**The Legacy of Giant Michael Jackson Statues: A Global Journey and Their Fate**

**Exploring the journeys of massive Michael Jackson statues erected in the 1990s, from their overwhelming presence to current obscure locations.**

In June 1995, a 32-foot (10m) statue of Michael Jackson made waves as it drifted down the River Thames, just one of ten giant effigies launched worldwide to celebrate his album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. Created in collaboration with Jackson, these statues were intended to capture his iconic image while promoting his music. Today, nearly thirty years later, the fate of these colossal figures varies widely, with many hidden from public view or collecting dust in forgotten locations.

Sculptor Diana Walczak worked closely with Jackson on the project, leading to her clay design being digitally processed for the album cover. Artist Stephen Pyle was then tasked by a Sony employee to oversee the assembly of these sizeable representations, which were crafted from polystyrene and fiberglass. They were painted to resemble stone and showcased an exaggerated yet iconic portrayal of the King of Pop. "The challenge was monumental," Pyle recalls, noting their swift production at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.

Over the years, the iconic statues have found homes in various, often unexpected, locations around the world. One statue gained a devoted following at a small McDonald's in the Netherlands. Restaurant owner Peter Van Gelder acquired it at a charity auction and positioned it to attract patrons. It became a beloved landmark for Jackson's fandom until it was removed in 2019 due to the controversy stemming from the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, prompting a demand for its removal from corporate heads in the U.S.

Another statue found itself in a rather unusual spot—a now-abandoned nightclub in Austria. Owner Franz Josef Zika purchased it at a radio charity auction and placed it prominently outside the venue. For years, it brought life to the club scene until financial struggles forced its closure, leaving Zika seeking a buyer for the statue with aspirations of selling it for around €25,000.

Meanwhile, a lesser-known statue has become a fixture amid the rides at a fairground in Lausanne, Switzerland, where it was previously displayed as a fun attraction. Although it has not been visible in recent years, fairground organizers remain tight-lipped about its fate but assure that it is not for sale. Meanwhile, in South Africa, a repainted version of a statue stands in a deserted theme park in Johannesburg, a photographic curiosity within the remnants of a once-popular attraction.

Interestingly, in Italy's Europark Idroscalo Milano, a refurbished statue, once temporarily obscured due to the controversy following Leaving Neverland, was celebrated with a public event in 2019. However, despite the restoration, the park’s owners have recently placed it up for sale.

Despite the controversies surrounding Michael Jackson, these statues remain as tangible remnants of an era, each telling a unique story of their past glory, current states, and the ongoing influence of the pop icon. Even though the excitement surrounding the King of Pop has dimmed over time, these colossal representations evoke nostalgia and curiosity for fans and the curious alike.