Jermaine Jackson REVEALS the Dark Truth About The Jackson 5 – What Really Happened Behind the Scenes?

The Jackson 5 brought us some of the most iconic hits in music history—ABC, I’ll Be There, and The Love You Save—but behind the fame and success was a world filled with family drama, rivalries, and heartbreaking struggles.

Jermaine Jackson, along with other family members, has slowly revealed shocking truths about what really went on behind the scenes of one of the greatest music groups of all time.

From sibling jealousy and betrayal to the harsh realities of their father Joe Jackson’s discipline, the Jackson 5’s story is far more complicated than anyone could have imagined.

The Jackson 5’s Rise to Fame & First Signs of Trouble

When the Jackson 5 debuted in 1969 under Motown Records, they quickly became one of the biggest acts in the world. Their songs dominated the charts, and they even had their own Saturday morning cartoon, making history as the first animated series featuring an all-Black musical group.

But as they grew older, problems began to surface. By the mid-70s, the group wanted more control over their music and better financial deals. This led to their decision to leave Motown for Epic Records in 1975. However, Jermaine Jackson, who was married to Hazel Gordy—the daughter of Motown’s founder Berry Gordy—decided to stay behind, creating the first major rift within the family.

The move didn’t work out as planned. Without Jermaine, the group struggled to maintain their earlier success. Meanwhile, Jermaine’s decision to stay with Motown caused tension between him and the rest of his family, particularly his father Joe Jackson, who had always pushed for the group to remain united.

Sibling Rivalry – Jermaine vs. Michael

Jermaine and Michael’s relationship became particularly strained over the years. Although they started as bandmates, it wasn’t long before Michael’s immense talent outshined the rest of the group.

Jermaine’s jealousy became evident when he released the 1991 song Word to the Badd!, a diss track aimed directly at Michael. The song accused Michael of losing touch with reality and criticized his changing appearance. However, Jermaine later tried to downplay the drama, claiming the song was meant to help his brother rather than attack him.

Despite this, sources close to the family revealed that Jermaine had always struggled with resentment toward Michael’s success. According to family friend Stacy Brown, Jermaine frequently ranted about how he should have been the most famous Jackson, not Michael. Even their sister La Toya confirmed this tension, stating that Jermaine had difficulty accepting Michael’s rise to superstardom.

The Shocking Family Betrayal – Jermaine Marries His Brother’s Girlfriend

If the rivalry between Jermaine and Michael wasn’t enough, Jermaine also betrayed another brother—Randy Jackson—by secretly marrying his ex-girlfriend, Alejandra Oaziaza.

Randy and Alejandra had dated for years and even had two children together. However, while Randy was away on tour, Jermaine allegedly pursued Alejandra and later married her in 1995. This caused a permanent rift between the brothers, as Jermaine and Alejandra went on to have three children of their own.

For many, this was one of the most shocking betrayals within the Jackson family. It was not only seen as a violation of family trust but also as a sign of just how deep the conflicts within the Jacksons ran.

Joe Jackson’s Harsh Treatment of His Children

Beyond sibling rivalries, the Jackson 5 also endured severe discipline from their father, Joe Jackson. Over the years, multiple family members, including Michael, Jermaine, and La Toya, have spoken out about Joe’s harsh and sometimes abusive parenting style.

Jermaine’s 2011 memoir, You Are Not Alone: Michael Through a Brother’s Eyes, provided insight into their strict Jehovah’s Witness upbringing, where Christmas and birthdays were not celebrated. He also described how Joe’s extreme discipline shaped them into superstars but robbed them of a normal childhood.

Joe didn’t allow the boys to play with other kids, limiting their time outside so they could focus on rehearsing for hours every day. He was known for using belts, cords, and even tree branches to punish them if they made mistakes. Michael himself admitted in a 1993 interview with Oprah that Joe’s presence was so terrifying that he would vomit whenever his father entered the room.

La Toya further revealed that even when they became adults, Joe still physically abused his children. According to her, he would chase Michael around the house, even during the peak of his Thriller success, and continued to instill fear in all of them.

In a leaked phone conversation, Michael even claimed that Joe would strip him naked, oil him down, and then whip him with an ironing cord. The trauma of these beatings haunted Michael for the rest of his life, contributing to his deep-seated insecurities.

The Jackson 5’s Disturbing Life on the Road

As if the abuse at home wasn’t enough, disturbing details have also emerged about life on the road during the Jackson 5’s tours.

Michael revealed that when he was just a child, his older brothers would bring women back to their hotel rooms and engage in sexual activities while he pretended to be asleep. One time, he even called them out, saying, “Nice, now will you please go to sleep?”

This exposure to adult situations at such a young age further traumatized Michael and contributed to his lifelong struggles with forming normal relationships.

The Lasting Impact of a Troubled Childhood

The Jackson 5 may have achieved legendary success, but the emotional and psychological scars left by their early years followed them into adulthood.

Michael spent his life trying to reclaim his lost childhood, surrounding himself with amusement parks and animals at Neverland Ranch. Jermaine continued to struggle with resentment and jealousy toward Michael, while Randy never forgave him for stealing his girlfriend.

Despite all of this, the Jacksons remain one of the most influential families in music history. Their legacy continues to inspire artists today, but their story serves as a cautionary tale about the dark side of fame and the cost of success.

Final Thoughts – What Do You Think?

The Jackson 5’s history is filled with fame, fortune, and deep family conflicts. Jermaine Jackson’s revelations, along with testimonies from other family members, paint a disturbing picture of what really went on behind the scenes.

Do you think Jermaine was truly jealous of Michael? Was Joe Jackson’s discipline necessary for their success, or did it go too far? And what do you make of the betrayals, rivalries, and lasting traumas within the Jackson family?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below!