Is Blanket Michael Jackson‘s? A Close Look at the Youngest Jackson‘s Identity and Net Worth

As the youngest son of the "King of Pop" Michael Jackson, Prince Michael Jackson II grew up in the global spotlight. Better known by the nickname "Blanket," the child‘s public life contrasts with his efforts to keep a low profile. So who is Blanket Jackson, and what is his true identity and net worth apart from his world-famous father? Let‘s take a closer look at the mysterious youngest member of the storied Jackson clan.

Who is Blanket Jackson?

• Born Prince Michael Jackson II in 2002 to an unknown surrogate mother
• Nicknamed "Blanket" by Michael Jackson shortly after birth
• Jackson‘s third child after Prince (b. 1997) and Paris (b. 1998)
• Siblings were conceived with ex-wife Debbie Rowe, while Blanket was Jackson‘s only biological child
• Legally changed name to Bigi Jackson in 2015
• Currently 20 years old and residing in California

Unlike his older siblings who have embraced fame, Bigi Jackson shies away from the spotlight. He maintains a tiny social media presence under his new name and grants few interviews. However, Bigi remains connected to his iconic father‘s legacy. According to a 2020 interview, he honors Michael privately by frequently listening to his music, watching old film footage, and visiting fan tribute sites.

Is Blanket Jackson Michael‘s Biological Son?

Yes, DNA tests have confirmed that Blanket is Michael Jackson‘s only biological child. Jackson conceived him via artificial insemination using an anonymous egg donor and surrogate.

Jackson‘s dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein claimed he donated sperm to help create both Paris and Prince years earlier. However, Klein was proven not to be their father after genetic testing. Jackson‘s long-time friend Mark Lester also claimed parenthood of Jackson‘s older kids, but was likewise ruled out.

In contrast, Jackson openly admitted Blanket was his in the 2003 documentary Living with Michael Jackson:

“I used a surrogate mother and my own sperm cells…she doesn‘t know me and I don‘t know her. My friend and I went to an egg donation bank where we picked a donor who looks like me.”

Unlike his older siblings conceived through artificial insemination, Blanket is Jackson‘s one and only biological child – as confirmed by DNA analysis. The identity of his surrogate mother remains a closely guarded secret.

What is Blanket Jackson‘s Net Worth in 2022?

Most of Blanket Jackson‘s sizable net worth comes from his inheritance after Michael Jackson‘s untimely death. Let‘s take a look at the details:

• Total Net Worth: About $100 million
• Michael Jackson Estate Value: $2.4 billion since his death in 2009
• Estate Distribution: 40% to Jackson‘s mother Katherine, 20% to charity, remaining 40% split among his 3 children
• Inheritance Received: Around $33 million after taxes plus trust fund

At just seven years old when his father passed away in 2009, Blanket Jackson was too young to directly inherit such vast wealth. His grandmother Katherine Jackson cared for Blanket and his siblings as their guardian. It‘s likely that Blanket‘s estimated $100 million net worth today comes from a trust fund set up for him after Michael‘s death.

According to insiders, each of Jackson‘s children also have access to a monthly "walking around" allowance of $15,000-$20,000. Of course with Jackson‘s recordings still earning over $50 million annually, the inheritance will continue growing over time.

How the Michael Jackson Estate Has Earned Billions Since His Death

With these staggering numbers, it‘s clear Blanket won‘t have to worry about money anytime soon. Of course, his siblings Paris and Prince also enjoy an extravagant lifestyle bankrolled by their late father’s legacy.

What is Blanket Jackson Doing Now in 2022?

Unlike his siblings who act and model, the shy 20-year-old Blanket (or Bigi) opts to live privately. He reportedly graduated high school in 2021 and contemplated attending college somewhere away from Los Angeles.

Bigi shares few details about his current activities. However in his 2020 interview, he said he finds calm by listening to Michael‘s music, practicing martial arts, and hanging out with family. He also shuts out negativity saying, “I don’t really care about what other people say.”

Bigi credits his grandmother Katherine, now 91, with giving him a normal childhood. He says she continues providing loving support and guidance.

Paris Jackson however paints a less rosy picture of their upbringing. In her Facebook Watch series Unfiltered, she reveals past suicide attempts, drug abuse, and enduring the public‘s "obsession" with her famous family. Bigi seems to have weathered the storm with greater resilience than his outspoken big sister.

How Was Blanket Raised After Michael‘s Death?

Michael Jackson‘s three children faced great upheaval with his sudden death in June 2009. Let‘s look at who cared for the kids in the aftermath:

• Katherine Jackson – Michael‘s mother was immediately granted full custody. At age 79, she devoted herself to raising and protecting Prince, Paris and Bigi.
• TJ Jackson – TJ, the youngest son of Michael‘s brother Tito, was named co-guardian of the children in 2012. This provided needed security and male guidance.
• Paris, Prince and Bigi – The three siblings found great comfort and strength relying on each other. Though just 12, 11 and 7 when their father died, they reportedly developed a tight bond.
• The Jackson Clan – Michael‘s siblings, nieces, nephews and their kids also surrounded the children with family support.
• Loyal Staff – Household staff who worked for Michael for years provided consistency in caregiving.
• Therapists – Mental health professionals surely helped the kids process their grief, public pressures, and other challenges stemming from their unusual upbringing.

After Michael‘s death, his children had to grow up fast while mourning their beloved father. Bigi in particular was just reaching an age to form memories of his dad before losing him. But Katherine Jackson made sure Michael‘s kids were loved, secure, and able to enjoy protected childhoods despite their fame.

Today Bigi says he has normal hobbies, goes out with friends, has romantic relationships, and enjoys being a "normal" young adult. He seems to hold no bitterness about his unconventional upbringing.

My Take on Blanket Jackson and His Siblings

As entertainment reporter Jason Striegel writing for over a decade, I‘ve closely followed the fortunes of Michael Jackson‘s children. Watching Blanket grow up, I think he displays greater maturity and resilience than his siblings Paris and Prince.

While undoubtedly he benefited from inheriting massive wealth, Blanket seems grounded. He avoids falling into drugs, reckless behavior, and taking his gilded life for granted. My sense is that the shy, more introverted Blanket dealt with pressures of fame differently than his more extroverted brother and sister.

Paris in particular has struggled to find herself, bouncing from modeling to music to acting. Prince has taken on some directing and production roles, but less successfully. In contrast, Blanket has developed outside of the limelight, forging his own identity detached from being Michael Jackson‘s son.

I respect how Blanket Jackson has carved out privacy despite intense public curiosity. He seems to grasp fame’s ultimately shallow rewards. Other mega-rich celebrity kids should look to Bigi as a model of staying humble. If the sincere, understated Blanket someday pursues a career, I predict he‘ll excel on his own terms.

In Summary

While Michael Jackson‘s two eldest kids embraced the spotlight, his youngest child Blanket Jackson rejected fame. Born in 2002 to an anonymous surrogate, Blanket became Bigi and withdrew from public view after his father‘s death. Despite his $100 million inheritance, Bigi lives modestly, focusing on family and a few close friends. The normal life Katherine Jackson provided instilled strong values. Now 20, Bigi honors his father as a fan while quietly defining himself. Time will tell if the ultra-private Blanket someday re-emerges in his own right.