2014

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Members of Michael Jackson’s extended family are stepping out of what they call “the Jackson bubble” for a reality show. The six-episode show, debuting Nov. 18 on Reelz, focuses on Alejandra Jackson, the ex-wife of Michael’s brother Jermaine, and her five children. After Michael’s death five years ago, they left the Jackson family home in suburban Encino, a move that a clip from the show suggests wasn’t their idea. “We didn’t want it to happen that way,” Alejandra’s daughter Genevieve said Saturday at the summer TV critics’ tour.
Son Donte Jackson added, “Some of the politics came into play.” At the same time, Genevieve said the family lived under constraints at the Encino house.

“We were very sheltered,” she said. “There’s a lot of outside people coming in and out of our house. We had to watch what we said.” Alejandra Jackson and her brood started a new life away from the home of grandparents Katherine and Joe Jackson. She had two children with Randy Jackson — Genevieve and Randy Jr. — and then married Randy’s brother Jermaine, having sons Jaafar and Jermajesty. Alejandra has raised Donte since he was 2 after he was adopted by Katherine and Joe.

“It’s a long story,” Alejandra said about her love life.
Considering the amount of tabloid attention the Jackson family has received, why not keep their lives private?
“People already had a preconceived judgment of us and we weren’t speaking,” Randy Jr. said. “Now we feel comfortable enough to show how we really are.”

PRESS RELEAESE:
“Living with the Jacksons” A Special Television Event To Premiere on REELZ November 18, 2014. For the First Time Ever Viewers Will Get An Inside Look at Life Outside of the “Bubble” of the Jackson Family Estate. Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) July 12, 2014

REELZ today announced a special television event – “Living with the Jacksons” (working title) featuring the Jackson family members who grew up inside the Jackson Family Estate and who are now living outside of it for the very first time. From the charmed and cursed life of the Jackson family, Alejandra Jackson emerges as a single mother to her five children: her two sons, Jaafar and Jermajesty from her marriage to Jermaine Jackson, Genevieve and Randy Jr., Alejandra’s daughter and son from her relationship with Jermaine’s brother Randy Jackson, and Donte, who Alejandra has raised since he was two years old. Together they are stepping outside of the inner world of the Jackson family and are ready to take on the world and embrace it with all the passion, joy, trials and tribulations that most families deal with but with one more ingredient that no one else on the planet has—they are Jacksons. “Living with the Jacksons” is produced by ID Productions.

“Jackson is the ultimate name in the world of entertainment and ‘Living with the Jacksons’ is an excellent fit for our network,” said Stan E. Hubbard, CEO of REELZ. “We are committed to providing a rich experience for our viewers and this family’s story of loyalty, heartbreak and perseverance is universally relatable.”

“The Jackson family’s journey has been a topic of interest for decades, and we’re fortunate to be able to share this first-hand account with our viewers,” said Rob Swartz, SVP of Development and Current Programming at REELZ. “The series provides an emotional and entertaining insight into an extraordinary yet familiar family dynamic, ideal for the network’s Hollywood Happens Here programming slate. ‘Living with the Jacksons’ is truly a show worth finding.”

*Working title

The Family
Alejandra
The mother of this amazing brood, Alejandra has navigated the press her entire life and has dealt with the drama of the Jackson family. Alejandra is from Colombia and has never lost her accent, something her kids repeatedly tease her about. As a single mother she has to grapple with letting go of her oldest children the same way all parents must but being a Jackson provides its own set of challenges. Turning her attention to her abandoned career path of fashion design, Alejandra partnered with her brother Franklin in Peru where they plan to relaunch her fashion line.

Genevieve
The oldest of Alejandra’s kids, Genevieve is a beautiful and gifted singer and performer facing the task of getting her stalled career and dreams back in high gear. But that won’t come easy and the tremendous expectations could short-circuit her ambitions if she isn’t careful. Beneath her dream lies the deep pain of an estranged relationship with her father, Randy Jackson, and on top of everything her love life is anything but simple. With an ex-boyfriend producer wanting to work with her, Genevieve has to convince her disapproving mother that she can handle dating and a career at the same time.

Randy Jr.
Alejandra and Randy Jackson’s oldest son, Randy Jr., dreams of becoming an actor, producer and mogul but needs extreme determination in order to face the high expectations that come with it. In stark contrast to his sister, Randy Jr. has set himself on a road of forgiveness with his father. He thinks his sister can’t let go of the pain and disappointment of the past and won’t be able to fully move forward if she doesn’t. Always the prankster, Randy Jr. is constantly getting in trouble and plotting the next joke. Like his sister he has a tight rope to walk with the pressures from his mother to focus more on his career and less on his social life.

Donte
Almost the same age as Randy Jr., Donte is the adopted son of Katherine and Joe Jackson. When Donte was two years old his birth mother granted full custody to Joe and Katherine who brought him to the Jackson Estate. Soon after, Alejandra and Jermaine fell in love with this beautiful child and raised him as their own. It was difficult for Donte when Alejandra and Jermaine divorced 13 years later but Alejandra was a passionate mother and never let him go. Donte is thoughtful, quiet and prefers to stay in the background until he’s sure of his surroundings. Donte is allowing his story to be told for the first time and his story of adoption is one that holds many surprises and will show the power of love this family holds like no other.

Jaafar
Jaafar is the 17-year-old heartthrob of the bunch and son of Jermaine and Alejandra Jackson. He has a surprising singing voice and his gentle manner disguises his mischievous ways. Like Randy Jr. he’s a big joker and is always looking for the best way to trick his sister and brothers. With his 18th birthday quickly approaching Jaafar is ready to celebrate in true Jackson fashion.

Jermajesty
The youngest son of Alejandra and Jermaine Jackson is 13-year-old Jermajesty who is the baby of the family. He is playful and mischievous, and is always around looking for fun. Like his siblings, Jermajesty is working to mold his talents while living in the shadow of his famous aunt and uncle.

July 19 : Life With LaToya” Season 2, Episode 8 titled “If My Heart Could Speak to Your Heart…” is aired on OWN.

July 26 : Life With LaToya” Season 2, Episode 9 titled “Lights, Cameras, Jackson!”is aired on OWN.

July 29 : La Toya and Jeffre Phillips visit Hollywood Today Live Studio in Hollywood, California.