The Secret Child Rumor: Janet Jackson, James DeBarge, and a Decades-Long Mystery

For decades, rumors have swirled around Janet Jackson and her brief marriage to James DeBarge in the 1980s. The most persistent claim? That Janet had a secret child with James, a child she was allegedly forced to give away to protect her career and family image.

Despite repeated denials from Janet, the story refuses to fade, fueled by cryptic comments from the DeBarge family and supposed sightings from those close to the couple at the time.

The whispers began after Janet, then 18, eloped with James DeBarge in 1984, reportedly as a way to escape her controlling father, Joe Jackson.

Their marriage was troubled from the start, plagued by James’s substance abuse issues. Janet often found herself caring for James and trying to manage his addiction, all while still a teenager. Amidst this chaos, rumors emerged that Janet became pregnant during their marriage.

Those close to the situation—including DeBarge family members—have insisted for years that Janet was visibly pregnant.

Some claim to have seen photos or even witnessed Janet with a baby bump at public events, like the American Music Awards, where her brother Tito allegedly tried to shield her from cameras.

Others recall hearing stories from hospital staff who said Janet was pregnant when she visited her grandmother.

James DeBarge himself has been the most vocal about the alleged child. He’s written letters, given interviews, and maintained for years that he and Janet had a baby together.

His daughter, Kristinia DeBarge, also believes she has a secret half-sister out there, suggesting that powerful forces within the Jackson family may have orchestrated a cover-up to protect Janet’s career.

James’s sister, Bunny DeBarge, claims she saw Janet’s pregnancy firsthand, saying Janet disappeared from the spotlight and returned with no sign of a baby.

Despite these persistent claims, Janet Jackson has consistently denied the story. In her 2022 documentary, she addressed the rumors directly, insisting that she never had a child with James and that it would have been impossible to hide a pregnancy from her father.

Janet explained that she gained weight in the 1980s due to birth control pills, which sparked the initial gossip. She also debunked related rumors that she gave a secret baby to one of her siblings to raise, or that her niece Brandy or another family member was actually her daughter in disguise.

Attempts to prove the rumor have failed. In one high-profile case, a woman named Tiffany White claimed to be Janet and James’s secret daughter. However, DNA tests proved otherwise.

Still, James and his family remain convinced that the child exists, with some speculating that Janet may have suffered a miscarriage or stillbirth and simply prefers not to discuss it.

Ultimately, the truth remains elusive. Was there ever a secret baby, or is this just another urban legend fueled by family drama, public fascination, and the pressures of celebrity?

With conflicting stories and no concrete evidence, the mystery of Janet Jackson and James DeBarge’s alleged child continues to intrigue and divide fans—leaving the final answer known only to those directly involved.