“He’s horrible” – Jermaine Jackson REVEALS Dark Truth We Feared About Jackson 5
So, we cannot deny that the Jackson 5 gave us some of the greatest songs when they released a string of hits including “ABC”, “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There” through Motown Records.
In fact, when the Jackson 5 released their first album at the end of 1969, the group immediately became one of the biggest-selling acts in the world and launched Motown back to the top of the charts.
But behind all this fame and fortune were dark and disturbing things that the family probably wishes never saw the light of day. From the sabotages, the cruelty, the jealousy, stealing of love and even the mistreatment from their own father Joe Jackson and so much more!
The Jackson 5, one of the most iconic groups in music history, defined an era with their incredible talent and unforgettable hits. From “ABC” to “I’ll Be There,” their Motown legacy remains etched in the hearts of fans worldwide. But behind the music, fame, and fortune lies a story of deep-seated struggles, personal sacrifices, and a family’s tumultuous journey through the spotlight.
Jermaine Jackson, one of the original members of the group, has opened up about the dark truths that were hidden behind the glitz and glamor of the Jackson 5’s success. His revelations shed light on the challenges the family faced and the price they paid for their success.
The Jackson 5’s rise to stardom was nothing short of extraordinary. By 1969, after releasing their first album, the group became one of the biggest-selling acts in the world. Motown Records soared to the top of the charts, and the group’s infectious energy and music captivated millions. However, the joy of success was overshadowed by painful realities that would haunt the family for years.
Jermaine has been one of the most vocal members of the Jackson family about the hardships they endured during their rise to fame. In his memoir, You Were Not Alone: Michael Through a Brother’s Eyes, Jermaine opened up about the brutal treatment they faced, particularly from their father, Joe Jackson.
Joe, known for his relentless drive and strict discipline, pushed his children to the limits in their pursuit of stardom. According to Jermaine, the Jackson children had no childhood. They were forced to practice for hours on end, often missing out on simple pleasures like playing with other kids or celebrating birthdays and holidays. Joe’s harsh methods were not only physically punishing but emotionally scarring, and Jermaine recalled how the children were never allowed to call their father “Dad,” but instead had to refer to him as “Joseph.”
The family’s strict Jehovah’s Witness faith also played a significant role in their upbringing. According to Jermaine, they never celebrated Christmas, birthdays, or decorated their house for the holidays, as these were not in line with their religious beliefs. This isolation from the outside world left the Jackson children feeling like outsiders themselves, and Jermaine revealed how emotionally difficult it was to grow up under these conditions. Yet, despite the oppressive environment, the Jackson 5 pushed forward, propelled by their father’s unwavering ambition.
The group’s success was undeniably built on Michael’s unique talent. As the youngest member, Michael quickly rose to prominence as the lead singer due to his extraordinary vocal ability and captivating stage presence.
His natural charisma and dance moves, heavily inspired by his idols James Brown and Jackie Wilson, made him the standout member of the group. Jackie, the eldest member, admitted that it was clear Michael was the star. Despite being a talented group, it was Michael who led the way, and his success would eventually create friction within the family, especially with Jermaine.
A particularly difficult moment for the Jackson 5 came in the mid-1970s when the group started experiencing issues. The Jacksons, eager for more control over their music and royalties, decided to leave Motown and sign with CBS’s Epic Records in 1975. However, this move was not without controversy.
Jermaine, who had married Hazel Gordy, the daughter of Motown founder Berry Gordy, chose to stay with Motown, while the rest of the group moved on. This decision caused a significant rift in the family, with Jermaine’s absence blamed for the group’s inability to recapture their former magic. Jermaine, however, maintained that he had no regrets and that Motown had done everything for them, even if it meant causing friction with his brothers.
Another source of tension in the family was Jermaine’s complicated relationship with his younger brother Michael. The rivalry between the two was not often discussed, but it was palpable. In 1991, Jermaine released the song “Word to the Bad,” which many perceived as a diss track directed at Michael.
The lyrics criticized Michael’s plastic surgery and self-absorbed attitude, though Jermaine later claimed that the song was not written as an attack but rather as a way to help his brother “get a grip on reality.” Despite his claims, many believed Jermaine was simply jealous of Michael’s success and felt overshadowed by his younger brother’s rise to fame.
In addition to the sibling rivalry, Jermaine’s personal life became entangled with family drama when he pursued a relationship with Alejandra Oasa, the girlfriend of his younger brother Randy. Despite Randy and Alejandra having two children together, Jermaine allegedly began courting her, and in 1995, he secretly married her, causing a permanent fracture in his relationship with his brothers. This betrayal added fuel to the already intense family drama and left deep emotional scars.
However, it wasn’t just sibling rivalry that marred the Jackson family’s history. Jermaine, along with his siblings, also endured extreme abuse at the hands of their father, Joe. Both Jermaine and his sister LaToya Jackson have been open about the physical and emotional abuse they suffered under Joe’s control.
LaToya has spoken about how Joe would chase Michael around the house, physically harming him even as an adult. Michael himself revealed the extent of the abuse in a 1993 interview with Oprah, where he recalled how terrified he was of his father, saying that he would vomit from anxiety whenever he was in his presence.
Joe’s discipline methods were cruel, often using belts, electrical cords, or tree branches to punish his children. Michael even recalled how his father would call him derogatory names and criticized his appearance, which led to Michael’s obsession with plastic surgery.
One of the most disturbing accounts came from Michael himself, who in a leaked phone call described how Joe would strip him naked, oil him down, and beat him. The trauma of these experiences haunted Michael throughout his life and contributed to the complicated relationship he had with his father. Despite all the success and fame, the Jackson 5 were never able to escape the emotional scars of their upbringing.
As the Jackson 5’s story continues to unfold, it’s clear that their success came at a heavy price. The family’s journey was marked by intense sibling rivalry, betrayals, and brutal abuse at the hands of their father. Jermaine’s revelations give us a glimpse into the dark side of the Jackson 5, a side that many may have feared existed but few truly understood. While their music continues to inspire generations, the truth behind their rise to stardom serves as a reminder of the immense personal toll that fame can take.
