Janet Jackson Was 'Verbally Abused' by Ex, Says Brother Randy

Janet Jackson suffered verbal abuse in her relationship with estranged husband Wissam Al Mana, according to the pop icon’s brother, Randy Jackson.

In an interview with People, Janet’s youngest brother says the abuse included name calling and that his sister felt like a “prisoner” in her home. “It was quite an abusive situation,” he said. “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 everyday. There were things like that. That’s what she went through.”

This is not about “anger or vengeance,” according to Randy. Instead, he claims that he just wants to bring these issues to light. “We don’t like to put our business out there but sometimes transparency helps you,” he said. “The devil thrives in darkness. I’m just here supporting her through this time.”

Even while Janet has launched her “State of the World Tour,” the abuse “is still going on,” according to Randy. “She has custody and he of course allowed her to bring the baby on tour, but it’s constant harassment,” he said. “This tour almost didn’t happen, but by the grace of God we’re here and we’re very prayerful.”

Through his attorney, Al Mana offered a statement on these accusations. “Mr. Al Mana is not going to dignify these particular and deeply hurtful allegations with a response,” reads the statement. “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.”

Jackson and Al Mana split in April, just three months after Janet gave birth to their only son, Eissa. Now, she is on the “State of the World Tour,” which is set to run through Dec. 17 in Atlanta.