What Janet Jackson's Short Marriage To James DeBarge Was Like

According to John McClain, a record executive at Janet's label A & M, the marriage between Jackson and DeBarge could torpedo Jackson's fledgling music career. At that point, "Control" was a chart-topping hit, making Jackson a superstar. McClain pressured Jackson to annul the union only eight months after the wedding, based on 1986 reporting from People. Jackson followed through on McClain's request in 1985 (via Insider). On that note, when asked if there was a chance for the couple to reconcile, Jackson replied, "I don't know, I really don't know. He calls every once in a while and says 'Hi,' but I really don't know." 

Also responding to People's questioning, DeBarge dramatically said that Jackson was more than just his wife — she was his sister, his mother, his everything. "I don't know what's going to happen. I'm very confused about the whole situation," DeBarge said. A 2018 Daily Beast article noted that James had experienced addiction and depression at the time of his marriage to Jackson and that her family had vehemently opposed the union. DeBarge reportedly left Jackson alone in a hotel for three hours shortly after their wedding, based on Insider reporting. Clearly, there were more problems in Jackson and DeBarge's marriage than just record label concern over marketability.

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