The estate of Michael Jackson has filed a lawsuit against HBO following the channel’s acquisition of the rights to Leaving Neverland. The doc revolves around two men who allege that Jackson sexually abused them when they were children.
According to the complaint, viewed by Pitchfork, the estate asserts that HBO is in breach of previously established contractual provisions that state “HBO shall not make any disparaging remarks concerning Performer [Jackson] or any of his representatives, agents, or business practices or do any act that may harm or disparage or cause to lower in esteem the reputation or public image of Performer.” They are seeking damages possibly exceeding $100 million.
The film, directed by Dan Reed, was heavily criticized by the Jackson estate before HBO picked it up for broadcast. Reed described it as “an account of sexual abuse, how sexual abuse happens and then how the consequences play out later in life,” when responding to the estate’s comments.
After HBO revealed Leaving Neverland would air on March 3 and 4, the estate penned a 10-page letter condemning it, describing it as “sensationalist” and “disgraceful.” When reached for comment, the attorneys for the Michael Jackson estate gave the following statement to Pitchfork:
HBO breached its agreement not to disparage Michael Jackson by
producing and selling to the public a one-sided marathon of unvetted
propaganda to shamelessly exploit an innocent man no longer here to
defend himself. HBO could have and should have ensured that Leaving
Neverland was properly sourced, fact checked and a fair and balanced
representation. Instead they chose to fund and produce a film where
they knew the two subjects had for many years testified under oath and
told family, friends and law enforcement that Mr. Jackson did nothing
inappropriate to either of them. Nearly four years after Michael died
they suddenly changed their recollections, sued the Estate of Michael
Jackson for hundreds of millions of dollars and had all of their
lawsuits dismissed. Yet they are still seeking money, having appealed.
HBO and the director were well aware of their financial motives and
that ample opposing facts are available from numerous sources, but
made the unconscionable decision to bury any evidence casting doubt on
their chosen narrative. Had they made an objective film it would have
allowed viewers to make up their own minds about these allegations,
instead of having a television network dictate to them that they must
accept these false claims about Michael Jackson.
HBO shared the following statement with Pitchfork:
Despite the desperate lengths taken to undermine the film, our plans
remain unchanged. HBO will move forward with the airing of Leaving
Neverland, the two-part documentary, on March 3 and 4. This will
allow everyone the opportunity to assess the film and the claims in it
for themselves.
