Michael Jackson’s Chimp Bubbles at Center of Viral AI Photos
*The Florida sanctuary caring for Michael Jackson’s longtime chimpanzee Bubbles is pushing back against viral online images tied to the biopic “Michael.” Officials at the Center for Great Apes said photos circulating online that appear to show Jaafar Jackson visiting Bubbles were created using artificial intelligence, TMZ reports. According to the Wauchula-based sanctuary, Jaafar — […] The post Michael Jackson’s Chimp Bubbles at Center of Viral AI Photos appeared first on EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More.
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*The Florida sanctuary caring for Michael Jackson’s longtime chimpanzee Bubbles is pushing back against viral online images tied to the biopic “Michael.”
Officials at the Center for Great Apes said photos circulating online that appear to show Jaafar Jackson visiting Bubbles were created using artificial intelligence, TMZ reports. According to the Wauchula-based sanctuary, Jaafar — who portrays his late uncle in the new film — has never visited the facility. While the organization said he would be welcome in the future, staff members stressed that the viral images spreading online are completely fabricated.
The Center for Great Apes also used the moment to clarify how it operates. The sanctuary said it does not allow visitors to physically interact with chimpanzees or orangutans and does not stage public meet-and-greet experiences with the animals. Instead, the organization said its focus remains on providing secure habitats centered on care and protection.
Interest in Bubbles has increased again because the chimp appears through CGI in the biopic about the King of Pop. Still, the sanctuary emphasized that it is not interested in turning the renewed attention into entertainment opportunities.
Bubbles became part of Michael Jackson’s life during the 1980s after animal trainer Bob Dunn obtained the chimp from a biomedical research center in Texas. He quickly became a familiar presence at the singer’s homes, on tour, and at public appearances, before eventually growing too large and strong for domestic life.
Over time, Bubbles was transitioned out of Jackson’s care and eventually moved to the Center for Great Apes in 2005. Since then, he has lived in a protected social group within the sanctuary environment. “Bubbles definitely missed him when they parted,” Dunn once said. “The last time Michael visited, Bubbles definitely recognized and remembered him.”
Sanctuary director Patti Ragan described Bubbles by saying, “He’s such a sweet, sweet guy,” while noting he weighs around 170 pounds and lives with five other chimpanzees. “Bubbles helped raise two babies when he came here,” Ragan said.
In 2020, La Toya Jackson reunited with Bubbles at the Florida sanctuary in an emotional moment featured in an Animal Planet documentary. Watch the clip below.
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The post Michael Jackson’s Chimp Bubbles at Center of Viral AI Photos appeared first on EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More.
