Michael Jackson Wax Figures Will Remain on Display at Madame Tussauds Despite Criticism
Written by SOURCE on March 21, 2019
Madame Tussauds will keep their Michael Jackson wax statues on display despite public backlash in the wake of sexual abuse allegations from Wade Robson and James Safechuck in the documentary Leaving Neverland.
“The figures on display at Madame Tussauds reflect profiles that have had an impact on popular culture and that visitors expect to see,” a spokesperson for Madame Tussauds told TMZ. “Michael Jackson has been and is currently a feature of Madame Tussauds attractions around the world.”
“We regularly monitor our choice of figures on display based on external events and visitor feedback,” the spokesperson added. “It will be kept on display for the foreseeable future.” Madame Tussauds’ refusal to budge comes at a time many are steering clear of anything closely associated with the King of Pop.
Earlier this month, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening announced that the 1991 episode “Stark Raving Dad” featuring an uncredited voice cameo from Jackson was being removed from their catalog. Drake removed the song “Don’t Matter to Me,” which includes previously unheard M.J. vocals, from his setlist on the Assassination Vacation Tour after including the track in his set on the Aubrey and the Three Migos Tour last year.
Neverland has even negatively impacted the singer’s streaming numbers. Since its premiere, combined album and song sales have dropped by five percent while on-demand streams also fell from 19.7 million to 18.7 million. If the backlash towards Jackson continues to grow, Madame Tussauds may soon change their stance on keeping his statue on display.
