 Jackson subsequently fired her father as her manager and employed John McClain, then A & M Records'senior vice president of artists and repertoire and general manager. Commenting on the decision, she stated, "I just wanted to get out of the house, get out from under my father, which was one of the most difficult things that I had to do, telling him that I didn't want to work with him again." Joseph Jackson resented John McClain for what he saw as an underhanded attempt to steal his daughter's career out from under him, stating, "I've worked hard for my family. The problem comes, though, when others come in behind you and try to steal them away. The wheels have already been set for Janet Jackson. Anyone who jumps on now will be getting a free ride." McClain responded by saying "I 'm not trying to pimp Janet Jackson or steal her away from her father." He subsequently introduced her to the songwriting / production duo of James "Jimmy Jam" Harris III and Terry Lewis, former Prince associates and ex-members of The Time.
