Stop TfL from willfully silencing victims of sexual abuse!

The Issue

I am incredibly concerned by the recent news that TfL London has chosen to run an advertising campaign, paid for by the Jackson Estate, that not only endorses Jackson's innocence, but actually calls the alleged victims "liars". The decision to prioritise advertising revenue over the moral option of remaining neutral on such an emotive topic, is both disgusting and disappointing. It is a stain on our society if we tolerate this. 

 

Your opinions on MJ's guilt aside, how we as a society treat victims, has a huge impact on how other victims will act. 

 

The most recent Crime Survey of England and Wales showed that less than 1 in 5 victims of rape or assault by penetration reported this to the police. LESS THAN 1 IN 5!!! Worse still, 25% of these victims chose to remain silent because they didn't think they would be believed. An advertising campaign such as this, perpetuates this fear amongst survivors and is very misplaced and damaging. 

 

Regardless of how we feel about MJ's guilt or innocence, let's stop this smear campaign and stop willfully silencing victims everywhere! 

avatar of the starter
Lynsey fostonPetition Starter
Media enquiries
This petition had 809 supporters

The Issue

I am incredibly concerned by the recent news that TfL London has chosen to run an advertising campaign, paid for by the Jackson Estate, that not only endorses Jackson's innocence, but actually calls the alleged victims "liars". The decision to prioritise advertising revenue over the moral option of remaining neutral on such an emotive topic, is both disgusting and disappointing. It is a stain on our society if we tolerate this. 

 

Your opinions on MJ's guilt aside, how we as a society treat victims, has a huge impact on how other victims will act. 

 

The most recent Crime Survey of England and Wales showed that less than 1 in 5 victims of rape or assault by penetration reported this to the police. LESS THAN 1 IN 5!!! Worse still, 25% of these victims chose to remain silent because they didn't think they would be believed. An advertising campaign such as this, perpetuates this fear amongst survivors and is very misplaced and damaging. 

 

Regardless of how we feel about MJ's guilt or innocence, let's stop this smear campaign and stop willfully silencing victims everywhere! 

avatar of the starter
Lynsey fostonPetition Starter
Media enquiries

The Decision Makers

Sadiq Khan
Sadiq Khan
Mayor of London
Responded
“Dear Petitioner, Thank you for the petition submitted on the change.org website regarding the Michael Jackson Innocent campaign advertisements on the Transport for London (TfL) network. TfL was approached by the ‘Michael Jackson Innocent’ group to run an advertising campaign on the side of TfL buses. As with other advertising requests, this came through TfL’s advertising partner Exterion. Before TfL accepted these adverts, they sought advice from the Committees of Advertising Practice, the independent body which provides guidance on the acceptability of advertisements. On the basis that the advertisements complied with TfL’s advertising policy, they were approved. Under TfL’s guidelines (clause H), it is able to review adverts once they are running and if - upon further review - it decides that an advert is no longer appropriate, they can be removed from the network. In light of the concerns raised by members of the public and several victims’ charities about the advertisements, and upon further reflection, TfL came to the view that it would not accept an application to extend the advertising run and decided it would be appropriate to remove the advertising campaign ahead of schedule. Thank you again for the petition. Yours sincerely, Public Liaison Unit Greater London Authority”
Jeremy Corbyn
Jeremy Corbyn
Leader of Labour Party
Transport For London
Transport For London
Petition updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 8 March 2019