Michael Jackon’s family responds to ‘Leaving Neverland’ in new mini documentary
Content Warning: This article mentions sexual assault. If you or someone you know are affected by the following story, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
A mini documentary has been released in response to HBO’s controversial series Leaving Neverland that accuses Michael Jackson of sexual abuse of two minors.
The half hour documentary, titled Neverland Firsthand, was uploaded to YouTube and features Jackson’s relatives, recording studio personnel and a private investigator from his 2005 trial. Neverland Firsthand was directed by Eli Pedraza and exec produced by Liam McEwan.
Taj Jackson
It attempts to denounce the series’ credibility by highlighting inconsistencies in the stories of accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck.
It follows Jackson’s lawyer Howard Weitzman’s letter to HBO chief executive Richard Plepler, that called the March 3-released documentary a “one-sided, sensationalist program”. Neverland Firsthand also emphasises that Jackson wasn’t found guilty for any of the 14 trial counts.
The singer’s niece, Brandi Jackson, labelled Robson an “opportunist” who filed the lawsuit for fame and financial gain – particularly considering he was a public defender for decades and his dancing, choreography and director career has ceased.
Wade Robson, Michael Jackson, Brandi Jackson
Brandi Jackson attempted to further discredit Robson by stating he cheated on her during their over seven-year relationship within their teen years. Robson’s lawyer Vince William Finaldi however refuted, “she has nothing relevant to say about the topic” as she “was not with Wade and Michael Jackson when the sexual abuse occurred”.
Alongside Brandi, Jackson’s nephew Taj argued in the mini documentary that the sexual abuse allegations derived from the singer’s favourable reputation and “niceness”.
Brandi Jackson
“The singer’s technical director, Brad Sundberg, also shared that, “No one came into the studio really without a reason for being there… guests were actually pretty infrequent.
“Not in a million years did I ever see a child around Michael Jackson that looked like they had been distressed, hurt, abused,” he added.
Michael Jackson’s private investigator for his 2005 trial, Scott Ross, concurred with Robson’s dismissal by stating he was the “most credible and most believable” witness and didn’t change his story “because he was telling the truth. There was nothing to change”.
In a recent interview with The Mirror Online, Jackson’s 2016 Making Michael biographer, Mikey Smallcombe, has also claimed he’s uncovered documents that disprove the allegations.
Check out the trailer for Neverland Firsthand:
There has been no response from HBO or Leaving Neverland’s director Dan Reed as of yet.
This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.