Music

Diana Ross Voices Support for Michael Jackson Amidst ‘Leaving Neverland’ Backlash

Ross stands with The King of Pop.

Diana Ross has spoken out in support of the late Michael Jackson amidst allegations of sexual molestation and assault that resurfaced in HBO’s Leaving Neverland documentary earlier this month. Though she stops short of commenting on his innocence, Ross tweeted that “I believe and trust that Michael Jackson was and is a magnificent incredible force to me and to many others.”

Ross is the latest musician to comment on the new round of accusations against Jackson, but the first notable acquaintance to do so. Barbra Streisand recently caught smoke from both sides of the aisle when she seemingly excused the alleged molestation and blamed the parents of Jackson’s accusers in a recent profile. She issued an apology this morning.

In the wake of Leaving Neverland, radio stations and museums have begun to distance themselves from Jackson’s catalog. The Simpsons recently pulled a beloved episode with a cameo from Jackson, fearing it may have been used by Jackson to “groom” his alleged victims. His estate has vehemently denied the accusations made by James Safechuck and Wade Robson in Leaving Neverland. They’re currently suing HBO for $100 million, claiming the documentary violated a non-disparagement clause from a 1992 contract hinged to the live special, Michael Jackson in Concert in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour.

zo

Zo is a staff writer at Okayplayer where he covers music.

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