Michael Jackson's Family Fights Gay Rumors

The late superstar is hardly resting in peace as his father and brother battle a storm of gossip about his sexuality

 

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

One of the more tragic aspects of Michael Jackson's life was that he never found somebody to love. So last week, when the late singer's friend Jason Pfeiffer claimed that he had a loving year-long relationship with the King of Pop right up until his death, fans wondered, "Could it be?" Michael Jackson's family, however, went ballistic.



Pfeiffer, a former assistant to Jackson's dermatologist, told Extra that he and Michael were romantically involved, and that he considered Jackson his "soulmate." Pfeiffer's story is supported by dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein, who claims he once walked in on an intimate moment between the men and "was just very happy for both of them." But when the story broke, Michael's father Joe Jackson and brother Jermaine Jackson immediately went on the defensive. Joe told TMZ that Klein is a liar, and Jermaine spewed a string of expletives against those who say that his late brother was gay.

We have to wonder why the Jacksons are this concerned about rumors surrounding the superstar's sexuality. On the one hand, nobody wants people gossiping about dearly departed loved ones. On the other hand, what if it's true? If Michael had been gay, would he really have opened up to his mega-controlling dad about it? And furthermore, what's so wrong if the King of Pop found some happiness in a relationship with a man -- isn't that better than the cloud of suspicion that followed the singer later in life, thanks to accusations of child molestation? Maybe the Jackson family is concerned about protecting Michael's children from someone who claims he was intimately involved with their dad. Or maybe the Jackson relatives worry that a dramatic change in how fans think of the late Grammy winner could tarnish his legacy (or his record sales). Either way, Joe and Jermaine are taking the low road with their angry rants. There will always be rumors about the enigmatic, super-private pop star, and it's his family's job to handle them with dignity and honesty now that he's gone.

Plus:
- Micheal Jackson's Kids Finally Have a Normal Life
- Michael Jackson's Family Reacts to Conrad Murray's Manslaughter Charge

Do you think the Jackson family should be speaking out about Michael's sexuality? Chime in below!

 

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