BEVERLY HILLS—Julien’s Auctions announced that they will be auctioning a piece of history that belonged to the famed late singing sensation Michael Jackson later this month. The “Thriller” jacket, which Jackson wore in his video “Thriller,” will be offered to bidders on June 25 and 26. A portion of the proceeds will benefit a charity important to the late pop star’s legacy.

Michael Jackson's Thriller And Sabu

Julien’s is known for specializing in entertainment memorabilia, Beatles memorabilia and rock memorabilia. It is now the premier auction house in high-profile celebrity and entertainment auctions.

Jackson’s red “Thriller” jacket is estimated to be worth between $200,000 to $400,000. The iconic jacket was worn by Jackson during the filming of the epic video “Thriller,” which went on to become the top grossing single and the highest selling album of all time. This piece of pop culture is making its way to the auction block. The jacket's black and red style became so identifiable with Jackson’s groundbreaking video that he continued to use jackets of the same design when performing the song “Thriller” for the duration of his career. This jacket was given by Jackson to his longtime costume designers Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush.

Jackson brought this jacket to Tompkins and Bush to be used as reference for all of the subsequent concerts. The jacket is a black and red calf leather jacket with “Marc Laurent Paris” label featuring silver buckle, red silk lining, trapunto-stitched collar, snap front closure and signature winged shoulders. “To Bush and Dennis, All My Love, Michael Jackson,” is inscribed on the inside lining. The sleeve is also signed “Love Michael Jackson.” Among the most recognizable and famous garment of the 20th century, Jackson’s “Thriller” jacket sparked a 1980s fashion craze like none other.

The most significant part of this story is possibly that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this jacket will benefit the Shambala Preserve, the current home to Jackson’s two Bengal tigers, Thriller and Sabu. The two tigers have been living at the Shambala Preserve since 2006 when the singer left Neverland Ranch and asked “The Birds” and “Marnie” star Tippi Hedren to take them.

My Friend Tippi Hedren At Shambala

All of The Roar Foundation and Shambala volunteers and staff express their gratitude to Julien’s Auctions for making this benefit possible. Tippi has worked tirelessly in California and around the nation to advocate on behalf of the rights of wildlife, pets and all animals. The iconic actress, who worked with directors Alfred Hitchcock and Charlie Chaplin tells Canyon News, “I couldn’t be more grateful. Tommy, it costs $75,000 every single month to keep Shambala operational. This includes the compound upkeep, the best food, expert animal care, the best medical care for all of the wild ones including Michael’s Thriller and Sabu.”

Tippi has extended invitations to Jackson’s three children: Paris, Prince and Blanket to visit the tigers they grew up with, but to date Katherine Jackson and her family have not responded to the animal rights activist. Hedren tells Canyon News, “I still leave the invitation open to the kids. I’m sure they miss Thriller and Sabu very much.”

For information on the auction or to place a bid on the “Thriller Jacket,” you can go to Juliensauctions.com.

Photograph of Michael Jackson’s big cats Thriller and Sabu is Courtesy: Shambala Organization and Ms. Tippi Hedren, the photograph of Tipp Hedren and her tiger is Courtesy: Personal Photographer Bill Dow