Janet Jackson Unveils Surprising Family Ties

Janet Jackson, the iconic pop star and younger sister of Michael Jackson, disclosed her unexpected familial connections to music legends Stevie Wonder and Tracy Chapman, as well as acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson. This surprising news was shared during an interview on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Scott Mills on August 13, 2024.

When asked by Mills about her relation to Stevie Wonder, Janet confirmed, “He’s our cousin. Not a lot of people know that. He’s our cousin on my mother’s side. So is Tracy Chapman.” The host, clearly taken aback, responded, “That’s blown my mind!” Janet further added, “So is Samuel Jackson,” although she acknowledged that Samuel L. Jackson has previously denied any relation to the Jackson family.

This revelation adds another fascinating chapter to the storied history of the Jackson family, already known for their notable contributions to the entertainment industry. Janet Jackson, who has won five Grammy Awards and sold over 100 million records, is set to embark on a European tour starting in Paris on September 25, with subsequent performances in Birmingham, London, Glasgow and Manchester.

Reflecting on her relationship with her late brother Michael Jackson, Janet shared emotional memories of writing the song “Scream” together. “Mike and I wrote that song in New York, in his apartment,” she recalled. “So [I relive] that whole journey, listening to him sing it [and remembering] what he was going through at that time. And just me being his little sister, always by his side and being that support system. That’s always been my role.”