The legacy of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is as enduring as his music, but it’s also shadowed by persistent rumors and speculation that refuse to fade, even more than a decade after his passing. Among the most talked-about mysteries is the story of B. Howard, an accomplished singer, songwriter, and producer whose uncanny resemblance to Jackson has fueled whispers for years. Now, with B. Howard stepping into the international spotlight and finally breaking his silence, the world is left wondering: is there truth to the rumors that he is Michael Jackson’s biological son?

B. Howard, born Brandon Alexander Howard in Los Angeles on April 2, 1981, has lived much of his life in the glare of speculation. His mother, Miki Howard, is a Grammy-nominated R&B singer known for hits like “Ain’t Nobody Like You” and “Love Under New Management.” With musical roots running deep—his grandmother Josephine Howard was part of the legendary gospel group The Caravans, and his grandfather Klay Graham sang with the Pilgrim Jubilees—Howard’s career in music seemed destined. He’s produced for stars like Vanessa Hudgens, Akon, and Ne-Yo, and his own singles have earned him a loyal following. But for every hit song, there’s been a headline asking about his connection to Michael Jackson.

The rumors intensified in 2014, when TMZ published a story claiming Howard had taken a DNA test that showed a 99.9% probability he was Jackson’s son. The gossip site cited Beverly Hills dentist Dr. Joseph Goodman, who claimed to have used Jackson’s decades-old dental impressions as a source of DNA. The story exploded across social media, with fans and conspiracy theorists poring over Howard’s facial features, musical style, and mannerisms, drawing parallels to Jackson before his famous cosmetic surgeries. Even those who worked closely with both artists, like Akon, remarked on the similarities, saying Howard and Jackson were “two peas in a pod.”

But the truth behind the DNA test was never fully verified. Howard himself was skeptical, as was actor Corey Feldman, a close friend of Jackson. Howard eventually took the test for his own peace of mind, but the results—while sensational—did not lead him to claim Jackson as his father. In fact, Howard has consistently denied self-proclaiming to be Jackson’s son, and has never sought to profit from the rumors. “I did not call TMZ or anything like that,” he stated on his official Facebook page. “I’ve never self-proclaimed to be Michael Jackson’s son. I’m definitely not suing the estate. I’ve been taken care of very well. It is true I did do a DNA test, but it had nothing to do with any of this.”

Adding to the confusion, Auggie Johnson, a member of the soul group Side Effect, has claimed to be Howard’s biological father. Johnson told the Daily Mail in 2014 that Howard met Jackson as a child, spending time at Neverland Ranch alongside Miki Howard and Jackson’s brother Jermaine. Johnson insists that the relationship between his family and the Jacksons was purely for entertainment, and that Howard’s resemblance to Jackson is simply the result of a lifelong admiration and imitation of the pop icon.

Miki Howard herself has addressed the rumors, expressing her frustration at being introduced to new people as “the mother of Michael Jackson’s son.” In an interview with Essence, she shared that she had no knowledge of the DNA test until she saw it on TV, and that the speculation has caused her pain—especially when opportunists try to exploit the situation. Howard’s family, for their part, has always maintained that the rumors are unfounded, and that Miki herself has played both mother and father roles for her son.

Despite the denials, the fascination with Howard’s possible connection to Jackson remains strong, especially as he prepares to represent the United States at Russia’s revived Intervision Song Contest in Moscow, facing off against international stars like Shaman. Organizers have called Howard a “world-class star whose music transcends borders and unites cultures,” and the event promises to draw viewers eager to see if Howard’s performance will reveal anything about his rumored parentage.

Howard’s story is not unique. Another figure often mentioned as Jackson’s possible love child is Norwegian dancer and rapper Omer Bhatti, known as O.B. Bhatti grew up close to the Jackson family, spending time at Neverland Ranch and even sitting with Jackson’s children at the singer’s funeral in 2009. Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, once told NewsOne that Bhatti was his grandson, and Paris Jackson has publicly praised Bhatti and her brother Prince on social media. Yet Bhatti himself has denied being Jackson’s biological son, saying that the pop superstar was a father figure and mentor rather than a parent.

As for Jackson’s acknowledged children, their lives have unfolded under the public’s watchful eye. Prince Michael Jackson Jr., born in 1997 to Jackson’s second wife Debbie Rowe, grew up at Neverland Ranch but admits he didn’t inherit his father’s musical talents. Paris Jackson, born in 1998, has become a prominent figure in music, modeling, and acting, and is known for her outspoken personality—most recently making headlines for her candid Instagram posts and her involvement (and subsequent withdrawal) from the upcoming biopic “Michael,” set for release in April 2026. The youngest, Prince Michael “Blanket” Jackson II, born in 2002 via surrogate, now goes by “Biggie” and prefers working behind the camera, reportedly pursuing a career in filmmaking.

For B. Howard, the rumors have been both a blessing and a curse. The attention brought opportunities and exposure, but also a shadow that follows him wherever he goes. Music insiders like Akon have noted that the publicity is good for Howard’s career, but ultimately, his talent speaks for itself. Howard has always focused on his music, letting his work—not the speculation—define him.

In the end, the fascination with Jackson’s possible secret children is a testament to the pop icon’s enduring influence. Fans are drawn to the idea of a hidden legacy, a new chapter in the Jackson story waiting to be discovered. But as Howard’s own statements make clear, sometimes the truth is less dramatic than the rumors. He is a gifted artist, shaped by a family of musicians, and whatever his connection to Jackson may be, it’s his own journey that deserves the spotlight.

As the world tunes in to watch B. Howard take the stage in Moscow, one thing is certain: the music will speak louder than any rumor. And for those who still wonder about the King of Pop’s secret son, Howard’s message is simple—he’s proud of his heritage, his talent, and the path he’s forged, regardless of what the headlines say. The story of Michael Jackson’s legacy continues, but for B. Howard, the silence has finally been broken, and the world is listening.