Transport For London (TFL) has confirmed they will be removing controversial adverts placed on London buses, in the wake of Leaving Neverland, claiming Michael Jackson’s innocence.
The adverts included an image of Jackson with the word ‘innocent’ across his mouth and the tagline: ‘Facts don’t lie. People do.’
The posters were put on London buses in response to the Leaving Neverland documentary that aired in the UK and the US, exploring claims made by Wade Robson and James Safechuck that accuse Michael of sexually abusing them when they were children.
The Michael Jackson estate and his family have denied the allegations and claim the documentary is ‘not true’. Jackson’s estate is suing HBO for $100million over the controversial doc.
Supporters of the Billie Jean hit-maker crowdfunded the money needed to fund the advertisements and secure their place across London buses and bus stops.
Speaking to BBC’s Newsbeat, TFL confirmed they will be removing the ads after concerns were raised by those affected by sexual assault, including victims themselves and charities helping those affected.
The Survivors Trust argued the adverts could ‘discourage victims of sexual assault form coming forward’.
‘We have reviewed our position and will be removing these advertisements,’ a spokesperson for TFL told the Radio 1 news programme.
‘They have been rejected due to the public sensitivity and concern around their content.’
The adverts were initially due to be displayed until 24 March.
Leaving Neverland has been divisive among viewers. While some were left ‘disturbed and uncomfortable’ by the graphic detail it goes into exploring Robson and Safechuck’s claims, MJ fans branded it ‘one-sided’.
Fans had protested against the documentary ahead of its airing in the UK on 6 March outside of Channel 4’s offices.
Others shared their support for Robson and Safechuck and Leaving Neverland’s director Dan Reed has shut down accusations the two men are ‘lying’.
Jackson’s family have spoken out in defence of the late star, including his daughter Paris who praised her dad’s ‘good heart’.
Responding to one fan on Twitter who claimed her father’s ‘legacy’ has now been ‘ruined and his name smeared forever’, Paris said: ‘Yeah they do that to everyone with a good heart and tries to make a difference.
‘But do you really think that it’s possible to tear his name down? Like do you truly believe they stand a chance? Relax and have peace.’
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