Louis Vuitton debuted its fall/winter 2019 line earlier this year, paying homage to iconic looks and music by Michael Jackson. Now, in the wake of the Leaving Neverland documentary, the clothing brand is removing all Jackson-inspired pieces from the collection.
The company claims that it was unaware of the allegations of child abuse made in the documentary, which premiered at Sundance just one week after Louis Vuitton's latest fashion show.
Guests were invited to the show by invitations that resembled Jackson's rhinestoned glove, and pieces in the collection included a shendyt like the one Jackson wore in the "Remember the Time" video, flag-print pieces based on "We Are the World," sweaters and pants emblazoned with cartoon characters from The Wiz, a T-shirt featuring Jackson's black loafers and white socks, and a jacket inspired by the "Beat It" video.
"I am aware that in light of this documentary the show has caused emotional reactions. I strictly condemn any form of child abuse, violence or infringement against any human rights," artistic director Virgil Abloh said in a statement. "My intention for this show was to refer to Michael Jackson as a pop culture artist. It referred only to his public life that we all know and to his legacy that has influenced a whole generation of artists and designers."
Louis Vuitton is not the first entity to publicly denounce Jackson. The Simpsons pulled an episode guest-starring Jackson from broadcast, Drake has stopped performing his Jackson-featuring song on tour, and some Quebec radio stations have banned Jackson's music.
The company claims that it was unaware of the allegations of child abuse made in the documentary, which premiered at Sundance just one week after Louis Vuitton's latest fashion show.
Guests were invited to the show by invitations that resembled Jackson's rhinestoned glove, and pieces in the collection included a shendyt like the one Jackson wore in the "Remember the Time" video, flag-print pieces based on "We Are the World," sweaters and pants emblazoned with cartoon characters from The Wiz, a T-shirt featuring Jackson's black loafers and white socks, and a jacket inspired by the "Beat It" video.
"I am aware that in light of this documentary the show has caused emotional reactions. I strictly condemn any form of child abuse, violence or infringement against any human rights," artistic director Virgil Abloh said in a statement. "My intention for this show was to refer to Michael Jackson as a pop culture artist. It referred only to his public life that we all know and to his legacy that has influenced a whole generation of artists and designers."
Louis Vuitton is not the first entity to publicly denounce Jackson. The Simpsons pulled an episode guest-starring Jackson from broadcast, Drake has stopped performing his Jackson-featuring song on tour, and some Quebec radio stations have banned Jackson's music.