Janet Jackson Addresses Rumors Of Secret Baby With Ex James DeBarge In Documentary

Janet Jackson has denied long-standing rumors that she secretly had a baby with her ex-husband James DeBarge during their year-long marriage in the 1980s.

Jackson, 55, dispelled various claims in part two of the upcoming two-night documentary event on the singer's life "Janet," including that her alleged "secret baby" was raised by her sister Rebbie or brother Jackie.

"Back in the day they were saying that I had a child and I kept it secret," Jackson was quoted by People as saying. "I could never keep a child away from James. How could I keep a child from their father? I could never do that, that's not right."

The "Scream" singer went on to list various rumors she'd heard about herself over the years, including claims that her nieces Brandi and Stevanna were her daughters and that she gave her alleged secret child to brother Jackie to raise.

Jackson shared her theory on how those rumors may have started, noting that she had gained weight while filming the show "Fame" due to the birth control pills she was taking at the time.

"A lot of the kids thought I was pregnant, 'cause I had gained weight, and I had started taking birth control pills," she explained. "And back then, you could pick up weight taking them, and that's what happened to me. So that rumor started going around."

Jackson also reflected on her marriage to DeBarge, whom she wed in 1984, when she was only 18 years old. The artist described him as "a sweet guy" and blamed their failed marriage on his frequent drug use.

She recalled sitting in their hotel room in Grand Rapids, Michigan, by herself following their wedding. While DeBarge told her he would be "right back," the singer said he didn't return for hours that night. However, Jackson said she still wanted to help him.

"When it comes to relationships, somehow I'm attracted to people that use drugs," Jackson admitted.

According to Jackson, she spent many a night searching the streets for DeBarge and would try and flush his pills down the toilet. She also recalled their fights over his addiction.

"I cared so much for him, and I saw the good in him as well and I just wanted that to take precedence as opposed to this ugliness. 'Cause I knew that he needed help. But I wasn't the help that he needed," she shared.

The couple's marriage ended up being short-lived, and they had an annulment in November 1985.

"I was just incredibly innocent," Jackson said in the documentary of their time together. "That's the thing, is the innocence. And it's just hurtful for someone to see that and just try to take advantage of it… It's still painful."

Jackson later welcomed a son, Eissa, in 2017 with her third husband, billionaire businessman Wissam Al Mana. The pair separated only three months later.

Jackson will also address her brother Michael Jackson's sexual abuse allegations and the "Nipplegate" scandal with Justin Timberlake in the two-night documentary.

"Janet" will premiere Friday at 8 p.m. EST on Lifetime and A&E.