Michael Jackson Estate Denounces New Sundance Documentary on Alleged Child Sex Abuse

Note: This article contains references to child sexual abuse and rape that some readers may find disturbing.

Leaving Neverland is a new two-part documentary that follows two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck (now in their thirties), who state they were sexually abused in the 1990s by Michael Jackson. The four-hour documentary debuted at the Sundance Film Festival yesterday, January 25. During the premiere, more details around Jackson’s alleged misconduct with the boys were brought forward via interviews, reportedly including instances of Jackson having anal sex with them and running drills to coach them into keeping the abuse a secret.

Now, the Michael Jackson Estate has issued a new statement condemning the documentary, calling the alleged victims “perjurers.” (Robson and Safechuck both reportedly claim in the documentary that Jackson threatened them to testify on his behalf during his child molestation trial in the early 2000s. They both testified that he was innocent.) “The two accusers testified under oath that these events never occurred. They have provided no independent evidence and absolutely no proof in support of their accusations, which means the entire film hinges solely on the word of two perjurers,” says the estate. The full statement reads:

Leaving Neverland isn’t a documentary, it is the kind of tabloid character assassination Michael Jackson endured in life, and now in death. The film takes uncorroborated allegations that supposedly happened 20 years ago and treats them as fact. These claims were the basis of lawsuits filed by these two admitted liars which were ultimately dismissed by a judge. The two accusers testified under oath that these events never occurred. They have provided no independent evidence and absolutely no proof in support of their accusations, which means the entire film hinges solely on the word of two perjurers.

Tellingly, the director admitted at the Sundance Film Festival that he limited his interviews only to these accusers and their families. In doing so, he intentionally avoided interviewing numerous people over the years who spent significant time with Michael Jackson and have unambiguously stated that he treated children with respect and did nothing hurtful to them. By choosing not to include any of these independent voices who might challenge the narrative that he was determined to sell, the director neglected fact checking so he could craft a narrative so blatantly one-sided that viewers never get anything close to a balanced portrait.

For 20 years Wade Robson denied in court and in numerous interviews, including after Michael passed, that he was a victim and stated he was grateful for everything Michael had done for him. His family benefitted from Michael’s kindness, generosity and career support up until Michael’s death. Conveniently left out of Leaving Neverlandwas the fact that when Robson was denied a role in a Michael Jackson themed Cirque du Soleil production, his assault allegations suddenly emerged.

We are extremely sympathetic to any legitimate victim of child abuse. This film, however, does those victims a disservice. Because despite all the disingenuous denials made that this is not about money, it has always been about money—millions of dollars—dating back to 2013 when both Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who share the same law firm, launched their unsuccessful claims against Michael’s Estate. Now that Michael is no longer here to defend himself, Robson, Safechuck and their lawyers continue their efforts to achieve notoriety and a payday by smearing him with the same allegations a jury found him innocent of when he was alive.

On January 28, the Jackson Family issued the following statement:

Michael Jackson is our brother and son. 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. We are proud of what Michael Jackson stands for.

People have always loved to go after Michael. He was an easy target because he was unique. But Michael was subjected to a thorough investigation which included a surprise raid of Neverland and other properties as well as a jury trial where Michael was found to be COMPLETELY INNOCENT. There has never been one piece of proof of anything. Yet the media is eager to believe these lies.

Michael always turned the other cheek, and we have always turned the other cheek when people have gone after members of our family—that is the Jackson way. 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.

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.

But the truth is on our side. Go do your research about these opportunists. The facts don’t lie, people do. Michael Jackson was and always will be 100% innocent of these false allegations.

The Jackson Family­­­­­

Shortly after the film was announced, the Jackson estate responded, “This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson.” The statement concluded, “It’s baffling why any credible filmmaker would involve himself with this project.” Leading up to the premiere, the festival’s organizers and local police were preparing against threats and protests.

Leaving Neverland was directed and produced by Dan Reed (The Paedophile Hunter, Three Days of Terror: The Charlie Hebdo Attacks). It’s set to premiere on HBO and the UK’s Channel 4 this spring.

This article was originally published on Saturday, January 26 at 10:51 a.m. Eastern. It was last updated on Monday, January 28 at 9:36 a.m. Eastern.