Simpsons episode featuring Michael Jackson pulled out from circulation after Leaving Neverland controversy
The HBO documentary titled Leaving Neverland, which revisits the child sexual abuse charges against the King of Pop Michael Jackson has created quite a stir among his fans. The documentary features the testimony of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, two men who met Jackson and spent time with him as boys. Following the controversy, The Simpsons producers have decided to pull off an episode featuring the voice of Michael Jackson.
Executive producer James L. Brooks, creator Matt Groening and showrunner Al Jean collectively made the decision to pull the episode from recirculation after they watched the HBO documentary 'Leaving Neverland', according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The episode, titled 'Stark Raving Dad', has been pulled out from streaming platforms, networks re-running the show and forthcoming physical copies such as box sets.
"It feels clearly the only choice to make. The guys I work with where we spend our lives arguing over jokes were of one mind on this," Brooks told The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the story.
The episode appeared in the animated series' third season, aired in 1991.
On the episode, Jackson played Leon Kompowsky, a man who believes he is Michael Jackson. Homer Simpson meets Kompowsky in a mental institution where he is briefly committed. Homer, who does not know Michael Jackson, ends up believing Kompowsky to be the singer.
Jackson had offered to guest star on the show and while he spoke his character's lines, a voice double sang for him.
(With PTI Inputs)
