By Kimberly Kalusi

dirty sock

A single, stained sock once worn by pop icon Michael Jackson has fetched an eye-popping KSh 1.1 million (approx. €7,688 or $8,822) at a recent auction in France.

The glittery white sock, studded with rhinestones, was reportedly discovered discarded near the late singer’s dressing room after his 1997 History World Tour concert in Nîmes, southern France. Decades later, the item—though yellowed and worn—still captivated bidders from around the world.

“It really is an exceptional object — even a cult one for Michael Jackson fans,” said auctioneer Aurore Illy. Initially valued at €3,000 to €4,000, the sock exceeded expectations at the Nîmes auction house.

Image of dirty socks.[Courtesy]

Male feet with smelly dirty socks on white background

This isn’t the first time Jackson memorabilia has caused a stir. In 2009, a Macau gaming resort paid a staggering $350,000 (over KSh 45 million) for the rhinestone glove Jackson wore during his legendary 1983 “moonwalk” debut. Just last year, a fedora he tossed before that same performance sold for over $80,000 in Paris.

Though Jackson passed away in 2009, his legacy—and the demand for his iconic items—clearly lives on.