In 2016, singer James DeBarge—best known for his brief marriage to pop icon Janet Jackson in the mid‑1980s—dropped a bombshell. On the reality showGrowing Up Hip Hop, DeBarge claimed they shared a secret daughter, stating: “it is”, when asked by his daughter if Janet had a child with him

The claim quickly resurfaced years later. DeBarge alleged a woman contacted him via email, identifying herself as their daughter. He said she used tender language, even calling him “Papa,” and provided details only he and Janet would know. Allegedly, she had been adopted—but her adoptive mother, on her deathbed, revealed the truth.

Janet Jackson’s Firm Response

Janet Jackson, however, has consistently and emphatically denied any such rumors. In her Lifetime/A&E documentary Janet (2022), she addressed the persistent gossip head-on: Back in the day they were saying that I had a child and I kept it secret,” she recalled, adding I could never keep a child away from James. … I could never do that, that’s not right.”

The documentary suggested the rumors stemmed from weight gain while filmingFame, due to birth control pills—not pregnancy. Her co-star, Debbie Allen, recalled that everyone saw Janet daily—Where was the baby?” she wondered, poking holes in the speculation.

A Clash of Narratives

Here’s how the stories diverge:

James DeBarge’s Claim:

Declared on TV that Janet and he share a child.
Cited a mysterious contact from a woman identifying as their daughter.

Suggested she’s adopted and that adoption was concealed—even from him.

Implied intentional secrecy by Janet or those close to her.

Janet Jackson’s Denial:

Strongly denies having ever kept a child from James or the public.

Attributes rumors to weight gain and speculation during her Fame era.

Asserts that she “could never keep a child away from James… that’s not right.”

Public Reaction and Rumors Online

On platforms like Reddit, the rumor continues to bubble under the surface:

Janet had a secret kid with James debarge that’s been hidden from the public,” one user posted.

Another chimed in:

The Janet Jackson secret daughter has been around since she was married to James Debarge.”

Though anecdotal, these comments highlight how deeply the rumor has penetrated fan culture, despite official denials.

Examining the Evidence

Let’s break down what supports each side—and what’s missing.

Where Is the “Hidden Baby” Today?

Despite the provocative title—James DeBarge REVEALS Where Janet’s Hidden Baby Is TODAY”—there is no substantiated revelation. DeBarge did claim the daughter was adopted and wanted to keep it quiet for the child’s sake, but he did not disclose her identity, location, or current status. Until credible evidence emerges—and without confirmations or admissions from either side—the question remains unanswered.

The Legacy of a Persistent Rumor

This rumor persists not because of proof but due to:

Celebrity mystique around the Jackson family.

Adramatic counter-narrative from DeBarge.

Janet’s reluctance to deeply revisit her past, keeping the discussion in rumor territory.

Fan speculation and conspiracy culture, which thrives on unanswered questions.

Conclusion: Rumor vs. Reality

James DeBarge’s claims are sensational—but so far, stand alone. Janet Jackson remains firm: she never hid a child, could never withhold a child from the father, and believes the rumor originated from mistaken assumptions tied to her appearance during her early career.

Until compelling evidence, such as DNA confirmation or an identifiable source comes forward, this story remains a headline—dramatic, divisive, and ultimately unresolved.