Michael Jackson’s Family Fires Back at the “Leaving Neverland” Buzz
After the Sundance premiere of the controversial doc “Leaving Neverland,” the Jackson family issued a statement that could be read straight from a courtroom drama. They slammed what they called a “public lynching” and repeated that their late pop icon was “100% innocent.”
What the Film Claims
- Two men, now in their 30s, recount how they were “befriended” by the superstar and allegedly abused as early as age 7 and 10.
- The accounts are featured in four hours of on‑camera interviews, boasting graphic detail that left festival attendees “shellshocked.”
- Both claim they “loved” the singer as kids, but the film paints a darker picture.
Our Kids, Their Claims…
John and James (a.k.a. the “robbed”), each filed lawsuits against the estate after the singer’s death, only for the cases to be dismissed. Ironically, one of them even testified in the 2005 trial that cleared Michael of a separate accusation.
Jackson’s Defense Team: The Estate Sets the Record Straight
The estate’s official response? “Blatantly one‑sided” and “lacking independent voices.” They argued the documentary doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.
“We can’t just stand by while this public lynching goes on,” the family’s statement read. “The media chose the word of two admitted liars over the proven experiences of hundreds of families and friends who spent time with Michael.”
What the Director Says
Dan Reed, the film’s director, defended the narratives with a shrug of confidence: “I have no doubt about the validity of these stories.” He added, “If we’ve learned anything, it’s that sexual abuse is complicated, and survivors’ voices need to be listened to.”
Why the Family Gates Keep Their Doors Closed
Jackson’s mother Katherine and nine siblings—four of whom were infamous members of the groundbreaking “The Jackson 5”—remain tight‑lipped. They’ve been more than vocal about protecting their brother’s legacy than about the allegations that surface from the silver screen.
King of Pop in the Afterlife
Following Michael’s record-breaking death from an anesthetic overdose, his royalties spiked like a music chart. Forbes lists him as the top‑earning deceased celebrity for six straight years, with revenue from TV specials, record sales, and a Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show.
Meanwhile, the debate rages on: were we witnessing a sensational truth or a sensational rumor? The family’s compulsion to defend their beloved forever, coupled with the documentary’s shocking revelations, keeps the conversation alive—and loud.
