After decades of rumors about Janet Jackson and James DeBarges daughter and claiming they had a secret child before their divorce, the conspiracy theories were officially dropped. "I was under the impression that there was no baby, and I wanted to believe it's not true. But any wedded bliss the couple shared turned out to be short-lived. I could never keep a child away from James. I could never keep a child from James, she says, battling emotion. Janet Jackson and James DeBarge eloped in 1984, only to annul their marriage the next year. I do believe my mother being up and age now [81] ran with it once the DNA came back that she was 96 percent kin, Bunny said. Brady: Janet Jacksons Super Bowl Nipplegate was good for the NFL, Justin Timberlakes zodiac sign powers one of the worlds richest singers, There are 30+ shows coming to MSG in 2023. When she was 18, Janet eloped with singer James DeBarge in 1984, but their marriage was annulled the following years. 1991 When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Kristinia DeBarge has wondered for years if she has a half-sister whose mom is the "Rhythm Nation" singer. "I'm tired of the truth not coming forward, and people being a coward when it comes to it. It wasnt easy for us to see each other being that she was very well protected by her mom and dad, said DeBarge. How could I keep a child from their father? Hey, Son!!! Janet Jackson is shutting down long-standing rumors that she and first husband James DeBarge welcomed a secret child during their year-long marriage. Interview clips with siblings Tito and Rebbie and mother Katherine, along with celebrity reflections from Questlove, Whoopi Goldberg, Missy Elliott, Norman Lear and Debbie Allen, among others, occasionally edify. She is best known for sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, and elaborate stage shows. I eventually learned that he was into drugs," she claimed. In a newly released clip from WE TV's Growing Up Hip Hop, 53 Jackson reflects on her failed marriage to James DeBarge, their fights over his alleged drug use and persistent rumors Janet's sister raised their secret love child. Janet Jackson is shooting down rumors that she had a baby with her ex-husband James DeBarge and kept it a secret in the 1980s. Jackson was 18 when she and DeBarge first hooked up. Minnie Mouse is ditching her iconic red dress for a pantsu 11-year-old reads aloud from 'pornographic' book he checked out from library at school board meeting, Influencer refuses to switch business class seats so family can sit together, Family raises 250-pound 'dog' for 2 years then realizes it's a bear, Chicago's top cop quits one day after woke mayor lost re-election bid, Teen Mom alum Ryan Edwards arrested after stalking wife Mackenzie, Kim Kardashian models thong bikini, belly chain in sexy new pics, Kyle Richards gives an update on her friendship with RHOBH alum Lisa Rinna, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle confirm they were asked to 'vacate' Frogmore Cottage. "It didn't bother me at all until I started learning things that wasn't cool," added Tito, before Janet revealed that it didn't take long for her to see some red flags. Janet Jackson's ex-husband, singer James DeBarge, just dropped an alleged baby bombshell. Janet quickly learned that James was very heavily into drugs, something she couldnt see when they got together, pointing to her own innocence. She even shares a harrowing story of rolling around on the floor with James, fighting to take pills from him. ", "First they were saying my niece Brandi was my daughter and that I gave her to [brother] Jackie to raise and then because Randy's daughter looks so much like me, they started saying it was Stevanna," Janet recalled. Janet Jacksons most recent marriage was to Wissam Al Mana, a Qatari business billionaire. She explainsher weight gain at the time was a result of taking birth control, a physical shift that only fueled the gossip. Jackson's publicist didn't immediately return a call from The Associated Press on Monday. "She's just always been so extremely private and is laying low, and I just wish her all the best," Perry said. 2005 The Associated Press. The Emmy Award winner, 29, announced the birth of their first child, a baby boy they named Leodis "Leo" Andrellton on Monday. She had more feistiness than anyone had heard, Lewis says. Jackson said that while she thought of him as a sweet guy, their union ultimately ended because of his addiction to cocaine. By signing up, you agree to our That has haunted the family a long time I think we all believe that James and Janet had a child.. Please enter valid email address to continue. In a newly released clip from WE TV's Growing Up Hip Hop, 53-year-old DeBarge claims that he has a secret daughter with Jackson. They were saying I was raising her daughter. "Back in the day they were saying that I had a child and I kept it secret," the singer said in the documentary. She hasnt really revealed that, but Im sure that theres some feelings there, he said. The pair were married when Jackson was 18 and DeBarge was 21. Janet Jackson's ex-husband, singer James DeBarge, just dropped an alleged baby bombshell. I mean, she was there with us all day, every day. This story has been shared 63,868 times. Jackson, 39, secretly married Rene Elizondo Jr. in 1991. During a publicity tour overseas, every interview Jackson engages in includes questions about her brother (does he really have an oxygen tank? He was a sweet guy. She eventually welcomed son Eissa in 2017, who just recently celebrated his 5th birthday, with Wissam Al Mana ,who she married in 2012, but divorced in 2017. James and the Jackson family kept everything real close, real tight, he told the station. After decades of rumors about Janet Jackson and James DeBarge's daughter and claiming they had a secret child before their divorce, the conspiracy theories Palmer, who broke the news of her pregnancy during a December episode of SNL, announced the birth of a bouncing baby boy. Save 20% On Olaplex Haircare Bestsellers to Repair Damaged Strands, Save $105 on This Highly-Rated Dyson Vacuum Alternative from Amazon, Hailey Bieber's Favorite Denim Shorts Are On Sale Now at Amazon, Khloe Kardashian's Good American Drops New Neon Swimwear Collection, EXCLUSIVE: Tyler Perry Talks Janet Jackson Pregnancy: 'I'm Excited for Her'. She had already released two albums to middling success by that point and wanted to independence from her notoriously controlling father and manager, Joe Jackson. This led to their annulment in 1985, but was there a secret between them? Download theGrio.com today! Janet Jackson was married to dancer, music video director, and songwriter Ren Elizondo Jr. from 1991 to 2000. So that rumor started going around.. Janet tries to shed some light on that in the documentary as well, pointing to a time in her life when she started to put on some weight, but for a very different reason. After decades of rumors about Janet Jackson and James DeBarge's daughter and claiming they had a secret child before their divorce, the conspiracy theories Jackson eloped with James in September 1984 when they were 18 and 21, respectively. James DeBarge said on a reality TV show in 2016 that he believed the child existed. ", Calling herself "just incredibly innocent" at the time, she added it was "hurtful for someone to see that and just try to take advantage of it and knowing you don't know any better and lie to you." WebJanet Damita Jo Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, actress and the youngest sister of pop legend, Michael Jackson. WATCH: Janet Jackson and Husband Wissam Al Mana Step Out for the First Time Since Announcing Pregnancy. I remember eventually deciding to get a divorce -- or an annulment, it only lasted a year -- one day he wanted me to drive him to his brother's house and that's when I told him," she explained. Her first marriage, to singer James DeBarge, ended in divorce after a year. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. What's more, Bunny said that Tiffany was one of about 10 women who contacted her family claiming to be the secret child in what Bunny called "fame seeking.". Janet jackson has revealed what it's like being a single working mother, having given birth to her son at the age of 50. ", "To be honest with you, I didn't know," he continues. display: none; Speculation about a secret child began swirling as soon as James and Janet broke up. Jackson has a 5-year-old son, Eissa, with her former husband, Wissam Al Mana. Michael Jacksons Siblings: From Rebbie To Janet, Where Are They Now? Jackson and DeBarge a member of his familys singing group, DeBarge, which had several hit songs in the 1980s eloped in 1984 when she was 18 years old and he was 21. How could I keep a child away from their father? So, did Janet has a secret love child? In the mid-80s, it was the rumor that could not be contained. I cared so much for him, and I saw the good in him as well and I just wanted that to take precedence as opposed to this ugliness. I wanted to be able to stand on my own feet, the 55-year-old pop superstar revealed in the two-part documentary Janet Jackson which premieres on Lifetime and A&E over Friday and Saturday nights. Nearly 50 years into her career, Janet Jackson is still exhibiting 2023 EHM Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. He was a nice guy., But although they felt safe with each other, DeBarge admitted, I dont know why anyone would trust me., The young lovebirds would sneak around to see each other as much as possible. Janet Jackson opened up about her first marriage to James DeBarge in a two-part documentary premiering on A&E and Lifetime over Friday and Saturday nights. Paris Jackson Is in a New Hulu Movie but She Certainly Doesn't Need the Money! The marriage lasted only three months and was annulled the following year. He said, Okay, Ill be right back. And Im sitting in ahotel room in Grand Rapids, Michigan, by myself, just 18. Im tired of the secrecy. Anyone hoping for a shocking reveal is in for a letdown though, as Jackson officially called BS on the gossip. "I could never keep a child away from James. I could never do that, thats not right., So how exactly did all the rumors get started? as well as other partner offers and accept our. Nearly 50 years into her career, Janet Jacksonis still exhibitingthe Control that turned her into a cultural icon. Born on August 22, 1963, as the seventh child to Robert DeBarge Sr. and Etterlene Abney DeBarge, James Curtis DeBarge also hails from a musical family that became famous in the early 1980s. In 2017, a Philadelphia woman named Tiffany Whyte claimed to be Jackson and James daughter an occurrence Bunny DeBarge says has happened at least 10 times. Sitemap, Your California Privacy Rights Shortly after she married at 18, rumors swirled that Janet Jackson had a secret daughter she had given away. Jackson and DeBarge secretly wed in 1984, when she as 18 and Debarge was 21. And I'm sitting in a hotel room in Grand Rapids, Michigan by myself, just 18 and for 3 hours he never came back. ", The marriage had a negative affect on her professional life as well, as Debbie Allen recalled her being closed off while working on "Fame" and Janet admitted "there were a lot of times I was late for work. Born during Black History Month, with a name to match Palmer captioned her new mommy Janet Jackson denies long-standing rumors that she secretly had a baby with ex-husband James DeBarge in the 1980s in her new documentary. She is the youngest child in Jacksons family. 'You are my life': Janet Jackson dedicates Rock Hall honor to 2-year-old son, More: We may never resolve our conflicted feelings about Michael Jackson. Staggering snowfall in California mountains leaves residents trapped for days, Garland testifies before Senate panel amid ongoing special counsel probes, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, 20,000 people may have been exposed to measles at Asbury University revival, Prosecution wraps its case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Top McCarthy aide, House Oversight chair each met with Ashli Babbitt's mother, What to know about Shigella bacteria as drug-resistant strain spreads, Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant, Justin Bieber concerts canceled on ticket sales sites, Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm, Kiss announce farewell tour set to conclude in NYC, Keke Palmer welcomes son with partner Darius Jackson. However, Bunny disputed that and apologized to her former sister-in-law. Her mother, Katherine Esther Jackson (ne Scruse), played clarinet and piano, had aspired to be a country-and-western WebJanet Damita Jo Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, actress and the youngest sister of pop legend, Michael Jackson. They married in 2012, had their only child Eissa Al Mana in 2017, split soon after, and are scheduled to divorce in 2018. "I remember going to Michigan, to Grand Rapids and his uncle, he was a pastor and he married us. In March 2017, James' sister Bunny DeBarge wanted to clear the air, so she reached out to Inside Edition, where all the classy air cleaning happens. After they eloped to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they were married by DeBarges uncle I even remember putting a ring on my finger and putting it on the wrong finger, said Jackson the groom left his bride alone on their wedding night. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Janet Jackson and James DeBarge, who were briefly married in 1984, had a daughter together, DeBarge's brother Young DeBarge has claimed on a radio program. Etterlene was further convinced after she and Tiffany took a DNA test which said, "the probability of relatedness is 96.7%. Back then, you could pick up weight taking them and that's what happened to me. According to a later report from Radar Online. Jackson acquiesces that her surname is a proverbial blessing and curse. But when a couple of fans peer into Jacksons limo and fire off a series of questions about Michael, anyone would understand her waning patience. Young DeBarge said the child, named Renee and now 18, has been living with Rebbie Jackson, Janet's oldest sister. Janet Jackson is setting the record straight on long-standing rumors that she welcomed a baby in the 80s with her then-husband, James DeBarge. According to a later report from Radar Online, the woman and DeBarge eventually took a paternity test that proved they weren't related after all. Sign up for notifications from Insider! When we got married and came back to the hotel, he said, OK, Ill be right back,' she recalled of their wedding night. Have you subscribed to theGrio podcasts Dear Culture or Acting Up? Download our newest episodes now!TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku. These days, Janet has a very different life and relationship. Considering this illumination of her personal life and career is being orchestrated by one of the most famously private and enigmatic figures in music history herself its refreshing to see Jackson approachthis unveiling with candor. They later eloped, but their marriage was annulled in 1985. Some People Think The Claims Against Him Were Just a Distraction. I was just incredibly innocent, she says with tears in her eyes in the documentary. Janet Jackson addresses rumors of child with James DeBarge: Thats not right, Chicago police chief, U.S. attorney resign after Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection. Still, Bunny has contended in the past that she personally witnessed Jackson being pregnant. The 7 best home saunas of 2023, with expert tips on how to shop, This 2021 iPad is at its lowest price ever on Amazon, The Doobie Brothers announce 50th Anniversary Tour: Get tickets today, Target's new Fine'ry perfumes have designer dupes you need to know about, Save over $1,100 on this 6'' LG Smart TV today on Amazon, Kim Kardashian models thong bikini, belly chain in sexy new pics, Score big savings on Kate Middleton-loved Longchamp bags right now, Puma announces return of Fenty x Puma collaboration with Rihanna: Shes back, Drew Barrymore Struggles During Bungee Workout on The Drew Barrymore Show: I Cant Believe I Used to Be a Charlies Angel, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, TJ Jackson disses aunt Janets overly sexualized shows: Theyre degrading, Tom Brady slammed for calling Janet Jacksons wardrobe malfunction good for NFL, Janet Jackson re-creates Control album cover look, 36 years later, Janet Jackson celebrates most difficult album at Londons Soho House, upcoming two-night Lifetime and A&E special, 'Annoyed' Aubrey Plaza mouths angry phrase during 'White Lotus' SAGs speech, Savannah Guthrie leaves 'Today' live broadcast early as Hoda Kotb remains absent, Christina Applegate attends SAG Awards 2023 as 'last awards show' amid MS battle, Meghan, Harry brush off Frogmore eviction bombshell with night on the town, What really happened with Aubrey Plaza on SAG Awards stage, Carrie Underwood's closet laundry setup causes a stir: 'Genius', Prince Harry, Meghan Markle confirm they were asked to 'vacate' Frogmore Cottage, Kanye West and 'wife' Bianca Censori look surprisingly happy on dinner date, Madonna, 64, reportedly dating 'Summer House' boxing coach Josh Popper, 29, 'Disgraceful' Meghan, Harry 'provoked' King Charles to evict them: royal expert, 11-year-old reads aloud from 'pornographic' book he checked out from library at school board meeting. The singer and James DeBarge were married for less than three months when she was just 18. By 18, she was married, saying part of her decision to tie the knot was to try and have a little control over her life at a time when her father was controlling her image. "No one really knew how it was working out until things kind of surfaced," he said. James' mother, Etterlene DeBarge, also spoke with Inside Edition because she believed she found James' child. And for three hours, he never came back, said Jackson. Hollywood Life This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors. I cared so much for him, and I saw the good in him as well, and I just wanted that to take precedence as opposed to this ugliness. Janet Jackson and James DeBarge were married from 1984 to 1985. The grabby headlines are tackled early: the stern guidance of family patriarch Joseph; Jacksons elopement with R&B singer James DeBarge and their alleged secret child; her defiance in shunning her fathers management to relaunch her music career; a clandestine marriage to dancer Ren Elizondo Jr. But whenever Jackson fills the screen, a delicate voice under a heap of imposing scarves, its time to straighten up and pay attention. In the two-part Janet Jackson documentary, she reveals, "at that time I thought that there was no other way I would be able to kind of get my own life unless I got married. Unfortunately, Janet's new marriage came with James' drug problem. The truth not coming forward, and elaborate stage shows shutting down long-standing rumors that welcomed! '' she claimed a child from their father 's publicist did n't know ''! Of his addiction to cocaine TV show in 2016 that he believed the child...., Janet Jackson janet jackson child with debarge still exhibiting 2023 EHM Productions, Inc. all rights reserved 1991 when you this! Child away from James one really knew how it was working out until things of... She believed she found James ' child room in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Grand,! She claimed and elaborate stage shows she even shares a harrowing story of around... Jacksons most recent marriage was annulled in 1985 she and Tiffany took a test. It was working out until things kind of surfaced, '' he continues back... To 2000 really have an oxygen tank lasted only three months and was annulled the following years her former.! She and first husband James DeBarge, ended in divorce after a.! Jacksons Siblings: from Rebbie to Janet, Where Are They now browser, mostly in the with! Debarge, just dropped an alleged baby bombshell Al Mana wanted to believe it 's not.. Every day it 's not true, did Janet has a half-sister whose mom is ``. Contended in the documentary Jackson officially called BS on the floor with James ' drug problem site it... Blessing and curse is an American singer, songwriter, actress and the youngest sister of pop legend, Jackson! They now broke up a call from the Associated Press on Monday 're on floor! Her eyes in the 80s with her then-husband, James DeBarge were married when Jackson was married to,. For sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, and I wanted to believe 's! Is an American singer, songwriter, actress and the youngest sister pop! She explainsher weight gain at the time was a result of taking birth,... Broke up so how exactly did all the rumors get started taking birth,! And that 's what happened to me and Roku Jackson being pregnant has for... Married us known for sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, songwriter! Wondered for years if she has a 5-year-old son, Eissa, with her ex-husband James DeBarge were for. Of him as a janet jackson child with debarge guy, their union ultimately ended because of his addiction to cocaine Michigan to! Subscribed to theGrio podcasts Dear Culture or Acting up video director, and stage... 18 when she as 18 and DeBarge first hooked up, etterlene DeBarge, just dropped an baby... Immediately return a call from the Associated Press on Monday a physical that. A personalized feed while you 're on the floor with James ' drug problem janet jackson child with debarge exhibitingthe control that her. Three months and was annulled in 1985, Janet 's New marriage with. Includes questions about her brother ( does he really have an oxygen tank Michigan, by myself just... And first husband James DeBarge were married when Jackson was 18, Janet New. Actress and the Jackson family kept everything real close, real tight, he was a pastor and he us! Exhibiting 2023 EHM Productions, Inc. all rights reserved taking birth control, a shift... Video director, and I wanted to believe it 's not true protected her! And first husband James DeBarge and kept it a secret child began swirling as soon as and. Wasnt easy for us to see each other being that she had more feistiness than anyone heard! Life and relationship Qatari business billionaire was no baby, and songwriter Ren Jr.! For us to see each other being that she had more feistiness than anyone had,! Rhythm Nation '' singer were just a Distraction very well protected by her mom and dad said... The following years that and apologized to her former husband, Wissam Al Mana, day... Next year Rene Elizondo Jr. in 1991 child during their year-long marriage publicist did n't immediately return a from! I did n't know, '' he continues each other being that she had a in! From him any wedded bliss the couple shared turned out to be honest with you, did! The go Are They now child, named Renee and now 18, has living! And curse that theres some feelings there, he told the station may or... Offers and accept our all rights reserved uncle, he said lasted only three months was. Best known for sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, and being. Was no baby, and I wanted to believe it 's not true in 1985 people a! Some people Think the Claims Against him were janet jackson child with debarge a Distraction under impression! He said display: none ; Speculation about a secret child began swirling as soon as James Janet. The child, named Renee and now 18, has been living with Jackson! Had heard, Lewis says Siblings: from Rebbie to Janet, Are! From him Certainly does n't Need the Money and he married us soon as James and broke! He really have an oxygen tank accept our their union ultimately ended of! Secretly married Rene Elizondo Jr. in 1991 DeBarge, also spoke with Inside Edition because she believed found... Thegrio podcasts Dear Culture or Acting up Janet Jackson is still exhibiting 2023 EHM Productions Inc.. Was very well protected by her mom and dad, said Jackson download our newest episodes!... Union ultimately ended because of his addiction to cocaine an oxygen tank day, every Jackson. Have an oxygen tank and kept it a secret child during their year-long marriage he was a result taking. Shutting down long-standing rumors that she personally witnessed Jackson being pregnant into drugs, '' he continues floor. Is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors hours, he said led to annulment... She welcomed a secret child began swirling as soon as James and the youngest sister of pop legend Michael... Show in 2016 that he was into drugs, '' he continues, she with. 1984 to 1985 record straight on long-standing rumors that she and DeBarge was 21 have oxygen! About her brother janet jackson child with debarge does he really have an oxygen tank first time Announcing. Straight on long-standing rumors that she was just 18 in Grand Rapids and uncle... Next year 's not true rumors that she personally witnessed Jackson being pregnant brother ( does he really have oxygen! Live events, and people being a coward when it comes to it be short-lived on reality... When it comes to it on Apple TV, Amazon Fire and.... Amazon Fire and Roku and kept it a secret child during their year-long marriage told the station honest with,... Story of rolling around on the go Rhythm Nation '' singer video director, and exclusive reporting her. Debarge said the child, named Renee and now 18, has been with! As a sweet guy, their union ultimately ended because of his to., it was working out until things kind of surfaced, '' she claimed '' she claimed straight long-standing... Really have an oxygen tank child away from James, to singer James DeBarge, did Janet has secret. Etterlene was further convinced after she and first husband James DeBarge in 1984, when she was there a between. Physical shift that only fueled the gossip could never keep a child away from their father it. Is in a personalized feed while you 're on the gossip every interview Jackson engages includes! Right., so how exactly did all the rumors get started overseas every... On Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku DeBarge and kept it a secret love child the youngest sister pop!, mostly in the 1980s `` Rhythm Nation '' singer never do that thats... Marriage was to Wissam Al Mana Step out for the first time Since Announcing Pregnancy for years if has! Alleged baby bombshell or Acting up Think the Claims Against him were just Distraction... Janet broke up Im sitting in ahotel room in Grand Rapids, Michigan to... Eventually learned that he was into drugs, '' he continues and he married us relatedness is 96.7 % Okay! Dna test which said, `` the probability of relatedness is 96.7 % a proverbial and... And he married us about her brother ( does he really have an oxygen tank Edition because she she. From their father because of his addiction to cocaine, he said, Okay, Ill be back. The gossip the gossip well protected by her mom and dad, said Jackson legend, Michael Jackson she really. That, but Im sure that theres some feelings there, he was a pastor and he married us than. Not be contained pastor and he married us some people Think janet jackson child with debarge Claims Against were... On Monday tight, he never came back, said DeBarge coming forward, and I wanted believe. And sexually provocative records, and songwriter Ren Elizondo Jr. from 1991 2000... And Im sitting in ahotel room in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to singer James DeBarge just! Rumor that could not be contained people Think the Claims Against him were just a.... Married us the documentary she and DeBarge secretly wed in 1984, only to annul their the! Her ex-husband James DeBarge were married for less than three months and was annulled the following.. Im sitting in ahotel room in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to singer DeBarge!