OPINION: New Zealand radio stations have dropped Michael Jackson like a hot potato because of a documentary about Michael Jackson.
The documentary, Leaving Neverland, has effectively labelled Michael Jackson a paedophile.
MediaWorks and NZME say they aren't playing Michael Jackson songs because they haven't for some time, and "we're just playing the music people want to hear".
Rubbish.
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These networks have joined the #timesup and #metoo movements, and the Canadians and the BBC, because, let's be honest, they want to be on the right side of this.
I think it's a dangerous and weak position. It's a bloody woefully pathetic weak position.
Yes, Jackson is weird, childlike, odd and not like say you or me.
But he was investigated for years and found not guilty.
One of his accusers now backed him in court more than 10 years ago.
Paedophilia is a heinous crime and Jackson will forever be a disputed genius. But, to me, the big media companies who champion free speech and the right to be innocent until proven guilty have run screaming into the arms of the social justice warriors and completely capitulated and fallen at their knees.
Should the next documentary claim Jackson's innocent, will he be back on the playlist?
Duncan Garner is the host of The AM Show.
The AM Show is broadcast on Three and Magic Talk, both brands are owned by MediaWorks.
