Earlier this week, Janet Jackson‘s older brother Randy Jackson, claimed that his sister had suffered “verbal abuse” and felt like “a prisoner in her own home” during her marriage to London-based Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana.
The claims were made in an exclusive interview with People Magazine.
“It was quite an abusive situation. It came on later in the relationship, verbal abuse and being [made to feel like] a prisoner in her own home. No pregnant woman needs to go through being called a bitch every day. There were things like that. That’s what she went through," Jackson said.
Janet Jackson announced her separation from the London-based Qatari business tycoon earlier this year but didn't share any more details with her fans.
"Yes, I separated from my husband. We are in court. And the rest is in God's hand," she said at the time.
Religious differences were not an issue
Despite the fact that early reports stated "the couple’s split had to do with differing religious beliefs, (Randy says Janet is Christian)," he explained that this was not the problem.
“I have a lot of Muslim friends and they don’t act that way at all,” Jackson said.
“It’s a personal issue that he needs help with and I’m going to pray for him, too. But I’m not going to allow her to live in that abusive situation. She’s my baby sister," he added.
The divorce isn't as amicable as it seems
Before Randy's interview, the divorce proceedings seemed amicable.
Al Mana had even taken to his website, where he posted a message titled “Love," in the aftermath of the separation.
In his message, he referred to Jackson as "the most beautiful person in the world," thanking her for her "divine love," and for being his "best friend."
"I love you so much. Inshallah, we will be together in the Great Forever," he added.
The Qatari businessman also sent his estranged wife "over 100 roses and orchids" on her 51st birthday.
However, in his allegations, Jackson's brother painted a completely different picture to the seemingly friendly divorce.
He explained that "things have been anything but amicable."
He also added that "the abuse is still going on," and is part of the reason why he chose to open up to the media.
Al Mana's attorneys respond
After Jackson's explosive interview came out, Al Mana responded through his attorneys.
In a statement released to People Magazine, the businessman's lawyers wrote:
“Mr. Al Mana is not going to dignify these particular and deeply hurtful allegations with a response. The breakdown of his marriage to Janet Jackson is a cause of great sadness to Mr. Al Mana, and it is the wellbeing and privacy of their son, Eissa, that remains his sole focus."