A white sock worn by the late pop icon Michael Jackson during a 1997 performance has made headlines after selling for €7,688 (approximately $8,911) at an auction in Nîmes, France. The auction took place on Wednesday, where the unique item, covered in rhinestones and showing signs of wear, captured the interest of dedicated collectors and fans alike.
The sock, originally white and adorned with sparkling crystal rhinestones, was discovered backstage by a technician following Jackson’s performance as part of his HIStory World Tour. This world tour spanned 35 countries and included 82 shows, making it one of the most extensive tours in music history. After its discovery, the sock was preserved in a frame for 28 years, adding to its allure and significance, according to auctioneer Aurore Illy.
Exceptional Demand for Jackson Memorabilia
Illy described the sock as “an exceptional object — even a cult one for Michael Jackson fans,” highlighting the ongoing fascination with the King of Pop’s memorabilia. Auctioneers had initially estimated the sock’s value to be between €3,000 and €4,000, but the final price exceeded expectations, illustrating the robust market for Jackson’s collectibles.
Despite the controversies surrounding his legacy, particularly regarding longstanding child molestation allegations—which both he and his estate have denied—the demand for his memorabilia shows no signs of waning. Notably, in 2009, a casino in Macau paid $350,000 for the iconic glittery glove Jackson wore during his first televised moonwalk in 1983. More recently, a Paris buyer acquired a fedora worn by Jackson for over $80,000, and a black-and-white leather jacket from his 1984 Pepsi advertisement fetched $306,000.
Jackson passed away in 2009 at the age of 50 from a fatal drug overdose. His influence on music and pop culture remains significant, with collectors continuing to seek out items that reflect his storied career. The sale of the sock is just one example of how his legacy continues to thrive in the memorabilia market.
