A well-known and loved episode from The Simpsons’ third season has been pulled following the allegations of child sexual abuse from the Leaving Neverland documentary.
Long-time executive producer of The Simpsons, James L. Brooks announced the episode will no longer be in circulation following the brutal content revealed in the documentary.
Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, Brooks said he felt removing the episode from future schedules was: “clearly the only choice to make. ”
The episode first aired in 1991 and sees Homer sent to a psychiatric hospital for wearing a pink shirt to work. There he meets a large gently spoken fellow who claims to be Michael Jackson. Upon his return home, he brings Michael with him and the town is excited for the arrival of the celebrity. It turns out this large, bald white guy is called Leon Kompowsky.
Brooks stated he was against book burning but said: “this is our book, and we’re allowed to take out a chapter.”
The documentary Leaving Neverland is available to watch on Channel 4 and 4OD and is an eye-opening experience.
Anyone affected by the documentary, here are some helpful contacts:
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 www.nspcc.org.uk