The decades-old rumour has been laid to rest.

Bryan Loren, the writer of The Simpsons’ 1990 pop hit ‘Do The Bartman’ has said on record that Michael Jackson didn’t have any hand in writing the song.

The statement, given to Music Business Worldwide, follows the sale of both publishing and songwriting rights for the track for the sum of $38,500 (£25,000). The song was sold as part of a package with other Loren songs.

“The story of the song and its creation has been a thorn in my side since I did it. But, despite Matt Groening’s repeated confessions, I am the sole writer of the song,” Loren told MBW.

“While it’s true, along with me, Michael Jackson does sing backing vocals. And it WAS his idea to call the song, DTB. AND, he did insist I include his name in the lyric.

“Hence, ‘If you can do the Bart, you’re bad like Michael Jackson.’ And so, obviously, he was involved. Perhaps this tidbit of info is not as sensational as saying MJ co-wrote the song, but I assure you, he did not.”

Bryan Loren has been the sole credited songwriter for years, but rumours of Jackson’s involvement have persisted regardless. In 1990 Simpsons producer James L. Brooks issued a press release claiming that reports of Jackson’s involvement were incorrect.

Many believed Jackson’s involvement had to be covered up as he was under contract to Sony Music at the time, while the track was released on Geffen.

Simpsons creator Matt Groening further confused matters in 1998, when he told an audience of Simpsons fans: “It was always amazing to me that no one ever found out that Michael Jackson wrote that song.”

‘Do The Bartman’ reached number one on the UK top 40 singles chart. It was never officially released in the US, but managed to get to number 11 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Airplay chart.

Watch the original video – directed by Pixar’s Brad Bird no less – below.