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Michael Jackson's family condemns new documentary on sexual assault accusers

Michael Jackson's family condemns new documentary on sexual assault accusers

The family is "furious" that the two men who accuse him of sexually abusing them as boys are getting renewed attention
28 Jan, 2019

Michael Jackson’s family members said Monday that they are “furious” that two men who accuse him of sexually abusing them as boys have received renewed attention because of a new documentary about them.

The family released a statement denouncing Leaving Neverland, a documentary film featuring Jackson accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck that premiered last week at the Sundance Film Festival and is set to air in the spring on HBO and the U.K.’s Channel 4.

“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,” the statement said. “But we can’t just stand by while this public lynching goes on.... Michael is not here to defend himself, otherwise these allegations would not have been made.”

The family points out that Jackson was subjected to a thorough investigation which included a surprise raid of his home, the Neverland Ranch, but was still acquitted at his criminal trial in 2005, in a case involving another young man. Robson testified at that trial, saying he had slept in Jackson’s room many times, but that Jackson had never molested him. Safechuck made similar statements to investigators as a boy. Jackson died in 2009.

Both men filed lawsuits in 2013 saying stress and trauma had forced them to face the truth and admit they were sexually abused. The suits have been thrown out on technical grounds but are under appeal.

Both accusers pictured with filmmaker, Dan Reed
Both accusers pictured with filmmaker, Dan Reed

The Jackson statement calls the men “perjurers” because of this reversal, saying the family is “furious” that media outlets without evidence have chosen “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.”

The family insists that truth and evidence are on their side: “We are proud of what Michael Jackson stands for,” the statement said.

The film’s director Dan Reed has said he has no doubts about the men’s validity.

Comments

M. Saeed Jan 28, 2019 07:06pm
Pathetic ! Even dead man not spared the insult.
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Zulfiqar Jan 28, 2019 07:36pm
There’s an obvious section that wants to tarnish his name and reputation. Sounds like racism to me.
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Gordon D. Walker Jan 28, 2019 09:49pm
Pervert... Gordon D. Walker Canada
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Zak Jan 29, 2019 02:19am
Money grabbers ,with no shame , on dead mans name.
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SyedChaudhryGangaDinKhan Jan 29, 2019 02:52am
Accusers must be heard.
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Akil Akhtar Jan 29, 2019 07:20am
that is western society where people will do anything to get into limelight....
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Riyadh Jan 29, 2019 09:29am
Good way to accuse the dead
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