Aussie Retailer Pulls All Clothing Featuring Michael Jackson Off It’s Shelves!
Aussie Retailer Pulls All Clothing Featuring Michael Jackson Off It’s Shelves!
The controversy following the airing of Leaving Neverland continues after Aussie retailer Cotton On made the decision to pull all stock out of it’s stores which feature pop icon Michael Jackson.
Leaving Neverland told the explosive story of Wade Robson and James Safechuck who both claim they were sexually abused as children by the late Jackson. In light of the accusations many radio stations have since banned the pop star’s music and will refuse to even mention his name on air. Even an episode of The Simpsons has been pulled off air in which Jackson made a cameo appearance.
Cotton On is the latest company to take a stand against the accused pedophile by removing all clothing items from it’s collection bearing Jackson’s face and name.
The action will take effect across all Australian stores with the brand saying the clothing is “high inventory risk” in a company-wide notice.
“In light of recent events, we have made the ethical decision to remove all Michael Jackson product from our stores and online, effective today,” read the memo.
Speaking to News.com.au, the company’s corporate affairs manager had this to say about their decision. “I can confirm that Michael Jackson product is no longer available from Cotton On stores (globally),” Antoinette Marshall said. “We have nothing further to add.”
And while Cotton On is standing firm on it’s decision, it seems not everyone is happy about it. Some customers have taken to social media to let the company know how disappointed they are.
“Shame on you for pulling this range from store,” said one angry customer.
“#MJinnocent,” added another.
“PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE restock this! I NEED THIS JACKET! There is WAY MORE DEMAND for MJ merch than big companies realise, and it sucks when major fans like myself are missing out! Please see that there is a demand and make more mj merch available,” one pleaded.
It’s not just the customers who find this move puzzling. Many couldn’t understand why this decision has been made now- considering allegations against Jackson were made years ago.
“I understand why they recalled all the MJ stuff, because they don’t want a bad rep and Millennials attacking them on Twitter,” one Cotton On staffer told news.com.au.
“But this whole scandal with MJ has been going on for years. It’s not like it’s new.
“If they were worried about what people would think, they shouldn’t have put out the Michael Jackson shirts and jackets in the first place (knowing his past history).
“They should have put it on sale like Kylie [Jenner] did with the Jordyn collection,” the staffer added.
What do you think of this decision? Is Cotton On justified by pulling all stock off it’s shelves and would you still wear an MJ t-shirt?
Images: Instagram
Chrystal Lovevintage
Chrystal is a writer and blogger who loves nothing more than watching back to back episodes of crime shows. Should she ever find herself needing to cover up a crime, she'll know exactly what to do! Her dream is to one day live in Palm Springs where she can do her writing poolside while drinking endless gin and tonics. Mum to the cutest twin boys in the world, she loves nothing more than the sound of their laughter (usually heard when they're conspiring against her). Entertainment writer and pop culture junkie, she will be bringing you all the celebrity gossip and news that your brain can handle. You can follow her blog at https://lovechrystal.com.au and on Instagram at Chrystalovevintage
