When Michael Jackson died June 25, 2009, it was reasonable to assume many rumors would swirl about his life, his death, and his legacy. The old rumor that Omer Bhatti is Michael Jackson’s first son quelled again when the media noticed Omer Bhatti sitting on relatives row at Michael Jackson’s Staples Center Memorial. Two friends of Bhatti attempted to answer those rumors, stating that there is no paternal link between Bhatti and the King of Pop, despite whispers to the contrary.

Omer’s friends, one being Ricky Harlow, confirms earlier reports that Michael Jackson befriended Omer’s family, and moved them to Neverland in 1996. Jackson grew immediately fond of Omer, often saying that Omer was like a son. They also claim that Omer used to sleep in Michael Jackson’s bedroom suite at Neverland, and nothing inappropriate ever happened. Michael Jackson additionally gave Omer’s parents jobs on the estate. Though Omer hadn’t seen Jackson in a while, he’d been looking forward to attending Michael Jackson’s 50 concert series, and spending time with his dear friend. Read more about the genesis of the rumor.

The Mirror UK cites, “ ‘Michael always used to say I was like a son to him,’ [Omer] told the friend. ‘But my true parents are here in Norway. The reason I was asked to sit with his family at the memorial service is because I was Michael’s closest friend – not because I am his son.’ ” Omer’s other friend quoted Omer as saying: “Michael is not my father. He and I were just very, very close. He was my best friend.” The friends claim that Omer Bhatti is currently hiding out and grieving in Norway.

To confuse matters further, Joe Jackson ambiguously agreed with a reporter that Michael Jackson indeed had a fourth child, and Joe knew about it all along. Unfortunately, Joe Jackson doesn’t always come across as coherent or trustworthy. Remember, he also told Larry King that Michael had barred him from even entering Michael’s property. Joe Jackson additionally frequently said, “I don’t know” to questions Larry King asked him about his own son. Jermaine Jackson told reporters that he’d welcome Omer, if Omer were indeed Michael’s son. So it’s questionable whether a feared and exiled father would know about Michael’s secret lovechild, but Jermaine Jackson did not. This is just my commentary, but it’s up to you to decide based on what Joe Jackson actually told News one.

In the video interview, Joe Jackson says that he was aware that Michael had another son. He doesn’t outright say that this other son is Omer Bhatti. He says that Omer looks like a Jackson and dances like a Jackson, but that can be said about other performers and impersonators, including the one that attempted suicide at Michael Jackson’s death.

In conclusion, Omer Bhatti’s denials amount to hearsay when you consider that the source is quoting him via “friends.” Joe Jackson’s affirmation sounds circumspect, when measured against his history with his own son. Unless the Bhattis speak on it directly or Omer actually takes a DNA test, Michael Jackson’s lovechild will continue to be a rumor.