More than a decade after his death, Janet Jackson continues to grapple with the emotional toll of losing her brother, Michael Jackson.
The 58-year-old performer shared her ongoing grief in a recent BBC interview, revealing that she frequently reminisces about their times together, especially when performing their duet “Scream” during her “Together Again” tour.
Michael Jackson, a global music icon, died in 2009 at the age of 50 due to acute propofol intoxication. His death was ruled a homicide, and his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for administering the lethal doses of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives.
Janet Jackson, who has built a successful career of her own, described how performing “Scream” evokes memories of their collaboration and her role as his steadfast supporter. The song, which the siblings co-wrote in Michael’s New York apartment, was released in 1995 as the lead single from Michael’s ninth album, “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I.”
“So [I relive] that whole journey, listening to him sing it [and remembering] what he was going through at that time,” Janet told the BBC. “And just me being his little sister, always by his side, and being that support system. That’s always been my role.”
“Scream” was a response to the intense media scrutiny Michael faced following allegations of child sexual abuse in 1993. The accusations led to a settlement in January 1994, where Michael reportedly paid $25 million. Despite the scandal, “Scream” achieved significant success, debuting at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, a first in the chart’s history, and winning multiple awards.
In her 2022 documentary, “Janet,” the singer shared how the child sexual abuse allegations against Michael impacted her career. She revealed that there was tension during the production of “Scream,” with the siblings filming their parts separately, with the production team purposely keeping them apart. This division hurt Janet deeply. She wanted to fight with him, not against him.
Janet Jackson has consistently defended her brother against the allegations, both during his lifetime and after his death. In a 2019 interview with the Sunday Times, she expressed her belief in his legacy and its continuing influence. She said she loves it when teens emulate him, and everyone still listens to his music.
In a recent interview with Rolling Out, Janet explained how performing “Scream” on her “Together Again” tour brings back memories of Michael. She performs the song alongside video footage of Michael, which makes the experience even more emotional.
Janet’s “Together Again” tour marks her first headline shows in the U.K. in 13 years. She is excited to reconnect with her European fans and share the joy of the show with them. The tour, which celebrates her long career, features performances of her hit songs, including “Scream.”
Janet also reflected on how the process of writing the song with Michael was therapeutic for both of them. “Writing ‘Scream’ was a way for us to express our frustration with the media and the intense scrutiny we were under,” she said in an interview with the Independent. “It was a difficult time for both of us, but working on that song together brought us closer.”
Despite the challenges and the emotional weight of performing “Scream,” Janet remains committed to honoring her brother’s legacy. Her performances of the song are described as some of the most powerful moments of the show. For Janet, it’s a bittersweet experience, filled with fond memories of her brother and their shared journey.
The “Together Again” tour not only celebrates Janet’s career but also serves as a tribute to Michael. Through her performances, Janet continues to honor the bond they shared and the impact Michael had on the music industry and their fans worldwide.
