Michael Jackson confidant spoke out about longstanding paternity rumors

The discussion, which was posted online, quickly turned into long-standing rumors surrounding Jackson’s children: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., known as Prince, 29, Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, 28, and Prince Michael Jackson II, known as Bigi, 24.

Since Jackson’s death in 2009 at the age of 50 from a massive drug overdose, there has been speculation about whether the children are biologically related to the King of Pop, fueled by their appearance, claims involving sperm donors and comments attributed to people close to Jackson.

Speaking about Prince and Paris, whom he knew personally, Boteach strongly rejected suggestions that Jackson was not their biological father.

He said: “I was with (Michael) when Prince was three and Paris was two. And I never met Deken.”

“We’ve had that conversation many times (about whether they were biologically his children). And I have to tell you, and may I say it with respect, Vlad, because you and I are like friends and brothers now, right?

“Facial hair, that beard thing, right? And now that we’ve established that you’re the most Orthodox Jew who ever lived, I bet by the end of this interview you’re probably going to have sidewalks touching you all the way up to your butt.

But who are we to ever tell a parent that a child is not theirs? I think it’s – with respect, you seem like an ethical and moral person to me – and I think it’s an unethical and immoral observation.

‘Do your children have your ears? Do they have your lips? Do you have them? It’s just not fair to say. Michael said they are his children. It’s just not fair.’