In June 1995, a giant Michael Jackson statue floated down the River Thames in London, marking a surreal promotional effort for his album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. This particular statue was part of a series of ten that made their debut worldwide, showcasing Jackson's reign as the King of Pop. Decades later, the journey of these fiberglass effigies reflects not only Jackson's legacy but also societal shifts and reactions to his controversial life.
The statues were designed by sculptor Diana Walczak after consultations with Jackson himself, and crafted in polystyrene before being cast in fiberglass. Stephen Pyle's team at Elstree Studios undertook the mammoth task of assembling and painting the statues complexly, turning the order into a production line for Jackson's unique likeness.
Although the whereabouts of several statues remain a mystery—locked in storage or perhaps destroyed—others endure in unexpected places. For instance, one statue once stood proudly outside a McDonald's in Best, Netherlands, turning into a fan shrine despite being taken down in 2019 after the airing of HBO’s controversial “Leaving Neverland” documentary. Restaurant owner Peter Van Gelder still hopes to donate the iconic piece to a fan club but faces challenges due to its size and the need for permits.
In Austria, a different statue found itself at a now-defunct nightclub, where it became a focal point until the venue closed. Its owner, Franz Josef Zika, retains hopes for finding a buyer while the refrigeration and obsolescence of the club become realities. Meanwhile, in Switzerland, another statue, having undergone refurbishments, has remained out of view for several years and is not for sale.
In South Africa, a repainted statue remains visible in an abandoned theme park, offering an odd juxtaposition against the park's miniature attractions. Similarly, in Italy, a restored version of a statue has been placed for sale at the Europark Idroscalo Milano amid renewed interest during Jackson-themed events.
As these statues continue telling the tale of Michael Jackson, they capture both celebration and controversy, serving as vivid reminders of a complicated legacy that enthralled the world but also sparked serious conversations about the artist’s life off stage.
