The Simpsons’ producers have pulled a 1991 episode of the show featuring Michael Jackson’s voice following the
explosive revelations featured in
Leaving Neverland.
The HBO documentary that aired in the US and Ireland in two parts this week addresses child abuse allegations against Michael Jackson and features interviews with two of his accusers.
Wade Robson and James Safechuck, now in their 30s, claim they befriended the musician when they were aged seven and 10 respectively and were then sexually abused by him.
The Simpsons' executive producer James Brooks told
The Wall Street Journal, “The documentary gave evidence of monstrous behaviour.
“It feels clearly the only choice to make.”
The infamous episode of
The Simpsons episode, titled
Stark Raving Dad, shows Homer meeting a man named Leon Kompowsky in a mental institution who claims to be Michael Jackson, and who was voiced by the singer.
He wasn’t credited in the episode because of issues with his recording contract at the time, but Matt Groening confirmed in 2018 that it was actually him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLIUlaJsGwU
A number of radio stations around the world have also pulled Jackson’s music since
Leaving Neverland aired,
The Guardian reports.
Jackson has faced several allegations over the years spanning as far back as the 90s, and previously went to trial in 2005 over allegations of sexual abuse made by 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo. He denied any wrongdoing and was cleared of all charges.
The singer also faced child abuse allegations from another boy called Jordy Chandler in 1993, although this was settled out of court the following year.
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