Michael Jackson was renowned for his love of animals, with his pet chimpanzee Bubbles being one of his most iconic companions. Contrary to popular belief, Bubbles remains alive and has been living for over twenty years at the Center for Great Apes sanctuary in Wauchula, Florida. There, he receives specialized care alongside other rescued primates.
In a notable development, the upcoming biographical film Michael features Bubbles through computer-generated imagery (CGI) rather than a live animal. The filmmakers, distributed by Lionsgate, engaged in extensive discussions with the animal rights group PETA to ensure a responsible portrayal. They emphasized that the film’s depiction is rooted in historical fact and does not endorse keeping chimpanzees as pets.
Director Antoine Fuqua extended this CGI approach to other animals in the film, including a llama, giraffe, and python, choosing visual effects over live animals to maintain ethical standards during production.
Bubbles originally came into Jackson’s care after being rescued from a research facility in the 1980s. The chimpanzee was a frequent presence on Jackson’s tours and personal occasions, even attending events like lawyer John Branca’s wedding as a guest.
The film Michael, starring Colman Domingo and Nia Long, has also sparked discussion for its narrative decisions. The cast has addressed public interest regarding the film’s choice to omit the child molestation allegations against Jackson, a subject that remains a contentious part of his legacy.
