Louis Vuitton pulls Michael Jackson-inspired clothing due to child sex abuse claims in explosive Leaving Neverland doc
The fashion brand revealed its Jacko range on January 17 - a week before Leaving Neverland screened at the Sundance Film Festival
LOUIS Vuitton has announced it will pull its Michael Jackson-inspired clothing following explosive child sex abuse allegations against the superstar singer.
The fashion brand revealed its 2019 menswear collection on January 17, featuring items influenced by Jacko’s style, a week before the doc Leaving Neverland screened at the Sundance Film Festival.
In the film, two former child companions of Jackson allege the eccentric entertainer repeatedly abuse and raped them as children.
Now Louis Vuitton has pulled clothing “that directly (feature) Michael Jackson elements” from production.
They added the collection that ultimately goes to stores will “purely reflect the true values of the brand and of our artistic director.”
The company’s artistic director Virgil Abloh said in an exclusive statement shared with : “I am aware that in light of this documentary the show has caused emotional reactions.
“I strictly condemn any form of child abuse, violence or infringement against any human rights.”
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Abloh continued: “My intention for this show was to refer to Michael Jackson as a pop culture artist.
“It referred only to his public life that we all know and to his legacy that has influenced a whole generation of artists and designers.”
Michael Burke, Vuitton’s chairman and chief executive officer, echoed the sentiment.
“We find the allegations in the documentary deeply troubling and disturbing,” he said.
“Child safety and welfare is of utmost importance to Louis Vuitton. We are fully committed to advocating this cause.”
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The statement also added that the documentary caused the label “the greatest pain” and that its team was “unaware” of the documentary on the day of the Jan 17 men’s runway show.
This is despite the fact that the much-publicised Leaving Neverland screened at Sundance on January 25.
Michael Jackson strongly denied all allegations of sex abuse made against him.
His family and estate have slammed the documentary calling it one-sided.
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