Entertainment · Music · 5 hrs ago
Llandaff Cathedral faces backlash over Michael Jackson tribute concert
Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff is hosting a candlelit concert featuring string quartet versions of Michael Jackson’s hits.
The event is billed as a celebration of Jackson’s career, with tickets priced at up to £51.50.
Jackson faced longstanding child abuse allegations, including claims he molested a 13-year-old boy; Jackson denied the claims, and he was acquitted of child molestation in 2005.
Critics say the tribute is inappropriate because it is being held in a place of worship and could appear to overlook the allegations.
A former chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II and the director of the documentary Leaving Neverland were among those who condemned the event.
The cathedral concert is part of a wider series, with further performances advertised at cathedrals in Yorkshire and Scotland.
Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff is facing criticism for hosting a candlelit string quartet concert billed as a tribute to Michael Jackson.
Critics say celebrating Jackson in a place of worship is inappropriate because of longstanding child sexual abuse allegations against him.
The concert is advertised as featuring a collection of Jackson’s greatest hits.
Tickets for premium-area seats cost up to £51.50.
Jackson denied abuse claims and was acquitted of child molestation in 2005.
- Who
- Llandaff Cathedral is hosting the concert. Critics include former royal chaplain Gavin Ashenden, filmmaker Dan Reed and Welsh Conservative politician Andrew RT Davies.
- What
- A candlelit string quartet concert billed as a tribute to Michael Jackson. Critics say it is inappropriate for a cathedral to host it.
- When
- Thursday. The article was published on 4 November 2026.
- Where
- Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff, Wales.
- Why
- The concert is promoted as a celebration of Jackson’s career and greatest hits. Critics object because of longstanding child sexual abuse allegations against him.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Jordan Chandler won a $23 million settlement from Jackson after alleging he was molested at age 13; Jackson denied the claims.
Jackson told interviewer Martin Bashir that he had shared his bed with children and defended his actions as loving.
Jackson was acquitted of child molestation at a trial in Santa Barbara, California.
Jackson died from a drug overdose at age 50.
Llandaff Cathedral is due to host the candlelit string quartet tribute concert.
- Venue
- Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff
- Concert format
- Candlelit string quartet performance
- Ticket price
- Up to £51.50 for premium-area seats
- Settlement
- Jordan Chandler won $23 million from Jackson in 1994
- Acquittal
- Jackson was acquitted of child molestation in 2005
- Publication date
- 4 November 2026
What people are saying
Any association between a cathedral and Michael Jackson is grotesque, and the bishops and deans ought to know better.
By endorsing Jackson's work, it is hard to escape the sense that the Church is choosing to 'grey out' the paedophilia.
Given the past failings of the Church in investigating its own abuse scandals, how can it celebrate the life of a known sexual predator who hurt a great many children?
This event is entirely inappropriate and should not be taking place.