Michael Jackson‘s music has seen a major decline with its sales and streaming in the week following HBO’sLeaving Neverlandbroadcast premiere.
Sales for Jackson’s albums and songs as a whole, including both his solo work and his time with Jackson 5 and The Jacksons, dropped 4 percent in the wake of Sunday’s premiere, while his combined sales for March 3-5 also dropped from the previous week,according toThe Hollywood Reporter.
There was also a noticeable decrease in playing time for Jackson’s songs on Tuesday — the day after the second part of the bombshell documentary aired — in comparison to Sunday, before it had been shown on television.
Leaving Neverlandchronicles allegations from two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who both claim Jackson befriended them when they were children and that their relationships quickly turned sexual.
Safechuck, who met Jackson when he was cast in the star’s 1986 Pepsi commercial, claims Jackson taught him how to masturbate, while Robson, who met Jackson when he was just 5 years old, says the star performed oral sex on him and kissed him.
Michael Jackson.Michael Ochs Archive/Getty
Jackson’s family has repeatedly denied all allegations put forth inLeaving Neverland, and said in a January statement the film was “another rehash of dated and discredited allegations,” calling it “yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson.”
Michael Jackson and Wade Robson.HBO
A 1991 episode ofTheSimpsonsfeaturing the voice of the late singer is alsobeing pulled from its archives, including all re-runs, streaming platforms, and even upcoming DVD/Blu-ray box sets,The Wall Street Journalreported.
“It feels clearly the only choice to make,” executive producer James L. Brooks told the outlet. “The guys I work with — where we spend our lives arguing over jokes — we’re of one mind on this.”
Michael Jackson and James Safechuck.Dave Hogan/Getty Images
Jackson’s music is not the only thing of his to decline in the wake of the allegations.
Neverland Ranch, the 2,700 acre property where the pop star lived for 15 years iscurrently on the market, and the realtor’s description of the property, which has been renamedSycamore Valley Ranchincludes features like a fire department building, a swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts, game rooms, a zoo, and multiple guesthouses.
Jackson’s famous private amusement park, which featured a Ferris wheel, carousel, roller coaster and an arcade, has been removed.
Ron Wolfson/WireImage
Despite the attractive features and land, it has struggled to sell on the market following Jackson’s death.
Jackson was 50 years old when he wasfound deadon June 25, 2009, in his L.A. mansion.
Leaving Neverlandisnow available on HBO.
source: people.com
