‘Simpsons’ Producers Pull Iconic Michael Jackson Episode

Michael Jackson flashes the V sign as he leaves with his mother Katherine and father Joe, right, after Jackson's trial on child molestation charges recessed for the day at the courthouse in Santa Maria, Calif., Friday, May 13, 2005. Attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. is behind Jackson. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The producers of “The Simpsons” are removing a classic episode that featured the voice of Michael Jackson after HBO aired a documentary in which two men claim they were sexually abused by the singer when they were younger.

Videos by Rare

“It feels like the only choice to make,” executive producer James L. Brooks told The Wall Street Journal on Thursday. Fellow executive producers Matt Groening and Al Jean are “of one mind on this,” Brooks said.

The action follows HBO’s broadcast of the documentary “Leaving Neverland.” Jackson’s family has denounced the program, saying it’s full of falsehoods. His estate is suing HBO. In the 1991 “Stark Raving Dad” episode, Jackson voiced a character who claims to be Jackson and who meets Homer Simpson in a mental institution. The singer is listed in credits as John Jay Smith.

The episode will be removed from streaming services and future DVD sets. Also, organizers say an online petition calling for the end of the Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show “Michael Jackson: One” had gotten several thousand signatures by Friday.

Cirque du Soleil representatives declined comment.

Watch: 5 Facts About Paris Jackson

What do you think?

Dogs Kill Florida Toddler

Toddler Mauled to Death by Family Dogs

Emoji Gods Approve Skin-Tone Options for Couples of Color

Emoji Gods Approve Skin-Tone Options for Couples of Color