Janet Jackson has deliberately avoided watching media coverage of her brother Michael’s death since his June passing - insisting sensational reports of his ongoing homicide investigation are too "hurtful".
Jackson opens up for the first time since the tragic death of her brother in the October issue of America's Harper's Bazaar magazine. The Los Angeles County Coroner ruled the last month the King of Pop was killed by a cocktail of strong prescription drugs, and the All For You hitmaker has remained out of the spotlight as investigations surrounding his death continue.
The star does not touch on the topic of her brother's prescription drug history, however, she insists her sibling seemed in good spirits the last time she saw him - at a family gathering two days before her 43rd birthday in May.
She struggles to find words to express her grief, but admits she's failed to open a newspaper to cope with the endless reports surrounding his death. She says, "My brother is, I mean was... You have to forgive me, because it's really hard to believe he's passed...
"(The media) will drive you crazy. People can have rhinoceros skin, but there's a point when something's going to hurt you. Not everyone is stone. I haven't watched the news in weeks. I had to ask my chef, 'How's (U.S. president Barack) Obama doing?' I haven't read a newspaper. On top of that, (we've lost) a family member."
However, Janet reveals working on the upcoming tribute to the Thriller superstar at Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards has been therapeutic. She adds, "It was the first time I had to myself since Michael passed, the first time I could get away since all of that. I've been doing OK. Work helps focus all of that energy on something that is of value to you."
Michael Jackson was laid to rest last week in a mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
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