In June 1995, 30 years ago, 10 gigantic Michael Jackson statues appeared globally to promote his famous album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. One of the most iconic, a 32ft (10m) statue, floated down London’s River Thames, creating a surreal spectacle. These fibreglass monoliths followed Jackson on his world tour, but what happened to them after his passing in 2009?
The statues were created at Elstree Studios after artist Stephen Pyle and sculptor Derek Howarth expertly crafted various versions for Jackson's album cover. While some statues still proudly stand, others have been forgotten or removed due to scandals surrounding the late star.
For instance, one statue graced a McDonald's in the Netherlands for decades until it was removed in 2019 after the controversial documentary Leaving Neverland aired. The restaurant chain argued that it wanted all customers to feel comfortable, leading to the statue being hidden away under a tarp.
In Austria, another statue found a home in a now-closed nightclub, where it was once a promotion tool. The owner, Franz Josef Zika, tried to sell it after the venue shuttered, humorously noting he might even send it to Mars if he can't find a buyer!
Meanwhile, a statue in Switzerland has seen little action in recent years. It was bought in 2008 and used to be a part of the annual Luna Park fairground but has now become less visible, though park leaders insist it's not for sale.
In South Africa, an abandoned theme park once hosted a re-painted MJ statue, which still attracts curious visitors, highlighting the odd mix of nostalgia and fading fame.
As Jackson’s legacy continues to spark discussion, these statues serve as vivid reminders of a pop icon whose influence remains both celebrated and controversial, even in bronze and fibreglass.
