Michael Jackson’s Iconic Balcony Incident: 20 Years Later, Where is His Son Now?

In November 2002, the world was captivated by an alarming moment involving the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson. While staying at the Adlon Hotel in Berlin, Jackson shocked fans and media alike when he carried his nine-month-old son to the balcony and dangled him over the railing.

With his face covered by a towel, the baby was shielded from the curious eyes of onlookers, but the incident caused an immediate uproar. Headlines worldwide condemned the dangerous display, and Jackson later issued a public apology for the ill-judged stunt.

Twenty years have passed since that infamous day. The child, known as Prince Michael Jackson II or “Blanket” at the time, has grown up away from the limelight his father lived in. What happened to him? How does he look today, and what is he doing now?

Childhood: A Unique Legacy

Growing up as Michael Jackson’s child came with a heavy legacy. Michael, often called the King of Pop and regarded as one of the most successful artists in history, built a career defined by his musical genius but tainted by intense public scrutiny.

Few people understood the toll his fame took on him. Born into poverty, Jackson’s father, Joseph, was known for being a strict disciplinarian, forming the Jackson 5 with his sons, including a young Michael. By the age of five, Michael was performing on stage, often working day and night under his father’s rigid supervision.

Jackson vowed that if he ever had children, they would enjoy a happy, carefree childhood—something he never experienced. And in many ways, he kept that promise.

Fatherhood and Family Dreams

Jackson’s journey to fatherhood was marked by two marriages. In 1994, he secretly wed Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley, but their union dissolved two years later, reportedly due to Lisa Marie’s hesitance to have children.

Determined to fulfill his dream of fatherhood, Jackson married nurse Debbie Rowe in 1996, who gave birth to his first two children, Prince Michael and Paris Jackson. Their marriage, however, was far from a conventional love story.

Debbie later admitted that their relationship lacked intimacy, and she became pregnant via artificial insemination. After their divorce, Debbie relinquished custody of the children, receiving $8 million in the settlement.

In 2002, Jackson welcomed his third child, Prince Michael Jackson II, also known as Blanket, born through a surrogate. According to Jackson, neither he nor the surrogate mother knew each other’s identities, though some reports speculated that the surrogate was a Mexican nurse named Helena.

The Infamous “Blanket” Incident

Prince Michael II’s introduction to the public came under bizarre circumstances. In November 2002, Jackson took his baby son onto a hotel balcony in Berlin, holding him over the railing in an attempt to greet cheering fans below.

With the child’s face obscured by a blanket, the act drew immediate criticism, as many feared for the baby’s safety. Jackson later apologized, stating it was a “terrible mistake” and that he got caught up in the excitement of the moment.

The incident earned the young boy the nickname “Blanket,” as his father often shielded his face from the public using blankets to preserve his identity. Jackson, aware of the pressures of fame, wanted to protect his children from the relentless media attention he had endured.

A Life Away from the Spotlight

Despite the overwhelming attention surrounding his early years, Blanket, now known as Bigi, has largely stayed out of the public eye. While his older siblings, Prince and Paris, have embraced public life and social media, Bigi has preferred a quieter existence.

Raised by Jackson’s mother, Katherine, following the singer’s death in 2009, Bigi attended regular schools, enjoyed sports, and made friends.

As the years passed, Bigi distanced himself from his nickname, “Blanket,” changing his name to Bigi at age 13, following years of teasing. His decision symbolized a step toward forging his own identity, separate from the media circus of his early childhood.

Where is Bigi Jackson Today?

Now 20 years old, Bigi Jackson has maintained a low profile, rarely appearing in public alongside his siblings. However, in recent years, he has begun to step out of the shadows, sharing his thoughts on important issues like climate change.

In a rare interview in 2021, Bigi spoke passionately about the environment, stating, “We have some work to do, but our generation knows how important it is.”

Today, Bigi lives in a sprawling mansion in Calabasas, California, valued at $2.6 million, and enjoys a life of comfort, thanks to his inheritance, estimated at $100 million.

Unlike his famous father, Bigi has expressed little interest in pursuing a career in music, instead harboring dreams of becoming a film director. He and his brother Prince run a YouTube channel where they review movies and discuss their shared love of science fiction.

A Quiet Life, Just as Michael Dreamed

Michael Jackson once dreamed of giving his children the carefree childhood he never had, and in many ways, Bigi’s life reflects that wish. Free from the constant paparazzi attention his father endured, Bigi enjoys a life where he can pursue his interests without the pressure of living up to the Jackson name.

As the world remembers the King of Pop, his youngest son seems content to live quietly, far from the limelight his father could never escape.

What do you think—would you prefer to have everything handed to you, or would you rather earn your success? Share your thoughts below!