The rumor mill has long speculated: did Janet Jackson secretly bear and hide a child during her brief marriage to James DeBarge in the mid-1980s? The whispers have persisted for decades. Now, purported claims suggest that James DeBarge himself is ready to reveal exactly where this “hidden baby” is today. But what’s fact—and what’s rumor?

This investigative piece sifts through documented statements, credible sources, and compelling narratives to shine a light on one of entertainment’s most enduring legends.

Origins of the Rumor

In 1984, Janet Jackson was a fresh-faced 18-year-old star on the hit TV series Fame when she married James DeBarge, of the famed DeBarge musical family. Their union, lasting just under a year, ended in annulment—reportedly due to DeBarge’s substance abuse issues

Around the same time, rumors began swirling that Janet was pregnant and concealed a child. Many believe the speculation stemmed from her slight weight gain while filming Fame—a change she attributed to taking birth-control pills that were known to cause weight fluctuations  It wasn’t long before sensational stories emerged: some said her niece Brandy was actually her daughter, others claimed she gave the child to her brother Jackie or sister Rebbie to raise .

Janet Jackson Speaks

In her 2022 A&E/Lifetime documentary Janet, the pop icon finally addressed these long-standing rumors head-on:

Back in the day they were saying that I had a child and I kept it secret,” she said. “I could never keep a child away from James. How could I keep a child from their father? I could never do that, that’s not right.”

Janet also explained that the buzz began simply because of her changing appearance duringFame.

Her costar, Debbie Allen, dismissed the claim in the documentary by noting that Janet was present on set every day—so where was the baby? “Nobody saw a baby,” Allen remarked

Major outlets likePeople, Business Insider,NBC, and The Independent all reported on the televised denial, treating the rumors as debunked in light of Janet’s candid comments .

James DeBarge Fires Back

Yet, tension remains. In 2016, over three decades after their annulment, James DeBarge appeared on WE tv’s Growing Up Hip-Hop and made a startling declaration:

I was under the impression that there was no baby … But it is.”

DeBarge did not offer further explanation on how he knew or where the child might be. No names, no details—just a vague, explosive claim.

Investigative Crossroads

A. Contrasting Statements

Janet is explicit and emotional: she would not—and could not—hide a child from DeBarge

DeBarge asserts there is a hidden child, without substantiation

These diametrically opposed claims are at the heart of the controversy.

Lack of Evidence
Despite the sensationalism, reputable media and documentary producers have found no corroborating evidence—no documents, no reliable witnesses, no adoption records. Janet has publicly and consistently denied the rumor, and no child has ever surfaced with verifiable connection to either party.

Public Skepticism
Online discussions reflect continued debate:

Janet had a secret kid with James DeBarge that’s been hidden from the public.”…and:It didn’t help that in that Lifetime documentary, she didn’t 100% deny it…”

Others remember forgotten tabloids or perceived signs of curation by the Jackson family—but these remain unverified anecdotes

Where Is This “Hidden Baby” Today?

Despite James DeBarge’s claim that “it is” true, no credible evidence has emerged to substantiate the existence or current whereabouts of Janet’s “hidden baby.”

In the absence of any verifiable sources, interviews, or confirmable documentation, we can’t report anything definitive. The claim remains unsubstantiated rumor.

Ethical Considerations

At the heart of this inquiry lies a delicate balancing act:

Privacy: If the child does exist, they would have a right to anonymity, especially given the trauma and public attention.

Speculation vs. Respect: Continuing the rumor can cause unnecessary harm for Janet, her family, and potentially—if the child exists—for the individual themselves.

Journalistic Responsibility: Without evidence, responsible reporting demands transparency about the rumor’s speculative nature.

Takeaway

Fact: Janet Jackson has consistently and publicly denied the existence of a secret child, stating she would never hide a child from DeBarge or the world

Claim: James DeBarge, in 2016, asserted there is a secret daughter, but gave no evidence or details

Conclusion: There’s no credible information supporting the existence or current location of Janet’s purported “hidden baby.”

Unless new evidence emerges from credible sources, this remains a rumor—one fueled by decades of speculation, hearsay, and unverified commentary.