Michael Jackson’s legacy is more than a commercial asset. It is an important part of music and cultural history, and the preservation of that legacy deserves meaningful commitment from the Michael Jackson Estate.

With Julien’s Auctions’ Michael Jackson: The Fashion Legacy sale scheduled for December 7–8, 2026, historically significant pieces connected to defining moments in Michael’s career are once again being offered to private collectors.

We believe the following items deserve to be preserved for future generations:

1983 Motown 25 Stage-Worn Rhinestone Glove
1983 Motown 25 Moonwalk Loafers
1982 Thriller Music Video-Worn Red and Black Leather Jacket
1982 Thriller Music Video-Worn Florsheim Loafers
Bad Tour Stage-Worn Embellished Thriller Jacket
They Don’t Care About Us Music Video-Worn T-Shirts and Vest
1988 Moonwalker Smooth Criminal Music Sequence-Worn Pinstripe Suit
Nelson Mandela’s 78th Birthday Celebration Jacket (1996)
Men in Black II Film-Worn Suit (2002)
You Rock My World Music Video-Worn Suit (2001)

We want to be clear: we are not questioning the private ownership rights of individuals or demanding that every belonging connected to Michael be withdrawn from sale. Our concern is with the preservation of pieces of exceptional historical and cultural significance. These items should not simply disappear into private collections and become permanently inaccessible to the public.

We call on the Estate to take an active role in finding a solution. This includes reaching out to Julien’s Auctions and the current owners, exploring the possibility of temporarily suspending the sale of these specifically identified items while preservation options are discussed, and considering ways to secure them for future generations.

This could include acquisition by the Estate, voluntary donations, long-term loans or arrangements with museums and other cultural institutions. We believe meaningful dialogue and cooperation can create opportunities to preserve these pieces without disregarding the rights of their current owners.

Our demands extend beyond this auction.

We call on the Estate to take meaningful action on the following:

Transparency: Provide clear, verifiable information about the provenance, authenticity, documented use and ownership history of historically significant items, to the extent that this information can be made public. We also ask for a clear account of the Estate’s own collection and the measures in place to preserve it.

Answers about the Bush collection: Clarify the status of the costumes Michael Bush said he would gift to the Estate in 2012, including which pieces were ultimately transferred and where they are now.

The museum project: Provide a concrete update on the long-discussed permanent, publicly accessible Michael Jackson museum or exhibition, including whether the project remains part of the Estate’s plans and what steps are being taken to make it a reality.

Accountability and public updates: Provide direct answers to longstanding questions raised by fans and regularly update the public on preservation efforts, discussions with current owners and concrete steps taken to protect historically significant items.

Cooperation and preservation: Engage with current owners, auction representatives and relevant cultural institutions to explore realistic, voluntary arrangements that would allow historically significant pieces to be preserved and made accessible to the public.
Michael Jackson’s fans have played an essential role in keeping his music, influence and legacy alive across generations.

We are not asking for special treatment, nor are we claiming ownership over these belongings. We are asking for transparency, cooperation and meaningful action from the institution entrusted with his legacy.

The Estate must do more than manage Michael Jackson’s commercial interests. It must actively protect his historical and cultural legacy, preserve the pieces that represent defining moments in his career, and make that legacy accessible to future generations.

Sign this petition and join us in calling for transparency, accountability and meaningful action from the Michael Jackson Estate.