Diana Ross is the latest artist to voice support for disgraced artist Michael Jackson, following the resurfaced allegations of child sex abuse. The 74-year-old musician took to Twitter on Saturday to ask those criticising Jackson to “stop in the name of love.”
“This is what’s on my heart this morning. I believe and trust that Michael Jackson was and is A magnificent incredible force to me and to many others. STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE,” Ross shared.
Ross and Jackson were close friends for man years. As Hollywood Life reports, Ross was a “backup guardian” to Jackson’s three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket.
This is what’s on my heart this morning. I believe and trust that Michael Jackson was and is A magnificent incredible force to me and to many others.
STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) March 23, 2019
The release of the revealing documentary Leaving Neverland has caused a polarising response within the media. Radio stations have blacklisted the work of Jackson from their programming, and The Simpsons have pulled his episode from streaming services. Whilst conversely, huge names have continued to support the late musician.
Last week, arbra Streisand was forced to apologise for comments she made about those accusing Jackson of abuse. Claiming that the abuse alleged by victims “didn’t kill them.”
In a profile published in The Times, Streisand was asked about the allegations facing Jackson, to which she responded:
“His sexual needs were his sexual needs, coming from whatever childhood he has or whatever DNA he has. You can say ‘molested,’ but those children [Robson and Safechuck], as you heard say, they were thrilled to be there.”
“They both married and they both have children, so it didn’t kill them.”
Streisand’s comments during the interview resulted in widespread backlash. Streisand consequently took to Twitter to issue an apology and clarify her comments.
“To be crystal clear, there is no situation or circumstance where it is OK for the innocence of children to be taken advantage of by anyone,” Streisand wrote in a statement.
“The stories these two young men shared were painful to hear, and I feel nothing but sympathy for them. The single most important role of being a parent is to protect their children.”
“I am profoundly sorry for any pain or misunderstanding I caused by not choosing my words more carefully about Michael Jackson and his victims, because the words as printed do not reflect my true feelings,” Streisand shared.
Leaving Neverland was released earlier this month. The controversial documentary delved into abuse allegations made by two men, Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck, who detail abuse they suffered as children at the hands of Michael Jackson. Watch a trailer for the documentary below.
Watch: Leaving Neverland (2019) – Trailer
