Brandon Howard has spent most of his life in the shadow of rumors, whispers, and the kind of speculation that only follows someone with striking similarities to the King of Pop himself. For years, the music world has buzzed about Howard—known professionally as B. Howard—and his uncanny resemblance to Michael Jackson, both in talent and in appearance. But when a DNA test made headlines, allegedly confirming Howard as Michael Jackson’s secret love child, the story didn’t fade away as so many rumors do. Instead, it ignited a firestorm of controversy, drawing in the Jackson family, the media, and fans worldwide. Now, with Howard reportedly cutting all ties after the results surfaced, the mystery is deeper than ever.

The journey of Brandon Howard is one of musical prodigy and perseverance. Born into a legacy of gospel and R&B greatness, Howard’s earliest memories are filled with the sounds of legends like Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, and the vibrant energy of Los Angeles and Chicago’s music scenes. His grandmother, Josephine Howard, sang for The Caravans, the first American gospel group to break into mainstream radio. His mother, Miki Howard, is a celebrated singer and songwriter who, in the 1980s, was managed by none other than Joe Jackson, the patriarch of the famous Jackson family. With such a heritage, Howard’s path seemed destined for the stage, even if he briefly considered a career in finance.

Howard’s rise in the music industry has been marked by collaborations with top artists such as Ne-Yo, Trey Songz, and international superstar Kumi Koda. He’s also the proud founder of Six Point Entertainment, working alongside partner Jonnie Forster to bring his unique sound to audiences around the globe. His artistry, a blend of Jackson-like vibes and his own lyrical style, has landed him on respected charts, including the Billboard 200. In 2010, Howard helped create “Ke Nako,” the anthem for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, honoring Nelson Mandela and showcasing his ability to unite cultures through music.

But it’s not just his musical achievements that have kept Howard in the spotlight. His striking resemblance to Michael Jackson—both in looks and in performance—has fueled years of speculation about his true parentage. In 2014, FilmOn.com claimed to have proof that Howard was Jackson’s son, citing a DNA test that allegedly showed a 99.9% match. The test, reportedly conducted using a dental impression from Jackson, was announced by Alki David and his company during a live broadcast. Howard was not present for the reveal, and David did not disclose the lab responsible for the analysis. The results sent shockwaves through the media, but as with many things in the Jackson universe, the truth quickly became muddled.

As soon as the news broke, the Jackson family pushed back hard. Representatives for Michael’s brothers dismissed the claims as “baseless hearsay,” pointing out that Michael had never spoken of any children other than Prince, Paris, and Blanket. Sources close to the family confirmed that Howard had only met the Jacksons once, during a backstage meet-and-greet in 2012, and never hinted at any familial connection. The brothers also referenced Joe Jackson’s professional relationship with Miki Howard, but insisted that if anything more had happened, it would have been revealed long ago—especially after Michael’s passing.

Adding to the confusion, the DNA test itself came under scrutiny. TMZ reported that the company behind the test, FilmOn, could not be verified, and that the logo on the results appeared to be a generic image found on Google. FilmOn later admitted to “spicing up” the paperwork for dramatic effect, but insisted the results were genuine. Meanwhile, The New York Daily News put forth another theory: perhaps Joe Jackson, not Michael, was Howard’s father. Joe managed Miki Howard in the early 1980s, and rumors swirled that he might have been the one with a secret child.

Howard himself has tried to distance himself from the drama. He’s repeatedly stated that he never contacted TMZ, never released any story, and never claimed to be Michael Jackson’s son. He’s also made it clear that he isn’t interested in pursuing the Jackson estate—Michael’s will explicitly provides for only Prince, Paris, Blanket, and a handful of charities. Howard insists he’s been well taken care of and earns his own money. He admits to having taken a DNA test, but swears it had nothing to do with the rumors circulating online.

The saga is further complicated by the “Billie Jean” theory. Michael Jackson’s iconic song, released in 1983, features the lyrics, “Billie Jean’s not my lover, the kid is not my son.” Fans have long speculated that the song was a confession, or at least a reference to a real-life mystery woman. Miki Howard, who was known as “Billy” in the early 1980s, has been linked to the story, but both she and Jackson’s family have denied any romantic involvement. In his autobiography “Moonwalk,” Jackson explained that “Billie Jean” was inspired by the obsessive fans and groupies who followed the Jackson Five, not by any one individual.

Even with these denials, the rumors persist. Some suggest that Howard might actually be Joe Jackson’s son, making Michael his brother. Others point to Augie Johnson, who claims to be Howard’s biological father and insists that Miki Howard never cheated. Johnson says he was present at Howard’s birth and has all the records to prove it. He’s supportive of his son and unconcerned about the rumors, focusing instead on Howard’s successful career.

Miki Howard herself has been candid about her relationship with the Jacksons, describing Michael as a longtime friend and expressing love and support for both her son and the Jackson family. She’s also made it clear that she’s not “Billie Jean” and that she’s bound by non-disclosure agreements common in the entertainment industry. Howard’s own musical journey is a testament to her resilience and talent, with a career spanning decades and featuring collaborations with legends like Gerald Levert and performances in films like “Malcolm X” and “Poetic Justice.”

Today, Brandon Howard is focused on his own identity and future in music. He’s separated himself from the drama, choosing to let his artistry speak for itself. With his participation in global music events like Intervision and ongoing collaborations with top artists, Howard continues to build a legacy that stands apart from the rumors.

In the end, the story of Brandon Howard and the Jackson family is a reflection of the complexities of fame, family, and the relentless curiosity of fans and media. The DNA test may have added fuel to the fire, but the truth remains elusive. What’s clear is that Howard is determined to forge his own path—one defined by his talent, not by the whispers of the past. For fans and observers, the mystery may never be fully solved, but the music endures.