She was previously a senior editor at Us Weekly. Momma felt maybe she went back in the gene and took after her. 2023 SheMedia, LLC. Janet said she questioned herself for being in that relationship, asking, "'Were you stupid, were you dumb?" I do believe my mother being up and age now (81) ran with it once the DNAcame back that she was 96 percent kin. Jackson's ex-husband James DeBarge claimed in the most recent clip of WE TV Series's Growing Hip Hop that he and Janet Jackson had a secret daughter together, as reported by International Business Times. Janet Jackson's ex-husband, singer James DeBarge, just dropped an alleged baby bombshell. When the marriage was annulled Janet was pregnant and James believed that as well, Bunny DeBarge said. On January 3, 2021, Jackson celebrated Eissas 4th birthday by writing on social media, Happy 4th to my baby. Where was the baby? These were rumors that were just flying around, honey, like hash in a diner, Allen revealed. After that Etterlene was a bit sure that Whyte is her granddaughter whereas she fell somehow connect with her. Follow her on Instagram. 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. Hes first and foremost in my life. For years, Janet Jackson and James DeBarge have been at the center of a secret baby scandal. Singles Nasty, What Have You Done for Me Lately and the title track proved that Janet wasnt the only Jackson capable of radio domination. Jackson and Al Mana met at a hotel opening in Dubai in 2010 and began dating shortly after. The gossip haunted the family a long time, she told Inside Edition Friday. The two were married in 1984 when Jackson was 18 and DeBarge was 21. She told that she was kept secret for 30 years which is a long period of time. Along with her own insights on fostering confidence and self-love, True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself All Rights Reserved. James had the understanding that Janet was pregnant at that time, but was told after she went to Japan for a year that the baby was aborted. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. ", I was under the impression that there was no baby, and I wanted to believe its not true, he said. Janet Jackson's Family Welcomes Her First Baby. Here are more highlights from the documentary: While Jackson and the dulcet-toned DeBarge singer were only married for a year, tittle-tattle has persisted for decades that Jackson gave birth to a daughter with James,with sister Rebbie recruited as Jacksons proxy in motherhood. Bunny DeBarge's brother, James, and Janet eloped back in 1984. I was under the impression that there was no baby, and I wanted to believe its not true. They were married in 2012, but didnt confirm it until 2013 after rumors surfaced about their extravagant, over-the-top nuptials. Im like, Mom, maybe shes some kin to you but she's not James and Janets daughter. Also, some people tell that after divorce Jackson was away from the limelight to give birth to a child. I just want my mother. How. Jacksons Fame co-star, Debbie Allen, who appears in the two-part documentary which premieres Friday at 8 p.m. We get many girls claiming to be Janet and James daughter. Getty Images. Just a few years ago, DeBarge was publicly demanding that Janet come clean and admit there was a baby. And also, she wants her mother to keep a good bond with her. Bunny DeBarge's brother, James, and Janet eloped back in 1984. For the first time, Ellertlene and Whyte met at the airport, where both were emotional and the video went viral at that time. Like all of his siblings, he was born and raised on the East Side of Detroit, Michigan. Jackson said people first began speculating that she was pregnant on the set of the TV show Fame," in 1984. Ive always been a patient person, but theres more patience that you have to have [in motherhood] and I never knew I was as patient as I really am. This was claimed on a radio program. Janet has shared a lot with fans about what it's been like raising her son as a single "mum" in London. I am blessed. "How could I keep a child from their father? "I think we all believe that James and Janet had a child." But she doesn't think that person is Whyte, a 31-year-old woman from Philadelphia. The couple annulled their marriage in 1985. Jackson recently gave birth to a baby boy at 50. In an interview on A&E and Lifetimes two-part docuseries, Janet, Jackson shut down the 30-year-old rumor she had a secret baby with her ex-husband that he didnt know about. The couple cant handle their marriage and got divorced after a year. The second part of the series will dip into child molestation allegations against brother Michael (Guilty by association, she says she felt);the scandalous Super Bowl halftime show in 2004 with Justin Timberlake; her late-in-life motherhood; and Michaels death. There is no way she belongs to the DeBarge Jackson family. The results were positive and she went public with the results. The message came with the news that she would be postponing her then-current Unbreakable tour, adding, "Please understand that it's important that I do this now. She even claims she has proof that her allegations arent just rumors for publicity. Jackson interrupts her own commentary when she notices a mural of five of her brotherson a neighborhood wall and starts to cry. I don't want to get famous off of this. When Whyte and her alleged grandmother went to do a DNA test. Tiffany Whyte came into limelight when she claimed that she is the secret daughter of Janet Jackson and James DeBarge. The rumor flared up after Bunny . By 1985, Jackson's father Joe had his daughter's marriage to DeBarge annulled, per the Mirror, and in 1986, she dropped her iconic album, "Control."By this point, she was not only emancipated from . Nasty singer Janet Jackson was forced to give up her alleged daughter, ex-husband James DeBarge claimed. I would apologize to Janet and tell her as a family we would not have done it like that, she told Inside Edition. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. I would apologize to Janet and tell her as a family we would not have done it like that, she said. In 2016, according to Entertainment Tonight, DeBarge, who ran into legal trouble for his drug use in 2011 and 2014, appeared on the show "Growing Up Hip-Hop "and claimed that he and Jackson had a secret daughter together. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Janet Jackson's Ex-Husband James DeBarge Claims the Two Have a Secret Daughter Together", "Janet Jackson's Ex-Sister-in-Law Apologizes Over Singer's 'Secret Daughter' Controversy", "Dr. Conrad Murray Jailmates with Janet Jackson's Ex Michael's Brother-in-Law", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=James_DeBarge&oldid=1139449492, BLP articles lacking sources from March 2008, Pages using infobox person with multiple parents, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 05:34. For more about Janet Jacksons life, check out her 2011 book, True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself In February, Inside Edition interviewed Bunny's mother, Etterlene DeBarge, who said she believes a 31-year-old woman from Philadelphia named Tiffany Whyte was Janets secret daughter. Well, Tiffany Whyte of Philadelphia, PA claims to be the child Janet Jackson gave up for adoption back in the 80s before they separated. During an interview with The Jasmine Brand, she explained how she wants to tell her story. She's 'very good friends' with Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson dedicates Rock Hall honor to 2-year-old son, We may never resolve our conflicted feelings about Michael Jackson, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. How could I keep a child from their father? I mean, she was there with us all day, every day. He was one of the members of the singing family vocal group DeBarge who became famous with their mid-1980s songs "All This Love",[1] "Love Me in a Special Way", "Rhythm of the Night", and "Who's Holding Donna Now". Love is limitless. And then because [my brother] Randys daughter looks so much like me, they started saying it was Stevanna. In an interview on We tvs Growing Up Hip Hop in 2016, DeBarge revealed that even he thought Jackson had a secret child he didnt know about. I was just incredibly innocent, she said in the docuseries Its just, to me, hurtful for someone to see that and just try to take advantage of it. Jackson went on to marry dancerRen Elizondo Jr. from 1991 to 2000. There were times when Mike used to tease me and call me names. Heres what we know about Janet Jacksons son, what their life together is like and what Jackson has said about having more kids. He and Jackson eloped in 1984 and divorced the following year. The new addition to Jackson's family was one she'd apparently left up to forces greater than her; in 2009, she told Harpers Bazaar, I think that if Im really supposed to have kids, it will happen, if thats Gods plan for me. Since becoming a mom, Jackson has maintained a super-low profileand delivered another shocker when she announced just months after giving birth that she was separating from her husband. Im not sure, but I think it was the pressure, the fame, he said about Jackson giving up the rumored daughter. Bunny added that she guesses 10 women have come forward to claim they are the secret child. Why cant I? Jackson said in an interview with an Australian radio show.Well see. ), and she gamely indulges with blithe answers. Etterlene Debarge - Janet's former mother-in-law - claims to have evidence which can prove there is, in fact, a secret daughter. Copyright 2023 IBTimes LLC. Watch Uncle Michael and mama, and he wants to see Scream at that point, Janet said in 2019 of Eissas love of watching her and Michaels videos. Janet Jackson and James DeBarge were married from 1984 to 1985. . He comes first in my life., Related:Celebrity Baby Name Trends for 2021. I could never do that, that's not right.". Jackson eventually welcomed a child in 2017, son Eissa, whom she shares with her estranged husband, Wissam Al Mana. Back in the day they were saying that I had a child and I kept it a secret, Jackson, 55, recalled in a teaser for the upcoming Lifetime and A&E documentary Janet., I could never keep a child away from James, she said. DeBarge was also known for his 1984 marriage to pop singer Janet Jackson. James and Janet married in 84 and annulled in Nov of 85. Nearly 50 years into her career, Janet Jacksonis still exhibitingthe Control that turned her into a cultural icon. Sorry Tiffany, God bless you and we hope you find your family., Bunny also explained why her mother, Etterlene, welcomed Tiffany with open arms. "I could never keep a child away from James. According to reports, they had a daughter. Janet Jacksonpremieres January 28, 2022, on Lifetime and A&E. Bunny, however, questions the validity of that test, claiming there's no way Tiffany is the secret child. Then, she went to discuss Tiffany. All Rights Reserved. There is no way she belongs to the DeBarge Jackson family. DeBarge performed with brothers El and Mark during a gospel service in late 2007. Footage of Jackson rehearsing video choreography with Paula Abdul who also worked with TheJacksons on their Torture video is endearing. Im like, Mom, maybe shes some kin to you but she's not James and Janets daughter. And for someone like me, raised in show business where self-concern is always a priority, how fortunate I am now to be concerned, first and foremost, with the welfare of someone else, Jackson toldBillboard in 2018. Its been an exhausting and circuitous road from the 670-square-foot house in Indiana which housed the nine Jackson siblings and their parents to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which Jackson entered in 2019. She said she would often have to search for DeBarge on the streets and they got into physical altercations when she tried to get rid of his drugs. "Back in the day they were saying that I had a child and I kept it secret," Janet, 55, said. Kristinia appeared on 2003's American Idol spin-off American Juniors, and later received a recording contract through Island Def Jam Records . And back then, you could pick up weight taking them, and thats what happened to me.. During a publicity tour overseas, every interview Jackson engages in includes questions about her brother (does he really have an oxygen tank? In the docuseries, Jackson explained that the rumors started in 1984 when she was a cast member in season 4 of NBCs Fame, in which she played Cleo Hewitt. Even, her grandmother, Etterlene DeBerge also speaks that Janet was pregnant when she was getting a divorce. DeBarge is slated to take a DNA test next month to prove he is Whytes father. Tiffany Whyte came into limelight when she claimed that she is the secret daughter of Janet Jackson and James DeBarge. While Jackson and the dulcet-toned DeBarge singer were only married for a year, tittle-tattle has persisted for decades that. He does this thing that my brother did from Doesnt Really Care About Us, the march and the hand, Jackson explained. I mean, she was there with us all day, every day. When news of Jackson and Al Mana's pregnancy became public, the rumors resurfaced, and in an interview with Radar Online in May, DeBarge said a young woman who claimed to be his daughter with . All rights reserved. They separated three months after Eissas birth in 2017, and a custody battle ensued, including Janet calling police for awelfare checkon her son in 2018; police found the baby safe. The marriage lasted just a year, but since it ended, speculation has been rampant that Jackson gave birth to a baby girl 31 years ago. But I guess people will do anything for that 15 min(utes) of fame. 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. Although most fans have probably heard about her, many dont know her name. Its just something that needs to be done, Jackson, 55, says of the film during the opening scene as she's being driven through herhometown of Gary, Indiana. Later, the case remains in mystery and never opens it again. Of course, Eissa's also just a regular kid, so he also loves Paw Patrol, pancakes and working alongside his mom whether its cleaning the house or building a project together. Although she doesnt bare much resemblance to Janet or James, theres another reason why her mother does believe Tiffany could be her sons daughter. Young DeBarge said the. READ: Janet Jacksons 'Secret Daughter' Tiffany Whyte Speaks Out, Whyte denied she wanted money or fame. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale. He plays the cello and violin, loves Bruno Mars and likes to dance to his late uncle, Michael Jackson. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. However, Bunny admitted she wasnt sure if Janet gave birth or aborted the baby. But Tiffany's case accepted when Jacksons mother-in-law tells about her pregnancy. "Someone had contacted me. The Debarge family claims shes telling the truth and even James sister, Bunny Debarge, has spoken out about the child Janet reportedly tried to cover up. In the doc, Janet detailed how the fake news morphed into different salacious stories, including that she gave the secret baby girl she never had to one of her siblings to raise as their own. King World Productions Inc. 2023 Inside Edition Inc. and CBS interactive Inc., Paramount companies. Yes, that rumor still lingers propelled by DeBarge and his family, at times and the superstar singer clears it up in part two of her Lifetime and A&E documentary Janet. Sign up and stay up to date with our daily newsletter. A Paternity Test? "A lot of the kids thought I was pregnant, cause I had gained weight," Janet said of the time period, when she was appearing in TV's Fame. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. 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. "It is for sure that they are my parents., Read:Michael Jackson Impersonator Wins Ultimate Gig - Playing the 'King of Pop' in Biopic. The actor had started taking oral contraceptives, which at the time were linked with increases in appetite and fluid retention due to higher levels of the hormones estrogen and progestin. Nobody saw a baby. In those moments, all is right with the world., Jackson has also revealed that shes chosen not to rely on a nanny to help her raise her son. However, it's about her life: highs and lows of her incredible career, her complicated relationship with Michael and body image struggles. Jacksons denial could be construed as oblique. Knowing the pressure surrounding a follow-up album, Jackson again turned to Jam and Lewis. Janet, who was later married to Ren Elizondo Jr. and Wissam Al Mana, said, "I don't know, maybe it's this person in me that wants to help people subconsciously. [2] In 2016, DeBarge claimed on Growing Up Hip-Hop that he and Jackson have a daughter. Jackson acquiesces that her surname is a proverbial blessing and curse. While Jackson still maintains that she never had a child with DeBarge, she did welcome a son, Eissa, in 2017 with her third husband, billionaire businessman Wissam Al Mana. Singer Janet Jackson posed with then-husband James DeBarge in 1985. About Tiffany Whyte - The Alleged Daughter of Janet Jackson and James DeBarge. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Janet Jackson did not have a secret baby in the 80s that she kept from husband James DeBarge and the world. How could I keep a child from their father? But I wasn't the help that he needed." "I saw the good in him as well and I just wanted that to take precedence as opposed to this ugliness," she said. "HowcouldIkeepachildawayfromtheirfather? In 2017, the DeBarge family even claimed they found the child a 31-year-old woman living in Philadelphia who grew up in foster care but a DNA test, facilitated by a tabloid, later proved that DeBarge was not the father. "Nasty" singer Janet Jackson was forced to give up her alleged daughter, ex-husband James DeBarge claimed. The rumors regarding an extravagant wedding are simply not true. "Back in the day they were saying that I had a child and I kept it secret," she said. February 23, 2017, 1:29 PM. Did Janet Jackson have a baby with James DeBarge? But it is, he said. In an interview with InStyle, Jackson talked about spending time with her son outside while still risking being spotted by fans and paparazzi. My motherdid it. His brother and mother have publicly claimed that a baby existed. I have to rest up, doctor's orders.". Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think youll love as much as we do. Knowing who he is and that we are all equal no matter the race or gender. In El's absence, James handled lead vocals. According to Tiffany, theyve taken a DNA test and the results were a match, which proves shes their daughter. In an interview with Radar Online, Whyte has spoken about her parents Jackson and DeBarge. Etterlene said that she became convinced after she and Tiffany took a DNA test. Kristinia appeared on 2003's American Idol spin-off American Juniors, and later received a recording contract through Island Def Jam Records. They eloped in 1984 when she was just 18. For years, there have been whispers about the alleged daughter Janet Jackson gave up. First they were saying my niece Brandi was my daughter and that I gave her to [my brother] Jackie to raise, she said. Now, were not DNA expertsbutthe visuals just arent adding up. Between the five years of footage by her documentary crew enlisted to chronicle her 2017 tour and the 10 years of previously unseen home videos shot by ex-husbandElizondo, as well as vintage concert and TV performance clips, the visual offerings are intriguing. Janet Jackson & James DeBarge Married: 1 year What Went Wrong: The couple's 1984 marriage came to a close one year later when DeBarge was reportedly suffering from substance abuse. Such an intelligent beautiful boy. Theres no word yet if their divorce has been finalized or what current custody arrangements might be, Related: Justin Timberlake Apologizes to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson. You are my love, my life, my soul. DeBarge performed three encores despite not being the top billed act. She married her third husband, entrepreneur Wissam Al Mana, in 2012. After heading backstage at a 1985 concert from The Time Jam and Lewis Minneapolis-based funk outfit Jackson decided to work with the young producers to help her craft a signature sound. I get up, I go to sleepeverything is about him. UPDATED VIDEO COMING!James exposing the truth https://youtu.be/rKUY49nyP3M The foundation of being grounded and also of a higher power. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. Janet Jackson breaks silence on Super Bowl in Part 2:She's 'very good friends' with Justin Timberlake. After decades of rumors about Janet Jackson and James DeBarge's daughter and claims they had a secret child before their divorce, the conspiracy theories have officially been shut down. James Curtis DeBarge (born August 22, 1963) is an American R&B/soul singer. First they were saying my niece Brandi was my daughter and that I gave her to [my brother] Jackie to raise, she said. But she doesnt think that person is Whyte, a 31-year-old woman from Philadelphia. DeBarge is a practicing Christian. Sorry Tiffany, God bless you and we hope you find your family.. Does Janet Jackson really have a secret daughter? }); Copyright 2015 . She also noted that Whyte, does not look like James or Janet. She called him a "sweet guy," but said his drug use led to their split. Calls for comment by Inside Edition to the pop superstarwere not returned. In her new documentary, Janet Jackson denies the rumor that she had a child with James DeBarge. Janet Jackson has a secret teenage daughter called RENEE, according to the singer's former brother-in-law. Janet which was filmed over three years, airs over two nights on Lifetime and A&E starting Friday. I say leave Janet and James alone. The 62-year-old soul singer says she had firsthand knowledge of Jacksons pregnancy. This has haunted my brother for years, Bunny said. even includes lessons and tips from her own nutritionist, David Allen, who helped Janet get her mind, body and soul in shape for good. Apparently, her alleged daughter is speaking out for the first time. He would laugh about it and Id laugh too, but then there was somewhere down inside that it would hurt. She added, When you have somebody say youre too heavy, it affects you., Jackson also revealed that her weight fluctuated throughout her life as a result of her being an emotional eater. he said in the docuseries When I get stressed or something is really bothering me, [eating] comforts me. She added, I was developing at a very young age and I started getting a chest and they would bind it so I would look more flat-chested.. My son has shown me that love, no matter how deeply you believe you have experienced that emotion, can always go deeper. Bunny DeBarge accused Whye of being a fame seeker, noting she doesnt resemble Jackson or DeBarge. Im sure I will need someone in the future, some help here and there, but I dont have anyone [right now] and I love it. She even claims she has proof that her allegations aren't just rumors for publicity. Bunny believes Whyte is just seeking fame and that she's one of many who've contacted her family claiming to be Janets secret daughter. Such a 'Scream': Kim Kardashian buys Janet Jackson video costume, And thats just in the first two hours of "Janet Jackson.". Where was the baby?, The gossip resurfaced in 2016, when DeBarge appearedon the WE tv series Growing up Hip Hop. But crafting what would become 1989s dynamic Janet Jacksons Rhythm Nation 1814 endured challenges. I could never do that. Their marriage was annulled one year later. But the truth was she loved and cared about him. She is pictured above March 26, 2016 in Dubai. , co-written with David Ritz and Karen Hunter. I do believe my mother being up and age now (81) ran with it once the DNAcame back that she was 96 percent kin. Before Whyte, there were numbers of ladies who came and claimed on the same topic but their case didn't take seriously. Jackson she gave birth to Eissa Al Mana on Jan. 3, 2017. In 2012 DeBarge was imprisoned after being arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and drugs charges. But it is.. While Jackson still maintains that she never had a child with DeBarge, she did welcome a son, Eissa, in 2017 with her third husband, billionaire businessman. Even with the success of Control, I dont think she was able to escape Michaels shadow, Jam says as they embark on the Rhythm Nation recording. When she was 18, Janet eloped with singer James DeBarge in 1984, but their marriage was annulled the following years. James along with brothers Mark, Randy, nephew Andrew (bass player), and an unknown niece are performing on tour as DeBarge. authenticate users, apply security measures, and prevent spam and abuse, and, display personalised ads and content based on interest profiles, measure the effectiveness of personalised ads and content, and, develop and improve our products and services. "That's not a life for anyone.". 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. Jackson and Wissam have both kept their son's life out of the public eye. Wheres the baby? she asks, noting that Jackson was always with the cast on set. "Back in the day they were saying that I had a . 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. Icouldneverdothat. I tried to explain to momma that the girl isntkin to her. Rumors circulated about Janet Jackson and James Debarge having a secret child.