Michael Jackson to Remain in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Michael Jackson will not be ejected from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, even after allegations of abuse were made about him in the new documentary Leaving Neverland, a representative said.
Jackson was inducted as a member of the Jackson 5 and later as a solo artist, and he’s the subject of an exhibition at the Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland. Questions were raised about the late musician’s continuing affiliation after the film sparked new speculation about his past.
Wade Robson, 36, and James Safechuck, 41, both accused Jackson of sexually abusing them as children. Various people associated with Jackson have since spoken out either for or against him. The Jackson estate launched a lawsuit against broadcasters HBO, calling the film “unfettered propaganda.”
“Michael Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Jackson 5 in 1997 and as a solo artist in 2001,” the representative told Pitchfork in a statement.
“As with all of our inductees, Jackson was recognized for musical excellence and talent as well as having a significant impact on rock ’n’ roll, and was elected by a diverse voting body of historians, fellow musicians and music industry professionals. Original artifacts and memorabilia from many artists’ lives and performances are on display in our exhibits. There are no plans for this to change.”
In London, the internationally renowned Madame Tussauds said its waxwork statue of Jackson would remain on display, while producers of the Thriller musical, based on his 1982 album, said there were no plans to end its West End run, currently in its 10th year.