Michael Jackson: Father's traumatic childhood 'lesson' scarred Thriller star for life

Joe Jackson was a powerful, intimidating figure who moulded his children into a sensationally successful pop package.

Michael was only six when he made his professional debut and this upbringing came at a terrible price.

At the very least, Joe did not permit any of his children, including daughters Latoya and Janet, to attempt any kind of familiarity with him.

Michael said: “He didn’t want us to call him Daddy, and I wanted to call him Daddy so bad.’ He said, ‘I’m not Daddy, I’m Joseph to you.'”

Janet has corroborated this, ominously adding: “He tells you one time, you don’t do it again. So I always called him Joseph.”