Bullied, ‘estranged’ from his family and a near-fatal attack: Heartbreaking trauma of young breakout star of Michael Jackson biopic revealed

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After years of carefully studying Michael Jackson’s style, learning his famous dance moves, and practicing to sound just like him, Juliano Valdi finally achieved his goal.

A 12-year-old Californian with limited acting experience has made his movie debut playing a young Michael Jackson in the new film, Michael.

It was incredible seeing him on the red carpet last week! He was with Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, who’s playing him in the new movie, and they were both so gracious. He happily took pictures with fans and even showed off some of his amazing dance moves when asked – a true pro and a joy to watch!

This moment feels especially meaningful considering everything Valdi has gone through to achieve what he calls his ideal job.

The Daily Mail has learned that this performer mirrors Michael Jackson in more ways than just his dancing. Like Jackson, he’s overcome significant hardship, including family estrangement and bullying. He also survived a life-threatening attack when he was only three years old, demonstrating remarkable strength.

His grandmother, Daniella Valdivieso, is incredibly proud of his success, though it’s been a somewhat sad occasion for her. She says she’s gradually become less involved in his life over the past few years, making the premiere a mix of joy and disappointment for the 59-year-old.

She told the Daily Mail in an exclusive interview that she noticed Valdi seemed a little sad while watching a video of the cast taking pictures on Instagram, which made her wonder where his family was.

Valdi, whose family roots are in the Dominican Republic and Ecuador, was born and raised in a loving family. His mother, Shiloh Jackson, had him in Las Vegas when she was 20 years old. Now 33, Shiloh manages Valdi’s Instagram and has been by his side during his recent successes, including appearances on the red carpet.

Valdi was primarily raised by his father and aunt Sabine, whom he considered a second mother. According to Valdivieso, his childhood changed significantly when his father took full custody of him, though this wasn’t officially documented in court. This happened when Valdi was three years old.

Valdi’s grandmother and aunt, Valdivieso, shared with the Daily Mail how saddened she was by not seeing him as frequently. She fondly remembered that when he visited, he always had a hard time leaving. ‘He never wanted to leave,’ she said, adding that they have many photos and videos to remember those times.

‘I mean, there’s proof [of memories] that he shared with us because he’s part of our family.’

Valdivieso often worried about Valdi’s connection with his cousin, Casey Jackson’s son, and believed the cousin was a bully towards Valdi.

She claimed that when he was a child and visited, he would always say his cousin hit him simply because the cousin was bigger. She described Juliano as small and always thin, contrasting him with his larger cousin.

Sabine, 33, told the Daily Mail that her cousin was often unkind to Juliano when he visited his other grandmother’s house – about three times a week.

In November 2017, the abuse worsened while Valdi was under Casey’s care. Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail reveal that Valdi’s cousin hit him on the head with a shovel.

Court records show he was seriously injured, both inside and outside his body, and experienced significant pain and worry.

In 2020, Valdi’s mother filed a lawsuit against her sister, Casey, and Casey’s son, alleging negligence, assault, and battery. The lawsuit stemmed from a history of conflict between the cousin and Casey’s son, and Casey disputed the claims made against her.

In August 2021, a Las Vegas judge sided with Valdi and ordered his aunt to pay him $15,000 to cover general and medical expenses. An additional $8,321 was to be placed in a trust account to cover outstanding bills, health insurance, and legal fees, to be held until Valdi reaches the age of 18.

Fortunately, Valdi wasn’t seriously hurt. In January 2024, he was cast as Michael Jackson in a new film about the singer’s life, a role he’d been preparing for over five years by studying and impersonating him. The movie will cover Jackson’s career from his days with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s through the start of his solo work.

His grandmother recounted to the Daily Mail that when she first saw Michael Jackson on television, her grandson asked, ‘Who is that?’ and that moment sparked everything.

Valdi endured a year of auditions before his mom finally broke the news that he was the chosen one.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I was listening to him talk about how he had to do, like, a TON of auditions – so many callbacks, all over Zoom! And then, get this, a whole year later, his mom just casually tells him he’s going to be filming a movie about young Michael Jackson! Can you even imagine?! It’s like a dream come true, and his mom just drops it like it’s nothing! I’m seriously living for this story!

I was completely stunned and speechless. I was so shocked that I couldn’t even manage to feel happy.

He immediately began studying videos of the artist to learn his movements and physical style. He even rehearsed with Michael’s choreographers, Rich and Tone Talauega, and was grateful for their guidance.

But as Valdi’s acting career started to grow, so too did the estrangement from his father’s family.

Valdivieso said he was always occupied whenever we tried to visit. Sabine added that Shiloh often wouldn’t allow them to see him either.

The Valdiviesos last saw Valdi in November 2022 during Thanksgiving. Valdivieso said she last received a message from Shiloh in November 2025, when she sent some photos and Shiloh promised to let them know when they’d be visiting.

Valdivieso expressed her wish to have attended the Los Angeles premiere of Michael to support her grandson. She added that she would have appreciated being more involved in his activities, saying, ‘It would have been nice if [Shiloh] had included us a bit more.’

Honestly, it’s just amazing to see Valdi connecting with people like Jaafar and the Jacksons! It’s like a dream come true. It means so much, especially because Valdi’s dad’s side of the family isn’t really around. And Prince Jackson? He’s always liking and commenting on Valdi’s posts – it’s so sweet! It feels like a real blessing, seeing Valdi find this kind of support and connection. I’m seriously obsessed with watching their interactions!

Valdi recently appeared on several talk shows, like those hosted by Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson. During one of these appearances, he unexpectedly honored his maternal grandmother, Cybilla Jackson, who is also Shiloh’s mother.

He shared a story about performing a dance for his grandmother when he was five years old. She put on Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ music video, and he spontaneously began to dance along with it.

In a recent interview with Fox 11 Los Angeles, he lovingly spoke about his mom, saying that seeing her face always brings a smile to his face. He shared that he makes sure to hug her whenever he returns home from school.

Sabine wasn’t surprised by the news, explaining that Shiloh essentially wants nothing to do with them anymore.

Visibly upset, Valdivieso shared that she and her husband don’t expect to see Juliano again due to the current situation. She also mentioned that Shi hasn’t been in touch much.

Hollywood has really changed, and I’m worried about this young actor. I hope those around him are careful and that he doesn’t trust just anyone.

Valdivieso has continued to express her support. In a video shared by Derek Hough from Extra, she wrote: ‘So proud to be his grandma! Thank you for sharing.’

Sabine stated that the Valdiviesos are very likely to pursue legal options if their separation persists.

She emphasized that she wasn’t seeking any financial gain. Her only wish was for him to know they still supported him, would always be there for him, and hoped to rebuild their relationship. They didn’t want anything more than that.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Shiloh and Casey Jackson for comment.

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2026-04-27 17:52