Transport for London (TFL) has removed ads displayed on the sides of buses and bus stops that proclaimed Michael Jackson’s innocence amidst recent pedophilia allegations.
The ads were erected following a £20,000 ($A37,000) crowdfunding campaign by the star’s supporters.
The adverts were positioned on the sides of buses and bus stops, depicting Jackson muffled by the word ‘innocent’ with the words ‘Facts don’t lie. People do’, which was a response to the Leaving Neverland documentary accusing Jackson of grooming underage boys.
TFL has removed the ads due to ‘public sensitivity and concern’.
Supporters of the musician argued: “We would not think twice in turning our backs on his legacy if we for one second felt that there was any truth at all in these heinous events”.
This view has been publicly questioned by charities who work with sexual abuse survivors, warning it “perpetuates fear” among those who want to speak out on the issues raised.
Jackson’s legacy has already been tarnished by the allegations, with radio stations blacklisting his songs and even a 1991 episode of The Simpsons guest starring Jackson being withdrawn from streaming services and broadcast.
