In 2013 dancer Wade Robson had sued the Michael Jackson estate claiming that his mentor now deceased mentor had sexually molested him. The next year James Safechuck, who had previously met Jackson on a Pepsi commercial in the 1980’s, had also sued the state for being abused “hundreds” of times. Both cases were dismissed at the time. (Source: NY Times)
In January 2019 HBO announced that they were airing a documentary with Robson, and Safechuck as the subjects talking about how Jackson allegedly abused them. This was met with an immediate backlash by the Jackson family.
In a statement the Jackson estate branded the film as being “yet another lurid
production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson.” (Source: NY Times)
They went on saying “We are furious that the media, who without a shred of proof or single piece of physical evidence, chose to believe the word of two admitted liars over the word of hundreds of families and friends around the world who spent time with Michael, many at Neverland, and experienced his legendary kindness and global generosity.” (Source: NY Times)
In retaliation the Estate sued HBO. They claimed that HBO was breaching an
agreement they made back in the early 90’s in order to air one of Michael Jackson’s concerts. According to the estate’s attorney the agreement entailed that HBO could not disparage Jackson. (Source:CNN)
HBO has since come out saying that they will still air the documentary. The studio
issued a statement to CNN saying “Despite the desperate lengths taken to undermine
the film, our plans remain unchanged”. The title of the documentary is Leaving
Neverland, and it’s set to air on March 3rd, and 4th. (Source:CNN)
OPTIONAL: It should be noted that Robson previously testified at Michael Jackson’s 2005 trial. At the time Robson claimed that Jackson wasn’t involved in any wrongdoing.
Safechuck did not participate in the trial, but in the past he has also said that he hadn’t been abused by Jackson. (Source: NY Times)
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