- Bubbles (chimpanzee)
Bubbles is a
chimpanzee who lived with pop starMichael Jackson for many years.Bubbles lived at a cancer research clinic in
Texas until 1985 when he relocated toCalifornia in the company ofMichael Jackson . For the following decade he often accompanied Jackson to award ceremonies (wearing matching outfits) and was seen widely by the public. Rumored to have his own bodyguard, Bubbles sat in during several recording sessions for Jackson's album "Bad".Bubbles and Michael
Over the years Bubbles moved out of the limelight living at the
Neverland Ranch . However, in 2003 afterMartin Bashir made the infamous "Living with Michael Jackson " documentary several out-takes discussed and filmed Bubbles in private moments at the ranch living at the residence. Bubbles wore a diaper and used Jackson's private toilet. The jury in Jackson's 2005 child molestation case were shown excerpts of the documentary in which Bashir interviews Jackson about the chimpanzees being employed around the ranch and doing work such as dusting and cleaning of windows and toilets. Jackson explained: "They (chimpanzees) are very smart." Jackson then stated that, "TheirDNA is identical to humans when you look under a microscope." ActorCorey Feldman , a friend of Jackson's, said, "I met Bubbles and all kinds of chimps." Also at the trial former maids and Bubbles' ex-personal assistant confirmed Bubbles had ceased to reside at the ranch. Stories appeared in the press that he had become disagreeable as he grew older and had bitten several people.Bubbles has become a
pop culture icon, being referenced inDragon Ball Z and inThe Simpsons episode "Stark Raving Dad ", in which Jackson guest stars.culpture
In 1988
Jeff Koons made "Michael Jackson and Bubbles", the world's largest ceramic, a life-size gold-leaf plated statue of the sitting singer cuddling Bubbles. The piece measures 1067 x 1791 x 826 mm (42 x 70.5 x 32.5 in) and is described as a mix of pop culture and high art. The sculpture shows Michael Jackson reclining with his arm around Bubbles. It is the most valuable sculpture by a living artist. In 1991 it was sold to an anonymous buyer atSotheby's inNew York City as Lot 7655 for $5,600,000, trebling Koons' previous sale record. The piece is currently owned by the Broad Art Foundation which lends it to various museums. It is currently being lent to the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Contemporary art inOslo , Norway.External links
* [http://broadartfoundation.org/artist_42.html Jeff Koons] sculpture of Bubbles and Michael at the Broad Art Foundation.
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