New York — The creators of "The Simpsons" have shelved one of the animated series' classic episodes because it features Michael Jackson's voice, the show's executive producer told The Wall Street Journal Friday.

Simpsons producers made the unanimous decision after viewing the bombshell documentary "Leaving Neverland," which revives pedophilia accusations against the late megastar in excruciating detail.

"It feels clearly the only choice to make," Simpsons executive producer James L. Brooks told the WSJ.

The move appears to be the first such artistic ban in the United States since the documentary aired on US network HBO earlier this week. Several radio stations in Canada, New Zealand and Australia have stripped Jackson songs from their playlists in light of the film.

The 1991 episode in question sees Homer Simpson meet a mental hospital patient who believes he is the popstar Michael Jackson, and speaks in the star's signature high pitch.

Entitled "Stark Raving Dad," the segment that aired on Fox in the show's third season triggered intense fan speculation because Jackson's name was not in the credits.

But just last year, Simpsons creator Matt Groening confirmed Jackson had indeed done the voice work -- but not the song bit. — AFP