Diana Ross defends Michael Jackson in wake of Leaving Neverland allegations

Diana Ross has referenced one of her biggest hits in defending her late friend Michael Jackson.

The 74-year-old singer has asked his accusers to "stop in the name of love" after witnessing the global fallout from the documentary Leaving Neverland.

British film-maker Dan Reed's two-part, four-hour tale focused on claims by Wade Robson and James Safechuck that pop-singer Jackson molested them for years.

Some radio stations, including those in New Zealand, vowed to stop playing his music, while the makers of The Simpsons have taken a 1991 episode featuring Jackson out of circulation in the US.

However, in response, Ross has made a post from "my heart".

"I believe and trust that Michael Jackson was and is a magnificent incredible force to me and to many others. Stop in the name of love."