The transport firm has agreed to take down adverts featuring the text: “Facts don’t lie. People do,” and a picture of the late singer with the word innocent over his mouth, following a reported 26 complaints to the Advertising Standards Agency.

The adverts surfaced prior to the airing of the documentary ‘Leaving Neverland’ in which James Safechuck and Wade Robson, two of Jackson’s former child friends, discuss alleged sexual abuse they suffered at the Neverland Ranch.

The adverts were crowdfunded by Jackson’s nephew following persistent objections from the family against all allegations. In response to the documentary, Michael Jackson’s estate is reported by Smooth radio saying: “This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson.”

Protestors of the adverts argued that the message could discourage sexual assault victims from coming forward about such cases for fear of not being believed.

Commenting on the decision, Transport for London says: “We have reviewed our position and will be removing these advertisements. They have been rejected due to the public sensitivity and concern around their content.”

The removal of the ads has also received backlash from protestors raising the point that Jackson was found not guilty of 14 counts of sexual misconduct in a 2005 criminal trial.

MJ Innocent, campaigners for the adverts to remain have said they will seek reimbursement for the money invested in the London bus campaign, unless TfL reverses its decision to remove the adverts.

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