A MICHAEL JACKSON tribute act has been removed from the bill of a popular music festival following allegations of abuse against the real thing.
Marvellous Festivals had booked a soundalike to perform at this year’s event, which takes place in Dinton Pastures over the weekend of July 20 and 21.
The event includes singers who perform as some of the most famous names in pop music and this year includes tributes to Rod Stewart, Johnny Cash, Little Mix, Debbie Harry and Bryan Adams.
But an act celebrating the music of Michael Jackson has been pulled after a backlash against the US singer in the wake of a documentary Leaving Neverland.
In it, two people alleged that the singer had sexually abused them while they were children, something the estate of Michael Jackson disputes.
A spokesperson for Marvellous said that because of the festival’s emphasis on being family-friendly they had decided to take action now.
They said: “Given the highly sensitive nature of the allegations and the level of controversy currently surrounding Michael Jackson, and in consideration of the family bias of both Marvellous Festival and Dinton Pastures Country Park, we feel that the best course of action is to withdraw the Michael Jackson show from this year’s line-up.
“This is not to say that, should these allegations prove to be unfounded, we would not consider booking the show at
a later date.
“We hope that you understand and support our decision in this matter.”
Tickets for Marvellous are now on sale. For more details, log on to www.marvellousfestivals.com
