Jermaine Jackson Files Petition to Change His Name
Credit: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images.
Jermaine Jackson wants to change his name, if only ever so slightly. On Tuesday, the older brother of Michael Jackson filed a name change petition in Los Angeles, saying he wants to be known as Jermaine Jacksun. He cited "artistic reasons" as the motivation for the switch.
Jackson's friend Steve Dennis, who spoke to the Associated Press on the singer's behalf, said many artists change their names. Memorable examples include Prince, Snoop Lion (née Dogg), and Metta World Peace.
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"It is something he has chosen to do, and it's fair to say that you cannot blame this one on the boogie, you've got to blame it on the sunshine," Dennis said, referencing the Jackson 5 hit, "Blame it on the Boogie."
Jackson has been trying to raise his profile since the King of Pop's 2009 death. Jackson toured the country with his brothers over the past year and has been promoting his book about his famous brother, "You Are Not Alone."
Though he only wants to change one letter of his name, he'll have to wait months to make it official. A hearing on whether Jackson will become Jacksun is scheduled for Feb. 22.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.