Michael Jackson tribute act says ‘business is booming’ as people are talking about singer again

Two men have accused US pop star of sexually abusing them as children

A Michael Jackson tribute singer has reportedly said his “business is booming”, as people are once again discussing the singer following the release of a documentary alleging the star sexually abused children.

Edward Cook performs under the name “Simply Jackson”.

“People are talking about Michael Jackson again,” he told Bristol Live, adding the controversy had been “like an advertisement” for his act.

Wade Robson and James Safechuck accused the late singer of molesting them as children in detailed accounts filmed for Leaving Neverland, a documentary co-produced by HBO and Channel 4.

It was aired on the latter channel in the UK in two parts on 6 and 7 March.

“In a roundabout way it is having a positive effect,” Mr Cook said.

“The only thing it has done is increase bookings.

“It’s quite a selfish thing for me to say, because I do respect what the Jackson family are going through right now. They are a famous family but they are still a family.”

The tribute artist does not believe the abuse allegations against Jackson. The late singer’s estate and family continues to deny the accusations.

“There is no part of me that thinks there is any truth in it,” Mr Cook told Bristol Live, though he admitted to “panicking” after Leaving Neverland was released.

“If someone has been abused that is very serious but there is just no way of telling whether there is any truth in it,” he said.

“I wouldn’t impersonate someone who gets up to that sort of thing.”

Following the release of Leaving Neverland radio stations have dropped Michael Jackson’s songs, The Simpsons has withdrawn an episode in which he appeared from circulation and debate has raged over the singer’s legacy.

Wade Robson, one of the two men who appeared in the documentary, said he hoped it would help people “question in general who it is that we’re worshipping and why”.