Michael Jackson and his pet chimp Bubbles were inseparable and he lived a life of luxury far beyond what most humans could expect.
Jackson bought Bubbles from a research facility in Texas back in the 1980s and the chimp quickly became part of the family, travelling and making public appearances with him.
The chimp slept in a crib in Jackson’s bedroom, they would often go out on outings together and while on the Bad World Tour in Osaka, Japan, Bubbles even drank Japanese green tea while seated quietly next to Jackson.
He had an agent, reportedly had his own bodyguard and even used Jackson’s own toilet to do his business.
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But behind the facade, the reality of Bubbles’ life wasn’t always so simple. It has been alleged that Bubbles was beaten when he was living with Jackson.
(Image: Sankei via Getty Images)
Jane Goodall, the world’s top primatologist, claims that the chimp was kicked and punched in the face.
When she tried to talk to the popstar about it, Goodall said that he flew off the handle. Bubbles’ abuser was not named by the primatologist.
She told TMZ: “Chimpanzees belong in the forest and pet chimpanzees are one of the worst things you can possibly do. By the time they get to seven or eight, they are dangerous and stronger than you.
“I ticked him [Jackson] off. I went to see him and we talked about Bubbles. When he was with Michael Jackson, he was being beaten.”
Jack Gordon, the ex-husband of Jackson’s sister La Toya, accused the singer of abusing Bubbles himself, something Jackson’s family have denied.
(Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
He said: “I saw Michael punch Bubbles in the face, kick him in the stomach. Michael used to say, ‘He doesn’t feel it. He’s a chimpanzee. I have to discipline him.'”
Bubbles was eventually forced to leave the home in 2003 as he grew. He was moved to an animal sanctuary over fears he might attack Jackson’s newborn son, as he had gotten too big and aggressive.
He was relocated to Bob Dunn’s ranch and according to CNN, Dunn said: “Bubbles is an adult chimp and a wild animal.
“We don’t let him out to play.”
This move wasn’t particularly easy for the pair. Bubbles even tried to kill himself after leaving the home in December 2003.
(Image: Sipa/Shutterstock)
Jackson had been arrested the month prior for child molestation – a charge he was later acquitted of.
Bubbles was saved by medics but no further details of the alleged incident have ever been revealed.
Following the closure of Dunn’s ranch, Bubbles was moved to the Centre for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida.
He now has a far more chilled daily routine, including painting and listening to flute music.
(Image: Center for Great Apes/AFP via Ge)
The now 39-year-old’s features have drastically changed, it has been said, with his face becoming flatter and his size increasing greatly.
Bubbles has been described as a “huge and ugly” brute at 160-pounds and has a very “sweet character.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
