‘I’m rushed off my feet’: British Michael Jackson impersonator insists Leaving Neverland documentary hasn’t hit business as he sees bookings increase

  • Jay Styles, a British Michael Jackson impersonator, says business is booming 
  • He is rushed off his feet despite investigative Leaving Neverland documentary
  • The documentary aimed to expose Jackson as a paedophile who groomed boys 
  • Performing for 11 years Jay says since the publicity he has never been busier

By Emer Scully For Mailonline

Published: 10:57 GMT, 11 March 2019 | Updated: 13:18 GMT, 11 March 2019

A Michael Jackson impersonator is ‘busier than ever’ since an investigative documentary aimed to expose the ‘King of Pop’ as a paedophile was released.

Jay Styles, from Cambridge, has performed as Jackson for 11 years and says the impact of the documentary Leaving Neverland was ‘incredible’ and he is now ‘rushed off his feet’.

Bookings flooded in after the four-hour feature film was first aired at Sundance Film Festival in January and the two-part documentary was released on Channel 4 last week.

Jay Styles, from Cambridge, has performed as Jackson for 11 years

Impersonator Jay started impersonating Jackson when friends told him they looked alike

Impersonator Jay started impersonating Jackson when friends told him they looked alike

Jay Styles, from Cambridge, has performed as Jackson for 11 years and says the impact of the documentary Leaving Neverland was ‘incredible’ and he is now ‘rushed off his feet’

In the film Wade Robson and James Safechuck reveal the years of sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of Jackson on his California ranch known as Neverland.

While Jackson claimed to love both boys the men revealed they were dropped and replaced by a younger child when they grew too old.

But instead of claims Jackson was a paedophile who groomed boys from the age of seven putting a stop to bookings Jay says his phone has not stopped ringing.

In the film Wade Robson (pictured) and James Safechuck reveal the years of sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of Jackson on his California ranch known as Neverland

In the film Wade Robson (pictured) and James Safechuck reveal the years of sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of Jackson on his California ranch known as Neverland

In the film Wade Robson (pictured) and James Safechuck reveal the years of sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of Jackson on his California ranch known as Neverland

Jay Styles promotes his performance with the fact the Jackson family have seen his act

Jay Styles promotes his performance with the fact the Jackson family have seen his act

Jay Styles promotes his performance with the fact the Jackson family have seen his act

He has even given work to other impersonators as more people want Michael Jackson at their parties and corporate gigs than ever.

Jay said: ‘It has meant I’m now busier than I have ever been. It’s incredible – I’m rushed off my feet.

‘I’m having to turn down a lot of work and give it to other impersonators because there’s not enough time in the week.

‘I don’t think the British public believe it. 

Michael Jackson with James Safechuck. Instead of claims Jackson was a paedophile who groomed young boys from the age of seven ruining business Jay says his phone has not stopped ringing

Michael Jackson with James Safechuck. Instead of claims Jackson was a paedophile who groomed young boys from the age of seven ruining business Jay says his phone has not stopped ringing

Michael Jackson with James Safechuck. Instead of claims Jackson was a paedophile who groomed young boys from the age of seven ruining business Jay says his phone has not stopped ringing

‘My phone doesn’t stop ringing. I’m doing parties, private performances and corporate gigs and it’s every day. I think the publicity has led to a real surge in interest. 

Jay has travelled to other countries including Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Poland and Dubai to perform.

He added: ‘I sing all his songs and do the dance moves as well. I think people’s interest has grown and the loyalties have become even stronger.

James Safechuck, 37, spoke out against Jackson during the documentary Leaving Neverland. He says he was abused between the ages of 10 and 14

James Safechuck, 37, spoke out against Jackson during the documentary Leaving Neverland. He says he was abused between the ages of 10 and 14

Wade Robson, 41, won a dance competition when he was five that led him to meeting Jackson. He says the sexual abuse started when he was seven

Wade Robson, 41, won a dance competition when he was five that led him to meeting Jackson. He says the sexual abuse started when he was seven

James Safechuck (left) and Wade Robson claimed they were sexually abused at Jackson’s California Neverland ranch as children during the documentary Leaving Neverland

‘It’s great that more people are coming to see my shows. He will always be an icon.

‘I’ll always stand by him.’ 

Mitchell Thompson, 38, has been a Jacko impersonator since the age of 14, and says he stands by him 100 per cent.

Mitchell, of Birmingham, said: ‘I’ve had quite a few bookings since the news of the documentary was made public – and they’ve come in since it aired as well.

Mitchell Thompson spent £3,500 on 13 new costumes despite the Leaving Neverland documentary

Mitchell Thompson spent £3,500 on 13 new costumes despite the Leaving Neverland documentary

Mr Thompson says the allegations will make loyal fans more loyal

Mr Thompson says the allegations will make loyal fans more loyal

Mitchell Thompson, 38, has been a Michael Jackson impersonator since he was 14 and has just spent £3,500 on 13 new costumes

‘I start a large theatre tour in June and tickets are being sold for that.

‘I had 13 new Michael Jackson costumes made the other day at a cost of £3,500 so I’m very pleased people are sticking by him. I’m actually busier than I was before.

‘I’m confident that will stay the same. I think these disgusting allegations will actually make loyal fans more loyal.

‘People are supporting him. I can see that through my bookings.

‘I’m an entertainer and people still want to be entertained by what Michael Jackson was about. His legacy will always continue.’  

When the documentary first aired the Jackson family described the claims as a ‘public lynching’.

But radio stations in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the Netherlands all removed Jackson’s songs from air.     

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