”The Simpsons” producers have decided to pull its classic episode, ”Stark Raving Dad,” featuring Michael Jackson’s voice, in the wake of the release of the controversial ”Leaving Neverland” Documentary.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the show’s executive producer James L. Brooks said he made the call after watching the 2-part HBO documentary about Jackson’s alleged molestations of James Safechuck and Wade Robson.
In the 1991 episode, Jackson was featured voicing the character, Leon Kompowsky- a mental patient who befriends Bart Simpson and has delusions that he is Michael Jackson.
The famous episode has always been a fan favorite since it debuted, and is known for the birthday song Jackson’s character sings to Lisa Simpson.
Brooks told the publication that in light of the disturbing claims in the documentary, pulling the episode “feels clearly the only choice to make.”
Brooks also said ”The Simpsons” producers are taking steps to remove the episode from all platforms including on television, streaming services and Blu-ray/DVD box sets.
“This was a treasured episode,” Brooks said. “There are a lot of great memories we have wrapped up in that one, and this certainly doesn’t allow them to remain.”
