Football Museum Removes Michael Jackson Statue
Tribute which stood for two years at Craven Cottage stored after child abuse claims
The statue of the Michael Jackson which was exhibited Craven Cottage by former Fulham owner Mohamed al-Fayed has been removed from the National Football Museum in Manchester following the broadcast of the documentary Leaving Neverland, which accused the star of child abuse.
Al-Fayed was a personal friend of Jackson and commissioned the statue in 2009, shortly after the singer's death. After being displayed in pride of place outside of the Al-Fayed owned Harrods, the memorial was moved to Craven Cottage in 2011 after he sold the store.
However, after Al-Fayed also sold Fulham in 2013, new owner Shahid Khan decided it was best to remove the 7ft 6in memorial and return it to his predecessor.
At the time Fulham Chairman Shahid Khan said: "Our supporters' views on the statue have been made clear. I respect Mr Al Fayed and know he had good intentions in paying an individual tribute. However, the removal of the statue is the right thing for Fulham Football Club."
The museum had displayed the statue since 2014 but had it taken down this week in the wake of the accusations against Jackson.
Leaving Neverland, shown over two nights on Channel 4, details the allegations of Wade Robson and James Safechuck that Jackson sexually abused as children Neverland Ranch in California.
A spokesman said the decision was part of "ongoing plans to better represent the stories we want to tell" and the sculpture will be put into storage.
March 8, 2019
