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The Man Behind The Music: 5 Facts About B. Howard, The Singer Named Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean Son'

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The enduring legacy of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, continues to generate headlines, even over a decade after his passing. One of the most persistent and sensationalized rumors involves a man often dubbed the 'Billie Jean Son,' a reference to Jackson's iconic 1982 hit about a false paternity claim. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the individual at the center of this story, singer and producer Brandon Howard (B. Howard), remains a figure of intense public curiosity, especially as he continues to build his own music career and is set to represent the USA at the Intervision '25 music competition. This article delves into the full story, from the controversial DNA test to his current professional life, separating fact from the sensational fiction that has followed him for years.

The core of the controversy stems from a 2014 media event where organizers of a non-official DNA test claimed to have definitive proof of a familial link between B. Howard and the late megastar. While the initial shockwaves were global, the legitimacy of the test was quickly and widely disputed. The narrative surrounding B. Howard is not just a footnote in Jackson history; it is a complex tale involving a prominent R&B family, a questionable paternity test, and the struggle of an artist to forge an identity outside a colossal shadow.

Brandon 'B.' Howard: A Comprehensive Biography

Brandon Howard, professionally known as B. Howard, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who has carved out a successful career in the music industry, working with major artists before his own name became globally recognized due to the paternity controversy.

  • Full Name: Brandon Howard
  • Known As: B. Howard
  • Date of Birth: October 9, 1981
  • Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Mother: Miki Howard (R&B Singer)
  • Grandmother: Josephine Howard (Gospel Singer)
  • Career Start: Began his career as a child prodigy, with his first major placement on Ginuwine's 2003 single "Love You."
  • Notable Work: Has written and produced for a diverse range of artists including Akon, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, and Missy Elliott.
  • Solo Career: Released his debut album, Genesis, in 2010. His single "Don't Say You Love Me" achieved significant airplay.
  • Latest News (2024/2025): B. Howard is active in his music career, recently releasing the single "Seatbelt." He is also slated to represent the United States at the Intervision '25 music festival.

The Disputed 2014 DNA Test and Paternity Claim

The rumors linking B. Howard to Michael Jackson had circulated for years, fueled by his striking physical resemblance to the King of Pop and his mother's close ties to the Jackson family. The story exploded into the mainstream in March 2014 with the announcement of a DNA test that allegedly confirmed the paternity.

The '99.999%' Controversy

The core of the claim was a live-streamed event where the organizers presented a supposed DNA test result showing a "99.999 percent" probability that Michael Jackson was B. Howard's biological father. The sensational number immediately captured the world's attention, suggesting the man often called the 'Billie Jean son' was real.

However, the test's credibility was highly suspect. The DNA sample allegedly used for comparison was sourced from a dental impression that was reportedly purchased at an auction. This method of obtaining a DNA sample from a deceased person's personal item, without legal verification of the item's authenticity, made the results scientifically and legally unreliable.

B. Howard's Response and The Aftermath

Following the media frenzy, B. Howard himself distanced himself from the spectacle. He released a video stating that he had agreed to a DNA test but clarified that it "had nothing to do with me trying to lay claim to Michael Jackson's estate or anything." He later reportedly "cut all ties" to the drama, emphasizing his desire to focus on his own career and not be defined by the controversy.

Lawyers for the Michael Jackson estate quickly dismissed the entire affair as a fabrication, and no formal legal claim was ever successfully filed or pursued by B. Howard against the estate. The entire episode remains a prime example of the sensationalism that often surrounds the Jackson name.

The Miki Howard Connection: Is She The Real 'Billie Jean'?

The narrative of B. Howard being Michael Jackson's son is intrinsically linked to his mother, the celebrated R&B singer Miki Howard. This connection is what gave the rumors their initial traction and led to Miki Howard being unofficially labeled by some as the real-life 'Billie Jean.'

Ties to the Jackson Family

Miki Howard was a prominent figure in the R&B scene of the 1980s. Crucially, she was reportedly managed by Joe Jackson, Michael's father. This professional relationship meant Miki was close to the Jackson family circle during the time B. Howard was conceived. The close proximity of Miki Howard to the Jackson patriarch fueled speculation when the paternity rumors surfaced, suggesting a secret relationship with Michael.

Despite the rumors, Miki Howard has publicly denied the claim. When the story broke, she released a statement affirming her long-standing friendship with the Jackson family, calling them "beautiful people" who have always been supportive of her career, but she did not confirm the paternity claim. Her denial, combined with B. Howard's eventual retraction of the claim's legal intent, has largely relegated the story to the realm of celebrity folklore.

The True Inspiration Behind Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean'

The sensational title 'Billie Jean Son' is a powerful piece of clickbait, but the original song, a masterpiece of pop music, has its own complex and dark inspiration that directly addresses the issue of false paternity claims.

A Fear of Groupie Culture

Michael Jackson himself clarified the meaning of "Billie Jean" in his 1988 autobiography, Moonwalk. He explained that the song was not about one woman but was inspired by the numerous unsettling letters he and his brothers received from female fans claiming they had fathered their children. The song is a reflection of his fear and anxiety surrounding the "groupie culture" and the paranoia of facing a false paternity suit.

In one instance, Jackson received a letter from a woman claiming he was the father of her twins. She sent him a package containing a weapon and instructions to kill himself at a specific time, so they could "be together" in the afterlife. This traumatic event profoundly affected him, cementing the theme of the song: a man haunted by a woman's claim that "the kid is not my son."

B. Howard's Future and Legacy

While the paternity claim will likely follow B. Howard for the rest of his career, he has spent the last decade working to define his own musical legacy. As a producer, he has contributed to Grammy-nominated projects, and as a solo artist, he is gaining international recognition. His selection to represent the USA at Intervision '25 is a testament to his talent and ability to step out of the massive shadow cast by the Michael Jackson rumors. The 'Billie Jean Son' may be a compelling headline, but B. Howard's current work proves he is an artist determined to be known for his own music.

michael jackson billie jean son
michael jackson billie jean son

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