Controversial Michael Jackson doco to screen on Network Ten

Leaving Neverland, Dan Reed’s controversial documentary alleging child sex abuse by Michael Jackson, has been sold to 130 countries.

The two-part four-hour doco began screening in the US last weekend on HBO.

It screens in Australia on Network Ten on Friday (March 8) at 8.30 pm.

Kew Media Distribution says among the 130 countries are New Zealand (TVNZ), Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Russia, Belgium, Middle East, Israel and through the Asian region on FOX Networks Group Asia.

Executive VP of sales Jonathan Ford, said, “Dan is an exceptional filmmaker and has delivered an utterly compelling documentary on a very difficult subject.

“This, along with the continued global scrutiny of Michael Jackson’s personal life, is a real factor of this huge demand,” he said.

Leaving Neverland features Jaaccusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck.

The singer’s estate has denied the allegations and is suing HBO for $100 million, claiming the cable outlet violated a non-disparagement clause in a contract for a 1992 concert special.

On a subsequent BBC interview to promote the documentary, Safechuck, 40, said that Jackson had taught him how to masturbate and French kiss.

Robson, 36, said he had been anally penetrated when he was 14.

Both testified in court as adults that Jackson did not abuse them, which helped the jury declare the singer innocent.

Both had unsuccessfully tried to sue the Jackson estate claiming sex abuse.

Robson reportedly also auditioned later as a choreographer for a Jacksons family tour but was rejected.

The BBC in England has also responded to media reports that it has dropped Michael Jackson songs from its playlists.

Its bland statement went. “We consider each piece of music on its merits and decisions on what we play on different networks are always made with relevant audiences and context in mind.”

Héloïse Letissier, of Christine And The Queens, has gone public on whether she should continue to perform Jackson’s ‘Man In The Mirror’.

“I can’t deny the influence,” she told the Evening Standard. “It’s a question now more than ever: can we enjoy the artist knowing what we know about them?

“It’s conflicting for me, but I prefer to watch it and not know what to do than push it away.”