A famed black-and-red calfskin jacket that Michael Jackson wore in the classic "Thriller" video has sold at auction for $1.8 million.
Darren Julien, president and CEO of Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills, said the jacket was purchased Sunday by Milton Verret, a commodities trader from Austin, Texas.
The jacket is one of two Jackson wore during the filming of the 1983 "Thriller" video. The other one, in scuffed condition, is owned by the Jackson estate.
The jacket was designed by Deborah Landis, the wife of "Thriller" director John Landis. Jackson presented it to the vendors, Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, his longtime costume designers.
"It is one of the most important pieces of rock 'n' roll memorabilia in history," Verret told Reuters. His collection also includes another Jackson jacket and guitars signed by members of U2.
Jackson wears the jacket in a scene with a troupe of zombies who rise from their graves and break into a dance routine. The 14-minute clip is considered one of the most influential music videos ever made.
The "Thriller" jacket will be put on display at Dell Children's Hospital in Austin, before sending it around the world to display during as a fundraising tool for children's charities.
A portion of the sale price will go to the Shambala Preserve, a big cat sanctuary caring for two tigers Jackson one owned.
Jackson died two years ago on Saturday.