Michael Jackson Gets His Own Sexual Abuse Documentary
Will His Empire Be Affected By The Continued Allegations?
Wow! Okay, so I didn’t really gain consciousness or memory until around the year 2000. I’m still young! Now, people hold legendary singer Michael Jackson on a pedestal. Growing up, I was told he was nothing but an alleged child molester. One of my earlier pop culture memories was seeing a plethora of children playing in Jackson’s once-Neverland Ranch. My mother was creeped out by it and scolded me for mentioning the iconic figure. As the years went on, more allegations came in regarding Jackson and his extra special love for children. Upon his death in 2009, I was a little confused why everyone seemingly forgot of his alleged questionable past and solely focused on his music. Now, in the ever growing era of #MeToo, it appears Jackson’s image might be reverting back to my first memories.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Leaving Neverland, a documentary about Jackson’s alleged sexual abuse of two boys, aged 7 and 8, will premiere at The Sundance Film Festival 2019 later this month. The film’s Director, Dan Reed, tells the film will surround Jackson’s relationships with the two boys at the height of his career. Now, the boys are men and in their 30s. The film, er, documentary, is slated to be almost four hours long. The official synopsis reads:
“Through gut-wrenching interviews with the now-adult men and their families, ‘Leaving Neverland’ crafts a portrait of sustained exploitation and deception, documenting the power of celebrity that allowed a revered figure to infiltrate the lives of starstruck children and their parents.”
According to TMZ, Jackson’s estate isn’t happy with the upcoming documentary and believe the two men being interviewed will be Wade Robson and James Safechuck. The two boys did go to court and claimed under oath Jackson never touched them inappropriately. They recently made a joint statement:
“This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson. [The] so-called documentary is just another rehash of dated and discredited allegations. It’s baffling why any credible filmmaker would involve himself with this project.”
I’ve long waited for Jackson to get a documentary in this caliber. I mean, yes everything is alleged but, come on. Even the boy who cried wolf wasn’t lying the last time. As someone who works in the entertainment industry and has for years, I’ve heard so many rumors and allegations surrounding Bryan Singer, Kevin Spacey, Harvey Weinstein, and many more. This documentary comes right after the premiere of Lifetime’s Surviving R. Kelly, which featured interviews from survivors of his alleged abuse and sparked social media outrage to reinvestigate the allegations. Leaving Neverland is going to keep us on the edge of our seat for sure, especially since Jackson is nationally titled the King of Pop.
This post contains this contributing writer's opinions and may not reflect the opinions of Instinct Magazine or the other contributing writers.
h/t: The Hollywood Reporter, TMZ
Even in death, these money
Even in death, these money grabbers won't leave him alone. Sad.
Wade Robson claimed in court
Wade Robson claimed in court he was never abused, reversed that statement and attempted to sue the Jackson estate, has allegedly participated in this film, and issues a joint statement with another alleged victim the film is not true? Very interesting.