OK Magazine Interview

April 4 & 11, 1997

 Michael permitted 'OK' magazine (a British mag) to publish photographs of his first born baby boy, Prince Michael Jackson Jr. An interview with Michael and Debbie accompanied the photo spread.

The King Of Pop And His Little Prince

Interviewer: Michael, how does it feel to be a father?

Michael: It was an incredibly joyful experience. I'm in bliss 24 hours a day.

Interviewer: Can you talk us through the birth of your son?

Michael: It's hard to take it step by step, but the snapshots inmy mind from the birth show our excitement and nervousness. Debbie was so strong throughout the delivery. There were shouts of joy when the baby was born. I couldn'tbelieve the miracle I had witnessed. It was unbelievable!

Interviewer: Michael, describe the relationship between yourself and Debbie?

Michael: Debbie and I love each other for all the reasons you will never see on stage or in pictures. I feel for the beautiful, unpretentious, giving person that she is, and she fell for me, just being me.

Interviewer: Debbie, what are you current feelings for Michael?

Michael: I love him even more now than before our son was born. Fatherhood has brought out a very protective streak in him. He is so loving and strong.

 Interviewer: What is the boy's name? Why is he so named -- and which of you does he look like the most?

Michael: His name is Prince Michael Junior. My grandfather and great-grandfather were both named Prince, so we have carried on that tradition, and now we have a third Prince in the family.

Debbie: He's so beautiful! I think he has my eyes.

Interviewer: Michael, among all your life's glittering achievements, how does fatherhood rate?

Michael: Words can't describe it. There is no miracle in life that compares with watching your son some into the world.

Interviewer: Has the baby smiled or responded in any way to the two of you yet?

Michael: He smiles all the time and his eyes twinkle when I sing to him. He definitely knows my voice. Debbie tickles his chin and he giggles.

Interviewer: Debbie, does Michael change the baby's nappies, get up in the middle of the night to feed him and do his share of the chores?

Debbie: Yes, Michael does everything. He loves being involved in every aspect of caring for the baby. He is such a wonderful father, feeding him, holding him, and, of course, singing to him.

Interviewer: Debbie, you have married and had a baby with the most famous man on earth. What effect has that had on you?

Debbie: I have married and had a baby with the man I will always love and I am on top of the world. The only time I feel sad is when I see quotes attributed to me that I never said or when I hear late night comedians taking cheap shots at my husband when they are not true. Don't believe 99% of the garbage you read or hear. I know that we will be under increasing public scrutiny and I don't look forward to that, but I know that will always be a part of being married to Michael.

Interviewer: Michael, you so rarely give interviews. What is the one thing you would like to say to your fans at this time?

Michael: Thank you to all of my fans for understanding how important it is to me to protect my family from the public eye. I have lived in a "fishbowl" all my life and I want my son to live a normal life. You've stood by me throughout my career and now you share my greatest joy. I love you.

OK - Part 2 -

Interviewer: Michael, what are your hopes for Prince Michael Junior’s future?

Michael: I want him to grow up surrounded by love and family, to receive the best education I can provide him with, to discover and develop his talents, and to use his resources to make life better for those less fortunate than he.

Interviewer: Are you preventing Debbie from seeing the child?

Michael: No, that is completely false. We have been together as a family since the birth of our son, and we've cherished every moment as a family.

Interviewer: Michael, what has been your family's reaction to the birth?

Micheael: They are all very excited. I'm already getting lots of tips and advice about schools and such.

Interviewer: What sort of dad will you try to be?

Michael: The best! My father was always there for us through the stardom of the Jackson Five and through many of the ups and downs that followed. I, too, will always be there for my son. It's the most important thing in the world to me.

Interviewer: Debbie, what are your family's feelings about Michael?

Debbie: They're crazy about him. They were delighted to discover how warm and genuine he is.

Interviewer: And how would you describe Michael's strengths as a father?

Debbie:He's very patient and protective. He never rushes what he's doing with the baby. I was very proud of how tough he was about our privacy. He's incredibly strong.

Interviewer: Michael, are you still close to your family? How often do you see your parents, brothers and sisters? Have they met your baby yet?

Michael: We talk and see each other all the time. We recently had a big 'get-together' where all the cousins met one another for the first time.

Interviewer: We believe the child's godmother may be Elizabeth Taylor. What is it that draws you to Elizabeth? Many would call it an unlikely friendship. What do you have in common?

Michael: Elizabeth knew many of the things I went through growing up in the spotlight. I can say a few words or just sigh sometimes, and she knows what I'm feeling. It was wonderful to find someone who understood me so well. I pray for her, and I want her to share the joy of my son's birth for many years to come.

Interviewer: What sort of gifts have you received for Prince Michael Junior?

Michael: We've received some fantastic gifts. Wonderful treasures, stuffed animals, toys and baby clothes from around the world. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all my wonderful fans [preach it Michael!] for helping to welcome our baby into the world.

Interviewer: Michael, what are Debbie's strengths as a mother?

Michael: Debbie is a very strong and caring woman. She's a wonderful mother!

Interviewer: Can we expect a song about your son on your new album?

Michael: The birth of my son has been very inspirational to me artistically, and there will definitely be a song in the future.

Interviewer: And one about Debbie, too?

Michael: Any song about my son has to be about Debbie as well.