Janet Jackson is a literal icon. We know the music, the "Control" era, and that Super Bowl moment that changed TV forever. But honestly? Her love life has always been a bit of a mystery box. People talk about her "ex-husband" like there’s only one, but there have actually been three. Each one was a totally different vibe, from a teenage elopement to a secret decade-long marriage, and finally a billionaire romance that ended with a $200 million settlement.
If you’re trying to keep track, it’s a wild ride. Janet doesn’t just date; she marries in secret. She’s the queen of keeping the public in the dark until the divorce papers hit the news cycle. Let’s get into who these guys actually are and why things went south.
James DeBarge: The 1984 Elopement
The first Janet Jackson ex husband was James DeBarge. This was 1984. Janet was only 18. She was starring on Fame, and her career was just starting to ignite. James was part of the R&B group DeBarge (think "Rhythm of the Night"). It felt like a pop culture fairytale, but the reality was pretty dark.
They eloped in September, but the marriage only lasted about 14 months before it was annulled in 1985. Why? Well, James was struggling with some heavy drug dependency. In her 2022 documentary, Janet got real about it. She talked about how she’d be late to the set of Fame because she was out looking for him. He’d disappear for hours, even on their wedding night. She felt like he needed her more than the show did, but you can’t save someone who isn't ready.
There’s also that persistent "secret baby" rumor. For decades, people swore Janet and James had a kid together. James has even fueled those fires himself on reality TV. But Janet has been firm: it never happened. She’s chalked up her weight gain during that era to the stress of the relationship and the birth control she was on.
Rene Elizondo Jr.: The Best Kept Secret in Hollywood
If you think a one-year marriage is a lot, imagine being married for nearly a decade and nobody knowing. That was Rene Elizondo Jr. He’s the guy behind the famous Rolling Stone cover where hands are covering Janet's chest. (Fun fact: those were his hands).
They married in 1991. The world didn't find out until he filed for divorce in 2000. Think about that for a second. In the height of 90s paparazzi culture, she managed to keep a whole husband under wraps for nine years.
The Creative Spark
Rene wasn't just a husband; he was a massive part of her "Janet" and "The Velvet Rope" eras. He co-wrote dozens of songs and directed music videos.
- Creative Chemistry: They were basically a duo.
- The Downside: Business and pleasure got messy. When they split, he sued her for $25 million, claiming he was entitled to a bigger share of her earnings since he was so involved in the work.
- The Settlement: They eventually settled for a reported $10 million in 2003.
Honestly, fans still argue that Janet's music was at its peak when she was with Rene. He pushed her creatively. But when the romantic spark died, the professional one seemingly went with it.
Wissam Al Mana: The Billionaire Chapter
This brings us to the most recent Janet Jackson ex husband, Qatari billionaire Wissam Al Mana. They got married in 2012 in another "surprise!" ceremony. This was a different world for Janet. She moved to London, started dressing more modestly, and basically stepped out of the Hollywood spotlight.
Things seemed stable until 2017. Just three months after their son, Eissa, was born, they split. Janet was 50 when she had Eissa—a total "miracle baby" moment.
What went wrong?
Rumors swirled about Wissam being "too controlling." Insiders claimed he wanted her to adhere to strict Muslim traditions that didn't mesh with her lifestyle. There were reports that he even influenced her tour costumes, wanting "no skin" and "no dry humping" on stage.
Whatever the reason, the timing was interesting. Reports came out that their prenuptial agreement had a "five-year" clause. If the marriage lasted five years, Janet was allegedly entitled to a much larger payout. They split just after that five-year mark. In the end, she reportedly walked away with around $200 million.
Life in 2026: Co-Parenting and New Lenses
So, where is she now? It’s 2026, and Janet seems to be in a much better place. She’s living in London, co-parenting Eissa with Wissam. Just this month, she posted a rare photo for Eissa’s 9th birthday. The kid had a PlayStation-themed cake—red controller and all. It’s clear Eissa is her entire world.
She’s also joked about her marriages recently. In an interview with the BBC, she laughed about being married "three times, I think." She’s admitted that her biggest disappointment was her marriages, specifically the last one, but she’s also said she’s "breaking the pattern." She’s looking at life through "different lenses" now.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following Janet's journey, here is how to stay updated without falling for the tabloid trap:
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- Watch the 2022 Documentary: If you haven't seen Janet Jackson. on Lifetime/A&E, do it. It’s the most honest she has ever been about James and Rene.
- Follow her Official Socials: Janet is notoriously private, but she uses Instagram for "big" life updates now, especially regarding Eissa.
- Check Tour Dates: She’s still hitting the road. Watching her perform songs like "What About" (which is about domestic struggle) hits differently when you know the history of her marriages.
Janet's story isn't just about "failed" relationships. It's about a woman who spent forty years trying to find her own voice while being surrounded by powerful, sometimes controlling men. She’s finally "in control" for real this time.