Michael Jackson's family slams 'Leaving Neverland' documentary as 'public lynching'
What's the story
Leaving Neverland is a 2 part HBO documentary that first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. It explores allegations that Michael Jackson, the legendary pop icon who passed away in 2009, molested young boys. Jackson's family members have understandably reacted negatively to the content of this documentary and called it an outright 'public lynching'. Read what they had to say about it, here.
Content
Praised for raw power, documentary explores Jackson's assault allegations
The documentary includes accounts from survivors James Safechuck and Wade Robson, now in their late-30s, who describe the way Jackson assaulted them when they were kids. With surprising eloquence, they launch into the tale of how Jackson befriended them when they were 11 and 7 respectively, and proceeded to sexually assault them. Suggesting they weren't the only victims, critics praised the documentary's raw power.
Response
Jackson's estate responds, calls it a 'tabloid character assassination'
Jackson's estate responded to the controversial documentary stating it was merely 'tabloid character assassination'. Jackson's family also chipped in alleging that "The creators of this film were not interested in the truth. They never interviewed a single solitary soul who knew Michael except the two perjurers and their families. That is not journalism, and it's not fair, yet the media are perpetuating these stories".
Do you know?
Survivors in documentary had different testimony during 2005's trial
Both Jackson's family and estate noted that the survivors in the documentary had testified in the 2005 trial against Jackson that they had not been molested. A thorough investigation of Jackson, including a surprise raid at Neverland and a jury trial, had deemed him innocent.
Family response
Jackson's family refuses to stand by as 'public lynching' continues
Jackson's family stated how people loved going after him since he was unique. While turning the other cheek was the Jackson way, they stated, "But we can't just stand by while this public lynching goes on, and the vulture tweeters and others who never met Michael go after him. Michael is not here to defend himself, otherwise these allegations would not have been made".