Superfan changes Jackson-inspired name following Leaving Neverland
Michael Jackson has many diehard fans, including one British man who legally changed his name to mimic the King of Pop. But the once-devoted superfan now wants his identity back, following the allegations in HBO’s documentary
Leaving Neverland.
John Lomas, 38, became John Michael Jackson by deed poll over four years ago, according to
The Mirror.
“I made the unwise decision to change my name back in 2015,” he said on a GoFundMe account set up to fund his name reversal. “Given the new evidence that’s come to light on the TV and media recently, I no longer wish to carry this name with me.”
Leaving Neverland is centred on Wade Robson and James Safechuck, now in their 30s and 40s, who tell their stories of Jackson allegedly sexually abusing them at ages seven and 10, respectively, when they were in the singer’s inner circle at the height of his fame.
The evidence was enough for the Malvern, United Kingdom, native to want to kick his moniker to the curb.
“I can’t live comfortably carrying this name anymore,” John said, adding that his association to Jackson could “cause me problems in my near future” when applying to become a care worker.
John — who says he has Asperger’s syndrome, a developmental disorder characterised by trouble with social skills — is raising funds to cover the fee to change his name back.
So far, he hasn’t received any donations.
This isn’t the first time John has changed his name. In 1999, he legally became John Lennon following an obsession with The Beatles, according to Yahoo! Lifestyle.