MoonChyld's Entertainment News - What is Wrong with Joe Jackson?

For years, Joe Jackson has been one of the tiniest blips on the entertainment radar until his son passed away in June. The weekend following Michael's death, BET Awards decided to pay tribute to the musical icon throughout the ceremony. It would have been remembered as a wonderful show (although some of it was done in poor taste) had Joe Jackson not been there. If this is what you call a good choice to represent and speak for the family I would proudly disagree.

While being interviewed on the red carpet by CNN Journalist and Anchor Don Lemon, Joe was rude and didn't want to dwell on how he and his family were dealing with his son's passing; he even had someone read a statement on behalf of the family with him standing right there. He did however choose to focus on a new venture he's starting with former Chi-Lites lead singer Marshall Thompson; a record company named Ranch Records. He saw this as an opportunity to get back in the spotlight by using his son again. He also plugged the record company at a press conference meant to express the family's feelings regarding Michael's death, telling a crowd of mourners the company has "a lot of good artists pitching to come out" - talk about bad timing.

It should come as no surprise to anyone what Joe has done. His actions were selfish and disrespectful to the memory of his son. That was not the right time to talk about his record company but he didn't seem to care. No wonder he has an abnormal relationship with his family. Joe wasn't what many would call a doting father; he had his children call him Joseph for goodness sake. He wasn't one to let go of his children so easily; he hated when one of the boys got married (especially Jermaine marrying Hazel Gordy) fearing it would cause conflict for the group. He lived his dreams vicariously through his children to the point of not allowing them to live their lives; he had them under his thumb for years. However, Michael was one to break away and go further than his brothers. Even Janet was wise enough to release Papa Joe of his managerial duties; she probably wouldn't be where she is today if he was still her manager. Speaking of Janet, she wasn't aware of Joe's red carpet interview until she was backstage talking to the press during the awards show; naturally she was upset.

Access Hollywood reported that Joe had plans to take Michael's children on tour next year and had offered two of the children record deals. It looks like there's a time limit on mourning periods according to Joe. This makes him appear like he was waiting for the moment where he can gain control of another family member's life; especially where the parent can't prevent him from doing it. Amazing how he can look in the mirror every morning unremorseful, if he can.

Recently Joe denied ever having the idea of taking his grandchildren on the path of his famous family. During an interview on Larry King Live on Monday, he told King that the rumor is "a bunch of jive." Someone should tell him that 30 years or so have passed and that jive talk died along with this 70s pimp style of dress.

Until then, everyone is sitting, waiting for the finalizing of the guardianship; Joe's wife Katherine was named as the guardian per Michael's will. Diana Ross is the backup plan should Katherine be unable to care for the children. On top of all of this the Associated Press reported that Katherine may possibly challenge the authority of Michael's longtime friend John Branca and music executive John McClain who are the executors of Michael's estate. The hearing is scheduled for August 3^rd.