Michael Jackson fans make death threats over artwork

The owners of a Hackney music studio who installed a sculpture of Michael Jackson dangling his baby son out of a window have received death threats from fans.

Madonna and Child recreates the moment in 2002 when the singer held Prince Michael II over the balcony of a hotel window in Berlin. Fans say the artwork is an insult to the King of Pop's memory.

One email from a Londoner read: "I think we will come to put the fire, or something worst [sic] in your exhibit. Don't **** with the fans of the King."

Another email said that the sculpture was "the most outrageous sick thing that could have ever gone on in the city of London". On the michaeljackson.com website, fans have discussed methods of removing the statue, including throwing stones at it.

Studio owner Viv Broughton said: "Since the Evening Standard published an article about the sculpture we have been inundated with weird and scary emails from Michael Jackson fans.

"Madonna and Child is as much about extreme fan worship as it is about Michael Jackson. Lots of people have come here to view it. Most people think it's brilliant."

The sculpture by Swedish artist Maria von Köhler is showing at 209 Hackney Road until May 1.