‘This public lynching’: Michael Jackson family condemns new film about accusers
- Documentary features two men who accuse late star of sexually abusing them as boys, disputing their own court testimonies during Jackson’s trial
Michael Jackson’s family members said on Monday they are “furious” that two men who accuse him of sexually abusing them as boys have received renewed attention because of a new film.
The family released a statement denouncing Leaving Neverland, a documentary 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 Britain’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 Jackson never molested him. Safechuck made similar statements to investigators as a boy. Jackson died in 2009.