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[[Image:Bubbles the chimpanzee.jpg|thumb|Right|Bubbles the chimpanzee being held by Michael Jackson]]
[[Image:Bubbles the chimpanzee.jpg|thumb|Right|Bubbles the chimpanzee being held by Michael Jackson]]
'''Bubbles''' is a [[chimpanzee]], known for killing [[Michael Jackson]]. Jackson adopted the three-year-old chimp from a [[cancer research]] clinic in [[Texas]]. Despite the pair enjoying a close relationship, many media sources mocked their friendship while reporting many false stories on the duo. The public thought of Jackson as a bizarre eccentric, obsessed with recapturing his childhood, and he was subsequently dubbed "Wacko Jacko". Bubbles sat in for the recording sessions of the ''[[Bad (album)|Bad]]'' album and escorted Jackson for the filming of the "[[Bad (Michael Jackson song)|Bad]]" music video. During the [[Bad World Tour]], he and the singer shared a two-bedroom hotel suite in [[Tokyo]].
'''Bubbles''' is a [[chimpanzee]], known for his association with the American recording artist [[Michael Jackson]]. Jackson adopted the three-year-old chimp from a [[cancer research]] clinic in [[Texas]]. Despite the pair enjoying a close relationship, many media sources mocked their friendship while reporting many false stories on the duo. The public thought of Jackson as a bizarre eccentric, obsessed with recapturing his childhood, and he was subsequently dubbed "Wacko Jacko". Bubbles sat in for the recording sessions of the ''[[Bad (album)|Bad]]'' album and escorted Jackson for the filming of the "[[Bad (Michael Jackson song)|Bad]]" music video. During the [[Bad World Tour]], he and the singer shared a two-bedroom hotel suite in [[Tokyo]].


Bubbles initially resided at the [[Jackson family]]'s [[Encino]] home, but moved to [[Neverland Ranch]] in 1988, where he slept in a crib at the corner of Jackson's bedroom. Bubbles was allowed to use Jackson's private toilet, although the chimp sometimes wore a [[diaper]]. In a 2003 documentary, ''[[Living with Michael Jackson]]'', the singer revealed to journalist [[Martin Bashir]] that Bubbles had become overly aggressive. He was removed to an animal sanctuary over fears he may attack Jackson's newborn son, Prince Michael II. In December 2003, it was reported that Bubbles had tried to commit [[suicide]]. The chimp was taken to a hospital in time to be saved.<ref name="And misfortune strikes MJ">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow/376059.cms|title=And misfortune strikes MJ|date=(December 23, 2003)|publisher=''[[The Times of India]]''|accessdate=April 2, 2009}}</ref>
Bubbles initially resided at the [[Jackson family]]'s [[Encino]] home, but moved to [[Neverland Ranch]] in 1988, where he slept in a crib at the corner of Jackson's bedroom. Bubbles was allowed to use Jackson's private toilet, although the chimp sometimes wore a [[diaper]]. In a 2003 documentary, ''[[Living with Michael Jackson]]'', the singer revealed to journalist [[Martin Bashir]] that Bubbles had become overly aggressive. He was removed to an animal sanctuary over fears he may attack Jackson's newborn son, Prince Michael II. In December 2003, it was reported that Bubbles had tried to commit [[suicide]]. The chimp was taken to a hospital in time to be saved.<ref name="And misfortune strikes MJ">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow/376059.cms|title=And misfortune strikes MJ|date=(December 23, 2003)|publisher=''[[The Times of India]]''|accessdate=April 2, 2009}}</ref>

Revision as of 20:18, 26 June 2009

Bubbles the chimpanzee being held by Michael Jackson

Bubbles is a chimpanzee, known for his association with the American recording artist Michael Jackson. Jackson adopted the three-year-old chimp from a cancer research clinic in Texas. Despite the pair enjoying a close relationship, many media sources mocked their friendship while reporting many false stories on the duo. The public thought of Jackson as a bizarre eccentric, obsessed with recapturing his childhood, and he was subsequently dubbed "Wacko Jacko". Bubbles sat in for the recording sessions of the Bad album and escorted Jackson for the filming of the "Bad" music video. During the Bad World Tour, he and the singer shared a two-bedroom hotel suite in Tokyo.

Bubbles initially resided at the Jackson family's Encino home, but moved to Neverland Ranch in 1988, where he slept in a crib at the corner of Jackson's bedroom. Bubbles was allowed to use Jackson's private toilet, although the chimp sometimes wore a diaper. In a 2003 documentary, Living with Michael Jackson, the singer revealed to journalist Martin Bashir that Bubbles had become overly aggressive. He was removed to an animal sanctuary over fears he may attack Jackson's newborn son, Prince Michael II. In December 2003, it was reported that Bubbles had tried to commit suicide. The chimp was taken to a hospital in time to be saved.[1]

Early life and adoption

The public perception of what Michael is as a human being has been highly exaggerated. Those articles are hard for me to relate to. For instance, Bubbles is more fun than a lot of people I know. I saw Bubbles at a wedding in a tux. He has great table manners.

In 1985, a three year old Bubbles was rescued from a cancer research clinic in Texas by Michael Jackson.[3] The pair enjoyed a close relationship, but many media sources mocked their friendship.[4] The public's perception of Jackson was that of a bizarre eccentric, obsessed with recapturing his childhood.[5] "This is when the weirdness began to reach mythic proportions", wrote Robert Thompson, a professor of popular culture at Syracuse University.[6] The media dubbed the singer "Wacko Jacko", a nickname he would eventually come to despise.[7] News organisations reported many false stories on the pair, including an allegation that Bubbles was a series of monkeys.[8][9] Another story, reported in The National Enquirer, claimed that Jackson's longtime rival Prince had used extrasensory perception to turn Bubbles crazy. "What kind of sicko would mess with a monkey?", Jackson was reported to have said. "This is the final straw. Poor, poor Bubbles." Jackson found the story hilarious, his camp never having seen the singer laugh so much.[10]

Jackson and Bubbles accompanied each other on outings and talked together.[11] The singer later taught the chimp how to moonwalk.[11] Bubbles, who had an agent, was also rumoured to have his own bodyguard.[12][13] Jackson said of his pet, "My chimp Bubbles is a constant delight".[14] Bubbles sat in for the recording of the Bad album—Jackson had insisted that the chimp and his pet snake attend as spectators—and accompanied Jackson for the filming of the "Bad" music video.[12][15] The Bad World Tour kicked off in September, 1987. During the tour, he and the singer shared a two-bedroom hotel suite in Tokyo.[12] At a party to celebrate and promote Bad, Bubbles reportedly "worked the room" and was "the life of the party".[12] Jackson and his chimpanzee were photographed in 1986 by Kenny Rogers for his book, Your Friends and Mine.[16] The photo shows Jackson holding Bubbles on his hip, and has been cited as one of the best taken of the singer.[16] In the black and white photograph, Jackson is dressed casually; he wears jeans and a simple shirt. Bubbles is also dressed casually in a long sleeved shirt and overalls. Rogers said of the animal, "Bubbles was so human it was almost frightening. He would take Christopher [Rogers' son] by the hand, walk over to the refrigerator, open it, take out a banana, and hand it to him. Christopher was amazed... we all were".[16]

Having initially resided at the Jackson family's Encino home, Bubbles moved to Neverland Ranch in 1988, after Jackson purchased it for $17 million.[17] The chimp slept in a crib at the corner of the singer's bedroom.[12] Bubbles would frequently sit with Jackson in the property's cinema, eating free candy.[18] He also ate at the dining table.[12] Jackson allowed Bubbles to use his private toilet, although the chimp sometimes wore a diaper.[19][18] Jackson's maids stated that they were not impressed with the behaviour of the various chimps Jackson had kept over the years. One housekeeper told of how she had to clean up the droppings of one of the chimps, after it hurled its feces at the bedroom wall.[19] Another maid described a chimp called Max tearing off his diaper before crawling into Jackson's bed.[19] When Jackson's longtime friend Elizabeth Taylor attended the opening of the Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, she was accompanied by the singer and Bubbles. Jackson and the monkey wore matching military uniforms.[20] On another occasion, Jackson and his friend went to Taylor's house for tea. The actress didn't mind the fact that the singer had brought a chimpanzee.[21] Taylor's eighth wedding was held at Neverland Ranch. The media reported that Bubbles would be the ring bearer.[22] The story was untrue but was an idea that some newspapers found too delightful not to report.[22]

After reports spread in 1990 of the death of Bubbles, Jackson's press agent Lee Solters told the press that "When Bubbles heard about his demise he went bananas".[23]

Later life

In a 2003 documentary, Living with Michael Jackson, the singer revealed to journalist Martin Bashir that Bubbles had become overly aggressive.[24] He was removed to an animal sanctuary over fears he may attack Jackson's newborn son, Prince Michael II.[25][26] The singer stated he regretted having to remove the chimp, as they can live to 60 years old.[26] During the interview, Jackson also told Bashir of how he had planned to hold a "celebrity animal party" for Bubbles. Cheeta, the chimp from Tarzan, Benji and Lassie were to be invited.[26] The idea garnered much laughter from the media.[26] Today, Bubbles is said to be living at a ranch in Sylmar, California.[27] "Bubbles is an adult chimp and a wild animal," animal trainer Bob Dunn stated. "We don't let him out to play."[27] Jackson and his children used to visit the chimp, and also play with the other animals.[27] "He still acts like a kid around them," Dunn added.[27] In December 2003, it was reported that Bubbles had tried to commit suicide. The chimp was taken to a hospital in time to be saved.[1]

Jackson launched Michael's Pets, a range of soft toys based upon the animals the singer owned, in November 1986. The toys consisted of a frog, dog, rabbit, snake, ostrich, giraffe, llama and Bubbles the chimp.[3] Jackson also appeared, as a bear wearing sunglasses and a fedora.[3] "He [Jackson] was very instrumental in designing the toys", said Bob Michaelson, who was responsible for developing them.[3] "He was very instrumental in how it should be programmed... he's got tremendous intuition."[3] Jackson, in approving the toys, stipulated that the manufacturers donate $1 per sale to a children's charity.[3]

In 1988, Jeff Koons made three identical porcelain sculptures of Bubbles and Jackson.[28] At the time, each sculpture was alleged to be worth $250,000.[29] Koons once said of the pop star, "If I could be one other living person, it would probably be Michael Jackson".[28] The art piece went on to become one of Koons' best known works.[30] The figure shows Jackson and the chimp wearing gold military-style suits.[28] In 2001, one of the figures was put up for auction and was expected to fetch between $3 million and $4 million.[31] The figure sold to an anonymous telephone bidder for $5.6 million.[28] The sale was a record for a work by Koons.[32]

Notes

  1. ^ a b "And misfortune strikes MJ". The Times of India. (December 23, 2003). Retrieved April 2, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ Campbell, p. 133
  3. ^ a b c d e f Halstead, p. 68
  4. ^ Stout, Gene (October 28, 1988). "Michael Jackson superstar's weird but wonderful". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved April 3, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ Huey, Steve. "Michael Jackson biography". MTV. Retrieved April 3, 2009.
  6. ^ Leung, Rebecca (November 22, 2003). "Behind The Mask". CBS News. Retrieved April 3, 2009.
  7. ^ Taraborrelli, pp. 370–373
  8. ^ Taraborrelli, p. 364
  9. ^ Taraborrelli, p. 380
  10. ^ Taraborrelli, p. 383
  11. ^ a b Lartigue, Michael J. "Is Michael Still a Thriller?". The Harvard Crimson. Retrieved April 3, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  12. ^ a b c d e f Goldberg, Michael (September 16, 1987). "Is singer Michael Jackson for real?". Deseret News. Retrieved April 3, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  13. ^ Rescuing, p. 121
  14. ^ Tucker, Ken (June 5, 1988). "Firing your father isn't easy". The New York Times. Retrieved April 3, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  15. ^ Barnes, Ken (September 10, 2001). "Michael: Thrilling, bad, dangerous and more". USA Today. Retrieved April 3, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ a b c Campbell, pp. 128–129
  17. ^ "Michael Jackson joins the over-30 crowd". Deseret News. (August 29, 1988). Retrieved April 3, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ a b Taraborrelli, p. 455
  19. ^ a b c "Monkey business in the loo". The Sydney Morning Herald. (May 12, 2005). Retrieved April 3, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  20. ^ Sager, p. 243
  21. ^ Taraborrelli, p. 511
  22. ^ a b Mydans, Seth (October 7, 1991). "California Journal; Liz Taylor's 8th: Old Role, New Lead". The New York Times. Retrieved April 3, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ Martin, Douglas. "Lee Solters, Razzle-Dazzle Press Agent, Dies at 89", The New York Times, May 21, 2009. Accessed May 22, 2009.
  24. ^ Ayres, Chris (February 8, 2005). "Neverland, or Iraq? That's an easy one. Hand me that flak jacket, will you..." The Times. Retrieved April 2, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ Flett, Kathryn (February 9, 2003). "Bashir'd, but not beaten". The Guardian. Retrieved 2009-04-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  26. ^ a b c d Jones, p. 260
  27. ^ a b c d Miller, Samantha (July 29, 2002). "Michael Jackson may face a cash crunch". CNN. Retrieved April 2, 2009.
  28. ^ a b c d Bennett, Will (June 5, 2001). "Mystery buyer pays £4m for golden vision of Jackson and his chimp". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved April 2, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  29. ^ Dewan, Shaila K. (June 6, 2000). "No Walking, Just Watering for This Puppy". The New York Times. Retrieved April 2, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  30. ^ "Art foundry flounders after sculptor's suit". Central Penn Business Journal. (March 27, 1998). Retrieved April 2, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  31. ^ Rohleder, Anna. "Trouble Ahead For Art Market". Forbes. Retrieved April 2, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  32. ^ Mason, Christopher (May 20, 2001). "That Cool, That Suit: Sotheby's 007". The New York Times. Retrieved April 2, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

References

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