The Simpsons pulls episode starring Michael Jackson over child abuse allegations
The episode saw Jackson voice Leon Kompowsky, a man Homer meets at a mental institution who believes he’s Michael Jackson
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.An episode of The Simpsons featuring Michael Jackson has been pulled from circulation, following the accusations made in the new documentary Leaving Neverland.
The new documentary, which aired in two parts on Channel 4 in the UK this week, features lengthy testimony from Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who claim they were sexually abused by Jackson when they were children.
Jackson’s estate has denied all of the allegations in the documentary and accused Robson and Safechuck of being “opportunists” and “liars”. It is currently suing HBO for $100m.
According to The Wall Street Journal, executive producer James L. Brooks, creator Matt Groening and showrunner Al Jean have made the decision to pull the episode “Stark Raving Dad” from streaming platforms, networks re-running the show, and forthcoming physical copies, including box sets.
“It feels clearly the only choice to make,” Brooks said. “The guys I work with — where we spend our lives arguing over jokes — were of one mind on this.”
The episode in question, from the show’s third season, which aired in 1991, saw Jackson voice Leon Kompowsky, a man Homer meets at a mental institution who believes he’s Michael Jackson.
Jackson was a fan of the show and offered to guest star, although he was originally credited under the pseudonym “John Jay Smith”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments