Janet Jackson: "Michael's legacy will continue"

Danny Thompson
·Contributor
US pop star and entertainer Micheal Jackson kisses his sister Janet Jackson (L) after she presented him with the Grammy Legend Award at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards February 24,1993. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 after suffering a cardiac arrest, sending shockwaves sweeping across the world and tributes pouring in on June 26 for the tortured music icon revered as the "King of Pop." AFP PHOTO/Scott FLYNN (Photo by SCOTT FLYNN / AFP) (Photo credit should read SCOTT FLYNN/AFP/Getty Images)
Micheal Jackson kisses his sister Janet Jackson after she presented him with the Grammy Legend Award at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards February 24,1993. (Photo credit: SCOTT FLYNN/AFP/Getty Images)

Janet Jackson has said her brother Michael’s legacy ‘will continue’, despite repeated allegations of sexual abuse - and says she ‘loves it’ when she sees children trying to be like the Thriller singer.

Jackson has remained tight-lipped about the allegations which have dogged her brother - which intensified with the release of Leaving Neverland earlier this year. In the documentary film James Safechuck and Wade Robson, allege in graphic detail how they were sexually abused as children by the King of Pop while staying at his Neverland home.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 17: Singer Janet Jackson attends the after party for the debut of her residency "Metamorphosis" at On The Record Speakeasy and Club at Park MGM on May 17, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)
Singer Janet Jackson attends the after party for the debut of her residency "Metamorphosis" at On The Record Speakeasy and Club at Park MGM on May 17, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)

The documentary drew a mixed reaction from friends and fans of the pop music star, who died 10 years ago this month, and his younger sister Janet has not mentioned the allegations in public.

Read more: Michael Jackson: Viewers shocked and disgusted by 'Leaving Neverland'

But now, in the build up to her Pyramid Stage performance at next weekend’s Glastonbury Festival, Jackson has broken her silence. Speaking to the Sunday Times magazine, she was asked about her brother’s legacy, she said: "It will continue. I love it when I see kids emulating him, when adults still listen to his music. It just lets you know the impact that my family has had on the world.

"I hope I'm not sounding arrogant in any way - I'm just stating what is. It's really all God's doing, and I'm just thankful for that."

Despite being reluctant to comment about the current allegations, Jackson had previously defended her brother when he faced similar accusations in 1993. Michael agreed an out-of-court settlement with the parents of Jordy Chandler, a 13-year-old who’s father Evan Chandler accused Jackson of sexual abusing his son.

Read more: Celebrities divided over Michael Jackson documentary

Regarding these allegations Janet claimed the family just wanted money from her brother, saying: "Now if this really went on, do you think a father would accept money?

"Do you think that would make everything OK? It doesn't make any sense.

American singer, songwriter and dancer Michael Jackson on stage at the Hippodrome de Vincennes, during his "Dangerous World Tour". (Photo by David Lefranc/Kipa/Sygma via Getty Images)
American singer, songwriter and dancer Michael Jackson on stage at the Hippodrome de Vincennes, during his "Dangerous World Tour". (Photo by David Lefranc/Kipa/Sygma via Getty Images)

“If that was my son, I don't care if he gave me a billion dollars, I want to see you either behind bars or dead for doing that to my son. It's crazy–the guy was after money – that is all he wanted."

Janet Jackson will perform at Glastonbury Festival next Saturday evening (29 June).