Celebs who have defended Michael Jackson

Controversy is following Michael Jackson from beyond the grave. That's mostly thanks to 'Leaving Neverland,' the new documentary that reveals assault allegations from Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck. But people are split on the revealing new doc. For instance, there have been many celebrities who have defended MJ over the years.

Click through this gallery to find out which celebrities have stood up for the King of Pop. Will they continue to?

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Kanye West - Like many musicians, Kanye West is heavily influenced by Michael Jackson. The rapper even worked on a reissue of Jackson's hit album, 'Thriller.'

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Kanye West - At a recent performance, West seemed to defend MJ. "...Then they gonna come with the Michael documentary [...] let's go ahead and take Da Vinci out the Louvre. Let's take down all the art." Kim Kardashian said West was speaking about his own experience.

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Questlove - Questlove is a revered drummer, and member of The Roots, who perform as Jimmy Fallon's studio band.

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Questlove - On Instagram, Questlove shared an article that defended Michael Jackson. "That's all," wrote the musician.

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Elizabeth Taylor - Elizabeth Taylor was a close friend of Michael Jackson, and even took part in the parties at Neverland ranch.

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Elizabeth Taylor - In a 2003 press statement, Taylor said "I believe Michael is absolutely innocent and that he will be vindicated."

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Nicole Richie - Nicole Richie was another celeb who grew up around Michael Jackson. "You know, a group of us would all sleep in the same room," she told Access Hollywood.

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Nicole Richie - "It was like, absolutely nothing more than just an adult kind of wanting to be a kid again," Richie revealed. "Absolutely nothing went on."

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Rick James - Rick James has a couple similarities with Michael Jackson. He's sure had his fair share of allegations, but came out to defend MJ in 2003.

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Rick James - Speaking with CNN, James said "He's black, rich, and famous and [the authorities] have nothing better to do [...] As soon as you get famous and black, they go after you."

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Missy Elliott - Missy Elliott didn't censor herself when defending MJ. "He's my biggest influence so that's why I'm very defensive," she told MTV News in 2003.

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Missy Elliott - "I'm ready to fight about Michael Jackson, so we pray to God he didn't do it, 'cause I might go to jail trying to defend him," Elliott added.

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LL Cool J - "I'm a fan. I support him a hundred zillion percent," LL Cool J explained in 2003.

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LL Cool J - "Until I see evidence, I'm not going to be convinced," the rapper added. "I'm not going to be brainwashed."

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Alicia Keys - Alicia Keys was eloquent when defending Michael Jackson in the 2000s. "I'm upset at the way he's being treated in the media," she told MTV News.

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Alicia Keys - "I really think that's unfair for the way that he's contributed to the American culture since the day he was born. I think he deserves much more than that," Keys said, referring to jokes about MJ's accusations.

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Kelly Osbourne - Kelly Osbourne was pretty clear on her concerns about the MJ case. "I think that [District Attorney] was a little immature and inappropriate with his comments."

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Kelly Osbourne - Osbourne added that the attorney, who had been criticized by others, "should be a little more professional."

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Britney Spears - "He's still an idol of yours?" ABC asked Britney back in the days. "Yeah," she replied, "He's brilliant."

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Britney Spears - "I think he's a great person at heart [...] maybe he needs some friends around him to be honest," the singer added.

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Ne-Yo - The R&B singer recently spoke out about R. Kelly and Michael Jackson, drawing a clear distinction between them.

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Ne-Yo - Talking with TMZ, the singer said "there was no undeniable proof that Michael Jackson did any of that stuff." He added "we have proof that R. Kelly has been doing what he's doing."

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Madonna - The Queen of Pop defended the King of Pop back in 2003, when the controversial 'Living with Michael Jackson' documentary aired.

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Madonna - The doc featured journalist Martin Bashir, who befriended Jackson and documented his life. "Publicly humiliating someone for your own gain will only come and haunt you. I can assure you, all these people will be sorry," she told Dateline NBC.

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Akon - MJ was a big influence for Akon, who even produced for the King of Pop.

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Akon - "The next story about Mike that's negative, I'mma find the editor," Akon said. "That's my dog, and he's a good person."

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Kurt Cobain - Kurt Cobain and other Nirvana members were asked about MJ in 1993.

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Kurt Cobain - "What's the big deal?" asked Kurt Cobain. "I just feel really sorry for him." Dave Grohl was eventually credited on one of MJ's albums, and the other members wore shirts with MJ's face to support him at the time.

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Whoopi Goldberg - Whoopi Goldberg was another close associate of MJ, and made sure to defend him on 'The View.'

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Whoopi Goldberg - Responding to the question, "would you leave your children around Michael Jackson?," Whoopi replied, "Yes I would, yes I did, I left my child with Michael Jackson."

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Celebs who have defended Michael Jackson -