Janet and Wissam welcomed their son, Eissa, three months before their separation.
Reports of verbal abuse and aggressive behavior surfaced, shedding light on the strain in their relationship.
Janet prioritizes motherhood amidst divorce proceedings, emphasizing her commitment to her son’s well-being.
Janet Jackson, the iconic pop sensation, found herself navigating the challenges of motherhood amidst personal turmoil. Just three months after welcoming her first child, Eissa, with her husband, their marriage hit a rocky patch, leading to their separation.
Janet Jackson tied the knot with billionaire businessman Wissam Al Mana in 2012. In their first joint statement as a couple, Janet and Wissam confirmed they were married following speculation that they were planning an extravagant wedding.
“The rumours regarding an extravagant wedding are simply not true. Last year we were married in a quiet, private, and beautiful ceremony,” the pair revealed in 2012.
The world learned of Janet’s pregnancy four years later, marking a significant milestone in her life and career. She publicly acknowledged her pregnancy and proudly displayed her growing baby bump, stating:
“We thank God for our blessing.”
The duo joyously welcomed their first child, a son, on January 3, 2017. “Janet Jackson and husband Wissam Al Mana are thrilled to welcome their new son, Eissa Al Mana, into the world. Janet had a stress-free healthy delivery and is resting comfortably,” a representative for the singer stated.
With help from trainer Paulette Sybliss, Janet lost about 70 pounds less than a year after she became a first-time mom. “I started training her about six weeks after she had Eissa so about March we started. We had a very vigorous training schedule,” Paulette revealed in a November 2017 interview.
“Janet’s gonna make you sweat!” Paulette divulged, detailing the intense workout regime she embarked on to regain her pre-pregnancy physique.
The arrival of Eissa brought immense joy to the couple. The photos of the beaming parents cradling their newborn captured hearts worldwide. However, behind the scenes, the strain in their relationship was beginning to show.
Trouble began brewing when news of the couple’s separation emerged in April 2017, sending shockwaves through their fan base. Janet confirmed her separation from Wissam in a video on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Yes, I separated from my husband. We are in court and the rest is in God’s hands,” she said. While one source characterized the separation as amicable and mentioned plans for co-parenting their son, others indicated that underlying issues had been brewing for some time.
“She thought he had become too controlling during the pregnancy and she had already allowed him to dictate her appearance and even the way she performed at concerts,” revealed a source familiar with the couple.
Among the concessions made by the Grammy Award-winning singer were alterations to her 2014 concert tour and a departure from her trademark skin-revealing outfits in favor of more modest attire, as confirmed by the source.
“Enough is enough,” Randy said in a September 2017 interview. Randy told his sister that she had to move in with him, or he would go to the couple’s home, which would lead to trouble. Although Janet became upset, Randy wasn’t bothered because he was tired of seeing her mistreated. At that moment, Randy expressed that he didn’t care anymore.
The situation escalated further when Janet took a significant step to ensure her son’s safety. In a concerning incident, she called the authorities to check on Eissa’s welfare following an altercation involving aggressive behavior from her husband.
At the time, Janet had been informed by the child’s nanny that her spouse had lost his temper when she was not at home. This encounter raised eyebrows and prompted questions about the stability of their relationship.
Amidst the divorce proceedings, Janet remained resolute in her role as a mother. Despite her turmoil, she displayed a dignified demeanor while attending court hearings in England. Reports revealed that she remained focused on her son’s well-being, prioritizing motherhood above all else.
In a June 2022 interview, Janet discussed her career trajectory, acknowledging the anticipation from fans regarding new music. She affirmed her intention to eventually release new material while desiring to achieve more in her career. However, she emphasized that motherhood took precedence over all else. “My number one job is being a mama,” affirmed the actress.
In an August 2019 interview, Janet, who starred with Tyler Perry and Jill Scott in “Why Did I Get Married?” openly discussed the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career commitments. She disclosed that she doesn’t rely on a nanny, preferring to care for her child independently.
While she mentioned occasional assistance, she emphasized her dedication to looking after her son, Eissa. Drawing inspiration from her mother’s example of raising nine children single-handedly, Janet expressed confidence in her ability to manage.
Despite acknowledging the difficulties of single motherhood and the significant changes it brought to her life, Michael Jackson’s younger sister reiterated that her child remained her top priority. “Obviously, my baby comes first,” she said.
Janet Jackson used to rehearse dance routines for long hours, but now she spends less time rehearsing because she wants to be with her son. She finds a balance between her career and motherhood, and her son enjoys traveling with her and being around people who adore him.
He has shown an interest in music and received a drum kit as a gift, which he loves playing. Additionally, he has taken an interest in the violin and shows talent in creating melodies, even though he is still very young.