that's the case, still it has to be explained and exposed what happened at the end,' she stressed.

She said her mother Katherine 'seems to be holding on', adding: 'My mum has a very strong constitution - she knows what she wants to do and she's doing it just fine.' ( dalymail.co.uk )

READ MORE - 'It's been a living nightmare': Michael Jackson's sister Rebbie speaks out about Conrad Murray trial

Judge won't hear Jackson wrongful death case Federal judge says singer's father unlikely to collect in his court under disabilities claim

Judge won't hear Jackson wrongful death case — Federal judge says singer's father unlikely to collect in his court under disabilities claim — A wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Michael Jackson's father will now be handled by a state court after a federal judge said Monday he didn't have authority to hear the case and that the singer's father would be unlikely to collect tens of millions of dollars in damages in his court.

Joe Jackson's attorney agreed to dismiss part of his case against the doctor charged in the pop superstar's death, which prompted the judge to rule that the remaining issues had to be heard in state court.

Michael Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, had alleged his son's rights were violated under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

U.S. District Judge John F. Walter opened a hearing Monday by telling Joe Jackson's attorney that he didn't think Jackson's father could receive any money from one of the major causes of action, which alleged the singer's rights were violated under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"I am firmly convinced that you can't seek damages on this (disabilities act) cause of action," Walter said.

The judge said that was the only federal issue in the case and he would not handle any other issues. "This is a creature of state law, this wrongful death claim," the judge said.

Joe Jackson's attorney, Brian Oxman, agreed to dismiss the ADA-related claim and said he would refile the case in Los Angeles Superior Court soon.

Walter had previously expressed doubts that the case belonged in federal court, but had allowed it to remain until the case's first scheduling hearing Monday.

The lawsuit will likely join a case filed by the Jackson family patriarch's wife against concert promoter AEG Live. Katherine Jackson sued the company, which planned and promoted a series of London concerts Michael Jackson was preparing for when he died unexpectedly in June 2009.

She has accused the promoter of failing to give Dr. Conrad Murray lifesaving equipment and properly oversee him while he cared for her son during preparations for the concerts. AEG has said the lawsuit is meritless.

"Given the two cases pending, it makes no sense to have them separated," Oxman said. "It's a matter of practicality."

Murray has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and was named in Joe Jackson's lawsuit, but not in the case filed by Katherine Jackson.

Murray's attorney, Charles H. Peckham, told Walter that there would still be legal hurdles in state court for Joe Jackson's lawsuit. He said after the hearing that Murray will challenge whether the elder Jackson has the right to sue for wrongful death.

Authorities have accused Murray of giving Michael Jackson a lethal dose of sedatives, including the anesthetic propofol, in the bedroom of the singer's rented mansion. Propofol is meant to be used in hospital settings.

Murray has pleaded not guilty.

Walter also said Monday he didn't want to wait for Murray's trial to conclude, and he warned the attorneys that if the case remained in his courtroom, it would not be significantly delayed.

"I'm not going to wait around for two years, if you think that's how long the criminal case is going to take," the judge said.

Murray is due back in criminal court Jan. 4 for the start of a preliminary hearing where prosecutors will lay out some of the evidence against him. His attorneys have said he did not give the one-time King of Pop anything that should have killed him. ( Associated Press )

READ MORE - Judge won't hear Jackson wrongful death case Federal judge says singer's father unlikely to collect in his court under disabilities claim

Michael Jackson was 'murdered for money', says sister

Michael Jackson was 'murdered for money', says sister. LaToya Jackson has claimed her brother Michael was murdered because he was "worth so much more dead than alive".

Michael Jackson was murdered for money, according to his sister LaToya

Speaking during a TV interview, the singer demanded what she called "the truth" surrounding the star's death in June 2009.

She said: "He was murdered for his catalogue and they knew that."

Tomorrow (25 June) marks the one year anniversary of the Thriller singer's death with fans organising tributes around the globe.

LaToya Jackson claims her brother's death was "not an accident"

'No' accident

Earlier this week music trade magazine Billboard reported that the royalties accumulated since the star's death had earned the Jackson estate $1 billion (£677 million).

In an interview with GMTV she said: "Personally I think it is a slap in the face, not just to Michael but to the entire family. It's totally unfair, it's wrong and it was not an accident."

Asked whether she believed the star was murdered, she added: "I never had a doubt.

"You must remember from the day that I found out that Michael was no longer with us, when my mother screamed 'he's dead' on the phone, I just went into this, 'Who did it?"'

Jermaine Jackson says the past year's been tough on the whole family

Michael Jackson's personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray has pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter and is currently awaiting trial.

LaToya's not the only member of the Jackson family talking ahead of the first anniversary of Michael's death.

His brother Jermaine's claiming converting to Islam might have saved his life.

"I felt that if Michael would have embraced Islam he would still be here today," the former Jackson 5 member told the BBC World Service.

Jermaine said life had been "tough" on his family since his brother's passing. "We'll never get over it," he said.

"There aren't no words to describe the feeling, we are just learning to live with it."

Jermaine went on to question why Michael is getting so much positive attention now, when before his death many saw him as a bit of a joke.

"The love that they are giving my brother now he is dead is the love they should have shown him when he was alive."

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Forest Lawn cemetery have confirmed fans will be allowed to leave flowers on an outdoor terrace near the singer's burial site to mark the anniversary but that balloons, candles and doves will not be permitted.

Reverend Al Sharpton, who presided over Jackson's memorial service last year said: "I don't think the world has been able to mourn him properly because there's too many unanswered questions.

Speaking in New York regarding the anniversary, he added: "I don't think we can heal until we look at the wounds. Who inflicted the wound and why.

"I think we can celebrate his life, but we can't be settled with his death until we know, who, what, when and why. And we still don't know." ( bbc.co.uk )

READ MORE - Michael Jackson was 'murdered for money', says sister