Double Tap to Zoom

Producer of The Simpsons, James L. Brooks, has announced that the 1991 episode featuring Michael Jackson's voice will no longer be in circulation. The decision to pull "Stark Raving Dad" comes after Brooks watched the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, which details accusations of sexual assault against the late pop star.

Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, Brooks said, "It feels clearly the only choice to make." He continued, "This was a treasured episode. There are a lot of great memories we have wrapped up in that one, and this certainly doesn’t allow them to remain. I’m against book burning of any kind. But this is our book, and we’re allowed to take out a chapter."

The episode in question features a character called Leon Kompowsky, whom Homer meets in a mental health facility. Kompowsky, voiced by Michael Jackson, believes he is the "King of Pop." Jackson wrote and sang the song "Happy Birthday Lisa" for the episode.

Earlier this week, radio stations in Canada and New Zealand made the decision to stop playing Michael Jackson songs.

We Recommend
  • Without Further A-D’Oh, a New Simpsons x adidas Collection
  • adidas & The Simpsons' New Shoes Died On the Way to Their Home Planet
  • adidas Brought Homer Simpson’s Most Relatable GIF to Life
  • adidas, Did You Turn Marge Simpson's Hair Into Sneakers?
What To Read Next
  • Nike’s Flyest Sneaker Looks Even Flyer In Black Ostrich Leather
  • A Spring in Your Step? In These Nikes, Try “Pounce” Instead
  • New Balance’s Super-Luxe, Super-Slim Sneaker Is a Straight-Up Beast
  • Why an All-New Paraboot Shoe Is Kind of a Big Deal
  • Nike's Mega-Classic Air Max Thinks Its a Soccer Shoe
  • adidas Luxed Up Its Slickest Samba-Style Sneaker