A single rhinestone-adorned sock worn by the late pop icon Michael Jackson during a 1997 concert in France has been sold at auction for over $8,000, according to French auctioneer Aurore Illy.
The sock, originally found by a technician near Jackson’s dressing room after his performance in the southern city of Nîmes, was part of the wardrobe the “King of Pop” wore during his HIStory World Tour. Jackson famously paired white athletic socks encrusted with rhinestones with his signature dance routines, including the moonwalk in “Billie Jean,” as shown in concert footage.
Despite its age, stains, and yellowed rhinestones, the off-white sock remains a coveted collectible. “It’s truly an exceptional item — even a cult object for Michael Jackson fans,” said Illy.
Initially valued between €3,000 and €4,000 ($3,400–$4,500), the sock sold for €7,688 ($8,822) at the Nîmes auction house.
Jackson memorabilia continues to attract high bids. In 2009, a Macau casino resort purchased a glittery glove he wore during his debut moonwalk performance for $350,000. A hat worn just before that performance sold for more than $80,000 at a Paris auction in 2023.
Michael Jackson died in 2009 at the age of 50 from a drug overdose. Despite long-standing allegations of child molestation — which he and his estate consistently denied — the pop legend maintains a devoted global fan base.
