Michael Jackson was apparently convinced his chimp Bubbles had an instinct for being able to tell who in his family was trying to live off his fortune. In which case, the creature should have had a micky fit whenever in the vicinity of father Joe.
The late star is said to have barred siblings from his Neverland ranch if the pet did not like them. An ex-employee said Michael would react to Bubbles' response to his various relatives, saying "They are only after my money." He also told staff at the time: "He is a good judge of character." A former housekeeper added: "Bubbles often would be a gauge for Michael to decide who should stay and go."
Said ex-employee didn't stipulate exactly what Bubbles use to do, but monkeys generally convey their dislike by flinging their own faeces.
The revelation comes around the time that the performer's family endure an argument over his millions, three years after his death in Los Angeles aged 51.
Brothers Jermaine and Randy were said to be among those regularly snubbed. Jermaine recently defected from a family letter criticising the Michael Jackson Estate. However he still has 'deep reservations' about the executors.
Speaking on Twitter he said: "I rescind my signature from the letter which was sent to the Estate, and which should never have gone public. I still hold deep reservations about many issues involving the Estate, and I will continue to bring scrutiny and a resolute voice wherever we have cause for concern. But the way to address such matters is through the proper channels and via a private dialogue, not public conflict. In this spirit, I offer this statement by way of extending an olive-branch."
