Jackson Attorney Says Joe Was 'Proud' Of His Family Despite Estrangement From Kids

Tom Mesereau, the attorney who notoriously won an acquittal for Michael Jackson in his 2005 child-molestation trial, is grieving over the death of beloved patriarch Joe Jackson.

Hours after the 89-year-old passed away this Wednesday, the lawyer exclusively told RadarOnline.com all about their close relationship.

"I got to know Joe Jackson during Michael Jackson's trial when I was the lead defense attorney. I interacted with Joe Jackson quite a bit," Mesereau, 67, stated. "He could only be described as proud, caring and a loving father. He was especially proud of the wonderful family he put together—he will be missed."

As RadarOnline.com readers know, Jackson died at around 3:30 am after losing his battle to colon cancer.

Friends, fans and loved ones have taken to social media to voice their heartbreak, though sources claim some family members still hold a grudge towards the now-deceased Jackson.

For years, family insiders claimed Jackson physically abused his kids and forced them into fame at an early age.

"Michael made it perfectly clear the kids should stay as far away from Joe and vice versa" a source previously told RadarOnline.com.

After M.J.'s death, however, daughter Paris Jackson grew close to her granddad, and stood by his side until his final breath.

Do you think Joe Jackson's angry family members will ever let their anger towards him go? Sound off in the comments below.

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