The BBC has responded to backlash over the use of a Michael Jackson song in an episode of Cbeebies show Magic Hands.
The kids show, which translates popular poems and songs into British Sign Language, featured Jackson 5’s hit ABC in a recent episode – which aired on March 18.
Parents weren’t happy about the choice of song and slammed the show’s decision to use the track in the wake of the recent Leaving Neverland documentary – in which Wade Robson, 36, and James Safechuck, 40, claimed they were abused by Jacko as kids.
Read more: Leaving Neverland director admits Michael Jackson accuser may have made mistake in sex abuse claims
The episode sees host Mae sign to her deaf friend Mia: “I think you’ll like it. It’s called ABC.
“It’s all about learning new things and having good friends who love you and who will help you when you need it.”
After performing the 70s hit with an animated lion called Leapy, Mae said: “Wow, what a fantastic song that was.”
She asked the audience: “Did you dance along with us?”
The episode received backlash from some parents.
One mother told The Sun: “I was watching Magic Hands with my two-year-old son and was pretty shocked that the entire episode was based around a song sung by Michael Jackson.
“I watched Leaving Neverland and couldn’t believe CBeebies hadn’t pulled it from the schedule. Given all the vile things Michael Jackson has been accused of doing to children, it actually make my skin crawl to hear the song.”
A father added: “Did no one think that teaching small children a Jackson song might be slightly inappropriate after Leaving Neverland? It needs to be pulled from the air indefinitely.”
A BBC spokesperson told the publication: “This song was recorded and performed by the programme’s own production for a programme specifically designed for deaf and hard of hearing children.”
Read more: Leaving Neverland viewers left ‘vomiting’ over graphic abuse claims
Leaving Neverland aired last month on Channel 4.
The film left die-hard fans convinced the late King of Pop was a paedophile.
Fans revealed on social media they had been left nauseous over the claims and media personalities such as Piers Morgan have questioned whether he may have been a serial abuser.
Jackson always denied the claims and his family fiercely denounced the documentary, saying in part: “Michael Jackson was and always will be 100% innocent of these false allegations.”
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