Janet Jackson's Ex-Husband Says Michael Jackson Saved His Life

Posted on Sep 20th 2011 6:30PM by Contessa Gayles

Michael Jackson AFP/Getty Images

Janet Jackson's ex-husband James DeBarge, a former member of '80s R&B group DeBarge, has spoken out during a TV interview with celebrity psychiatrist Dr. Drew and revealed that his former brother-in-law Michael Jackson talked him out of committing suicide.

DeBarge credited the late King of Pop with saving him from a suicidal jump on 'Dr. Drew's Lifechangers,' revealing, "I was going to jump and everyone was losing it ... He was the only one not freaking out."

"He seemed to be familiar with my pain," he said of the controversial musical genius, who was always intensely targeted by the paparazzi. "He knew I needed someone to talk to, so he was that ear. So we just talked all night and I forgot that I was even on the roof and that I was going to jump."

James, whose 1984 marriage to Janet was annulled in 1985, sat down with his fellow DeBarge bandmates, sister Bunny and brother Randy, for a two-part special with Dr. Drew that airs tomorrow (Sept. 21) on CW.

Watch James DeBarge's Interview With Dr. Drew

Watch Michael Jackson's 'Behind the Mask' Video

Follow @AOLMusic on Twitter | Like AOL Music on Facebook | Sign Up for Newsletter

Download Michael Jackson Songs | Buy Michael Jackson Albums

Filed under: Hot Off the Press

Around The Web:

Janet Jackson's ex husband James BeBarge says Michael Jackson ...

James Debarge: 'Michael Jackson Saved My Life' | Essence.com

Janet Jackson | James Debarge: 'Michael Janet Jackson Saved My ...

James Debarge: 'Michael Janet Jackson Saved My Life'

Add a Comment

Sign in »

5 Comments

Filter by:

Patti

Nobody's children especially that age should never ever have to witness there parent dying in that way. I feel for those kids and pray Katherine keeps the rest of that whacko family away from them.

September 29 2011 at 3:41 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

gleevz1

He was never anything more than a great performer and singing talent. His great wealth enabled a greedy family to take and take and take long after their "careers" tanked. So all his weirdnesses were overlooked and excused. Beginning with the God awful nose jobs, who ok's those and said "You look great!" to him, let alone the oxygen coffin or worst of worst the new white white skin. He started out cute/handsome/black/unique singer and dancer. Then bedding/sleepovers with boys, then for cover the white wife, the adopted white kids. Where was Germaine soulful comments on these things, I guess living large and spending brother Michaels earnings.

September 29 2011 at 2:49 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

DRJ

I hope the daily mail prints this instead of the lies they printed regarding James DeBarge and MJ previously.

September 21 2011 at 5:19 PM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down Reply

lisha

Jackson was not a "controversial" musical genius. He was a musical genius, period. The only controversy is the shameful, despicable way the news media distorted the real truth of his life for ratings and quick profit.

September 21 2011 at 9:23 AM Report abuse Permalink +3 rate up rate down Reply

Tom

Jackson directly saved a few more lives too, a 4 year old boy that needed a liver transplant, and a 13 year old girl. I don't remember what her issue was but it was medical. He would have saved 15 year old Ryan White of aids too if there had been anyway possible at the time. Probably more but that's all I know for sure.

September 20 2011 at 7:50 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

All the Michael Jackson info

Listen to Michael Jackson Radio

Follow AOL Music on Tumblr