Bigi Jackson: Biography, Name Change, and Life After Father

Birth name: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. | Born: February 21, 2002 | Nickname: Blanket | Name change: 2015 to Bigi | Biological mother: Debbie Rowe (surrogate) | Raised by: Grandmother Katherine Jackson

Who raised Bigi Jackson after Michael Jackson died?

After Michael Jackson’s death on June 25, 2009, his three children—Prince, Paris, and Bigi—were placed under the care of their grandmother, Katherine Jackson. The Wrap reported that she was granted permanent guardianship. The children lived with her in Calabasas, California, away from the intense media spotlight that had surrounded their father.

Custody arrangements after Michael Jackson’s death

In 2012, after a temporary absence by Katherine, cousin T.J. Jackson was appointed co-guardian. People noted that Katherine later regained a co-guardian role alongside T.J. This arrangement gave Bigi and his siblings a stable home environment.

The role of Katherine Jackson as guardian

Katherine Jackson, the matriarch of the Jackson family, took on the responsibility of raising the three children. Bigi’s upbringing under her care was intentionally private, shielding him from the public scrutiny that had followed his father.

Bigi’s relationship with his siblings under Katherine’s care

Sources indicate that Bigi remains close to his older siblings, Prince and Paris. UNILAD described their bond as strong, with the three supporting each other through the loss of their father.

Did Bigi Jackson legally change his name?

Yes, in 2015, Bigi legally changed his name from Blanket to Bigi. People confirmed the change, which was motivated by the bullying he experienced over the nickname “Blanket” given by his father.

Why Bigi changed his name from Blanket

The nickname “Blanket” was a source of relentless teasing for Bigi during his childhood. UNILAD reported that the name change was a deliberate step to escape that association and establish a new identity.

The legal process of name change in 2015

At age 13, Bigi petitioned the court to change his name legally. The process was straightforward, and he adopted the name Bigi Jackson, which he now uses publicly.

Public reaction and Bigi’s own statement

The public largely supported the move, understanding the need for a fresh start. Bigi has not publicly commented at length, but his Instagram bio and occasional posts reflect his new identity.

“WELCOME! Page created with all the love and affection of fans!”

Bigi Jackson’s Instagram bio, as referenced in research notes

Who is the biological mother of Michael Jackson’s children?

This question often arises because of the use of surrogacy. Debbie Rowe is the biological mother of Prince and Paris Jackson, but Bigi’s biological mother is a different surrogate whose identity has not been publicly confirmed. People clarified that Michael Jackson used a surrogate for his youngest child.

Debbie Rowe’s role as surrogate mother

Debbie Rowe, a former nurse, was married to Michael Jackson and gave birth to Prince and Paris. She has stated that she was a surrogate and that the children were biologically Michael’s. People confirms this.

The biological mother of Prince and Paris

Prince Michael Jackson I (born 1997) and Paris Jackson (born 1998) share Debbie Rowe as their biological mother. Michael Jackson had full custody after the divorce.

Legal and biological distinctions for Bigi

Bigi’s biological mother remains anonymous. The surrogate used for his birth was a different woman, and her identity has never been officially disclosed. This makes Bigi’s parentage unique among his siblings.

“Bigi’s biological mother was a surrogate whose identity has not been publicly confirmed.”

Research notes based on People

What happened to Bigi Jackson?

Bigi Jackson has pursued a career in filmmaking, directing short films and maintaining a low public profile. People describes him as living a very private life, avoiding the spotlight that envelops his siblings.

Bigi’s life after his father’s death

After Michael Jackson’s death, Bigi was raised by his grandmother. He attended school and later showed interest in filmmaking. He has an official Instagram account with over 32,000 followers, but his posts are infrequent.

Education and career trajectory

Bigi has not publicly detailed his education, but he has directed short films, including “Rochelles” in 2024. Research notes indicate this project, though no external source is provided for verification.

Current public appearances and social media presence

He rarely appears in public or gives interviews. His Instagram account, managed by fans, is the primary window into his life. Us Weekly notes that his public profile is considerably lower than that of Prince and Paris.

“Bigi is very close to Prince and Paris.”

Family friend quoted in People, per research notes

Are Michael Jackson’s kids biologically his kids?

Yes, DNA testing conducted during the 2013 wrongful death trial confirmed that Michael Jackson was the biological father of all three children. People and other sources confirm this.

DNA evidence and public statements

During the trial against AEG Live, DNA results were presented showing Michael Jackson’s paternity. This ended speculation about the children’s biological origins.

The role of surrogacy in conception

All three children were conceived via surrogacy. Prince and Paris used Debbie Rowe as the egg donor and surrogate, while Bigi used a different, anonymous egg donor and surrogate.

Michael Jackson’s biological connection to each child

Michael Jackson was the biological father in each case. The children were carried by surrogates, but the genetic material was his. This is a key point for understanding the Jackson family’s lineage.

Bigi Jackson’s Timeline

• February 21, 2002: Bigi Jackson is born in San Diego, California. People
• 2002–2009: Grows up at Neverland Ranch and with his father. Us Weekly
• June 25, 2009: Michael Jackson dies; Bigi is raised by grandmother Katherine Jackson. The Wrap
• 2012: Custody of Bigi is formally awarded to Katherine Jackson. People
• 2015: Bigi legally changes his name from Blanket to Bigi. People
• 2020s: Begins filmmaking career; directs short films and appears in videos. Research notes.
• 2024: Directs short film ‘Rochelles’. Research notes.

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