The towering 32-foot fibreglass icons were designed to follow Jackson on his global tour. While many of these statues have been lost to time—possibly stored away or destroyed—some have remained notable landmarks, their fates offering a glimpse into the legacy of the King of Pop.
One statue, for example, found its home at a McDonald's in Best, Netherlands, where it drew fans into a shrine-like atmosphere until its removal in 2019 after the controversial documentary "Leaving Neverland" aired. Restaurant owner Peter Van Gelder bought the statue at a charity auction, providing a unique attraction that ultimately became a victim of shifting public sentiment.
In Austria, another statue was rescued from obscurity by radio auction, making its way to a defunct nightclub, now closed but once frequented by party-goers looking to celebrate Jackson. The owner, Franz Josef Zika, is currently seeking a new venue for the statue, expressing hope that it can find a new home that appreciates its significance.
Meanwhile, other statues tale a different story. An abandoned entertainment venue in South Africa still holds one of Jackson's towering figures, albeit in a state of neglect. Additional statues scattered across other locations—from amusement parks in Italy to fairgrounds in Switzerland—tell the tales of pop cultural iconography struggling to maintain relevance years after its creator's death.
As time passes, the fate of these fibreglass monoliths remains a testament to the lasting impact of Michael Jackson, even as public perception of the artist remains controversial.
One statue, for example, found its home at a McDonald's in Best, Netherlands, where it drew fans into a shrine-like atmosphere until its removal in 2019 after the controversial documentary "Leaving Neverland" aired. Restaurant owner Peter Van Gelder bought the statue at a charity auction, providing a unique attraction that ultimately became a victim of shifting public sentiment.
In Austria, another statue was rescued from obscurity by radio auction, making its way to a defunct nightclub, now closed but once frequented by party-goers looking to celebrate Jackson. The owner, Franz Josef Zika, is currently seeking a new venue for the statue, expressing hope that it can find a new home that appreciates its significance.
Meanwhile, other statues tale a different story. An abandoned entertainment venue in South Africa still holds one of Jackson's towering figures, albeit in a state of neglect. Additional statues scattered across other locations—from amusement parks in Italy to fairgrounds in Switzerland—tell the tales of pop cultural iconography struggling to maintain relevance years after its creator's death.
As time passes, the fate of these fibreglass monoliths remains a testament to the lasting impact of Michael Jackson, even as public perception of the artist remains controversial.
