MTV wants to remove Michael Jackson's name from award following 'Leaving Neverland' accusations

Even though it has been 10 years since he passed away, it appears Michael Jackson is still facing the backlash from the explosive documentary Leaving Neverland.

The two-part documentary in which Wade Robson and James Safechuck accused the late pop star of sexually abusing them as children left audiences stunned.

But while the King of Pop's estate has denied the allegations and has since filed a US$100 million lawsuit against HBO, MTV is now reportedly set to rename the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award following the accusations.

According to the New York Post, MTV is considering cutting ties with the 'Smooth Criminal' hitmaker's name before its annual Video Music Awards take place in August.

"There's a lot of heated discussion at the network about how to handle the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award this year, and it’s getting ugly," a source told the outlet.

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"There's talk about if they should change the name, or get rid of it altogether. [There's also talk] about who would pre­sent it and who would accept it. It’s a mess."

First handed out in 1984, the award recognises contributions through the visual arts.

Following the 'Thriller' hitmaker - who died from acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009 - winning the award in 1988, MTV renamed it in his honour in 1991.

Some of the music stars to be honoured with the prestigious gong include Rihanna, Beyonce, Kanye West, Britney Spears, U2 and Jennifer Lopez, who took home the trophy last year.