In June 1995, the world marveled at a 32-foot statue of Michael Jackson as it floated down the River Thames in London. This was one of ten giant statues created to promote his album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. While some of the statues have disappeared or been stored away, others remain in unexpected locations, embodying both affection and controversy surrounding the King of Pop.
The statues were birthed at Elstree Studios, where creativity met craftsmanship as artists assembled and painted them based on Jackson's likeness. Each statue went on to follow the pop star during his global HIStory tour, but their fates vary dramatically three decades later.
One notable example was a statue that found a temporary home at a McDonald's in the Netherlands. Purchased for charity by restaurant owner Peter Van Gelder, the statue became a gathering place for fans, transforming the restaurant into a shrine on Jackson's birthday and the anniversary of his death. However, after the release of the documentary Leaving Neverland in 2019, which renewed allegations against Jackson, the fast-food chain decided to remove the statue to adhere to guest comfort norms. Now, the once-beloved idol resides under a tarp in storage, as Van Gelder seeks a new home for the statue but faces challenges in obtaining the necessary permissions.
In the quaint Austrian town of Judenau-Baumgarten, another statue made waves when owner Franz Josef Zika acquired it through a charity auction to promote his now-defunct nightclub. While it added flair to the club's atmosphere, it now sits idle since the club's closure, with Zika desperate to find a buyer willing to part with €25,000.
Elsewhere in Switzerland, a fiberglass statue once a highlight of the Luna Park fairground has been relegated to obscurity, reflecting the changing attitudes towards Jackson in light of recent allegations. In South Africa, a repainted statue still stands in the deserted Santarama Miniland, a curious relic of Jackson’s HIStory tour that offers an odd yet nostalgic sight amid the miniature attractions.
Finally, Europark Idroscalo Milano in Italy saw a restoration of its statue in 2019 but has now decided to sell it, highlighting the ongoing evolution of Jackson's public image, as the lavish display comes under scrutiny from affected communities.
As these statues navigate their uncertain futures, they serve as haunting reminders of the late pop star's undeniable impact, reflecting a complex legacy that intertwines adoration with controversy.
