MTV to remove Michael Jackson’s name from award: Report
MTV is reportedly set to rename the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award following the string of allegations made against the late pop star in the controversial Leaving Neverland documentary.
The HBO feature focused on disturbing sexual abuse claims by two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who alleged Jackson groomed them when they were children.
The King of Pop’s estate denied the allegations and subsequently filed a US$100 million lawsuit against the U.S. network.
According to the New York Post’s Page Six gossip column, MTV is considering cutting ties with the Smooth Criminal hitmaker’s name for its annual Video Music Awards, which are set to take place in August.
The outlet claimed there are “heated discussions” between network bosses over how to handle the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, with concerns over who would present it, and who would accept it with Jackson’s name still on the prize.
The late pop star received the Vanguard Award in 1988, and MTV renamed it in his honour in 1991.
Some of the music stars to be honoured with the prestigious gong include Rihanna, Beyonce, Kanye West, Britney Spears, U2 and Jennifer Lopez, who took home the trophy last year.