Daniela
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www.foxnews.com/story/0,2...85,00.html
Monday, January 27, 2003
This partial transcript of one segment from the Jan. 25, 2003 edition of FOX Wire w/ Rita Cosby, was provided by the Federal Documents Clearing House. Click here to order a transcript of the entire show.
RITA COSBY, HOST: And on a much lighter note now, we're going to turn to Hollywood. The king of pop, Michael Jackson has millions of fans around the world, but he is also no stranger to controversy or media scrutiny. But has he and his family been getting a bad rap in the media? We welcome now singer and very talented artist, Jermaine Jackson, one of the Jackson Five, and the older brother to Michael.
Jermaine, it is great to have you on. I am a big fan of yours too.
JERMAINE JACKSON, SINGER/MUSICIAN: Thank you, Rita.
COSBY: Do you feel like you have been treated unfairly in the press, particularly recently?
JACKSON: I think so, yes.
COSBY: How so?
JACKSON: Very much so. Well just, what just happened, and I am very angry about this latest development with NBC.
COSBY: Tell us about what happened, because apparently, they had a meeting with one of your spokespeople, and said what during that meeting? It took place what, about a week and a half ago.
JACKSON: Yes. Well, someone called me from NBC and they said that they wanted to do a special focusing on the family's legacy and our rise to fame. And so I turned it over to my assistant and I told her to check it out. And so she called them up and they scheduled a meeting and they asked her, would the other family members be involved? And she said, yes.
And then she -- they reassured her that this was something positive. And we would go to Gary (ph) and focus on our old home back there, and our schools and things that we used to do when we were children. And so it turned out to be later that it was totally different. That they were trying to get us involved with a special, that they was focusing on Michael's appearance. His face. And that just tore me apart.
COSBY: And you found out from what, a press release, I understand?
JACKSON: Yes. I found out from a press release, and then we sort of -- we asked them, well, who have you interviewed, and they mentioned, well, they are going to be talking to Randy Taverelli and we told them that if Randy Taverelli was involved, which he does not know this family, that we would not have anything to do with this. So we pulled out. And so that is when I made the statement stating that I thought it was just ridiculous for a network like NBC to even do a cheap shot like this towards Michael and my family, being that -- and what's worst of all of it is being aired during the time of black history month. And we know what this is all about. And I think it is really cheap.
COSBY: What do you think of NBC?
JACKSON: I think NBC really needs to get it together, because they're showing that -- first of all they don't have many black shows, and to take the largest entertainer in the world -- to paint him in a bad light during a time when there are many blacks need to be portrayed in -- just the fact that it is black history month and all the accomplishments that my family has done for black history period. And I think it is very, very cheap to mislead people in general, especially black people. But to do this to us is really crazy.
COSBY: Now is there anything...
JACKSON: This is really bad...
COSBY: We, of course, had to ask NBC what they thought, and they said on -- they said that basically that, look, this -- we did talk about the face, so we just sort of wove it into the overall history. That it wasn't just on the face. That it was an overall compilation. And we did get a statement from them. You've seen this statement, but I want to read this because this is officially from NBC.
It says: "We are moving forward with our show and hope that Jermaine Jackson rethinks his position and grants us an interview." Would you do an interview with them now?
JACKSON: No way. Rita, you know what this is about. This is sweeps week and they will take the shot to get rating about my brother. To get ratings to portray him in a negative way.
Michael's done so many incredible things for people around the world. I want to get you this list only because he's donated hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars to different caused and charities around the world. And these are things that people need to know. But to get ratings to just give an hour to his face is wrong. It is wrong, it's wrong. And it should not be done. And then to...
COSBY: And they say they are doing it because it's that people's fascination with it. That it's an issue. That -- and a lot of people are talking it. Isn't it...
JACKSON: Oh, please.
COSBY: ... fair for them to bring it up? At least as part of their show?
JACKSON: No, no, no. Rita, Michael is the biggest entertainer in the world. He is black. To show during black history month is wrong. He is - - we are still implementing pages into this -- to history period. And to do this during the time when young black people look up to a lot of black leaders, it is just wrong. It is just -- I mean, to give that type of, just information and -- it is just misleading. It's very, very misleading.
And I am very angry about it, because I was mislead. They told me this would be something positive. Some thing about the family's legacy, the rise to fame. And there again, it is because rating -- if you are going to talk about him, talk about something good. Talk about the good things that he's done. The good things, because if you look at his lyrics, it is not about the negativity, it is about -- God uses my brother as an instrument to send music to the world. And messages. Positive messages. Great stories. Talk about the rain forest. Talk about just bringing humanity together, and why is he called "wacko Jacko?" Why is he called these things? This is crazy.
COSBY: Jermaine, please stand by, we are going to have a lot more with you right after the break, and I -- you know, your brother's very talented. We want to talk about a lot of things he has done. We will be right with you right after this short break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSBY: The Jackson Five. And we continue now with one of the key members, Jermaine Jackson. Jermaine, when you look at that, pretty amazing still, you guys -- after all these years still sound really good.
JACKSON: Thank you.
COSBY: Just amazing.
JACKSON: That was a very exciting show. Thank you.
COSBY: I bet. I want to just real quickly, finish on the topic of the issue with NBC, because NBC -- the entertainment president Jeff Zucker, is quoted, he was speaking before TV critics not too long ago. And NBC did come out with a statement and they said to us basically, it is not just focusing on his face, and so forth. But isn't it interesting to see that Jeff Zucker says quote: "It's a special edition on Michael Jackson's face." And he says, "I just hope the folks at Sony Music don't complain." And some people inferring that Andy Lack is a former president of NBC -- left NBC news, went over to Sony. Sony, of course is having problems with your brother Michael. Do you think that may be behind all of this?
JACKSON: Well, according to the Associated Press, this was -- they gave the impression that this was a project that Andrew Lack had started and then he turned it over to Jeff, and that doesn't look good either, because why would he be over at Sony now.
But that's on the -- Rita, I am just saying that I am very upset and very angry how they betrayed my family, how they say things that are just not true, because when the pages turn in the future, they want the people - - they want pin labels. To pin child molestation on my brother is wrong. To say that the family is dysfunctional is wrong. And these things are wrong. And you -- to taunt the history and the legacy of what we'd done is -- talk about the good things, because all these things are things to try to tarnish our accomplishments and what we owe to at least the world and especially black Americans.
COSBY: Do you feel the media in general has given you guys a difficult time?
JACKSON: We feel robbed....we have the role -- what it is, Rita, I feel -- and I feel there is a group of people out there, and they know who they are, and they get to a point that when they've had enough of you, they say, OK, let's put something on them. Let's -- because when that stuff happened about the child molestation stuff, Michael was never convicted, indicted or charged or anything. And People magazine comes out with the cover The Rise and Fall of the World's Biggest Star, Child Molestation and Drugs. Come on. Tell me what -- what is that?
And now this special, the Michael Jackson Unmasked, the Rise and Fall of the King of Pop. I mean, what does that mean? What are you trying to say? It's ridiculous.
COSBY: And I want to talk a little bit about your brother. I had the pleasure of meeting him when he was here in Harlem with Al Sharpton. He is very shy. Very withdrawn. Has he always been that way?
JACKSON: Michael is -- most of my family members are shy, but Michael is a very spiritual person. See, people don't realize where Michael is in his consciousness. Michael is an instrument that is used, I really believe, from God to communication to children and the world. That's why I had told you earlier, my son's name is Jermajesty, but if you ask him his name, he says Michael Jackson. He's never met my brother, but he has this connection with him by watching him on television. Children around the world feel the same thing.
And the children today are the leaders of tomorrow, and if you feed them the right things in their mind and if you educate them, then they can find the cures to a lot of the problems that we are facing today. And that connection that Michael has with the masses and the children -- they are not going to break that umbilical cord. They are trying very hard, but they are not going to break it.
COSBY: You are talking about it. That's a very good point. In -- you know, I asked Michael about the child molestation charges real briefly. It really hurt him -- the allegations. How did he tell you about it?
JACKSON: Well, from when I look at it, is you bring a person down with the very thing that they love, children. I have been to his ranch. His ranch is designed for children who -- unfortunate -- who is less fortunate, who aren't able to enjoy things like this. So he has the wheel chair ramps, he visits the cancer children from around the world. I mean, is to bring happiness to people who don't get a chance to enjoy these type of things. He brings joy. God blessed us with a talent and our whole thing is to give back. Our ways of giving back is enlightening the young people's minds and hearts.
COSBY: How did he feel when he was accused of child molestation, because that must have just crushed him?
JACKSON: Yes, but at the same time, he has God in him. And he knows what his mission is, because -- well, I will give you a parallel, when Christ walked his earth, they found everything wrong with him. And eventually they nailed him to the cross. I will say this. Michael is a wonderful person, and he knows what his mission is, and my family knows what our mission is, and we're going to continue to do that. And we are not going let anyone get in-between that connection with the fans and the people. That is what our goal is.
COSBY: You told me, too, that he feels more comfortable with children than adults. Is that true, and why?
JACKSON: Yes. Because children's minds are innocent, and just the joy and just the happiness. When the grownups around, they are looking at you to pick apart, to bring up things that they've heard, and people can be very, very cruel. And at the same time the joy and the laughter of children. And that keeps you young and that keeps the, just positive feelings alive.
COSBY: We will have to stop that happy note. We will have a lot more with you, Jermaine, right after the break, if you can stay tuned. Got one other long session with you. If we can, we'll ask a lot more questions. Stay tuned.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSBY: All right. Well, we continue now with singer Jermaine Jackson, Michael's older brother. Jermaine, you have got a book coming out, Legacy, Surviving the Best and the Worst. What was the best and what was the worst part of growing up Jackson?
JACKSON: Well, the best was just all that -- those days before coming to Hollywood, and just things that we used to do at home. There was so many wonderful things. I mean, we were just kids, and we used to -- Jackie -- we used to go to a grocery market -- Jackie used to say he is going to get a cake today, so be ready to run. And you'd see us dashing across the field -- Tito and myself and Jackie, you know, hearts pumping, tell you, about to burst out of our chests. Tito and I had a paper route and we remember taking the money and buying candy, and we got -- although they got rid of us. And things like that.
And I guess when we came out to Hollywood, things had changed. But it prepared us in Indiana for all the things that we didn't expect. And just having that foundation. But, just times when the split up -- and Michael and I were both very, very hurt, because I had believed that Barry Gordy and Motown had introduced us to the world as the Jackson Five, and that is where I wanted to be. And my brothers felt differently, but at the same time, Michael and I had this connection and we were both different parts of the world feeling the same thing.
And then he asked me to come out and perform with him, and I did. And there are just a lot of things that happened in our childhood that people really never noticed, and they were never aware of them. That's what "Legacy" is, and I guess the worst of it is becoming successful, and like, being accused -- why I am here today, really. And all these cheap shots that are being thrown at us.
COSBY: Let's talk that you guys are going to reunite too. Tell me about that, and when.
JACKSON: Yes. Well, we're in the process of doing a reunion album right now with the original Jackson Five, and Michael and all of us has agreed to tour. And I think it will be just fantastic if we tour the whole world and go out there and do what we know how to do.
COSBY: You talk about some of the cheap shots. I just want to get some of these things out real quick. I am not going to dwell on it, but the plastic surgery. Why? Why does he need to do that?
JACKSON: Well, you know what it is. That would be something for you to ask Michael. But I think if someone is not happy with something, then they make a change. But at the same time they talk about this plastic surgery. Michael hasn't had a lot of plastic surgery. They look at his face color, that has been a...it is the skin discoloration from the pigmentation of his skin. But at the same time, look at his music. Look at the positive things he's done. He has given a lot to people. And they talk about things he'd do, but at the same time talk about the good. Talk about the good, because he's done so much, and I want to get you that list, Rita...
COSBY: And...
JACKSON: ... it is very important.
COSBY: ... in fact, I have heard he has donated a lot. What, like $100 million to causes, right?
JACKSON: Over $100 million to causes.
COSBY: That's amazing.
JACKSON: He's taken tours in the past and donated his whole fee to charities, and I want to get you that list and just find a way of doing black history and what. To show that list of wonderful things that he's done. Really.
COSBY: And he has. And I can tell you, from my impression, he was very kind to me. I found him to be a really good guy when I met him.
JACKSON: Thank you.
COSBY: I want to ask you, do you think he will ever get married again? He was married twice.
JACKSON: You would have to ask him that, really. But he loves children.
COSBY: What do you think?
JACKSON: I don't know. I really don't know.
COSBY: What do you think is in store for all of you too. You have got the tour. I understand you are also building a major casino, right, in St. Croix? In the Virgin Islands.
JACKSON: Yes. We have a project called Crystal City in the Virgin Islands that we are going to be probably putting shovels in the ground by June. We are really excited about it, because it will give us a chance to take all the entertainment and things that we have. We are not involved in the gaming part of it, but at the same time we are involved in the whole aspect of it. Yes.
COSBY: Is Michael going to be more careful with the press? I know he got a lot of flack for that baby dangling incident in Germany, which he said, I made a mistake.
JACKSON: You know, things happened and you know, I have said before, was it the wisest thing to do? But at the same time, we've all taken our children and tossed them up in the air. We've all thrown our children across the room and caught them. But still, he was caught up in the moment, but he came out and he made a statement, and it is just something that they want to dwell on. I do believe that this is all a design because they think he is down and they want to kick him while he is down. And it is not right and it is not fair, because he has done so much for music, for people around the world, and still today, when you look at music and the positive messages of just every aspect of life. He has touched on it.
COSBY: Oh, he's made a tremendous impact. I mean, he really is a mega star. It is amazing what he has done.
JACKSON: Yes.
COSBY: What is -- talk about the family too. You guys -- there was some problems. There were times when you heard LaToya, even you that you know, sort of everybody drifted -- that happens.
COSBY: You guys, I understand, are very close now.
JACKSON: Yes. We are all going to be together at Jackie's house Sunday for the Super Bowl.
COSBY: You're rooting the Raiders on?
JACKSON: I have to say yes. Yes. And, Go Raiders, Go Raiders. But we are all together, we are going to have fun and food, all the children are going to be there. We are just going to have a great time like families do. That's what we do and that's what they don't want that to be out there, but that's what we do. They want to -- a dysfunctional family is not what we are.
COSBY: And lastly, Jermaine, just because I have had the pleasure of talking to you and also Michael. How do you want people to remember the Jackson family?
JACKSON: Well, there is so much. What we want them to remember the family as a family that is just like just any other family down the street. We love each other. Stairway to success. We are brothers and sisters, and we have a mother and father who instilled morals and principles in us from day one. And that's why we are able to deal with Hollywood, because we're in the business but we are not of it. And so we want the world to look at us as a family who has so much to give, because God gave us so much, and that we gave so much back.
COSBY: Well, thank you so much for giving so much back to us. We look forward to your book and very much to your tour. Jermaine Jackson, thank you so much and good luck with everything.
JACKSON: Thank you, Rita.
COSBY: Thank you.
JACKSON: Thank you very much.
COSBY: Thank you.
THANX: CARO - KOP
Monday, January 27, 2003
This partial transcript of one segment from the Jan. 25, 2003 edition of FOX Wire w/ Rita Cosby, was provided by the Federal Documents Clearing House. Click here to order a transcript of the entire show.
RITA COSBY, HOST: And on a much lighter note now, we're going to turn to Hollywood. The king of pop, Michael Jackson has millions of fans around the world, but he is also no stranger to controversy or media scrutiny. But has he and his family been getting a bad rap in the media? We welcome now singer and very talented artist, Jermaine Jackson, one of the Jackson Five, and the older brother to Michael.
Jermaine, it is great to have you on. I am a big fan of yours too.
JERMAINE JACKSON, SINGER/MUSICIAN: Thank you, Rita.
COSBY: Do you feel like you have been treated unfairly in the press, particularly recently?
JACKSON: I think so, yes.
COSBY: How so?
JACKSON: Very much so. Well just, what just happened, and I am very angry about this latest development with NBC.
COSBY: Tell us about what happened, because apparently, they had a meeting with one of your spokespeople, and said what during that meeting? It took place what, about a week and a half ago.
JACKSON: Yes. Well, someone called me from NBC and they said that they wanted to do a special focusing on the family's legacy and our rise to fame. And so I turned it over to my assistant and I told her to check it out. And so she called them up and they scheduled a meeting and they asked her, would the other family members be involved? And she said, yes.
And then she -- they reassured her that this was something positive. And we would go to Gary (ph) and focus on our old home back there, and our schools and things that we used to do when we were children. And so it turned out to be later that it was totally different. That they were trying to get us involved with a special, that they was focusing on Michael's appearance. His face. And that just tore me apart.
COSBY: And you found out from what, a press release, I understand?
JACKSON: Yes. I found out from a press release, and then we sort of -- we asked them, well, who have you interviewed, and they mentioned, well, they are going to be talking to Randy Taverelli and we told them that if Randy Taverelli was involved, which he does not know this family, that we would not have anything to do with this. So we pulled out. And so that is when I made the statement stating that I thought it was just ridiculous for a network like NBC to even do a cheap shot like this towards Michael and my family, being that -- and what's worst of all of it is being aired during the time of black history month. And we know what this is all about. And I think it is really cheap.
COSBY: What do you think of NBC?
JACKSON: I think NBC really needs to get it together, because they're showing that -- first of all they don't have many black shows, and to take the largest entertainer in the world -- to paint him in a bad light during a time when there are many blacks need to be portrayed in -- just the fact that it is black history month and all the accomplishments that my family has done for black history period. And I think it is very, very cheap to mislead people in general, especially black people. But to do this to us is really crazy.
COSBY: Now is there anything...
JACKSON: This is really bad...
COSBY: We, of course, had to ask NBC what they thought, and they said on -- they said that basically that, look, this -- we did talk about the face, so we just sort of wove it into the overall history. That it wasn't just on the face. That it was an overall compilation. And we did get a statement from them. You've seen this statement, but I want to read this because this is officially from NBC.
It says: "We are moving forward with our show and hope that Jermaine Jackson rethinks his position and grants us an interview." Would you do an interview with them now?
JACKSON: No way. Rita, you know what this is about. This is sweeps week and they will take the shot to get rating about my brother. To get ratings to portray him in a negative way.
Michael's done so many incredible things for people around the world. I want to get you this list only because he's donated hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars to different caused and charities around the world. And these are things that people need to know. But to get ratings to just give an hour to his face is wrong. It is wrong, it's wrong. And it should not be done. And then to...
COSBY: And they say they are doing it because it's that people's fascination with it. That it's an issue. That -- and a lot of people are talking it. Isn't it...
JACKSON: Oh, please.
COSBY: ... fair for them to bring it up? At least as part of their show?
JACKSON: No, no, no. Rita, Michael is the biggest entertainer in the world. He is black. To show during black history month is wrong. He is - - we are still implementing pages into this -- to history period. And to do this during the time when young black people look up to a lot of black leaders, it is just wrong. It is just -- I mean, to give that type of, just information and -- it is just misleading. It's very, very misleading.
And I am very angry about it, because I was mislead. They told me this would be something positive. Some thing about the family's legacy, the rise to fame. And there again, it is because rating -- if you are going to talk about him, talk about something good. Talk about the good things that he's done. The good things, because if you look at his lyrics, it is not about the negativity, it is about -- God uses my brother as an instrument to send music to the world. And messages. Positive messages. Great stories. Talk about the rain forest. Talk about just bringing humanity together, and why is he called "wacko Jacko?" Why is he called these things? This is crazy.
COSBY: Jermaine, please stand by, we are going to have a lot more with you right after the break, and I -- you know, your brother's very talented. We want to talk about a lot of things he has done. We will be right with you right after this short break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSBY: The Jackson Five. And we continue now with one of the key members, Jermaine Jackson. Jermaine, when you look at that, pretty amazing still, you guys -- after all these years still sound really good.
JACKSON: Thank you.
COSBY: Just amazing.
JACKSON: That was a very exciting show. Thank you.
COSBY: I bet. I want to just real quickly, finish on the topic of the issue with NBC, because NBC -- the entertainment president Jeff Zucker, is quoted, he was speaking before TV critics not too long ago. And NBC did come out with a statement and they said to us basically, it is not just focusing on his face, and so forth. But isn't it interesting to see that Jeff Zucker says quote: "It's a special edition on Michael Jackson's face." And he says, "I just hope the folks at Sony Music don't complain." And some people inferring that Andy Lack is a former president of NBC -- left NBC news, went over to Sony. Sony, of course is having problems with your brother Michael. Do you think that may be behind all of this?
JACKSON: Well, according to the Associated Press, this was -- they gave the impression that this was a project that Andrew Lack had started and then he turned it over to Jeff, and that doesn't look good either, because why would he be over at Sony now.
But that's on the -- Rita, I am just saying that I am very upset and very angry how they betrayed my family, how they say things that are just not true, because when the pages turn in the future, they want the people - - they want pin labels. To pin child molestation on my brother is wrong. To say that the family is dysfunctional is wrong. And these things are wrong. And you -- to taunt the history and the legacy of what we'd done is -- talk about the good things, because all these things are things to try to tarnish our accomplishments and what we owe to at least the world and especially black Americans.
COSBY: Do you feel the media in general has given you guys a difficult time?
JACKSON: We feel robbed....we have the role -- what it is, Rita, I feel -- and I feel there is a group of people out there, and they know who they are, and they get to a point that when they've had enough of you, they say, OK, let's put something on them. Let's -- because when that stuff happened about the child molestation stuff, Michael was never convicted, indicted or charged or anything. And People magazine comes out with the cover The Rise and Fall of the World's Biggest Star, Child Molestation and Drugs. Come on. Tell me what -- what is that?
And now this special, the Michael Jackson Unmasked, the Rise and Fall of the King of Pop. I mean, what does that mean? What are you trying to say? It's ridiculous.
COSBY: And I want to talk a little bit about your brother. I had the pleasure of meeting him when he was here in Harlem with Al Sharpton. He is very shy. Very withdrawn. Has he always been that way?
JACKSON: Michael is -- most of my family members are shy, but Michael is a very spiritual person. See, people don't realize where Michael is in his consciousness. Michael is an instrument that is used, I really believe, from God to communication to children and the world. That's why I had told you earlier, my son's name is Jermajesty, but if you ask him his name, he says Michael Jackson. He's never met my brother, but he has this connection with him by watching him on television. Children around the world feel the same thing.
And the children today are the leaders of tomorrow, and if you feed them the right things in their mind and if you educate them, then they can find the cures to a lot of the problems that we are facing today. And that connection that Michael has with the masses and the children -- they are not going to break that umbilical cord. They are trying very hard, but they are not going to break it.
COSBY: You are talking about it. That's a very good point. In -- you know, I asked Michael about the child molestation charges real briefly. It really hurt him -- the allegations. How did he tell you about it?
JACKSON: Well, from when I look at it, is you bring a person down with the very thing that they love, children. I have been to his ranch. His ranch is designed for children who -- unfortunate -- who is less fortunate, who aren't able to enjoy things like this. So he has the wheel chair ramps, he visits the cancer children from around the world. I mean, is to bring happiness to people who don't get a chance to enjoy these type of things. He brings joy. God blessed us with a talent and our whole thing is to give back. Our ways of giving back is enlightening the young people's minds and hearts.
COSBY: How did he feel when he was accused of child molestation, because that must have just crushed him?
JACKSON: Yes, but at the same time, he has God in him. And he knows what his mission is, because -- well, I will give you a parallel, when Christ walked his earth, they found everything wrong with him. And eventually they nailed him to the cross. I will say this. Michael is a wonderful person, and he knows what his mission is, and my family knows what our mission is, and we're going to continue to do that. And we are not going let anyone get in-between that connection with the fans and the people. That is what our goal is.
COSBY: You told me, too, that he feels more comfortable with children than adults. Is that true, and why?
JACKSON: Yes. Because children's minds are innocent, and just the joy and just the happiness. When the grownups around, they are looking at you to pick apart, to bring up things that they've heard, and people can be very, very cruel. And at the same time the joy and the laughter of children. And that keeps you young and that keeps the, just positive feelings alive.
COSBY: We will have to stop that happy note. We will have a lot more with you, Jermaine, right after the break, if you can stay tuned. Got one other long session with you. If we can, we'll ask a lot more questions. Stay tuned.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSBY: All right. Well, we continue now with singer Jermaine Jackson, Michael's older brother. Jermaine, you have got a book coming out, Legacy, Surviving the Best and the Worst. What was the best and what was the worst part of growing up Jackson?
JACKSON: Well, the best was just all that -- those days before coming to Hollywood, and just things that we used to do at home. There was so many wonderful things. I mean, we were just kids, and we used to -- Jackie -- we used to go to a grocery market -- Jackie used to say he is going to get a cake today, so be ready to run. And you'd see us dashing across the field -- Tito and myself and Jackie, you know, hearts pumping, tell you, about to burst out of our chests. Tito and I had a paper route and we remember taking the money and buying candy, and we got -- although they got rid of us. And things like that.
And I guess when we came out to Hollywood, things had changed. But it prepared us in Indiana for all the things that we didn't expect. And just having that foundation. But, just times when the split up -- and Michael and I were both very, very hurt, because I had believed that Barry Gordy and Motown had introduced us to the world as the Jackson Five, and that is where I wanted to be. And my brothers felt differently, but at the same time, Michael and I had this connection and we were both different parts of the world feeling the same thing.
And then he asked me to come out and perform with him, and I did. And there are just a lot of things that happened in our childhood that people really never noticed, and they were never aware of them. That's what "Legacy" is, and I guess the worst of it is becoming successful, and like, being accused -- why I am here today, really. And all these cheap shots that are being thrown at us.
COSBY: Let's talk that you guys are going to reunite too. Tell me about that, and when.
JACKSON: Yes. Well, we're in the process of doing a reunion album right now with the original Jackson Five, and Michael and all of us has agreed to tour. And I think it will be just fantastic if we tour the whole world and go out there and do what we know how to do.
COSBY: You talk about some of the cheap shots. I just want to get some of these things out real quick. I am not going to dwell on it, but the plastic surgery. Why? Why does he need to do that?
JACKSON: Well, you know what it is. That would be something for you to ask Michael. But I think if someone is not happy with something, then they make a change. But at the same time they talk about this plastic surgery. Michael hasn't had a lot of plastic surgery. They look at his face color, that has been a...it is the skin discoloration from the pigmentation of his skin. But at the same time, look at his music. Look at the positive things he's done. He has given a lot to people. And they talk about things he'd do, but at the same time talk about the good. Talk about the good, because he's done so much, and I want to get you that list, Rita...
COSBY: And...
JACKSON: ... it is very important.
COSBY: ... in fact, I have heard he has donated a lot. What, like $100 million to causes, right?
JACKSON: Over $100 million to causes.
COSBY: That's amazing.
JACKSON: He's taken tours in the past and donated his whole fee to charities, and I want to get you that list and just find a way of doing black history and what. To show that list of wonderful things that he's done. Really.
COSBY: And he has. And I can tell you, from my impression, he was very kind to me. I found him to be a really good guy when I met him.
JACKSON: Thank you.
COSBY: I want to ask you, do you think he will ever get married again? He was married twice.
JACKSON: You would have to ask him that, really. But he loves children.
COSBY: What do you think?
JACKSON: I don't know. I really don't know.
COSBY: What do you think is in store for all of you too. You have got the tour. I understand you are also building a major casino, right, in St. Croix? In the Virgin Islands.
JACKSON: Yes. We have a project called Crystal City in the Virgin Islands that we are going to be probably putting shovels in the ground by June. We are really excited about it, because it will give us a chance to take all the entertainment and things that we have. We are not involved in the gaming part of it, but at the same time we are involved in the whole aspect of it. Yes.
COSBY: Is Michael going to be more careful with the press? I know he got a lot of flack for that baby dangling incident in Germany, which he said, I made a mistake.
JACKSON: You know, things happened and you know, I have said before, was it the wisest thing to do? But at the same time, we've all taken our children and tossed them up in the air. We've all thrown our children across the room and caught them. But still, he was caught up in the moment, but he came out and he made a statement, and it is just something that they want to dwell on. I do believe that this is all a design because they think he is down and they want to kick him while he is down. And it is not right and it is not fair, because he has done so much for music, for people around the world, and still today, when you look at music and the positive messages of just every aspect of life. He has touched on it.
COSBY: Oh, he's made a tremendous impact. I mean, he really is a mega star. It is amazing what he has done.
JACKSON: Yes.
COSBY: What is -- talk about the family too. You guys -- there was some problems. There were times when you heard LaToya, even you that you know, sort of everybody drifted -- that happens.
COSBY: You guys, I understand, are very close now.
JACKSON: Yes. We are all going to be together at Jackie's house Sunday for the Super Bowl.
COSBY: You're rooting the Raiders on?
JACKSON: I have to say yes. Yes. And, Go Raiders, Go Raiders. But we are all together, we are going to have fun and food, all the children are going to be there. We are just going to have a great time like families do. That's what we do and that's what they don't want that to be out there, but that's what we do. They want to -- a dysfunctional family is not what we are.
COSBY: And lastly, Jermaine, just because I have had the pleasure of talking to you and also Michael. How do you want people to remember the Jackson family?
JACKSON: Well, there is so much. What we want them to remember the family as a family that is just like just any other family down the street. We love each other. Stairway to success. We are brothers and sisters, and we have a mother and father who instilled morals and principles in us from day one. And that's why we are able to deal with Hollywood, because we're in the business but we are not of it. And so we want the world to look at us as a family who has so much to give, because God gave us so much, and that we gave so much back.
COSBY: Well, thank you so much for giving so much back to us. We look forward to your book and very much to your tour. Jermaine Jackson, thank you so much and good luck with everything.
JACKSON: Thank you, Rita.
COSBY: Thank you.
JACKSON: Thank you very much.
COSBY: Thank you.
THANX: CARO - KOP
