Michael Jackson’s Music Gets Banned By Radio Stations

Following the release of the 'Leaving Neverland' documentary, radio stations have stopped playing MJ's hits.

Following the controversial HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, some radio stations across the globe have made the decision to stop playing Michael Jackson’s hits. The said documentary features two guys in their 30s who, according to their own confessions, were abused by the popstar when they were kids aged 7 and 10.

Now three Canadian radio stations have banned Jackson’s songs such as ‘Beat It’, ‘Billie Jean’, and ‘Thriller’ among others, from their playlist. Christine Dicaire, spokeswoman of Cogeco, said the listeners themselves requested the ban.

Meanwhile in New Zealand, Mediaworks Group and New Zealand Media Entertainment stations have likewise arrived at the same decision.

Leon Wratt, content director for Mediaworks, put it this way:

“We aren’t deciding whether Michael Jackson is guilty… we’re just making sure our radio stations are going to play the music people want to hear.”

In an interview with Magic Talk, he further expounded:

“You’ve got 500 songs on a playlist and you have to make the decisions which 500 are the ones people will want to listen to.”

In the disturbing 4-hour documentary, James Safechuck, one of the two boys, said Jackson “married” him as a child and he rewarded him constantly.

“I was really into jewellery at that time and he would reward me with jewellery… He would say that I need to sell him some so I could earn the gift.”

Him and the popstar allegedly tied the knot in the singer’s bedroom.

“So we were like this married couple. I say ‘married’ because we had this mock wedding ceremony.

“We did this in his bedroom and we filled out some vows, like we would be bonded forever. It felt good. And the ring is nice – it has a row of diamonds, the wedding ring.”

Since its release, the documentary has attracted mixed user reviews.

One woman wrote:

“I didn’t need to watch this documentary to know he was guilty. Deep down, we all know.”.

Another netizen commented:

“This film was enlightening for sure. My heart goes out to the young men who FINALLY are able to speak about what happened and start the long journey of healing… Shame on anyone who left all them horrible messages to the young men.. It took amazing strength to come forward and more people know they just aren’t speaking up.”

Others, however, are skeptical about the men’s testimonies.

As a fan said:

“I’m finding it hard to digest the words of these two guys. Unfortunately I am not feeling that they are telling the truth. That’s my feeling. Unfortunately MJ isn’t here to defend himself only God knows the truth.”

Michael Jackson passed away in June 25, 2009 at the age of 50.