In an upcoming "Dateline," Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, speaks out in her only television interview about her son's death and who is responsible; how her grandchildren are coping and her relationship with them; and how the family will be marking the first anniversary of his death. In addition, she responds candidly to accusations about Michael Jackson being a child molester and rumors about Debbie Rowe wanting custody of the children. The interview, conducted by Sonia Lowe, was licensed from a production company by "Dateline" and will be part of an anniversary special, "Michael Jackson: A Mother's Story" reported on by Josh Mankiewicz. It will air this Friday, June 25 (9:00 PM/ET).
Below are excerpts from the interview. If used, please note the mandatory credit: "In an interview airing Friday, June 25 on 'Dateline NBC.'"
Jackson: "He told me several times that um he felt that people wanted him gone wanted him dead":
SONIA LOWE: Do you have any comments about the rumors that Michael was fearing for his life at the end of his career?
KATHERINE JACKSON: I wouldn’t want to comment on it but he told me several times that um he felt that people wanted him gone wanted him dead. He would always say that. And um for him to say that he must have known something… It's just some of the mean evil vicious people didn't want him around for some reason. They're greedy.
***
Re: The last time she saw Michael:
LOWE: Katherine, When was the last time you saw Michael and how did it go?
JACKSON: The last time I saw Michael before he passed away was about a week and a half before he passed and um we had a really good time together…Those are my fond memories of him because I never looked at him after he passed…I wanted to remember him smiling and laughing and having a good time the last time I saw him.
***
Jackson: "What really happened?"
Lowe: If you could see him again, what would you say to him?
Jackson: My goodness I’d have so much to but the main thing I’d want to know is what really happened?
***
Re: Rumors about Debbie Rowe wanting custody of the kids:
LOWE: Katherine, What do you have to say about the rumors about Debbie Rowe wanting to take custody of the children back?
JACKSON: All the rumors that was in the press after Michael passed about Debbie Rowe wanting to take the children away. Completely false.
David Corvo is the executive producer of "Dateline."
