Jermaine Jackson: 'I Wish It Was Me,' Michael A 'Gift From Allah' (VIDEO)

(AP Article, Scroll Down for Video)

NEW YORK -- Jermaine Jackson says he would like to see Neverland Ranch as his brother Michael's final resting place.

In an interview broadcast Thursday on NBC's "Today" show, Jermaine Jackson also said he wishes he had died instead of his younger brother, and that Michael was "a gift from Allah."

"He went too soon. I don't know how people are going to take this, but I wish it was me," Jermaine Jackson said.

When asked why he felt that way, Jermaine Jackson said he always felt that he was Michael's "backbone."

"I wanted to be there for him. I was there and he was sort of like molded. Things he couldn't say, I would say them. During the trials, during everything ..."

Jermaine Jackson said that when he rushed to UCLA Medical Center last Thursday, where the 50-year-old pop singer was pronounced dead, "I wanted to see Michael, and I wanted to see my brother, and see him there lifeless and breathless was very emotional for me, but I held myself together, because I know he's very much alive."

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"His spirit is, and that was just a shell, but I kissed him on his forehead and I hugged him, and I touched him and I said, `Michael, I'll never leave you. You'll never leave me.'"

On Wednesday, Jackson family spokesman Ken Sunshine said a public memorial was in the works but it wouldn't be held at Neverland.

A person familiar with the situation told the AP that permits for a burial at the sprawling Santa Barbara, Calif., estate could not be arranged in time. The person was not authorized to speak for the family and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Jackson said Neverland was Michael's home.

"He created this. Why wouldn't he be here? I feel his presence."

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Comments

[jillsond]

Huffffpo is getting ridiculous. Why the Allah headline? Jermaine said many things that could have fed Hufffy's sensationalistic needs.

[TainoBoy]

Thank you!

[gladys46]

It's just fine with me ! It's what Jermaine stated clearly ... and, it's nothing to be ashamed of ! If that's his chosen religion, who is to question that and why ?

[ddDinah]

TY to Jermiane for setting the record straight as who actually was with the children when they viewed Michael after he passed.

Another story going around about how Ms Rowe will now seek custody of the two older children. And will seek a restraining order for Joe to stay away from her kids. IF this story is true, it strikes me that after all the time she NOW wants her children. She gave away her kids to Michael, she said they were a gift to him...for a price no doubt. And now she wants them back, wouldn't have anything to do with money would it? A good mother doesn't give their children away and a good mother doesn't sell her children.

[TainoBoy]

Debbie Rowe is all about Michael Jackson’s money, she should be ashamed of herself.

[gladys46]

Clearly, this is all speculation and suggestion by so-called experts ... they have no idea how D.Rowe feels about anything ! I'm certain that if Rowe asked to be in those children's lives to some extent, Katherine Jackson would be ameanable to that. It is obvious that Michael kept his children very close with his mother, their uncles, aunts & cousins.

This is all media madness.

[alexii]

It doesn't matter. He didn't have a right to give custody of the kids to anyone without her permission. She is their biological mother and from what we've seen, his family wasn't around the kids much either.

[TainoBoy]

The children are very close to their grandmother.

[gladys46]

What !!! He had the only RIGHT to give guardianship to whomever he chose and he did just that ! He had moral right and legal right !

You have no idea what you're talking about ... period !

Those children are, were and will forever be around his family ... the Jackson family are the closest people they have known ... their sir names are JACKSON !!

[wakeup804]

The mother has had nothing to do with the kids. She could have gone to court years ago and requested visitation, or joint custody...­........sh­e didn't. Just like with Anna Nicole....­....money involved..­..here they come......­..........­...This is a difficult time for the children. They have lost their father, do not know their mother, and have an excellent relationship with their grandmothe­r.........­.this is how it should go........­.Mrs Jackson should have custody, hopefully the nanny Grace with help Mrs Jackson...­... and the mother visitation­..........­.why would any court split the children up during this time?? Their family was Michael the kids, Grace, and Grandmom. Just because you give birth, or donate sperm, does not make you a mother or a father, it makes you donor. A mother and a father, are in their children's life, and no one can purchase your exit, if you are a real parent. How much money could someone offer you to walk away from your kids? If you can think of a dollar figure, you are not a mother or a father.

[HoracePManure]

Hey Jermaine - who paints your hair? Nice job.

[boomer59]

unnecessary, really, get some class, no wonder Manure is part of your screen name.

[TainoBoy]

You’re heartless; your comment is beyond inhumane.

[wrender]

Let's not discriminate age here. Mr. Manure is probably in high school. If that's the case, then let kids be kids.

[sweetwhine]

Ask your mother.

[Argent]

I wonder how many people believe this garbage from his family... if they were so close, how could they let him deteriorate the way he did?

They shunned him for his wierdness and let him be the hermit he wanted to be and everyone was happy. But like the Queen after Diana's death, they have to come out and say something I suppose.

But it's distasteful.

[ywcachieve]

You don't know what you are talking about.

They could not control Michael, he was a grown man. How do you think they could stop him from doing anything. He was rich powerful and strong willed.

[boomer59]

I agree, how could they have stopped him from doing what he wanted to do? I'm sure they tried, but Mr. Jackson had a will of his own.

[alexii]

They could have called the authorities and had him arrested for his drug abuse. That's what good parents do no matter what the consequences.

[Michele Himmel]

I think what is really telling is only his children and mother and charities are in his will. No siblings or Papa Joe. For sure were major family problems and his will testifies to that.

[duncansdad]

I think you're right. I heard a report right after he died that the kids were with all their cousins and they were getting to know them. That sounds to me like they never even met their own relatives.

[TainoBoy]

Exclusive to CNN: Final Michael Jackson rehearsal video 06/23/2009, it was breaking news by Anderson Cooper.

[TainoBoy]

Turn in to CNN they have a new video of Michael Jackson, a dress rehearsal on Tuesday night.

[TainoBoy]

Tuesday: 06/23/2009

[Free2Speak]

Check out the media circling around Debbie Rowe to get Micheal kids.The headline is "I want my kids"( I want my share of MJ estate).Wh­y do the media try to insult our intelligence by pretending that this is a bomb shell news knowing they was giving Debbie cover by not commenting on this lady who have showed no interest in these kids at all.One lady and Dan Abrams on MSNBC was arguing that MJ family has no biological relationship with the kids and the host shot them down by saying that dont make sense because what about kids who are adopted.Ar­e you saying they are not a family?

[TainoBoy]

MSNBC is getting on my last nerve with their lies, it all started with Diane Diamond on the KO show, I stop watching them a week ago. I never thought liberals could be this ha teful.

[gladys46]

The media is the fre akshow ... Abrams may need to put his JD against real legal competition !

Speculation, supposition ... sheer misleadings ... after all, msm sold an illegal war !

[MrsFonebone]

And what, truly, was Jermaine's point? Why go on tv to says how much you did for your relative (though apparently, not too much!) and get to be famous again for a few minutes (if the Today Show really counts)? Oh, and bonus points for tossing off your "controversial" Allah comment.

Say what you will about Brittney, her family stepped up and got control of her life to help her stop being a freak show and at least get some dignity back.

[gladys46]

Interesting ... much of this nation suffers each & everyday having to be force fed the hypocrisy of the religious right, the family values republican party ... please !

How would you know whether Jermaine or any other Jackson attempted to help Michael ?

[MiddlePassage]

Saying Allah is only "controversial" for bigots or the uninformed. The three biggest monotheistic religions all believe in the same supreme being, just named differently - God, Allah, and G-d, and have parts of their holy books in common.

[truthartbeauty]

funny.....­funny stuff! we who do NOT believe in little imaginary friends in the sky are "uninforme­d"????????­??? there are no holy books, no holy men, no holy cities at all! books are just paper and men are just men and no matter what you want to call your little friend in the sky, it is just made up nonsense and superstition.

[ediva75]

MrsFonebone her family are trying to get their hands on her money just as much as everyone else is on MJ's. No difference to me!!! Furthermore I don't believe Brit is all the way mentally "together" if you ask me!!

[ediva75]

MrsFonebone if you every got to dig your head from out of your *** you would actually know that Jermaine converted to Islam I believe 20 yrs ago. There's the explanation for the "controversial Allah comment" (rolling my eyes at your ignorance)!!

[Ecoutez]

Dear Michael, thanks for sharing your extraordinary talents; generosity; and depth of humanity with us here on Planet Earth. You were light years ahead of others with your musical innovations that will last forever. Now, you are "free" from the greed and toxicity of those who sought to slay you. No longer will you have to endure pain of any kind. We are wrapping you up with boundless love and sending you off. Have a peaceful journey Peter Pan.... Never can say goodbye...­.Never will.

[UnbiasedinSWPA]

Great interview! Jermaine is So Right about his views about Michael and how people perceive/d Michael. The number of people that truly recognize Michael Jackson as the Great Person he was on so many different levels will always outshine the negative image others have tried to bring into the forefront during and after his life.

Many, many people need to "start with the man in the mirror." Those words speak volumes.

God Bless You Michael, you are Free At Last.
Rest In Peace

[shanester]

You need to look at Michael's life as a whole. The good with the bad. He was an enormous talent but he also had his demons which may have led to his death.

[UnbiasedinSWPA]

Name me one person on this earth that doesn't have any demons. Furthermore, this is My humble opinion and I as one who is NOT without sin, therefore, who am I to cast the first stone?

[TainoBoy]

Michael Jackson legacy will live on; some people might resent that, but I could care less.

R.I.P MJ

[TainoBoy]

oops, I couldn't care less.

[Nyah Molineaux]

I truly feel sorry for the Jackson family (well most of them, not Joe). It must be so painful not only to lose a sibling, but to see him disrespected in the media even in death.

[TainoBoy]

Well said.

[shanester]

I'll give Jermaine credit he was the first one to leave the J5 in the late 70's and go solo. He was tired of Joe Jackson's iron fist even back then.

I will always think of him singing that great melody on "I'll Be There". His voice was a perfect compliment to young Micheal's great lead vocals

[HalowFan]

This poor man. You know that had to be tough, seeing his brother dead, but realizing that his spirit was still very much alive.

[CjAzure]

To speak of a lost loved brother is so natural at a time like this. All you haters must not truly understand loss. I do. Jermaine was speaking from love and brotherhood. All of us should love as much as MJ loved. Listen to his music, the joy is there. Take it, you can not fake it. Rest in Peace, Michael. You are my brother too.
Tell my sister hello and a big I love you in heaven! Peace to you all.
CJ

[jnatch]

what are you taking about? "all you haters"?
if you are referring to anyone who has said anything negative against MJ then your idea is silly.
YOu can think something negative about mj and still "understand loss"

[gladys46]

Really ? You're not just "thinking" ... maybe keeping so much verbal negatives to yourself will eventually rot you !

[realistnotsocialist]

people, don't be so quick to judge someone's family...t­ake a look a your own...I'm sure there would be plenty to criticize. Perhaps doing so makes some feel better about their own lives. Needless to say, no matter what everyone has to say or criticize, no one can take away Michael's place in history and his influence on music.