Concerns for Blanket Jackson’s well-being following Leaving Neverland release

Michael Jackson's son, Prince Michael "Blanket" Jackson II has reportedly stopped talking ever since Leaving Neverland premiered.

The documentary features explicit allegations of child sexual abuse against the late pop star.

Speaking on UK talk show Victoria Derbyshire this week, Jackson's nephew Taj has claimed ever since the allegations arose with this new documentary, Blanket "isn't talking anymore".

"Biji is the most talkative kid at school and he isn’t talking anymore," the 45-year-old said. "We’re all worried about him."

Blanket's British godfather and Jackson's former best friend Mark Lester, has also voiced his fears for Blanket.

He told The Sun: "They try and shield him from the outside world, which may be not such a good thing. Shield them from certain things, certainly, but to keep him isolated is not right."

Lester also talked about how Blanket is kept hidden away by the Estate saying: "The Jackson estate don't want him to make money for anyone else. He's an heir to a billion-dollar trust.

READ MORE:
• Paris Jackson goes topless for racy new photo shoot
• Paris Jackson's voice is BEAUTIFUL as she channels her father Michael Jackson in new band

"They have trust issues, especially with people who may think they want to take advantage of either Blanket, Paris or Prince for their own financial gain.

"When you get super-wealthy you become very guarded and very mistrustful of a lot of people. It's just sad that this money issue would get in the way of them actually being able to have good friends.

Blanket was given his nickname by his father, who was inspired by the character Linus in cartoon strip Peanuts, who always carried a blanket with him.

Blanket was homeschooled before his father's death and is now at a private school. He is not allowed on social media and any photo featuring him is heavily vetted before being released by family members.

The 17-year-old was first thrown into the spotlight when his father dangled him from a hotel balcony.

HBO's Leaving Neverland will air on TVNZ 1 on Sunday March 10 and Monday March 11 at 8.30pm and on TVNZ OnDemand.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.