After 18 long years, the existence of Janet Jackson’s child with former husband James DeBarge has finally been validated. James’ younger brother, Young DeBarge, revealed on New York’s WQHT-FM that Janet and James have a daughter named Renee who is 18-years-old.
"James and the Jackson family kept everything real close, real tight,” said Young. “No one really knew how it was working out until things kind of surfaced."
DeBarge and Jackson eloped in 1984 when Jackson was 18-years-old. The marriage was annulled the following year, largely due to DeBarge's drug habit. In the years that followed, rumors began surfacing that Jackson and DeBarge had a baby who was given to Janet’s older sister Rebbie to raise.
Young said that Renee still lives with Rebbie. He claims the situation has caused the relationship between the sisters to be somewhat strained.
He said: "I think there's a little despondence. She hasn't really revealed that, but I'm sure that there's some feelings there. It's only natural that you wonder about what is and how it's come to be that way."
Jackson’s rep Patti Webster did not deny the claims when contacted by media outlets Friday, but said the singer had no comment.
Posted By: Alexandria Jackson
Monday, October 24th 2005 at 12:10PM
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