Jackson Kids: 'He Was Just a Normal Dad'

Michael Jackson’s three children spoke about their father on Oprah Monday for the first time since his death, saying that they felt “like no one understood what a good father he was.” Paris, 12, Prince, 13, and Prince Michael III, 8 and known as Blanket, were interviewed with their cousins and their grandparents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, who are also their guardians. They said their father was “strict,” but he let them have treats like Snickers candy bars and soda. Paris said their father was “the best cook in the world. He was just a normal dad … he made the best French toast in the world.” While Joe Jackson has filed a wrongful-death suit against Michael’s doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, Katherine Jackson said she “could not accuse [Murray] of murder.” Meanwhile, Joe Jackson said he “never beat” any of his nine children, but admitted to sometimes using a “strap.” “It kept them out of jail. It raised them right,” he said.