“The Secret Daughter?” James DeBarge Hints at Explosive Janet Jackson Revelation in Upcoming Film
Decades may have passed since their whirlwind romance ended, but the secrets surrounding Janet Jackson and James DeBarge’s short-lived marriage are making headlines again—and this time, the rumors feel less like whispers and more like truth.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Janet Jackson attends the Harlem’s Fashion Row 15th Anniversary Fashion Show And Style Awards After Party on September 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
Media Take Out exclusively learned that during a recent interview, James DeBarge, 61, the former R&B heartthrob of the DeBarge family and Janet’s first husband, dropped a cryptic but explosive clue: a long-rumored secret daughter with Janet may actually exist—and he’s finally ready to talk about it.
“I’m not confirming anything,” he said with a knowing smile, “but there’s a story people haven’t heard. And I think it’s time they do.”
The Elopement That Shook the Jackson Empire
Janet Jackson was just 18 years old when she eloped with James DeBarge on September 7, 1984. At the time, she was a rising star navigating her own spotlight apart from her famous family—and DeBarge was a smooth-voiced sensation with hits like “All This Love” and “Rhythm of the Night.”
But the fairy tale ended almost as quickly as it began. Their marriage was annulled in November 1985, reportedly due to DeBarge’s struggles with drug addiction, which Janet has referenced vaguely in past interviews.
Still, for nearly four decades, a persistent rumor has followed them both: that Janet became pregnant during the marriage, secretly gave birth, and that the child was quietly raised by a family member—allegedly Janet’s niece or cousin Rene, depending on the version of the story.
Janet has never publicly acknowledged having a child during that time.
“There Are Things People Should Know”
DeBarge, who has been in and out of rehab over the years, seemed more composed than usual during his interview—measured, emotional, and strangely at peace. When asked about the long-standing rumor of a daughter, he didn’t deny it.
Instead, he teased an upcoming film project he’s currently developing—one that will allegedly “tell the whole truth” about his relationship with Janet, his battles with addiction, and yes, the secret he’s kept for decades.
“I think people have the right to know what really happened,” he said. “Not just the fans. But the people involved. Including her.”
When pressed on whether the daughter knows her alleged identity, DeBarge simply said, “She’s grown now. And smart. She’s figuring things out.”
Fans React: Is It True?
For fans of both Janet and DeBarge, the idea of a secret daughter isn’t new—it’s been dissected on forums, blogs, and even daytime talk shows for years. In 2016, a woman claiming to be the alleged daughter came forward, but DNA tests later debunked her claims.
Still, the idea persists. And now, with James himself hinting at confirmation, fans are once again revisiting old interviews, timelines, and even lyrics for clues.
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 09: Janet Jackson attends Thom Browne’s 20th Anniversary celebration with Phaidon at the Victoria and Albert Museum on October 9, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Thom Browne Inc.)
“I always thought there was more to the story,” one fan commented on Twitter. “You don’t hide a marriage unless there’s something bigger to protect.”
Janet Remains Silent
As of now, Janet Jackson has made no public comment about DeBarge’s recent interview. The pop icon, now 59, is notoriously private, especially when it comes to her personal life. She gave birth to her only publicly known child, a son named Eissa, in 2017 at age 50, with Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana.
Whether or not she chooses to address DeBarge’s claims—or his upcoming film—is anyone’s guess. But if James follows through on his promise to “spill all the tea,” the world may finally get answers to a rumor that’s lingered in the shadows for nearly 40 years.
