Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

'Michael Jackson is innocent' posters removed from London underground and buses amid child abuse claims

The posters had the tag-line: 'Facts don’t lie. People do'

Jack Shepherd
Thursday 14 March 2019 08:20 GMT
Comments
Michael Jackson's accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck detail abuse

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Transport for London has announced that posters proclaiming ‘Michael Jackson innocent’ will be removed from circulation.

The posters appeared in recent days following the broadcast of Leaving Neverland on Channel 4. The documentary centres on two men, James Safechuck and Wade Robson, who claim the singer molested them as children.

Some Jackson fans reacted vehemently to the documentary and crowdfunded the money needed to advertise on buses and the underground around London. The posters bared the tag-line: “Facts don’t lie. People do.”

TfL have since said they are removing the posters, with a spokesperson telling the BBC: “We have reviewed our position and will be removing these advertisements. They have been rejected due to the public sensitivity and concern around their content.”

Jackson’s estate have begun the process of suing HBO – who co-produced the documentary with Channel 4 – for $100 million (£75 million) and have called Leaving Neverland a “public lynching”.

Radio stations around the world have begun dropping Jackson’s music, while The Simpsons producers have removed an episode featuring Jackson from circulation. Read all about the fallout from the film here.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in