Rolling Stones name Harry Styles the “new King of Pop” in their October/November issue.

The King of Pop title has widely been used to refer to Michael Jackson.

Taj Jackson, Michael’s cousin, called out the magazine for using the title.

Taj claimed the title was retired after Michael’s passing.

Several social media users expressed displeasure with the magazine’s action.

Some claimed that the news outlet badly wanted a white man to assume the role.

Rolling Stone once called Justin Timberlake the “new King of Pop” in 2003.

Tenille Clarke an author and Twitter user said Michael’s ability to command such a reaction years after his death was commendable.

The magazine declared Styles their first-ever global cover star.